# SAHM, plus... > Parenting, marriage, and being more than mom > Contact: ivy@sahmplus.com ### Posts #### "Bloop, Bloop!" Goes the Poop - Children's Potty Training eBook Review Okay, so I downloaded "Bloop, Bloop!" Goes the Poop by Temara Moore back when I listed it as a free download from Amazon.  What?  You didn't see it?  Maybe you should check in on my Facebook page daily to see what other books you can get for free ... hint hint ... Disclaimer: Affiliate links included in this post.  Purchasing after clicking links may earn me a small commission ... maybe enough to buy a small pack of gum.  Your support is greatly appreciated. Anyway, I wasn't sure about downloading the book myself, but I did it anyway.  Potty training seems to be going pretty well, generally.  But, baby girl doesn't seem to care about going poop in the potty, so I thought maybe a book about it would make it okay. I sat down and read the book to her and got several good giggles out of her.  "Okay, that's positive!" I thought to myself ... I liked the rhymes and that the book made going poop in the potty seem fun and interesting.  And, she apparently liked poop going "bloop, bloop." Well, the one thing I didn't count on was the potty jokes that came only a couple hours later.  I won't divulge the information, but what she thought was hilarious was really rather disgusting.  Hilarious, but disgusting.  Hopefully it means that the book left an impression on her and she'll start agreeing to poop in the potty soon! Update: This book did not help my daughter feel any more comfortable going poop in the potty.  It took a trip to visit Mickey ... seriously.  Our trip to Disney really was the most magical! We just got poop jokes out of this book.  That was, in my book, hilarious, as we're not very mature ourselves LOL. If you've read the book, have you had any luck using it? I was not compensated in any way for this review.  I "purchased" the book while it was free on Amazon.  You can click this affiliate link to purchase your copy of "Bloop, Bloop!" Goes the Poop by Temara Moore. #### "Snuggle Puppy" - Review Snuggle Puppy (Boynton on Board) (text only) 1st (First) edition by S. Boynton We read this cute little book today after receiving for Christmas and I'm so in love!  I'm sure you could add your own tune and it would be the cutest song to sing to your little one - everyone would have their own special rendition for their child.  How cute! I love Sandra Boynton books and this didn't disappoint with appropriate prompts for setting a tone and making sure to remind you to give your little one a big kiss at the end of the book.   #### "The Tea Planter's Wife" by Dinah Jefferies Hi, I'm Cristen, resident book addict and perpetually exhausted mother of two. This week I'm reviewing "The Tea Planter's Wife" by Dinah Jefferies. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, despite the fact that it made me deeply uncomfortable for all 413 pages of it. Set in (British) Ceylon, current Sri Lanka, in the 1920's/30's, the novel covers many fascinating aspects of that era: plantation life, segregation, sexism, disease, prohibition, and the far-flung effects of the Wall Street Crash in America. Although these topics are not new by any means, this book is unique because it takes place in such a lush and exotic country. Jefferies does a good job of keeping these topics in the background (and not overwhelming the reader) by navigating the story through the eyes of Gwen Hooper, new wife to the widowed Laurence, owner of a vast Ceylon tea empire. Gwen is just 19 at the start of the book. Laurence is almost double her age and, along with the sprawling plantation, comes with a sad backstory and a meddling sister. In addition, the nearby capital of Colombo is in the middle of a brutal revolution. There are a lot of opportunities for things to go wrong in this story and oh, do they. Gwen's naivety keeps readers from discovering things that will later prove to be important. This is what gives the story its unsettling feeling. As the reader, you know that horrible things are afoot. But, the characters in the book keep behaving as if things are normal or ignoring warning signs. The effect is that you’re always in the dark, feeling like something bad is about to happen. If this were a movie, you’d probably find yourself yelling at the screen. "The Tea Planter's Wife" is masterfully written. You can tell that Jefferies did her research; ensuring readers would become immersed in Ceylon culture. I look forward to reading more books by her. I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for this honest review. #### [Video] How To Get Baby To Sleep Through The Night Baby sleep is essential for your baby's overall wellbeing and for your sanity.  Check out this video with 5 tips on how to get baby to sleep through the night. How to get baby to sleep through the night is one of the main things moms question in the first year after having a baby! I know I certainly researched how to get my baby to sleep ... a lot. I asked my parents, my grandparents, and all the moms I knew. I pleaded with my baby's pediatrician for advice. Of course, everyone has a different approach.  And, generally, not one approach works for every child. But, there are certain principles that set the foundation for good sleep habits for your baby.  And, sleep is essential ... not just for your baby, but for you, too. How to Get Baby to Sleep Through The Night How much sleep do babies need, anyway? Well, as my pediatrician suggested, 14-17 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period is what newborns need. And, babies up to one year old still need 12 to 15 hours of total sleep in a 24 hour period. Unfortunately, many babies just aren't getting enough sleep. And, if getting your baby to sleep feels like you need a miracle, I recommend you check out the Baby Sleep Miracle which will actually touch on some of these tips and go into much further detail to help you get your baby to sleep.  If you need to know how to get baby to sleep through the night, you may also need to know what you're doing wrong.  (Just FYI, I know you're doing your best, but we all need a little help). What Makes Your Baby Wake Up During The Night? I previously shared 11 tips to get baby to sleep, and I find that these 5 factors are great starting points for getting baby to sleep through the night. 1. Wet Diapers Use a high-quality diaper (sometimes a size larger) that will absorb well and help prevent leaks.  These diapers were my favorites when my babies were newborns. 2. Hunger You don't want your child to believe he needs to eat to go to sleep.  Keep your baby awake as much as possible through feeding so he doesn't rely on food to get back to sleep. 3. Overtired Learn sleepy signals and put your baby down when you notice them.  Think about how difficult it can be to go to sleep when you're overtired.  If your baby has already reached the point that they can't return to sleep 4. Loud Noises Not that you should keep a completely silent home, certain noises can interrupt your baby's sleep. 5. Waking Up In A Different Place Have your baby go to sleep in the same place he will wake up.  Have a routine place for your baby to sleep and may try not to let him fall asleep in your arms and move him to his crib.  He needs to learn to put himself to sleep so he doesn't cry out for you when you're not there. Want to know what you're doing wrong that your baby won't sleep through the night?  Or just looking for suggestions you may not have heard before.  Try Baby Sleep Miracle and get a 60 day sleep guarantee! What were some of your tried and true techniques for getting baby to sleep through the night? I'd love you to share your tips for any struggling mothers who'd like a bit of extra rest themselves! #### #JAdoreVoxBox - Influenster Vox Box Product Reviews I was selected to receive the #JAdoreVoxBox from Influenster in exchange for completing tasks to test and share my experiences with the products included.  I'm excited to tell you all about the products in my Vox Box! Boots Botanics Shine Away Iconic Clay Mask I had no idea what to expect with the Clay Mask.  I don't do these things.  I wish I had read up first ... check out the mess in the sink. Anyway, once I got through that, I applied some of the mask.  It recommended a generous amount, but this stuff was so watery and messy that I felt I was being more generous in the sink than on my face.  Pictured here in sequence: mess, immediately after application, a few minutes after application. So, what I learned in the process is that I should have shaken the bottle first. The mask does dry quickly, so there's not much chance of getting it everywhere AND it wipes off quickly after your 10 minutes is up. Finally, my face feels smooth and refreshed.  The bonus?  No harsh smells.  In fact, I don't think I smelled anything!  That's great for someone who can be turned away by smells pretty quickly. Frizz Ease 3-Day Straight Flat Iron Spray It's important to note that you use this spray after washing your hair, while it's still wet or damp.  I had washed my hair the night before using this product, not realizing the instructions were going to tell me to blow dry my hair with this product.  Have I mentioned I have problems with paying attention to things?  So, I went to spray my hair, reading the instructions first, and then had to jump in the shower to wet my hair, spray it with the spray, blow dry, THEN finally got around to straightening.  Don't make the same mistake as me if you want to save yourself some time. I used about 14 sprays (product recommends 7 - 15) because I have long hair.  I blow dried my hair "straight", then proceeded to  straighten my hair in sections, as usual. I ended up with typically straight hair, but it wasn't nearly as shiny as the results on the box made it seem like I should expect.  Although, personally, I'll attribute it to the fact that I have dull and dry hair thanks to my thyroid/autoimmune problem.  So, I wasn't too terribly bummed, but I was hoping for a miracle.  The positive side is that the product wasn't SO heavy as to make my hair look oily or flat. Finally, the very following day, it rained unexpectedly (I say unexpectedly because I didn't pay attention to the weather report) and my straight hair was no longer straight.  There's a reason I don't mess with my hair much... Well, I wasn't unhappy with the results, but I wasn't ecstatic with them either.   The pictures here are in sequence (untouched, after blow dry, straightened, final). KISS Looks So Natural Lashes I have to tell you that I started out skeptical about false lashes.  If you've been following me, you'll likely remember that I'm not the most feminine woman, and having had a little one, I have even less time available to devote to fixing up my face.  I've always been a level above the basics ... foundation, light blush, light eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara, and maybe a fairly lip-toned gloss.  Dressed up, I'd put things on a little heavier, but that's about it.  I've never used false lashes and these days I rarely have the opportunity to put on a full face of make up. The "Looks So Natural" lashes do look fairly good.  They're tapered and miss-matched lengths ... I don't know anyone who has perfect lashes, so these make sense.  My concern is that they may be far too long in comparison to my real lashes. Unfortunately, I didn't get around to trying on the lashes.   When looking at the box, the instructions seemed simple, but I just don't have the time to try putting lashes on with a toddler running around the house.  The few times I do have the time, I'm not at the mirror putting on makeup, so it's just not something that fits into my life, nor is it my idea of a makeup necessity.  I just can't see myself wearing them... that's a personal choice.  They seemed lightweight and looked nice, so I might recommend you try them if you are interested in false lashes. Vaseline Men Spray Lotion We received Men Spray Lotion in "Fast Absorbing".  I posted a Vine video of him using it, but there's no way to see its true effect, so let me help you. Hubby's skin is naturally oily, so he couldn't tell me if there was any difference when using this product.  But I CAN!  For starters, this is a wonderful MAN SMELL!  It's like a nice cologne or scented deodorant.  I'm highly attracted to the manly scent, which happens to not be too overpowering.  I sprayed it on myself to feel it, and there was a noticeable difference between the arm that was sprayed and the arm that wasn't.  I'm very pleased with this product and would use it myself ... that is if it didn't make me smell like a man. Right now, you can get a $2 off coupon for the Vaseline Men's Spray Lotion, PLUS, if you get a friend to sign up for the coupon, you'll receive another $2 off coupon!  Sign up for your coupon now. Red Rose Tea I was given 4 bags of tea - 3 Creme Caramel and 1 Lemon Chiffon. Pictured here is a cup of the Creme Caramel.  I added only a teaspoon of local honey and it was a lovely afternoon cup of tea while the kiddo was down for her quiet time. I really enjoyed the Creme Caramel.  It was fragrant and delightful - and not too sweet!  But, I would say, it probably does have a strong caramel flavor if you're not one for caramel ... thankfully I AM :) The second flavor I was able to try was Lemon Chiffon.  Now, I typically won't drink lemon in my tea, but this ... I was captivated.  I brewed it and my kitchen smelled like I had baked a lemon dessert.  Drinking it was even more surprising.  I wasn't like a lemon tea at all, rather like drinking a lemon meringue pie.  It was odd and yet, as I said, captivating.  Once again, a teaspoon of honey is all I added to it and was just fine. I'm a little disappointed that I was only able to sample 2 flavors.  I'd REALLY love to get my hands on the rest of the Simply Indulgent line, especially the Sweet Mint and Cinnamon Bun! Hershey's Kisses Finally, my favorite part of the box!!!  Hershey's Kisses!! This was a wonderful addition to the Vox Box program.  My daughter received a few of these for potty training rewards and I was able to enjoy them guilt-free as they're considered a gluten free candy! YAY! I posted a special smoothie recipe over on my Gluten Free blog, featuring the Hersey's Kisses I received. After reading my reviews, what product interests you the most? #### 1 Month With The Preschool Box: The Easy Way to Preschool At Home How The Preschool Box brings fun and education to my home for a 3 year old, making it easy, less planning, and little prep work.  Our first  month with The Preschool Box. When my son was two, I thought I could do some preschool stuff with him, just like I did with my daughter at his age. Turns out, he was much too immature and active to want to sit down and give a worksheet or coloring page his energy.  I was  really disappointed because I was looking forward to really setting a schedule aside from when he'd eat and sleep. But, I waited it out and just before he turned 3, I began to see him settle down and want to sit and color.  Still, his attention span was short and I knew most anything he was going to learn needed to be more hands on and less worksheets (a far cry from what my daughter was doing at that age). So, for one of his Christmas presents, right after he turned 3, I ordered the first box from The Preschool Box.  I chose this subscription box because it already had educational activities planned out and sorted for me for a full month. I could carve out time during the day on small activities from the box with very little planning.  This was especially important so I didn't feel defeated if I spent a bunch of energy preparing something he didn't have interest in.  The worse, for me, is utilizing the little energy I have and it not being appreciated or enjoyed.  Instead, I could review the parent information to know what each week's activities were for a month and pull each activity out when we were ready for them.  If my son decided to do more, the next activity was waiting for us in his box. So, I wanted to give a rundown of how our first month with The Preschool Box went. Our First Month With The Preschool Box The Preschool Box is a monthly subscription service dedicated to helping moms educate their little ones at home.  But, more than that, it's perfect for moms who don't have a lot of time to spend researching and preparing educational activities for their preschoolers!  Or, at the very least, for the moms who don't want to spend their down time in the never-ending Pinterest loop for preschool activities. I'm the second one.  My energy is best used actually completing activities ... not searching for them and hoping we have all the supplies.  And The Preschool Box helps by supplying everything one needs for every activity they ship out for the month (minus the crayon, marker, or pencil your child will use for the letter tracing or coloring pages). So, when your first box arrives, parents will immediately notice there's a folded pamphlet detailing the activities for the month, broken down by what each week will consist of. What I loved is that the activities are letter of the week based, and follow the alphabet order instead of being random.  This is is my favorite way to do preschool at home with my kids. Each week activities include some sort of sorting, math, color learning, and craft in addition to learning letters and learning how to trace them.  Plus, there's always a book (or two) that fits a theme for the month. Because our first box arrived in December, we received Christmas books. Week 1 - Letter A There were 5 letter A cards.  The uppercase and lowercase letter A was on one side and something that started with letter A on the other. The activities for the week included an A (Alligator) craft, letter A tracing sheet, color sorting, and counting 1 - 5. Week 2 - Letter B This week included 5 letter B cards, a B craft, letter B tracing sheet, counting cups, and sorting two different colors. Week 3 - Letter C This week included 5 letter C cards, a C craft, counting and gluing sheet, and creating numbers with play dough.  Additionally, the color sorting increased to 4 colors. Week 4 - Letter D For the final week of our first box, we did a letter D tracing sheet, 5 letter D cards, tracing and writing numbers 1 - 5, and a letter D dot painting craft. During each week, if we completed all of our activities, I'd supplement with Dot Marker pages specific to the letter my son had learned that week and we'd do some other worksheet pages.  What I found is that the little guy became increasingly interested in his work and began asking to do his homework when his sister was sitting down to do hers.  So, I was having to use some workbooks we'd purchased for his birthday that either helped solidify what he'd already learned or touched on other subjects that weren't part of the The Preschool Box activities. So tell me, would you like to try some preschool at home with The Preschool Box? PIN ME #### 1 Simple Hack You Need to Try When Toddler Won't Eat Dinner Toddlers are prone to making our parenting struggles that much more ... fun?!  Just as I became smug about my children's eating habits, my  son stopped eating.  What I do NOW when my toddler won't eat dinner. Smug as I may have been about my daughter eating like a champ, my son came along to teach me a lesson.  It took him some time though. While he was an infant learning to eat solids, I could feed him just about everything.  Carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, meat, potatoes, and fruits. There wasn't much he didn't enjoy, even if some of the foods were not normally "kid food."  And, I was becoming more smug. Two kids who ate everything you fed them and both slept 12 hours a night?  I was a rock star mom! And then, he became a toddler.  Within days of his 2 year checkup, where I'd proudly reported "he eats everything," he stopped.  Breakfast remained his best meal of the day and I used many of the tactics I shared to get a picky toddler to eat.  But, lunch time was hit or miss when it came to eating.  And I worried every night when he simply wouldn't eat dinner. I tried everything. I spent months complaining that my toddler won't eat dinner to anyone who had kids and had gone through the toddler phase. What Works When Your Toddler Won't Eat Dinner? As I said, I tried nearly everything imaginable to get my toddler to eat his meals.  When I failed miserably, night after night, I would put him to bed with another empty belly and worried about his health. Breakfast wasn't an issue, and I'm pretty sure it was because he was starving from never eating dinner. I'd load him up on healthier snacks throughout the day - everything from bananas, strawberries, raspberries, crackers, and cheese.  And, I'd dole out those fruit and veggie pouches in an effort to ensure he was getting a variety of foods. We'd offer up treats if he ate. I'd cut off snack time early in hopes he'd be hungry enough to eat his dinner. This dragged on for months and I was nearly ready to throw in the towel.  I began to proclaim my son had become a picky eater and was just about to the point I was willing to feed him anything he requested just so he'd eat. But then, someone let me in on a secret. Secret Hack When A Toddler Won't Eat Dinner I am not a doctor, so this is not to be construed as medical advice.  This is solely what is working for us when my toddler won't eat dinner and may not work for everyone. It's so simple, I could kick myself for letting this go on so long! When your toddler won't eat dinner, put him down and let him run around, play, or watch TV.  Whatever makes him happy. Then, call him over a ask him to take a bite of food.  Or, in our case, tell him it's time for a bite.  As he chews, let him run off to do his own thing again.  Give him a minute to chew up his food and request he return to the table for another bite. Offer a range of food, just as you would if he were sitting at the table with you. Maybe your toddler is just too much of a busy-body to sit still at the dinner table.  That's what appears to have been our problem this whole time.  It wasn't that our guy was a picky eater, he just wanted to be on the move.  He's back to eating (or at least trying) everything on his plate. 5 Tips for Toddler Eating On the Run When your busy toddler won't eat dinner unless he's running around, keep these tips in mind: Allowing your toddler to walk around or play while eating is a choking hazard.  Be sure to cut food in appropriate sizes and keep an eye on your child. Keep his plate in the dining room with the family.  This will prevent unnecessary messes in other areas of the house and teaches him the family eats together at the table. Continue to praise him and reward him for eating his dinner.  Verbal praise, high fives, and an after dinner treat may motivate him to continue good eating habits. Know that the mealtime process may take a little longer than normal.  Have patience (something I struggle with) ... remind yourself this process is better than your toddler not eating at all. Continue to offer new foods.  The trial food period isn't over and he may be less resistant to trying new things if he's happily returning for another bite of food. Tell me: what have you found to work when your toddler won't eat dinner? SHARE IT: #### 10 Awesome Gifts Guys Actually Want This is a guest post by Jack Prenter! Jack Prenter is the founder and editor of the men's lifestyle magazine KnownMan. He's originally from the UK but now lives primarily in Toronto. He's passionate about making the most of life and helping others to do the same. We’ve all been there, you wake up and realize it’s only a few days until your guys birthday and you haven’t got him anything yet. So, like the rest of us, you hop online and Google it and find out that every list is filled with socks, keychains, and beer cozies. It’s 2017 people, guys have complex interests and yes, we do love beer, but there are better ideas out there. 10 Gifts Guys Actually Want 1. Concert or sports game One of the best presents any of us can get is the opportunity to spend time with the people that we love. An experience is often a much better gift that an object and almost everybody loves music. Taking him to see one of his favorite acts likely won’t cost as much as you’d think and he’ll remember it for years to come. 2. Race a supercar Even if your guy isn’t a motor-head, there’s a good chance that he’d enjoy racing a car around a track at 160mph. Track days are available across the World and are a great way to spend an afternoon. This gift is so unique that it’ll likely be the only time he ever does it, but after feeling all that adrenaline there’s a good chance he’ll want to go again! Find out more here. 3. Electric shaver If your man is still shaving with razors then you need to help him level-up. Electric shavers are reasonably priced and can often work out cheaper than disposable or cartridge razors over the years. Most men shave every day and it can feel like a chore if you’re using outdated tech or a razor that feels horrible against your skin. Check out some of the best shavers here.   4. Custom shirts Buying clothing can often be a risky gift unless you know exactly what they like. However, stores like Indochino mean that your guy can go in and get custom shirts at a reasonable price. Not only that, but it turns the gift into an experience and since most men aren’t willing to spend that much on their clothing, it’s a luxury splurge that makes them feel important. 5. Cologne Cologne can be risky if you now that he’s selective about his fragrances, however, cologne makes a great gift because you know that he’ll use it and feel good when he does. If you’re looking for a solid fragrance then consider; Code Pour Homme by Armani, Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani or La Nuit De L’Homme by Yves Saint Laurent. All of these are traditionally masculine scents that have proved popular but don’t follow trends and will, therefore, be a great scent for years to come. 6. Leather bag Too many men stick to backpacks and whilst they can be convenient, they should have been left in high school. A good quality leather bag doesn’t need to cost a lot, but it can change your appearance completely and make you feel fantastic. I have a black leather messenger bag from Ted Baker that’s gorgeous and feel luxurious, but you might also consider brands like; Samsonite, Kenneth Cole or Saddleback Leather. 7. Leather gloves Unless you live in a state that’s hot all year round, there’s a good chance that he’ll be wearing a coat and gloves for a few months each year. As a man, he should trade out those cheap wool gloves and upgrade to a comfortable pair of leather gloves. Most people don’t really ‘get’ leather gloves until they try them on, they are extremely comfortable and make you feel sexy. If it’s particularly cold, you might consider getting a fur lined pair. Consider brands such as; Red Wing, H&M, Club Monaco, Brooks Brothers, Coach or Paul Smith. 8. Headphones Everyone listens to music, but there’s no better way to ruin a song that a low-quality pair of headphones that make the bass sound pathetic and high notes sound tinny. Just like the gloves, it’s hard to realize what you’ve been missing until you try a quality pair of headphones that make the music true to note. Headphones have come down in price over the past decade and you no longer have to spend hundreds to find a good pair and whilst the top pairs are as expensive as ever, there are great choices in all price ranges. Avoid the popular brands like Beats Headphones and stick to tried and true brands such as; Sennheiser, Bose, Sony and Audio-Technica. 9. Books Most people like to read if they have the time and those who say they don’t just haven’t found the right book! A book is a safe gift and an excellent choice for anyone who is on a budget. Take a look at this list of books for men and see if you can find something that you think your man will find interesting. 10. Pamper day Men enjoy getting pampered just as much as women and booking a massage for your man is probably cheaper than you might imagine. If you’ve got a larger budget you could consider taking him for a full spa day and letting him get some much-deserved relaxation time. If the gift is for your husband or boyfriend, you could easily make this into a fun couples activity and book an overnight package if your budget allows. However, as with most gifts, there are options for all price ranges and your man is sure to enjoy the experience regardless of how much you spend. #### 10 Benefits of Visiting the Library with a Toddler What are the benefits of visiting the library with a toddler?  I have 10 reasons it's good to take your toddler to the library. Ever since my daughter was crawling, I began taking her to the local library on a weekly basis.  When she got a bit older, I began doing home preschool with her to keep her brain active and engaged.  Visiting the library had become a huge part of my parenting routine and something my daughter looked forward to every week. We made some friends, listened to stories, and sang.  Generally, story time at the library was a mini-break for me.  Aside from running around picking out books, I was able to sit down as she listened to stories or played with her new friends.  Most of the time, I could just enjoy the moment, instead of leading an activity. Unfortunately, I haven't raised my son the same way.  He's been too wild for me to handle and a trip to the library isn't as much of a break for me as it was with S when she was the same age.  But, I am putting things together to being working on some of the preschool skills with him, now.  That means, I've got to get in gear and prepare myself for weekly library visits. As I sit and think about it, these are the benefits of visiting the library with a toddler I can come up with.  I'm hoping it gives me the motivation I need to make this a tradition for my son, too. Taking Toddlers to the Library When planning a trip to the library with little kids, it's never a bad idea to pack a few things.  If you don't plan ahead, you won't immediately see the benefits of visiting the library with a toddler.  These are things I'm sure not to leave behind when I'm planning a library morning with the kids. Water Snacks A bag for our book checkout Pack a lunch if story time cuts it close Your phone or a camera to snap some cute pics when they're involved in something Benefits of visiting the library with a toddler I think there are tons of great benefits of a public library, but these are among my top reasons to visit a library with toddlers. Routine We have our day and baby girl knows it.  It gives us something to look forward to every week and I love hearing the excitement in her voice when she realizes is "rary" (library) day.  Plus, the routine of following instructions from the story teller makes me feel like I'm preparing her for school! Free story time for kids Someone else is entertaining my little one for a bit.  Our story time usually consists of singing and dancing, which is great to help baby girl move around and let out some energy. Socializing The more we go, the easier it is to feel comfortable with the other moms and children who are also going regularly.  Since we stay home most of the time, this is a good exercise for my daughter to get acquainted with other people. Free books to check out This is great so we're not spending extra money on so many books, but I can still engage baby girl in stories that are new to her every week.  Plus, we can borrow the books we need for our preschool work. Testing books Sometimes I'm interested in buying a book, but they're so expensive.  I like to test them out before deciding if they're good enough to purchase.  You just never know how the kids will react to certain books. Learning how to use the library appropriately Teaching kids to use inside voices is reinforced at the library.  Plus, we learn how to find books, check them in and out, and responsibility if we have to pay overdue fines. It's a reason to get out of the house Sometimes as a SAHM, I find it easy to get stuck in the house if I haven't planned for anything.  I know I said "routine" in #1, but this is beyond that... making sure we actually LEAVE the house when nothing else is happening. I'm hoping to have avid readers Okay, yes, I'm thinking long term value, and there's no guarantee this will work, but we have to have hope, right? They offer videos and CDs Wanna check out some different music or movies?  It doesn't always have to cost you (other than the gas to and from the library).  If you're on a budget but want different media, this is a valuable resource that I've used for the kids and for myself. They offer other programs Our library has brought the zoo in with some special animals for the kiddos to pet, a MyGym demo, and game night.  I've seen posts for things like anime meetings, teen activities, and even some adult education classes.  In December, I took the kids to see Santa, snapping my own picks of them to save money on the expensive mall photos.  Who needs to pay for those when you can get a picture of a screaming kid for free?! "Hug Sata" my 2 year old kept begging. And then this. ? #toddlerlife #sahmplus #meetsanta #toddlermeetssanta #santascarestoddler #merrychrostmas #guesswhogetscoalforchristmas A post shared by Ivy | Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Dec 22, 2017 at 12:42pm PST If you didn't know about these things, maybe it's time to start checking out your local library offerings.  What does yours offer? Did I miss any benefits of visiting the library with a toddler? #### 10 Common Misconceptions About Healthy Marriage A guest post debunking common misconceptions about healthy marriage! Once you’re married, you and your spouse will be on the same page about love, finances, and starting a family. These are just some of the most common happy marriage misconceptions being told to newly engaged couples. Marriage is a journey of bringing two lives together and there’s no shame in saying you haven’t got it all figured out just yet. Whether you are newlyweds or just newly engaged, you may think you know all there is to know about marriage. You may even envision that you and your best friend will have passionate sex whenever you want, communicate perfectly, and you’ll never argue. If these are your thoughts about marriage, you’re in for a surprise. This article is shedding light on the 10 most common misconceptions about having a happy, healthy marriage. 10 Misconceptions About Healthy Marriage: Debunked 1. A Healthy Marriage is a Perfect One When you're planning to marry the love of your life you may think that it'll be smooth sailing as soon as your wedding is out of the way. But the truth is, there is no such thing as a perfect marriage. Marriage isn't work all the time, of course. It isn't even work every day or every week. But blending two lives together will inevitably lead to the occasional frustration or major disagreement over the years. All relationships need work in order to flourish. 2. You’ll Never Get Bored Another misconception is that once you're married you'll be happy and in love for the rest of your lives. This is true, but only up to a certain point. Maintaining love and sexual excitement in a marriage takes effort from both partners. You must be willing to build up your emotional and physical intimacy on a regular basis to ensure you're both satisfied with the relationship. 3. Sex is a Given Sex is an important part of a marriage. Studies reveal that the oxytocin released during sex deepens trust between partners. Even more research suggests that sexual satisfaction in a marriage was also the highest predictor of emotional intimacy in couples. But being married doesn't mean sex is guaranteed. Work hard to maintain passion, romance, and to court your partner. This will make sex more passionate and exciting. 4. You Know Each Other Completely Before Marriage You may have thought you knew each other before you got married, but after tying the knot you’ll learn more than you ever thought possible about your sweetheart. People constantly change and grow, meaning as the years go by, you will always find something new to learn about your spouse. 5. A Marriage and a Wedding are the Same Things Here is some solid advice for newlyweds: your wedding and your marriage are not the same thing. And thank goodness for that! Your wedding may have been beautiful, sentimental, and fun, but it was also a lot of money and work. Not to mention the stress of it all. A wedding is a party; a celebration of your love followed by some great food and dancing. But that is not what your marriage is all about. A marriage is a lifelong commitment between two people. It is a vow to stand by one another whether times are fun or frustrating. Couples need to put in the work of making a marriage fun, exciting, and loving. 6. Couples Don't Spend Time Apart Another happy marriage misconception is that as a married couple you will never want to spend time apart. This may be true during the newlywed phase, but it varies from couple to couple. Some may want to spend all of their time together at home, while others may still want to engage in their usual, separate social lives. If this is the case with you and your spouse, don't worry about it! It's perfectly normal and healthy for partners to have separate interests and maintain their individuality after marriage. 7. A Happy Marriage Creates Mind-Readers "My wife knows me SO well, she should be able to tell when something's wrong!" Well, not quite. Couples get to know each other better over time. They learn to read facial expressions, tone, and body language. Naturally, this allows partners to detect if something is upsetting or exciting their spouse. But it doesn't mean they will be able to read their minds. Communication is something all couples need to work on. Being open and honest with one another about thoughts and feelings will strengthen your bond and help you avoid misunderstandings and other marriage issues. 8. You Are Best Friends One happy marriage misconception is that when you get married, you and your spouse become each other's best friend. This is a wonderful thought. After all, who better to spend the rest of your life with than the person you have the most fun with or the one you trust above all others? The truth of the matter is this: Some couples marry their best friends, some don't. It is not a given in order to have a happy, fulfilling marriage. 9. You’ll Never Argue One misconception about getting married is that you’ll rarely argue. All couples have their differences, whether it’s something small like leaving the toothpaste cap off or something larger like disagreements about having children or getting a pet. Individuals have different outlooks and perceptions based on their upbringing. Even if you get along 99% of the time, odds are you and your spouse will have the occasional spat. 10. You’ll Have Children Another misconception about a happy marriage is that once you tie the knot you'll be ready to plan for a baby. This simply isn't the case. There is a large misconception about millennials not wanting to have children. Statistics show that millennials have rated being a parent or having children as one of their most important goals in life. They are just doing so later in life than the baby boomers. Perhaps you and your spouse are uninterested in having children or only want to do so once you've had time together as a married couple or have established your career. Either way, there is no need to rush into parenthood just because you said: "I do." No marriage is perfect. Even the most satisfying relationships need work, love, and understanding from both partners in order to succeed. You may get bored with each other, want to spend time with other friends, or run into the occasional argument. Do away with marriage issues by following our 10 healthy marriage tips and banish marriage misconceptions forever. Author Bio: Rachael Pace is a relationship expert with years of experience in training and helping couples. She has helped countless individuals and organizations around the world, offering effective and efficient solutions for healthy and successful relationships. She is a featured writer for Marriage.com, a reliable resource to support healthy happy marriages. Tell me:  did you subscribe to any of these common misconceptions about healthy marriage? #### 10 Cool Ways to Rock Motherhood #RockingMotherhood If you've ever questioned whether or not you're a good mom, consider yourself normal.  And, you probably are an excellent mom.  Motherhood is hard.  All eyes are on you, there's a seemingly overwhelming amount of criticism and a laundry list of things you should and shouldn't do.  To make matters worse, no one can seem to agree on what is and isn't right in any situation.  Whether you're breastfeeding, babywearing, or co-sleeping, you've got plenty of research supporting everything you're not doing.  It doesn't matter which camp you find yourself in, you're wrong in someone's eyes.  Well, instead of worrying about what you're doing wrong in someone's eyes, let's take a minute to turn the tables and focus on the positives.  Let's think about all the ways you Rock Motherhood!!! I've been nominated by Jessica at Body After Baby to share the ways I'm #RockingMotherhood. That's what I'm doing here.  Putting all the should and should nots aside ... This is How I Rock Motherhood Let me know if you can relate to any of these!  Or be sure to comment any number of ways you rock motherhood. Laugh at the poop jokes Okay, I'm so not mature, but staying on a child's level has it's benefits.  There's no getting around this phase in their lives, so you might as well enjoy it on occasion. Pretend to be dinosaurs in the car My daughter absolutely loved this game.  She wanted to pretend to be a T-Rex, so I was T-Rex mommy driving her to school.  We roared and spoke in deep, scratchy voices.  And laughed almost the whole way to school. Does your child love dinosaurs, too? Buy the kids a cake pop at Starbucks As if Starbucks isn't expensive enough, it kind of hurts to use that precious gift card.  But, on occasion, I splurge a little and get the 5 year old a cake pop, even if she doesn't really need it.  Someone help me explain to the kids just how special this is!!! Read together I started reading to my daughter when she was a baby.  Reading can be both fun and educational, plus, it helps her to unwind at night.  Unfortunately, my 1 year old son isn't having any of that reading crap... if he's not reading to himself (or eating the book) he doesn't have the time. Ask about their day It's not always easy getting information out of my kiddo.  But, every day, I ask her what she did and pry to find out if anything made her happy or sad.  I've been able to learn quite a bit about her friends or classmates and the fun Snuggle before bed Sometimes, I totally suck at this.  I feel like I have better things to do than to lay in bed when I need to clean or prepare for tomorrow.  But, when I put myself aside, I realize that before too long, those babies aren't even going to want to snuggle with mama. Get ready the night before No one is at their best when they're rushing around in the morning.  I get everything ready the night before to beat the morning rush, including picking out clothes, pulling out breakfasts, and having lunches already made.  When we're not rushing, we're all in a better mood, which sets the stage for the day! Help explore your child's interests My daughter has always been into writing and drawing.  I can remember back when everything she drew was a boat (all scribble boats that didn't look like anything, and they all pretty much looked the same).  We invested heavily in art supplies and learn to draw books. Encourage your child to become better Whether we're seeking improved behavior, kindness, or to simply learn a new skill, we're working to build our children's self esteem and abilities.  I know my child isn't the best at anything, but I'm always working to help her improve.  As much as I knew she'd love Girl Scouts, I wanted my daughter to give sports a try.  We're currently discussing soccer because I want her to be exposed to a team sport and balance her out. Take Me-Time I struggled with this the most as a first time mom.  But, with the second baby, it was essential that I took time for myself.  I participate in my own hobby (Autocross, if you're interested) and I take some time during the week for self-care.  Taking some time to focus on yourself is one of the best ways to recharge your batteries so that you're not pouring from an empty cup.  Of course, that means I have more energy to go back and rock motherhood some more *wink*. Take some time to think about motherhood in a positive light and tell me how you rock motherhood! So, spill it!  In the comments, let me know a few of the ways you rock motherhood.  Did anything on my own list inspire you, or do we do any of the same things? I nominate Jasmine from Love Life Laugh Motherhood and Luz from Adventures with Nico. Rules 1.Thank the blogger that tagged you and link to their blog. 2.List 10 things you believe make you a good mother (this is just a guideline. It can be more or less than 10. 3.Tag some bloggers to join in the #RockingMotherhood Tag. 4.Grab the #RockingMotherhgood badge and add it to your post or sidebar. #### 10 Fantastic Reasons to Start a SAHM Blog Owning and writing a SAHM blog is exciting to me.  Not the adrenaline-junkie type of exciting, but it's definitely has its perks.  I began writing on a personal blog several years ago, about a year after my daughter was born.  I became hooked.  Over the years, I've become more and more engrossed in blogging.  I switched from a tiny blog on a blogspot.com address.  Later, I gave myself my own domain name.  Then, I completely re-branded and became SAHM, plus... The journey has been an outstanding experience for me.  And, I've realized the more I want my blog to be taken seriously, professionally, the more I have to put into it.  All that means, I continue building on my skills and knowledge to make things better.  Plus, blogging is a perfect way for me to be more than just a mom. If you're a SAHM considering blogging, these are the reasons I believe you should get right to it! Writing a SAHM Blog is a Learning Experience Learning about hosting and blogging platforms As I previously stated, I began on a blogspot.com address (Blogger platform).  After a while, I learned that, while a perfect place to write for just about anyone, if you want to be seen and taken seriously, this isn't the place to be.  And, not having your own domain name makes it appear you're not a serious blogger either. I switched to my own domain name, but stayed on the Blogger platform.  Things picked up a bit, but then I realized there were still things on that platform that prevented me from doing more with my site. In 2016, I switched to a Self-Hosted WordPress site.  It seemed like a really scary move, but after making the switch, I can't believe I wasted all that time being afraid.  It was relatively simple.  And the benefits of a Self-Hosted WordPress site with my own domain name greatly outweigh the work necessary to switch. Two of the greatest benefits have been total control over my site (I own everything) and the amazing amount of ways in which I can customize my site. Learning HTML or CSS Not that I have ever need a ton of this (probably more on Blogger), but on occasion, I've needed to learn or figure out some form of coding.  Of course, this is relatively simple when you consult Google for an answer to your questions. I seem to like CSS much more than HTML, but neither have been terribly difficult to learn. Learning How to Get Your SAHM Blog Seen Simply writing on your SAHM Blog isn't going to get readers.  They need to know you exist.  The first way to make this happen is to let search engines (like Google and Bing) know that you're there. The absolutely best thing I've done for myself is to invest in a couple courses from Learn to Blog Hangouts.  These courses have taught me exactly how to set up my Google Analytics, Link to my Google Webmaster Tools, and get search engines to notice my blog.  You can start with their FREE 5 Day Course which is immensely helpful, and then get more in depth if you like.  In the first month of using just one of their ebooks, I saw my traffic triple. Learning Social Media Techniques Posing to your blog only goes so far as to gain readership and engagement.  Sharing on social media channels has it's perks ... I mean, who isn't on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram these days? Each social media channel has it's own special set of rules to get your accounts followed and boost engagement on your posts.  I'm constantly learning new things about each one that helps me boost my traffic and engagement. My favorite way to get my Pins re-pinned is to use Tailwind Pinterest Scheduling.  I've been seeing a HUGE boost in traffic lately after having begun using Tailwind.  If you have a SAHM blog (any kind of mommy blog, really), I invite you to join my Tailwind Mommy Bloggers Tribe, so we can help each other boost our Pinterest Reach! The Blogosphere is Always Changing I've been doing this for nearly 6 years.  In those years, I've learned a lot, and with every change in the blogosphere is a learning opportunity.  You need to know how to be FCC compliant, and how to make Facebook, Google, and Pinterest happy.  Just when you think you have them figured out, the giants change the rules. Researching and Choosing Plug-Ins On self-hosted WordPress, Plug-Ins are awesome (and simple) ways to customize your blog's appearance, or the way it operates.  Some are extremely important, like the ones I use to back up my work.  Others are simply tools to make my life easier.  Have you seen my list of 7 important plug-ins for your WordPress site? If you're not on WordPress, you may call these kinds of things Widgets or Apps.  I'm not sure.  But, there are so many tools to keep your blog running smoothly, effectively, and safely.  I love knowing that I could help someone build a site on WordPress after doing all my own research. You Might Learn to Design Images Different social media channels prefer different size images.  I'm not a photographer and sometimes posts don't exactly require "pictures," but all blog posts should have images.  Using Canva and PicMonkey gets you designing easily (and you can use pictures if you like). Networking There is a LOT of networking in blogging.  Now, I'm not a very social person, but I can handle some online networking.  I do this regularly in a few Facebook groups, which help me to share my posts.  And, I get to help them.  Some of them aren't very "social" ... just finish "chores" and that's all you ever hear from them.  Other groups are a little more social ... I love these because we all share knowledge and help each other when we can. Through networking, you have more chances to offer and/or receive guest posting opportunities.  And, some groups like to coordinate theme specific roundups.  Further, you can do your own roundups to build content your blog specifically focuses on. Additionally, there are Blog Conferences.  I'm looking forward to attending my first in May 2017.  Blog Conferences are a good chance for networking with other bloggers as well as businesses who may be looking for sponsored posts.  Plus, they're helpful in teaching you how to blog correctly. BONUS:  I'm going to get away from my kids for a few days. Self Expression I'm an introvert.  Being a stay at home mom is both good and very, very bad for me.  I spend a lot of time interacting with my children and I need some very serious quiet time when they go to bed.  It's part of the reason they have early bed times.  But, that's a whole separate post of it's own.  Owning and writing a SAHM blog gives me the chance to quietly reflect on my life and to express myself in whatever manner I see fit or need as the moment arises.  My blog is my way of sharing my experiences and expressing myself while fulfilling my need for silence. Helping Others It doesn't matter what skill set you have, there's likely someone seeking answers or a how-to on something you know how to do.  Starting a SAHM blog gives you the opportunity to help, encourage, or inspire others. For example, I regularly feature a new mommy and her "mom hobby" on my blog.  I interview friends about their hobbies because they all have a different story to tell.  It's my hope to inspire moms to make time for themselves and pursue their passions outside of their families.  Why?  Because a mom's life doesn't have to be solely about being a mom. Additionally, I shared my experiences with implementing a consequence and reward jar system to improve my child's behavior (and the follow up on what I learned about the system).  Little did I know those posts would be my most popular ones to date. Earn Extra Income If you've been counting, you'll notice this is the 11th reason.  There's a reason I didn't include this in my count.  I've been blogging for roughly 5 years and income in on and off.  Mostly, it's hobby type income and nothing consistently reliable.  For me, this is a total bonus and I didn't want to get your hopes up. Are there any other benefits to starting a SAHM blog (or any other mom blog)? If you're reading to jump on board, please don't hesitate to contact me.  I will personally answer any questions you may have.  If I don't have the answers, I will work to get them for you!  If you've already started on your mom blogging journey, drop your link here so I can visit and comment :) #### 10 Holiday Gifts That Promote Self Care for Moms This is a guest post from Author Randi Zinn.  In her timely post, she details holiday gifts that promote self care for moms.  I'm a huge fanatic about finding ourselves outside of being a mom, and you can find my posts in my Beyond Mom section of the blog. By Randi Zinn, Author, [easyazon_link identifier="1510724001" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="y" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Going Beyond Mom: How To Activate Your Mind, Body, & Business After Baby[/easyazon_link] Mom takes the brunt of holiday stress. She is usually the one coordinating gifts, meals, social engagements, and any family drama that may come up. Notice that mom is looking a little depleted? A little on edge? A little more tired than her naturally bright self?  Maybe she just needs a little love. Give the gift of wellness and inspiration to the mom in your life- it's the gift that continues to give because when you fuel yourself, you have so much more to give! Here are some of my personal favorite products that have spoken to all my senses, helping me not only look my best at all my motherhood phases, but helped me reach spaces of calm and focus during the busy times that I need it most. Holiday Gifts That Promote Self Care for Moms Disclaimer: Affiliate links have been included in this post to help you find some items.  Purchases made after clicking may earn me a commission. Doterra essential oil diffuser:  It’s simple and compact. You plug it into wall and choose the blend to match the mood you want. Sam and Maddy Make Up:  An amazing make-up line made for women to feel their own natural glow. The company was also created by a Beyond Mom who named the company after her children. Peleton bike:Get your sweat on and workout conveniently at home when time is limited or babies are napping! [easyazon_link identifier="B01E9ATEN0" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="y" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]S'ip by S'well Bottle[/easyazon_link]: A stylish fun bottle that will help keep you hydrated all the time. [easyazon_link identifier="B00O1WJ5T0" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="y" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Frends[/easyazon_link]: Jam out to fun tunes or take time for relaxing music with these Frends headphones. Intelligent Nutrients. All organic skin-care products and great for anti-aging. Loyal Hana:  Stylish and affordable maternity through nursing clothing. Pacifica Candles: Candles set the intention for calmness and these are beautiful and smell lovely! [easyazon_link identifier="1510724001" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="y" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Going Beyond Mom: How To Activate Your Mind, Body, and Business After Baby[/easyazon_link]: This is my book, and I’m so excited to teach moms how to activate and engage with the new woman also born with baby! Lively:  For mom’s intimates! Beautiful bra and panty sets, they just launched a nursing bra, too! Intention is everything! When we dress ourselves in ways that honor our beauty (inside and out), we feel beautiful. When we use products and tools to bring calm and focus to our lives, we feel those positive effects. When we get moving, we clear out negativity and stress! Help mom live the life she deserves this holiday season with holiday gifts that promote self care for moms. RANDI SOCIAL: Author, [easyazon_link identifier="1510724001" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="y" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Going Beyond Mom: How To Activate Your Mind, Body, & Business After Baby[/easyazon_link] Beyond Mom website Twitter: @randizinn Facebook Instagram ABOUT RANDI ZINN: Randi Zinn is the founder of Beyond Mom and BeyondMom.com. Born from her own experience of motherhood, and the desire for a more connected community- Beyond Mom offers: content, podcasts, mixers, events, and retreats for forward-thinking Moms. She encourages moms to cultivate a life “Beyond Mom”- one that embraces the gifts of motherhood but expresses all that they are as individuals: creators, businesswomen, thinkers, friends, and so much more. Randi is an ambassador for Athleta and has partnered with Comptoir Des Cotonniers, SoulCycle, Mio Skincare, TOWN Real Estate, The Mother Company, Body Conceptions and IntenSati. Her writing has appeared in Honest Company Blog, FitBump, Epoch Times and Well Rounded NY. She is a certified yoga instructor through Laughing Lotus NY and has taught since 2008.   Randi’s first book Going Beyond Mom: How To Activate Your Mind, Body & Business After Baby, will be published on September 19, 2017. #### 10 Things I Miss About Life Before Kids Gone are the days I'm my own self.  I now have to schedule time for myself or I won't get it.  What I miss about my life before children and things I think about while parenting 2 kids. That's terrible sounding and I'm compelled to explain that I have no regrets that I've had my children.  My children are beautiful, smart, and funny.  I can't imagine my life without them.  My daughter is a really smart daddy's girl.  As much as she gives us trouble, I know it's just in her nature to be strong-willed.  My son is another force to be reckoned with.  I swear they're going to have amazing tenacity and be very successful individuals in whatever they choose to pursue in life. Sometimes, though, I think about life before them, and there are things I miss. What I Miss About My Life Before Children: While not necessarily in order, this is a list of what I miss about my life before children. #1 Hot Coffee I could finish a cup of coffee before it got cold. (This probably does fit in first place on this list) #2 The Snooze Button When I woke up in the morning, I didn't have to rush to someone's aid... there's no snooze button on a screaming kid "Help!  Mommy! Mommy!" #3 A Small Purse I miss not lugging around a diaper bag that weighs more than one of the kids, killing my shoulders in the process. #4 Not Having to Plan Around Someone I didn't have to plan around nap times. (Although occasionally taking one myself is nice.) #5 My Own Food Not having to share my food. I love food and I don't necessary like sharing it. #6 Snack without Sneaking Not having to sneak snacks.  If I felt like indulging, I didn't have to worry about whether or not someone else was supposed to have it. #7 Small Sports Car Driving a small manual-shift car everywhere.  Now, I'm limited one day a month driving in my Autocross hobby. #8 My Health and Smarts I felt healthier (and smarter) - my issues seem never ending since having a baby.  Thanks Hashimoto's. #9 Pleasant Dinner & Conversation Dinner conversations weren't full of convincing someone to eat dinner so they could have dessert. And eating M&Ms for dinner was acceptable. #10 Spending on Myself without the Guilt If I wanted something for me, I just got it.  Now I think "... but I should probably spend money on x  for them".  Then there's the guilt when I take some time for myself. I don't regret having my children.  I couldn't imagine my life without them anymore.  But, there are moments that I do miss the ease of coming and going as I please.  The freedom from not being needed nearly constantly. I'm hit with the reality that I took all those kid-free years for granted.  I didn't simply enjoy them. When they get too big for needing mommy, and I get those freedoms back, I'm going to miss my babies.  I imagine I'll have to write a top 10 list of things I miss about having little ones in the house.  For now, though, I'm in the thick of it wondering when I'll enjoy a nice dinner out with hubby without worrying about the kids at home with the babysitter. What do you miss about life before kids? #### 10 Tips to Get Your Toddler to Eat Does your kid enjoy chicken tenders, french fries, macaroni and cheese, and all the other "typical" kid foods?  Yeah, mine too (except, strangely enough, not so much interested in mac and cheese).  I found that employing strategies like making a separate meal for the kid to be time consuming and wasteful.  You're here because you would like to get your little one to eat a wider variety of foods, add more nutrition to his or her diet, or not dirty a separate pan just for your child.  Try out these 10 tips to get your toddler to eat dinner: BTW, Now that I've been through feeding a picky eater TWICE, I've got more refined tips ... and trust me, my second kid is MUCH MORE DIFFICULT. Want these great tips?  Visit this post:  How to deal when your toddler is a picky eater 1) Make eating fun. Make vehicle sounds as the spoon heads toward his mouth (See my post When a Spoon isn't a Spoon).  Your kiddo might just forget that you're trying to force food into their mouths.  Your other option is to make shapes or characters out of food.  Try cutting food into bite-sized shapes, arrange circular objects into the shape of Mickey's head with ears, or make a smiley face with condiments. 2) Eat the food yourself (be a Role Model).  If your child prefers to mimic one parent over the other, maybe try having that parent eat said food and show their enthusiasm about it.  Or, does your child enjoy watching other children?  Try Copy-Kids Eat Fruits and Vegetables DVD.  I reviewed that recently and found my daughter trying more foods after watching it.  You can read my Copy-Kids review here. 3) Offer a reward for eating.  We've either had to give a small treat right after dinner or offer 1 m&m per bite of dinner.  If you do the bite for bite, be prepared to sit at the table much longer.  If your child is not as inclined to sugary treats or you're trying to avoid them, you could offer some other reward like an extra bedtime story, a game, toy, etc. 4) Start with a small portion of something you know he eats.  On occasion, if we feed our daughter a small portion of fruit or yogurt, it wets her appetite and gets her to eat dinner.  I have found that if I cook something I know she will eat, I can usually get her to eat other foods. 5) Cut off snack time.  Is snack time too close to meal time?  Maybe your kid isn't eating because she's snacked on too much unhealthy stuff just before a meal.  What works for us is to cut off snacks at about 4:00 p.m. for a 5:30 p.m. meal.  6) Don't offer the bad stuff or typical stuff.  I really mean, try not to make it a habit that they fall back on for everything.  Chicken nuggets, french fries, hot dogs, and macaroni and cheese all have their place in a child's menu, but don't make it something they expect.  In our house, our kiddo is expected to eat what we eat instead of constantly being fed typical toddler foods.  I never make her what is considered "kid food" and she eats a variety of foods. 7) Give choices.  Try offering a small variety of options that you want him to eat.  Sometimes making their own decisions gets them excited about eating something they wouldn't have before.  I plan my meals for the week (or two) and then I sometimes ask my daughter something like "would you like peas or green beans with dinner?"  Two options and she normally answers with her preference. 8) Let her help you cook.  Stirring the food (or using her hands to help mix) may give her a sense of ownership and make eating what she made more fun.  Some other ideas are tearing lettuce, tossing cheese on a salad, etc. 9) Introduce and reintroduce those foods.  Make it non-optional to try it on occasion and be sure to be as positive and enthusiastic about the food, even if it's something you don't care for.  This is where the treat after dinner reward comes into play again.  Our daughter must at least try a food or we don't consider it a successful meal in regards to after dinner treats.  10) Mix them in.  Sometimes mixing those vegetables into a casserole hides them enough to make it pass!  I've even heard of pureeing vegetables to put in sauces for an added nutritional bonus.  One of the favorites in this house is Shepherd's pie, so we get potatoes, meat, peas, corn, carrots, and cheese in one sitting! None of these are fail proof, but what is when a toddler is involved?  These are some of the suggestions we have tried though none work all the time.  I can tell you that we've employed many of these techniques and she eats a variety of foods that might not be normal for her age.  While we still have to convince her to eat at times, she's a really good eater and there aren't many days she has to go to bed hungry. One final thought: We are consistent with sitting down at the dinner table as a family for our meals.  If I were still having trouble getting my daughter to eat, I might consider allowing her to walk around and eat.  In fact, sometimes she asks to stand beside me to let me feed her, instead of sitting in her chair.  You just have to do what you find works.  If your kid is motivated to eat real food by being allowed to roam, go for it.  Right now, your goal is to get your kid to eat.  You can work on sitting still and learning table manners once you know they aren't going to die of starvation. Did you try any of these, and did anything work (or not)?  Anything you would add to the list? #### 10 Ways to Prepare for Labour and Delivery In Your Third Trimester This is a syndicated guest post from Baby & Beyond.  If you're in OR nearing your third trimester of pregnancy, you'll appreciate her tips to help you prepare for labour and delivery. The third trimester of pregnancy is usually all about last minute preparations and shopping for the baby. While there is a lot of joy and excitement, for a lot of women there is also fear and anxiety about the actual delivery itself. Thankfully there are some things you can do in the third trimester that can help you prepare for labour and delivery. 10 Ways to Prepare for Labour and Delivery In Your 3rd Trimester 1. Stay active Regular activity not only helps keep you fit, but also help prepare your body for labour and delivery. I stayed active by walking briskly for 30 mins every day and practicing prenatal yoga every other day. Also practice squats regularly because it could help the baby to descend. Do consult with your gynecologist before taking up any exercise routine. 2. Practice paced breathing Breathing techniques can help you to manage pain and stay calm during labour. I know it sounds funny that I am telling you to “practice breathing”! But there are different paced breathing techniques are recommended through different stages of labour. Make sure you are aware of each of them and practice them for 10 minutes every day. 3. Do your kegels: Kegel exercises make the pelvic floor muscles strong. Having good control over these muscles can help you push during a contraction. 4. Join an antenatal class: In case you haven’t already, consider joining anantenatal program which will guide you educate you about labour and childbirth and empower you to have a positive birth experience. Ensure you select the right program which gives you the opportunity to receive expert guidance from gynaecologists, physiotherapists, women’s health educators and diet counselors. 5. Maintain positivity: Unfortunately most of the labour scenes we watch in movies are overly dramatic and traumatic. They can give you a scary image of labour and that negativity can affect you. Childbirth is a beautiful experience. Surround yourself with positive vibes, positive imagery and positive people. Personally I found that listening to garbha sanskar music really helped me throughout my pregnancy. 6. Get a lot of rest: I know that this last phase is very hectic with all the last minute planning and shopping, but try to get as much rest as possible too. This will help you stay healthy and positive too.   Get lot of rest; Listen to soothing music to stay calm and positive 7. Choose your birthing partner: Decide whom you would want with you in the delivery room, who can provide practical and emotional support. Your partner should attend antenatal classes with you to learn how to massage you and help you with breathing and labour exercises. Related: Should My Husband Be in the Delivery Room? 8. Visit your birthing center: Having a visual image of where you will be delivering can help relieve some of your anxiety. You may also get a chance to meet some of the nursing staff beforehand so there are some familiar faces in the delivery room too. Related:  4 Ways to Conquer Your Fear of Childbirth 9. Make your birthing preferences clear: If you have any specific preferences about induction, epidural, vaginal delivery, episiotomy etc., make sure you discuss it with your gynecologist in advance. Be aware of scenarios in which a cesarean can be avoided so that you do not feel pressured into making any decisions. 10. Monitor your symptoms closely: Be aware about your baby’s movements. Watch out for any unusual symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, spotting, swelling, Braxton Hicks contractions, etc.Make sure you reach out to your gynecologist if you sense something is irregular, even if it seems like a small thing. Pin it for later: Author Bio Mahak is a mom to a 2-year-old and blogger at Baby & Beyond. She has spent 8 years working in business and technology consulting, before jumping off the corporate ladder and landing headfirst into a life of ‘pooplosions’, 3 a.m. feeds, teething, colic and of course, temper tantrums. And she is having the time of her life! Her blog is all about parenting escapades, with a focus on gentle and mindful parenting techniques, mother and baby products, age-appropriate toys, books & activities and child-friendly food & recipes.             #### 11 Foods and Beverages to Avoid During Pregnancy This is a guest post.  The author shares 11 foods and beverages to avoid during pregnancy. Pregnancy is perhaps one of the most important stages of a woman’s life. Therefore, it is of high importance to be careful and cautious about what the mother is consuming on a daily basis. Although many food and beverages we are told to avoid are purpley tales, there are still a number of food groups you should pay extra attention to in order to help you and the baby to stay healthy. Therefore, Ritely has shared 11 foods and beverages to avoid during pregnancy: 11 Foods and Beverages to Avoid During Pregnancy 1. Undercooked or Raw Meat Toxoplasmosis, salmonella and listeria are just a few examples of the bacteria and parasites which you could be at risk of catching when consuming undercooked or raw meat. These bacteria’s could lead to the stillbirth of your baby, or could cause neurological damage such as mental retardation, epilepsy and blindness. Although many would assume the bacteria is found on the surface of various meats, the bacteria may also lay inside muscle fibers. Therefore, it is vital to ensure any meat you are about to consume is well cooked. Examples of raw meat to be cautious around include sausages, minced meat, Parma ham, pepperoni and salami. 2. Raw Eggs Raw eggs are just one example of a food that may cause salmonella, a form of food poisoning that has the potential to not only make you very unwell, but to also harm your baby. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. And in more severe cases, salmonella may cause cramps in the uterus which could lead to premature birth or stillbirth. Therefore, when wanting your morning fry up, ensure the eggs are cooked until you are sure the yolks and whites are solid all the way through. And, it is generally best to avoid any meals that have raw eggs as an ingredient. Examples of these include poached eggs, scrambled eggs, salad dressings, cake icing and hollandaise sauce. 3. Caffeine Although many of us believe we can’t live without our morning daily caffeine fix. It is vital to be cautious about how much you consume each day when pregnant. This is as studies shows that drinking a large amount of caffeine when pregnant can be linked to low birth weight and potential miscarriages. Therefore, to ensure a healthy pregnancy, if necessary limit your caffeine intake to no more than 200mg a day, similar to 2-3 cups of coffee. And by caffeine we aren’t just talking coffee. Popular snacks such as chocolate and cola also include caffeine. In fact, a plain chocolate bar could have around 50mg of caffeine. As compared to a can of cola which will contain around 40mg. These simple statistics show you just how quickly you can reach that limit if you’re not careful. 4.  Alcohol Consuming alcohol during pregnancy is a topic that sees many opinions. Some say to avoid alcohol at all costs during the whole pregnancy. Others say that drinking a few units a week is acceptable and won’t result in any unwanted consequences. However, medical scientists believe that alcohol can be passed down from mother to baby. Although there is ongoing research into the exact damage this is likely to cause, experts are not certain to determine the exact amount of alcohol is safe to consume. Therefore, the advice is to avoid consuming alcohol at all costs during pregnancy. 5. Fruit and Vegetables Unwashed or unpeeled fruits and vegetables should be avoided during each stage of pregnancy. This is as they could easily be contaminated with a number of different bacteria and parasites. The contamination of which can happen at any point during production, harvesting, storage and retail. If the bacteria are present, it can be harmful to you and your baby. Especially if it is Toxoplasma. Many people who have Toxoplasmosis don’t even realize as they show no symptoms, whereas others may feel like they have the flu or worse. Although this will eventually pass for the mother, Toxoplasma may cause intellectual disabilities or blindness in later life. To avoid coming into contact with this bacteria, it is vital to make sure you are thoroughly peeling, rinsing and cooking all fruits and vegetables. 6. Certain Cheeses Cheeses should be avoided as when unpastrioused, they may contain listeria which could cause you to feel, or be sick. However, on a more important note, consumption could cause stillbirth or illnesses in the unborn child. The cheese to avoid includes soft cheeses. For instance brie, camembert goat’s cheese and gorgonzola. However, hard cheese such as cheddar, feta, parmesan and mozzarella are safe. And if you are craving a soft cheese, cheeses such as cottage cheese, Philadelphia and Boursin are safe and could make an acceptable substitute. 7. Ice Cream Unfortunately, ice cream is another item of food that should also be avoided during pregnancy. This includes any ice cream made with raw eggs. This is because, as mentioned above, consuming raw eggs has the potential of causing salmonella. Most often this type of ice cream will include the more traditional styles of ice cream, not matter what flavour. Additionally, the soft ice cream available from ice cream vans or the seaside should also be avoided. This is as although the ice cream is safe, the cleanliness of machine is impossible to guarantee, and there is the potential that it may harbour bacteria. 8. Ready Meals Yes, ready meals are a highly convenient method of getting a tasty meal on your plate with little effort involved. But, it is vital to follow the instructions carefully. Especially where poultry is involved. This is because when ready meals are kept in the fridge, different kinds of bacteria, such as listeria, will be in their element. A ready meal not cooked for the correct amount of time is unlikely to be efficient at eliminating all of the bacteria. Therefore, ensure your food is piping hot before eating. 9. Pâté Pâté is likely to include the bacteria known as listeria. If not careful, this form of bacteria can cause listeriosis which may harm your baby during pregnancy as well as having the potential to cause severe illness in a newborn baby. Unfortunately, all pâté is off the market, including vegetable pâté, and liver pâté which often contain high levels of vitamin A, something which may be a threat to your baby. 10. Fish Don’t be alarmed, you don’t need to be avoiding all types of fish in the sea. However, it is advised to limit the amount of high-mercury fish you consume each month. This includes fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tuna. This is as mercury is an element with high toxicity. When consumed in high amounts it could pose as a threat to your immune system, kidneys and nervous systems. In terms of your baby, it may cause developmental problems. Therefore, try to consumer no more than 1-2 servings of high-mercury fish per month. However, fish that is low in mercury can be consumed up to two times a week. This is as consuming low mercury fish is healthy during pregnancy. And, fatty fish are likely to be rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are beneficial to your baby. 11. Peanuts Peanuts only need to be avoided if you, or anyone in your family, have a history of food allergies, severe hay fever or asthma. Even if a peanut allergy is only small, peanuts should still be avoided during pregnancy as otherwise there would be an increase risk of the baby developing a reaction too. Therefore, if there is no apparent history of allergies in the family peanuts do not need to be avoided. However, many soon-to-be mums continue to avoid them anyway, just to be sure. Conclusion Overall, maintaining a high standard of food hygiene is one of the most important parts of pregnancy. Keeping your food preparation area clean, regularly washing your hands before and after coming into contact with food, and keeping pets and young children out of the kitchen are just a few easy ways you can make the process easier. However, sometimes it’s not always easy to explain where your food has been. Especially when bought from a shop. This, understandably, makes many of us paranoid. Therefore, it may be best to avoid the foods on this list to the best of your abilities to ensure there is no risk put towards you or your baby. Author Bio: Alkire Leanna is a North Carolina-based freelance writer and work-from-home for Ritely.com and mother of two.  In her 10 years as a professional writer, she’s worked in proposal management, grant writing, and content creation.  Personally, she’s passionate about teaching her family how to stay safe, secure and action-ready in the event of a disaster or emergency. Your turn - do you agree with these foods and beverages to avoid during pregnancy? PIN ME Related Reading: #### 11 Funny Wine Glasses that Will Actually Amuse Mom Funny wine glasses for moms in the thick of it.  You'll love shopping these cute wine glasses for moms so much you'll want them for yourself, and a few extra as gifts for your mom friends! On our last vacation, I started drinking again.  Not sure why I thought going on a mountain vacation with young children was a good idea.  It really wasn't!  We had some amazing new experiences and saw sights we couldn't see on our typical theme park vacations.  We even had some fun times. But, this years' vacation felt like anything but fun.  I'm pretty sure I came back more stressed than when we had left. The toddler was going through an extra clingy phase and my daughter seemed overly materialistic and needy.  It felt like I wasn't getting a break from either of them.  And, just when one would act right, the other would find a reason to whine.  This brought me to drinking wine every night.  And, now I'm a reformed non-drinker. In the spirit of drinking as we get through the thick of it, I thought it would be awesome to share some funny wine glasses for moms.  I know you'll love them! Funny Wine Glasses for Moms Funny wine glass for the mom who recently had a baby! Because Kids Mom Juice Yeah, I've totally lied to the kids about my mom juice.  And then the little girl asks "can I try some?"  Oy, foiled again!  "Sorry honey, it's an adult beverage, not for kids."  Ensue pouting ... Mommin' Ain't Easy Every day I say this.  Well ... I actually don't but I feel it and you know how true this is! Mom's Therapy You know, because we all need a little therapy. My Sippy Cup This one actually needs the sippy cup top ... do they make one for wine glasses?  Guess I've gotta do some research ... Mommy Medicine And, because I don't have prescription medicine to help me deal with these kids ... For the toddler mom ... we all understand! Because Toddlers Stemless Funny Wine Glass for Mom Now, moms know kids can be really whiny!  Tell the kids it's mommy's turn with this hilarious wine glass. It's not just mommy's time ... it's time to tell the kids to ask their dad! Oh, and just because I can't drink wine all day (at least not with a good conscience), I picked up this awesome cork coaster on vacation. Which of these funny wine glasses for moms is your favorite? Do you have a different liquid therapy? #### 11 Must-Have Personalized Mother's Day Gifts on Etsy When I began shopping for personalized Mother's Day gifts on Etsy, I had no idea what I would find. To my surprise, having Mother's Day gifts personalized on Etsy varies widely.  I couldn't believe the skill, talent, and variety of personalized options there were available. While having a gift personalized is extra special on a day like Mother's Day, there are other benefits as well.  For me, supporting my fellow Etsy shop owners makes me feel good. Although I'd prefer to receive items I order in record time thanks to the psychological training from Amazon (you know they do it on purpose), there's something to be said for supporting small business owners. I think Mother's Day is a wonderful time to support those selling on Etsy who are devoting time and energy to do something they love, while also earning a living or paying for other hobbies. Best of all, when you get personalized Mother's Day gifts on Etsy, you're giving mom a sentimental and often unique piece unlike what you'll find in mass in retail stores. Personalized Mother's Day Gifts on Etsy Personalized Heating Pad This reusable neck & shoulder rice bag comes with a personalized name tag.  Mom will love her hold or cold therapy personalized heating pad. Custom Mom Necklace with Kids' Names Perfect for the mom of 3 kids, have each child's name on a disk, making this necklace a fantastic minimalist personalized mother's day gift. Handmade Embroidered Tote Mom's carry a lot of stuff.  Get her a handmade tote bag and have it embroidered with your favorite design. Mom Necklace with Kids' Names and Birthstones She'll love this hand stamped, hand made Mom necklace with kids' names.  To personalize it further, you'll also get birthstones, which makes each necklace extra special. Personalized Mom Shirt If mom likes wearables, she'll love this sweet shirt Personalized Mom Shirt that says "Mom".  The script letters are personalized with the children's names. Personalized Flower Shadow Box This shop has created a unique personalized gift idea perfect for Mother's Day.  Consider this paper flower shadow box.  You have a choice of up to 4 colors! Personalized Floral Embroidery Hoop This personalized floral embroidery hoop is a unique and attractive gift idea for Mother's Day.  Taking an embroidery hoop, this shop owner personalizes the artwork with a name and handmade felt flowers in lots of colors to choose from. Personalized Mother's Day Box This personalized Mother's Day box goes through the trouble of selecting several gifts for you.  The added bonus is that you choose the name to be placed on the small storage bag.  Plus, choose from a small selection of sweets to be added to be box.  The rest is done for you, making it one of the most simple (for you) Mother's Day gift ideas on Etsy. Hand-Burned Recipe Board Turn an old family recipe into an heirloom piece by having it hand-burned into a cutting board.  The owner of this Etsy shop with hand burn the recipe using your family member's actual handwriting.  I think hand-burned recipe board  this one of the most special Mother's Day gift ideas on Etsy I've seen (if you've got a family recipe you never want to forget). Mama Bear Necklace We all know moms are fierce when it comes to their kids.  This mama bear jewelry can be personalized to include the number of "cubs" and you can choose various chain lengths. Morse Code Sterling Silver Bracelet I'm incredibly impressed with the thought put into this Mother's Day gift idea!  The morse code bracelet can be made to say anything, like a name or a word with a special meaning to the person you're giving it to. Did you love these ideas? To say the least, these have been the most irresistible personalized Mother's Day gifts on Etsy. #### 11 of the Most Loved Toddler Toy Gift Ideas Okay, I know I just wrote about non-toy gift ideas for children.  I still prefer non-toy gifts for the kids (or cash for their banks, if we're being honest), but it's really difficult to convince the grandparents not to buy their grandchildren toys.  I get it. To be honest, my kids have gotten some really awesome gifts.  While they don't play with many of the things they've received, a few get more than their fair share of use.  Most of the items I share here as toddler toy gift ideas are toys we've received and loved.  Others on my list, I wouldn't be too upset if my toddler received.  In fact, I might actually wish I were a toddler again ... Great Toddler Toy Gift Ideas Toddler Toy Gift Ideas - General Fat Brain Toys SpinAgain I love how this is a much more entertaining stacker.  It's fairly tall, but our entire family loves this toy for various reasons.  My toddler son enjoys pulling the corkscrew pole out of the base as the disks spin off it.  My daughter and I like actually stacking and watching the disks fall.  [the_ad_group id="13361"] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B016F5QJQW" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51CJe8kAMwL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Mega Bloks 80 piece Big Building Bag If you've got a bigger kid at home, let him/her build and your tiny tot can destroy.  That's the phase we're in anyway.  But, the bigger blocks are easier to pull apart and put together for tiny hands who haven't perfected fine motor skills. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B01CQL2LK2" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51L1P2h7IIL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="439"] Little Tikes Light' N Go - Activity Garden Treehouse Okay, I'm totally diggin' this toy!  This is a multi-function toy that expands as your child grows.  It includes: Shape Sorting Tree (w/ 3 blocks) Mail Box Slide Zig Zag Ball Drop Toucan Ball Feeder Bead Ball Spinner 2 Lady Bug Clickers Clicking Clock [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="397" identifier="B01CV08N8W" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/41PPKVph2VL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Toddler Toy Gift Ideas - Pretend Play LeapFrog Shapes and Sharing Picnic Basket This is such an adorable toy!  We still have the one someone bought my daughter as a toddler and my son is started to become interested in it, mostly because he likes to try to eat the play food... because everything goes in the mouth.  My only complaint is that it's so feminine looking, but I have a huge personal preference for toys to be gender neutral. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B004560BPY" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51m4Zvpm9qL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Fisher-Price Little People Jump & Play Swing Set Can you ever really go wrong with Little People?  Help your toddler learn social skills while having fun. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="311" identifier="B00SO7HLL2" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/419RCcNcGkL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Toddler Toy Gift Ideas - Vehicles Vtech Drop and Go Dump Truck This adorable dump truck allows your toddler to hone in skills used for pulling, pushing, placing balls into a hole while including buttons for music, sounds, and education. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B00Y53V7XM" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51o52Bkh3L.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Melissa & Doug K's Kids Soft Pull Back Vehicles This cute set includes a school bus, family vehicle, fire truck and police car.   We've been really impressed with these cars and I plan to take these on travel with us because they won't likely damage furniture or floors. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="445" identifier="B00EX5K1GG" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51lii4XS0pL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Melissa & Doug Take-Along Town Play Mat I had this on my son's wishlist for Christmas, but they were out of stock for months.  Now that it's back on, I need to get to ordering.  I love the idea of being able to take a whole town with us while we travel and includes nine soft cloth cars! [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="288" identifier="B017OW269Y" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/41rF7aIBFQL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] [the_ad_group id="13357"] Vtech Turn and Learn Driver Okay, we're a car loving family.  My daughter had a similar toy to this when she was a tot, so it was a no brainer to get this when we had our son.  There are few things he actually LOVES, but balls and cars are totally his thing right now.  When my son opened this for his birthday, he slid it all around the house like he was driving everywhere. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B00Y53V80E" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51o2ffdLWIL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Fisher-Price Power Wheels Hot Wheels Lil' Quad with Track Okay, this gem is an Amazon.com exclusive and I'm extremely disappointed we don't have the room for it, otherwise I would have purchased it for my son for Christmas.  This is a low powered power vehicle for toddlers as young as 12 months old.   You can start them on a track going 1 mph as they practice using the toy.  When they're ready, you can take the quad off the track for free driving at just 2 mph. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="276" identifier="B00WO6P364" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/41diurEyY7L.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Toddler Toy Gift Ideas - Sports Vtech Smart Shots Sports Center Another toy our whole family has enjoyed!  My son, who hasn't gotten into toys much yet, has already started shooting baskets (I think he likes the clapping and cheering sounds).  The 5 year old often kicks the soccer ball into the net.  As much as I'm not sports-minded, I find myself practicing my basketball skills (or lack thereof).  And, my husband enjoys making shots from across the room.  This toy gets tons of use. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B00KG3WYI2" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51yxUK79wwL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="437"] Check out these small swing sets for toddlers and small children   Need more gift ideas? Check out this page devoted entirely to gifts for everyone in the family! #### 11 Tricks To Make Reading More Fun For Kids Having trouble with reluctant or uninterested readers?  Reading open the doors to easier education of your kids, so it's vital they learn to read, and better if they enjoy it.  Try to make reading more fun for kids to build and keep their interest with these tips! For some children, learning to read can be a challenging adventure.  It seems everyone has a vested interest in a child's ability to read.  From a child's teacher who wants to know she's helping your child, Mom and Dad who are pushing and "encouraging", and Grandma who's excitedly waiting to hear their grandchild read. All the pressure from the adults can put a damper on the fun and excitement for the child learning to read.  And, with the loss of excitement can come the loss in desire to read. But what if we were to take a step back and see things from our children's eyes?  Kids just want to have fun.  (Did anyone else feel like dancing and singing to the tune of  Girls Just Wanna Have fun?) If we, as parents, can find ways to make reading fun and enjoyable, our children may be more willing to sit down and read a book together. Here are a few ideas you can do to take the pressure off and make reading fun for your child. 11 Ways to Make Reading More Fun For Kids Popcorn Reading For new readers, "popcorn reading" can be a fun way to read the words he/she knows and pass on the words that are problematic. To play: Have your child select a book that's within their reading level.  Each of you will take turns reading through the book aloud.  When the person reading says the word "popcorn," it is the other person's turn to read. This can be especially helpful when a child lacks the motivation to read a book (or chapter) all the way through.  Sometimes the occasional break makes her feel better about reading more. Reading Buddy My daughter's school has a system where they place an older "reading buddy" in class and read aloud together.  My daughter's always been a good reader, but having an older reader sitting with her gave her more confidence and piqued her interest a bit more. This process can work at home as well for your younger kids.  I've seen it in practice with my toddler who hasn't always been very interested in books.  But, having his big sister read to him helped him become more interested in books. Allow an older sibling, cousin, or friend to be your child's reading buddy.  Without being under the watchful eye of an adult, you may find your child to experience less nervousness about reading aloud. Highlight Heaven This one is fun, but you've gotta be careful about how you approach this, especially taking into account the child's age. Grab an older book and a highlighter.  Sit down with your child and have her highlight every word on the page she can read.  Once all the words she knows are highlighted, take a moment to look over the page to see how many words she can read.  You could even count the words together. Seeing her abilities in a visual way way can be quite the confidence booster for some people. One of our favorite things to highlight is Highlights Magazines instead of books, since they're full of activity pages anyway. Flashlight Reading Toward the end of the day, and before your child is too tired, take a book and a flashlight to a dark room.  Try to read the book by the light of the flashlight. My daughter used to do this herself when she really began to read on her own.  I found that this activity not only continued to build her reading skills, but helped her settle in for bed more easily at night.  I think it helped make reading more fun because she felt like she was doing something she wasn't supposed to do, too. Secret Hideout Once kids are exposed to fort-building, I don't know one that doesn't obsess over it. If you don't already have a fort inside the house or outside in the yard, help build one with your child.  This building activity can be as simple as a blanket fort inside or a throw together plywood fort outside.  It could also be more time-consuming like building a tree house.  Whatever you build, make sure you both fit inside the fort and are able to get in and out easily. Once complete, have your child bring a favorite reading book (or two).  Get comfortable and read away together. Reading Corner Pick a special corner of the home to become a "reading corner."  Have your child take part in picking a quiet, cozy spot or decorating it to make it a space he or she wants to spend more time in. Some ideas include: Setting up a tent Adding bean bags or pillows hang posters or pictures on the wall Take a Break Although there's nothing exciting about this idea, you'll be surprised how excited your child might be that you're taking a special break from the "to do list" to read with him or her.  This slight break for you can make reading more fun for both of you! Play Picture Detective Before reading a story, have your child flip through the pages and predict what will happen in the story based on what they see in the pictures. Afterward, read the book together to find out how close your child was! Pop-up Word Help your child associate an action with a word they're struggling with.  For this activity, pick one word your child particularly struggles with. During a reading session, every time your child reads this particularly difficult word, you both stand up.  The action associated with the word will help him or her remember it more easily. This is a particularly great exercise and can making reading more fun for kinesthetic learners (children who learn through movement and touching). Star of the Story I can't think of anything more exciting than personalized story books. Because your child will have to read the book to find out what kind of adventure they'll be going on, they're usually more motivated to read the book. If your child is a reluctant reader, this can be an extra motivating factor. Get New Books Regularly While kids do tend to enjoy the same books in phases, they can become bored with the same old books. Two ways to make reading more fun through new books is to: a. Visit the library and allow your child to borrow a few books to read for the next week or two. b. Monthly subscriptions that offer age-appropriate book deliveries can build the excitement over what books your child will be receiving!  We tend to love this book subscription box. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ivy | SAHM Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Jul 14, 2018 at 7:17am PDT Sometimes all it takes to make reading more fun is some imagination and a change of scenery.  Give your child time and plenty of patience as they learn to read.  In order to make reading more fun for kids, it's important not to stress about their reading skills or to be too demanding.  Make reading a game if you want to build their interest! #### 12 Awesome Benefits Of Breastfeeding For Baby In this Sponsored Guest Post from Tracy Montford (from Cake Maternity), you'll learn some fascinating benefits of breastfeeding for baby. Breastfeeding your children exclusively for the first six months of their life gives them the best possible start in life. It is the most healthy, sustainable, low cost and easy form of feeding your child and it’s the way nature intended. Some women will continue to feed their children up to as a toddler.  There is no right or wrong choice. A young child will still benefit from breast milk through nutrition and nurturing.   Choosing to stop should not be taken lightly and should be made when it is right for both mother and child. What are the benefits of breastfeeding? 12 Benefits of Breastfeeding for Baby Antibodies Breast milk is full of antibodies that help to keep a baby's immune system strong.  His ability to fight off infections will be greater, resulting in less sickness. The benefits of a strong immune system will continue on well into adulthood. Growth and Development Breast milk aids in the growth and physical development of your baby.  Breast milk is particularly beneficial for premature babies as it is very easy to digest.  Baby will get maximum benefit with little effort. Naturally Nutritious Breast milk is natural and nutritious.  It is free from chemicals and processed matter. Benefits From Your Diet Baby benefits from your diet and the good things you eat. Weight Benefits A breastfed baby is less likely to become obese and or overweight.  He will gain a taste for good food and is likely to be a less fussy eater than a baby who has been formula-fed.   Gentle Breast milk is gentler on the stomach and much easier to digest.  He is less likely to become constipated and have regular bowel motions. More Settled Sleep Breast milk can aid in a more settled sleep.  This is because his body has to work less to digest the milk. Vision Breast milk enhances vision.  Baby’s that are breastfeed have better eyesight generally speaking.  This is due to the fatty acid chains in breast milk. Healthy Teeth Breastfeeding helps to promote good healthy teeth.  The motion of sucking on the breast aids in the development of a strong jaw and healthy weight teeth. A breastfed baby is likely to have fewer cavities compared to a formula-fed baby. Immune System Breastfeed babies are less likely to have allergies and develop conditions such as eczema.  Breast milk helps to make a baby’s immune system less sensitive to overactive defenses. Breast milk helps to protect baby from respiratory infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis.  It also helps to protect him against developing ear infections. Lower Risk of SIDS Studies have suggested that breastfeed babies are at a lower risk of SIDS (cot death). IQ Studies have suggested that breastfed babies have a higher IQ than formula feed babies. A breastfed baby’s brain develops faster in the early years giving him a head start in life. Breastfed babies are more likely grow up to be confident, assured adults.  This is due to the security and bond created during those early years, between mother and child. Persevere Breastfeeding does not always come naturally to all women.  For some of us it can be a struggle to begin with. It is my advice to persevere through the first weeks because it does get easier.   Seek help should it be required to assist in your feeding technique. Invest in good quality nursing bras that will last the duration of your breastfeeding journey. Cake nursing bras are designed to support a very heavy bust and will have reinforced lower cups for added lift and support. You should also invest in a cotton washable nursing pads and other products that will assist your breastfeeding journey. Breastfeed as much as you can for as long as you can but if things get a little much for you, don’t ever feel any less about yourself. Treasure every moment of your breastfeeding journey however long or short. Like many women out there, Tracey Montford is an exceptional multi-tasker! Apart from steering a global business, managing 2 young boys & keeping the clan clean and fed, Tracey still finds time to provide creative inspiration and direction to the exceptional designs of Cake Maternity. From the branding, presentation and delivery, creativity is a big part of what Tracey does so naturally and effectively. Find out more at https://www.cakematernity.com or catch up with her on social @cakematernity . #### 12 Easy Chores For Toddlers To Do With a Little Help We believe in starting life lessons early in childhood, so we start teaching our toddlers responsibility through chores.  These are age-appropriate and easy chores for 2 and 3 year olds to learn about responsibility while being included in your family's daily activities. Check out this list of totally do-able toddler chores. I love teaching my daughter to have a sense of responsibility and that to be a productive member of the family means that she has to get involved.   At two years old, I started S on some basic chores.  It's my hope that she'll be a productive member of the family, especially in her teenage years.  And, I choose to believe instilling these values early will help her to be a productive member of society as an adult.  In order to teach responsibility (and to teach my children I'm not a maid), I chose to start chores early. Apparently, children benefit from having chores in more ways than I even thought.  So, why not start early, right? Interested in giving your toddler chores?   I have a few suggestions! When Should Toddlers Start Chores? Most toddlers can handle taking on small, simple tasks as early as about 2 years old, though when a child should start doing chores can be quite different for each family. Usually, 2- and 3-year-olds think helping mommy is fun so you may decide this is when to start. Some toddlers may just not be developmentally ready or get frustrated easily, so introduce chores when your family is ready. The good news is, that showing them the ropes on some easy chores can help them develop motor skills, life skills and to learn responsibility. What Chores Can a Toddler Do? Brush Teeth - Good oral hygiene should start early.  I typically brush my daughter's teeth for her and then let her "finish" while I brush my teeth.  While I don't recommend this as a "chore" for older children, it's not a bad routine to start with the little ones. Brush Hair - Depending on age, this could be scary.  I let my daughter "brush" her hair and then I re-do it for her to get out the knots she makes.  Again, you're simply trying to teach your child to take care of himself/herself. Load Washer or Dryer - If you have two front-loading machines, your child can put dirty clothes in the wash and clean clothes in to dry.  We have a top-loading washer, so it's not really practical for her to put clothes in to wash without a stool and a bit of extra help. Put away toys and books - Straightening up her playroom and bookshelf gives my daughter a sense of accomplishment and helps me spend less time doing it when she goes to bed. Throw away trash - Less of a chore than a task throughout the day to stay clean.  When children understand the difference between trash and something we keep, they're less likely to experiment with throwing things out you (or they) would prefer to keep. Going potty -  If you're toilet training, make this a "chore" so that there's an added incentive to complete the task(s) for rewards. Water plants - If you've never tried this, I highly recommend starting with outdoor plants because most of the water will end up on the ground.  I purchased a small watering can "toy" from the dollar store as it was the perfect size for my daughter, just to make things a little easier (and wasted less water in one spot). Other Possible Easy Chores for Toddlers Help sort laundry - Show your toddler how to sort and match clothes. Help fold laundry - Take the time to show your toddler how to fold and let them try. (Yes, you'll likely be re-doing it, but they'll get a sense of accomplishment from the task). Put clothes in the hamper - This is so simple ... just having your toddler put their own clothes in the hamper will make them smile. Make the bed -  Well, you know you have to help, but you can show them how to pull the covers up and toss the pillow(s) on the bed. Dry dishes - While you're washing dishes, or removing them from the dishwasher, hand the unbreakable items to your tot to towel dry. How Do You Get Your Toddler to Do Chores? When considering toddler chores, don't choose anything complicated or anything that takes longer than their attention spans can handle. Give your child a chance to express interest and always be willing to step in if they get frustrated. The point of toddler chores isn't to make them work so hard that they begin resenting them before they do so naturally. 1. Expose Your Little One to Chores If you want your child to do chores, it helps not to save them for when he or she goes to bed at night. Allowing your toddler to see you taking care of household duties will expose them to daily life. Often, little ones gladly offer to help. 2. Show How to Do It First You can't expect a toddler to understand the chore just by talking about it alone. Show your toddler the chore and help when necessary. 3. Don't Expect Perfection Surely you know that.   Honestly expect that you're going to be re-doing chores, like re-sorting and re-folding, to your standards for a while.  But, when your 5-year-old can sort, fold, and put away her own laundry, you're going to be so proud.  Not to mention, you're seriously going to feel great being able to delegate chores and reduce your own workload!! 4. Make it Fun Turn on Pandora.  Sing and dance.  Or make a game out of the chores.  Basically, don't stress it and let your kid enjoy the tasks instead of making it feel like a chore. When it stops being fun or your toddler gets frustrated, let them excuse themselves to do something fun again before the meltdown. 5. Have a Visual Chore Chart Kids love seeing their progress.  Either make your own toddler chore chart or buy a really cute one.  We really love our Melissa & Doug Magnetic Responsibility Chart. Chore charts like these make toddler chores more rewarding! 6. Offer Praise Letting your little one know what a good job they did and how much you appreciate their help will further enhance their natural desire to help. Can you recommend any other easy toddler chores? #### 12 Wonderful Watermelon Activities for Your Preschooler Inside: For those of you hoping to extend summer, check out these cute watermelon activities for preschoolers.  Best of all, they're easy crafts and activities that won't take up a lot of time! Here it is  ... FALL.  And you'd think I'd be writing about pumpkins.  I mean, who doesn't love Fall and Pumpkins ... and Pumpkin Spice Lattes?  If you don't ... let's not speak about it lest I become a little distant with you *wink*. So, I would have written about Fall and Pumpkins, which I've done before like when I wrote the Welcome Fall Roundup last year or sharing pumpkin crafts and activities. But, some people seem to want to extend summer a little longer and are looking for watermelon activities and crafts for their kids. Forgive us Floridians for being bitter about extending summer with you.  If you're in Florida, you know that even though we've entered Fall, it will feel like summer for a few weeks to a month, and it only lasts a little while. We like to soak up the couple of weeks with our pretty sweaters and boots while it lasts, if you know what I mean. 12 Adorable Watermelon Activities for Preschoolers When I think of Summer, I always think of watermelons (and strawberries).  What kid doesn't just love watermelons?  My son doesn't seem to, but he's currently a picky eater. Watermelons are sweet, cool, and refreshing ... exactly what one needs to feel better about a hot summer day in Florida (as well as a thermostat set to 70 degrees all day with a fan on full blast).  At least, that's my opinion on the matter. But, we can't sit and eat watermelon all day, can we? And preschoolers aren't always very good at spitting watermelon seeds either. So, help foster their love of watermelons with these fun watermelon activities and crafts. Find the Letter: W is for Watermelon from 3 Boys and a Dog Watermelon Play Dough Counting from Sugar, Spice & Glitter Paper Plate Watermelon from Easy Peasy and Fun Felt Watermelon Seed Counting Activity from SAHM, plus... 3D Paper Fruit (includes watermelon) from Easy Peasy and Fun Summer Story Time Ideas with The Watermelon Seed from Homebound But Hopeful Paper Plate Watermelon Fan from Crafts by Amanda DIY Sweet Summer Watermelon Button Craft from A Cultivated Nest Watermelon Handprint Craft from It Happens in a Blink Handprint Art: W is for Watermelon by Crystal & Co Wonderbug Watermelon Craft for Kids from Kolcraft Puffy Paint Watermelon Craft for Kids from Crafty Morning What's your favorite watermelon activity or craft? #### 13 Positive Hurricane Evacuation Travel Tips You Need to Know Inside: Hurricane evacuation preparedness is complex as it is. Add kids and evacuation travel and it's insanely stressful. These tips are based on my experience evacuating FL with my two kids - how to stay positive during an evacuation trip with kids. It seems funny to say that evacuating Florida as we faced Hurricane Irma gave me courage.  Running in fear and for the safety of my children doesn't seem all that brave.  If my husband hadn't told me to take them, I'd have weathered the storm at home with him and the kids. You may remember how terrible traveling for our mountain vacation had been.  My son spent much of the 7-hour drive up to Clarkesville, GA crying and screaming and I was a ball of anxiety once we arrived at our destination.  That trip, I had my dad in the car to help me along the way.  But, traveling with two small kids to escape Irma's path, it was just me.  And, for whatever reason, I though traveling to Kentucky from Florida might be a "fun adventure".  (I won't lie ... part of me just wanted to put our new Honda Odyssey to the test) The thought of traveling alone with them scared me.   Not that I was worried about gas, flat tires, or bad people, though maybe I should have been.  I was concerned one or both of my children would have me on edge and I'd be completely unable to care for them as we traveled.  I was frightened of the deafening screams for attention from my son that would send my blood pressure shooting through the roof. What could be better than listening to those screams as you're navigating unfamiliar towns? I was terrified my daughter would have a meltdown just afterwards, leaving me too emotionally exhausted to continue my trip.  Then what?  Find a hotel room in the middle of nowhere? Thankfully, we had family scattered throughout Georgia, making our evacuation route stops shorter. I left on a Thursday afternoon, as soon as I picked up the oldest and headed for our first destination, just a few hours away from Jacksonville.  Our first stop was an easy 3 or 4-hour trip.  My son amazed me and barely had an outburst. The second stop took us about 7 hours, though it should have been a 4-hour trip.  Hurricane Irma was scaring lots of Floridians out of their homes by that time.  Unfortunately, many evacuees decided to take the same back country roads to avoid the major highway congestion.  Unfortunately, it caused major delays in our travel time. When I made it to our second stop, I was still in fairly good spirits.  My children had been as happy and content as could be.  I may even dare to say our drive was mostly pleasant.  Cries and screams from the littlest were few and far between.  And I could tell, when he did cry or scream, he was fighting sleep.  The last leg of the trip was more exhausting and frustrating as I watched every gain in distance lead to later expected arrival time. I was tired and I wanted out of the car. Having arrived, the kids were still doing well.  And, I decided to take my evacuation trip further the following morning with the longest trip I'd ever make with the two kids alone.  It was also the longest I'd ever have driven on my own in my life. I packed them into the car as early as we could gather our things and we hit the road to Kentucky.  I wanted out of the evacuation traffic and decided to visit family near Louisville. whom I hadn't seen in years. My husband and father were concerned and I'm pretty certain they tried to convince me to stay put.  But, I'd made it halfway to Kentucky and I was feeling bold.  So we packed up for a final 8-hour drive and we made it with our sanity in-tact. This is the reason for this post!  I had to constantly remind myself of all the good to stay positive during an evacuation trip with kids! This is the last of the 5-part Emergency Preparedness for Families Series: Discussing the types of disasters to prepare for as a family How to Make an Emergency Preparedness Plan For Your Family Survival Food Storage Ideas for Families in a Disaster Must-Have Supplies for Your Family Disaster Survival Kit How to Stay Positive During an Evacuation Trip with Kids (this post) BONUS:  Come back Saturday for a special post about the types of things I recommend packing for an evacuation trip with kids. 13 Tips to Stay Positive During An Evacuation Trip With Kids I knew the trip was going to be interesting.  Without my husband, there were a number of problems I could have encountered.  But, I knew we had to make the best of the situation.  I never let on to my kids just how much stress I was feeling.  I was honest with the oldest, just to let her know I needed as much cooperation as possible. Thankfully, we had an almost perfect trip, so I'm sharing these tips to stay positive during an evacuation trip with kids! Call on Family.  Even family members you haven't seen or spoken to in years will be happy to host you at their house and offer shelter from the storm.  This is a great time for an unplanned family reunion, of sorts. Screen time rules are out.  Load up on movies and electronic devices and delight in the silence when you can! Pack a crap ton of snacks.... maybe two crap tons.  Kids get hungry at random times and it's not going to be fun to stop at every whim.  Nor is listening to the kids if you don't have enough. Don't worry about keeping the car clean.  After a week, it'll look like you've been living out the van, even if you take an hour to clean it one day during your trip. Forget about being healthy or having rounded meals.  Sometimes it's not feasible to stop when the kids are hungry, so they just have to wait.  But, kids aren't the most patient when it comes to food.  Am I right?  Throw some of those gummy bunnies in the back seat and let them tear into it in the name of your sanity. Keep your perspective.  No matter what happens on your trip, keep your perspective and stay positive.  Be grateful you have the opportunity to evacuate because some people don't have a choice.  Things could be worse! Pretend you're on vacation.  Make sure to point out landmarks and special sights your kids don't often see or won't see for a long time.  Enjoy the scenery!  Go see some sights when you get to your final destination.  Your kids will appreciate the unexpected vacation! Love everyone.  Remember that some of the most important people are right there in the car with you.  Love them and be happy you've done everything you could to spare them from the disaster and aftermath of the storm. Be kind and courteous.  Chances are, if you're evacuating your city (or state) due to an impending hurricane, you're going to encounter other evacuees.  Don't add to anyone else's stress by being rude, inconsiderate, or sour.  At the very least, wear a smile on your face and be friendly.  You never know whose day you'll brighten just with a smile. Slow down.  Whether you're just leaving or returning from your trip, it's important to remember the purpose of your evacuation ... safety of your loved ones.  Being in a rush can cause the opposite outcome you were hoping for.  Take your time and avoid speeding or road rage.  The last thing you want to happen is to get into an accident after avoiding a devastating storm. Pack more than you think you'll need.  I was gone a week and ended up in Kentucky.  I had to do laundry once on our trip and I didn't pack pants for everyone.  OOPS!  The weather was cooler at our final destination and so were some thermostats at my family's houses.  Pants and sweaters were necessary!  To keep on an even keel, you don't want more work than you have to do if you're traveling under these conditions. Don't place orders for delivery while you're on travel.  Delays from before the hurricane meant delays after.  Even if you come home unscathed doesn't mean deliveries and jobs are unaffected. Be patient and kind when you return.  People and businesses are doing extra work to get back on track.  Everyone is drained and moody from being without power, debris cleanup, and eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for days.  Your rush or perceived significance is no greater than anyone else's and only makes things worse for everyone. Are there other ways you can think of to stay positive during an evacuation trip with kids? If you like all my tips, and have found my emergency preparedness series useful, don't forget to click below to sign up for my newsletter.  You'll get immediate access to a Family Emergency Preparedness Workbook along with a full library of printable resources for parents. Tell me: will you use these tips to stay positive during an evacuation trip with kids? #### 13 Tempting Vigo Yellow Rice Recipes You Need to Make Tired of cooking the same old food for dinner?  Check out these 13 satisfying Vigo Yellow Rice Recipes to try when you're tired of white rice. I love white rice.  My husband, however, hates white rice.  He needs gravy on his rice.  Needs!  Like, won't touch rice if there's no gravy. And he doesn't understand how I can slab some (faux) butter and sprinkle Himalayan pink salt on my serving and be happy.  Is it really that weird? To be honest, now that I can no longer have gravy, I've been known to salivate over the family's gravy-smothered rice. Yeah, I get bored of white rice sometimes.  Who doesn't?  Still, I love rice.  I could eat it with every meal and be happy, but I do like to mix it up a bit. So, what do you make when white rice just won't do?  One of the next best alternatives is yellow rice, in my book.  And some of the easiest options come in the form of Vigo Yellow Rice recipes.  I love Vigo Yellow Rice because it's flavorful and simple to make. And believe me when I say I need simple to make because I'm notorious for messing up rice. I tempt you with these Vigo Yellow Rice Recipes Succulent Spanish Shrimp with Yellow Rice from Living Sweet Moments Crazy Easy Chicken and Yellow Rice Dinner Recipe from SAHM, plus... Easy Yellow Rice with Vegetables and Olives from Fab Haute Mama Easy Baked Chicken and Yellow Rice from Tasty Kitchen Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Yellow Rice from Flour on My Face Easy Chicken Chorizo Paella from The Woks of Life Grilled Shrimp with Yellow Rice from The Mom Maven Yellow Rice and Beans from Go Go Go Gourmet Mexican Yellow Rice from Erica's Recipes Saffron Chicken and Yellow Rice Soup from Little Figgy Food Spanish Chorizo, Shrimp, and Chicken from Homemade Hooplah Roast Pork with Black Beans and Yellow Rice from The Hungry Housewife Cheesy Corn and Rice Casserole from Southern Bite What are some of your favorite Vigo yellow rice recipes? #### 13 Things For Kids To Do Instead of Watch TV Are your kids bored and need a bit of entertainment? Check out these things for kids to do instead of watch TV . C'mon, admit it. You sometimes use the television set as a cheap babysitter. That's ok…we ALL do it sometimes! Ah, but it's a double-edged sword, because kids who watch a lot of TV have trouble keeping themselves entertained, which in the long run makes your job harder! If you're trying to limit the TV viewing in your household, you might need a little inspiration. Try these screen-free activities guaranteed to keep the kids busy… at least for a little while! Things For Kids To Do Instead of Watch TV 1) Make paper airplanes https://youtu.be/54noZe-0B1c This one can be pretty addictive! My daughter loved making paper airplanes as an assignment in science class when we were first doing virtual school, right after the shut down. Buy your kids a book on the fine arts of paper airplane making, and then put your feet up and read a book. 2) Make a tower with toothpicks and peas https://youtu.be/9yCQLzE7bbw This is one cool reason to encourage them to play with their food! You can use marshmallows in place of peas as well. 3) Make homemade ice cream https://youtu.be/q46UnlboDGk Put two parts milk and cream and one part sugar in a coffee can with any flavorings you want. Put the lid on the can, then put it in a bigger can and pour ice around the smaller can. Put rock salt on the ice. Put a lid on the big can and give it to your kiddos. Have them roll it back and forth for about half hour or until it turns into ice cream! 4) Magnet Search and Find Give them a magnet and instruct them to run it all over the house and see what they find. Loose change is fair game. To add an extra challenge, see if they can count the change in order to keep it. 5) Yellow Submarine If you have bunk beds, put blankets around the lower one and make a submarine. Choose a yellow blanket, if you have one. Then sing the appropriate Beatles tune. 6) Play First Family Savings and Loan Save your cancelled checks and fake credit cards that come in the mail. Supply your kids with a calculator, pencils, small table and Monopoly money. This was one of my favorite ways to play as a kid! 7) Build a mini log cabin with twigs https://youtu.be/Dqcy_2H6lBw 8) Have a tic-tac-toe tournament The magic of tic tac toe is in the simplicity. A piece of paper and a writing utensil is all that is needed for an activity that many kids really enjoy ... unless they lose a lot and turn into sore losers. 9) Make your own soda. https://youtu.be/iBufWSsTsuc 10) Make a card for Grandma. Get out the rubber stamps, art supplies and construction paper and make a greeting card for Grandma or another loved one. 11) Bake a cake Buy the kids an easy cake or brownie mix and let them loose in the kitchen. Turn it into a learning experience about personal responsibility by telling them they can enjoy the fruits of their labors as long as they clean up the mess. 12) Make up a treasure hunt Buy cheap dollar store toys and hide them in your closet. Make a list of items they must find outside on their treasure hunt. Some examples are a white rock, a feather, a red leaf, and a penny, just to name a few. Tell them an exciting booty awaits when they bring all the items to you. (Plus, I'm sure they'll get a kick out of the word booty.) If a list isn't challenging enough, try coming up with clues and hiding them to find in sequence until they reach the "treasure chest." 13) Make a blanket fort Put old blankets over the backs of chairs or over a table to make a tent. Have your kids grab their flashlight, pillow, blanket and books and camp out for the day (or night). What are your favorite things for kids to do instead of watch TV? Do you have a favorite boredom buster? #### 14 Ways to Spend Quality Time With Family Sitting in front of the boob-tube isn't really how one would spend quality time with family. But, that's what many of us do after a long day of work. Either that, or you'll see many people glued to their smartphones. Heck, you can't go out to dinner in a restaurant anymore without seeing little ones playing with a phone or tablet. Now, as much as I understand mom and dad needing to eat dinner in peace on occasion, I can't help but wonder if this is a regular practice. And if so, do they every spend true quality time with their children? I like to have some peace and quiet myself, but I know my children need their parents to be active and involved. My daughter regularly wants to show off the lizards she finds in the yard or the newfound skill on her violin. My son yaps my ear off about stuff at school and wants to show me his latest drawing. Most times, I nod, but I'm not really paying attention. I'm pretty sure my kids realize it and when I notice that I've blown them off, I quickly apologize. If I can, I break away from what I'm doing to give them a moment of my time. If I'm on a deadline, I ask them to remind me to listen or look when I am not working. When I finally make the time to pay attention, I see their faces light up and I know they really needed me to be intentional and present. So, that's what I'm going to work on this year! Being more intentional and present. I'm going to attempt to spend quality time with my family, free from distractions when I can. But, I don't want to just do normal stuff. So, I'm going to tap into a list of opportunities. 14 Ways to Spend Quality Time With Family Be Part of the Morning Routine Bake in a few minutes to sit at the table with the kids in the morning and help them get ready for the day. Use my tips for crushing the school morning routine ... trust me, you'll be able to find a few extra minutes for drinking coffee and chatting it up with the kids! Be Involved in a Bedtime Routine Whether you're helping little ones getting ready for bed or reading for a few minutes at night, be present at night! Take a couple extra minutes to talk about how the day went and spend a moment simply enjoying being with your child. Family Game Night Break away from the mundane and have a game night about once a week. Give each kid a night to pick the game you'll play, or take turns choosing games if they're shorter ones. Family Movie Night There's something magical about dimming the lights, popping pop corn, and snuggling on the couch with your family for a cute movie. Cook Dinner or Bake Treats Together Don't let the ordinary task of preparing dinner stop you from having special bonding moments with your children. Include age-appropriate tasks your kids can help with while you're in the kitchen. If your child is still young, they can do simple things like placing napkins on the table. Involve Them in Chores Chores aren't just great for teaching kids to be responsible for themselves! Participating in chores together will give them a sense of belonging in the family (as it would in the sense of volunteering and belonging in a community) which is just one reason kids should have chores anyway. Plus, you never know what kind of fun opportunities to laugh or learn may come out of sharing chores. Sneak in a Break Sometimes it's harder than others to find time to spend with your family. One of my favorite ways to spend quality time with my kids, now that we're home most days, is to take my lunch break with them. My oldest is in virtual school at the moment, so I wait to have my lunch break when she's taking hers. You have to eat or get up from your chair on occasion, so attempt to take that break when the kids are available as well. Take Pictures Together We all have our phones within reach most times, so why not use the cameras and take some impromptu family selfies or snap a few pictures of them enjoying whatever activity they're doing. They'll be happy that you're taking interest in them and having yourself in some pictures is always nice! Take a Walk Although a nature hike would be amazing, a walk doesn't have to mean serious walking shoes and major planning. Take a walk, hand-in-hand, to the mailbox or around the block. This is a great opportunity to put your phone in your pocket and focus solely on your kids! Or, maximize the time with your family and take photos while on your walk. Have a Family Hobby Find something the whole family can enjoy and do it together. Popular family activities are camping, hiking, boating, and biking. Whatever you do, find a hobby you'll all enjoy so that everyone is happy. The last thing you want is for any member of the family to feel stressed or irritated with the hobby. Read a Book Reading a book together as a family can be as simple as a short story or as dedicated as choosing a long chapter book. If you are looking to spend quality time with your family that includes younger children, keep the books light and short so as not to lose their attention. Build with Legos Who doesn't like Legos? Buy a new set and work on it together as a family. Or, take some of the zillion you've already got around the house and build your own creations. Learn Together Find something of interest for the whole family and learn about it. Certainly one of the kids has had a dinosaur obsession, has been fascinated by art, or is interested in sports. Pick a subject and learn more about it! Share Stories Don't just talk about random things ... share stories with your kids about your lives! You can share fond memories of your childhood or discuss current events that are making you think about your life in new ways. Involve them in the discussion and let them ask questions. Quality Time with Family Series This is part 4 in the series about family and quality time! Here's what we have: Parents, Make Time for Your KidsGet Rid of Facebook (Be a Better, Happier Parent)Maximize Time With your FamilyWays to Spend Quality Time With Family (THIS POST) #### 15 Easy Chicken and Rice Dinners You Need to Try You've spent the day shuttling the kids to and from school and running around town completing errands.  Maybe you've accomplished some much needed housework.  It's those days I wish I would just call the husband and ask for take-out.  On the days I know I'm going to feel overworked, I'm glad I have meal planning in place to help me with easy dinners!  Some days, a satisfying and easy chicken and rice dinner is exactly what we need to complete the day. I know how important it is to have easy meals to prepare at night.  In my opinion, chicken and rice are two of the easiest and most versatile dishes.  There's very little in the way of prep that must be done with chicken or rice in order for it to come out well either. In the very least, chicken is probably what we eat the most of.  So, I like to have a list of easy chicken and rice dinners on hand. 15 Easy Chicken and Rice Dinners Now, by easy, I don't necessarily mean "quick."  Though you will find some quick weeknight chicken dinners here.  But for me, easy often means little prep, even if the meal cooks a little while in the oven.  I mean, a good roasted chicken recipe is EASY, but take a while to cook, right?  And that's totally worth the time if you have it. You will find some family-pleasing, easy chicken and rice dinners here that are also quick.  I should have you covered, no matter what you're looking for! Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet Meal from Inspiring Savings One Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice from I Don't Have Time for That Instant Pot Chicken and Rice from Cleverly Me Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe from Outnumbered 3 to 1 Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole from Pink When One Pot Spanish Chicken and Rice from Living Sweet Moments Teriyaki Chicken and Rice from A Mom's Take Healthy Chicken Rice and Bean Soup from Mommy Snippets Homemade Chicken and Rice Soup from Organized Island Easy Chicken and Yellow Rice from SAHM, plus... Fire Grilled Chicken Tenders and Mexican Rice from Pizzazzerie Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole from Pink When Chicken-and-Rice Lettuce Wraps from Tara Teaspoon Southwest Skillet Chicken and Rice from Living Sweet Moments Better than Take-out Chicken Fried Rice from Pint-Sized Treasures And, don't forget, you can make your own homemade crock-pot chicken broth, which is super easy and perfect for any of the recipes above that call for chicken broth or chicken stock. #### 15 of the Best Posts About the Perfect Housekeeping Schedule Looking for the perfect housekeeping schedule?  I'm certain you'll find it here! Ready for some spring cleaning?  Don't get me started ... I barely have the time for regular weekly cleaning.  I still have a young, and very active son at home.  Someone please tell me it gets easier! In February, I wrote a few posts about getting the family schedule organized.  Why? Because when I became a first time mommy nearly 6 years ago, I was overwhelmed by all that I couldn't actually get done.  I spent hours on the internet trying to figure out how to clean my house with a baby. I'm a firm believer that you should build your own housekeeping schedule, for the best chances of success.  I even included some information in my new time management for parents ebook.  If you still feel you need some housekeeping schedule inspiration, check out these ideas. Housekeeping Schedule Inspiration Housekeeping Schedule for New Moms from SAHM, plus... Have a Clean Home without Work from Joyful Abode 12 Places You're Forgetting to Clean from A Mom's Take Simple Cleaning Schedule to keep your home tidy from Happy Mothering Make a Cleaning Schedule that Works from Joyful Abode Cleaning Shortcuts from A Mom's Take Free Printable Weekly Cleaning Schedule from Saving Dollars and Sense The Daily 5 Cleaning System from Wondermom Wannabe How to Keep Your House Clean from Must Have Mom! Cleaning Checklist Room-by-Room from A Mom's Take Printable Annual Cleaning Planner from Joyful Abode Create the Perfect Cleaning Schedule from Princess Pinky Girl Weekly Cleaning Schedule from Mommy Moment Creating a Simple House Cleaning Schedule from Juggling Family Life Printable House Cleaning Plan from Saving Dollars and Sense If you're looking for more ways to organize your home life, don't forget to check out my E-Book!  In How to Conquer Your Family's Schedule: A Stay at Home Mom's Guide to (Almost) Getting it All Done I help you to build a perfect housekeeping schedule, meal plan, and more.  It's a short, easy read to help you become the master of your family schedule.  No hard to read or difficult to implement tactics.... just ordinary mom talk! #### 15+ Funny Stay At Home Mom Memes As a stay at home mom, I know how much we can use a break and a good bit of laughter. Here are 17 stay at home mom memes I think you'll love! Whether or not you're working from home, moms had some major changes to their situations during the pandemic. Some of us had children staying at home for virtual school. Others just decided now was a great time to start homeschooling. Still, others sent their children to brick-and-mortar and wondered when and if schools would get shut down again. We' had to adapt and overcome. Many moms experience guilt (hello working mom guilt!), burnout, and just downright terrible days when they don't like being a mom. If any of that sounds familiar, you need a good laugh! Since you have nothing better to do with your time ... right?! When you find the time (helloooooo nap time!), come back and let's have a laugh together over these hilarious sahm memes. I'm pretty sure we can all relate to them! And if anyone gives you crap for finding time to laugh at some stay at home mom memes, we'll gang up and punch them in the face. My Favorite Stay at Home Mom Memes 1. Peace out! Love you honey!!! The kids though ... 2. Just Doing The Math Can you really put a price on sanity? 3. WTF is a Bon Bon? I don't know about you, but I literally took the time to look up "bon bon." This sahm meme held some serious truth! 4. I Fucking Dare You! What do stay at home moms do? Worst question EVER! That makes this a highly relevant stay at home mom meme. 5. No seriously, what day is it? If you haven't had one of these days, are you even a stay at home mom? 6. Lest I hear "what did you do all day?" See #4. I dare you! Anyway, it's not like it stays that way very long. 7. Really hope you love your job ... I'm certain this is the face of the average stay at home mom! 8. It's not 9 to 5 ... Even when you close your eyes, you're still on call! Stay at home mom burnout, anyone? 9. Pinterest Flunkie Do you have a problem with my stay at home mom skills? 10. You know you like the pics of the kids! Or, I could also post pictures of those elusive bon bons ... 11. It's gotta be said again ... Because you know someone didn't read #4. 12. Or hop on a phone call... It never fails! But why is it so? 13. You accrue vacation days at a real job ... Being a stay at home mom is my job. But maybe it's time to think about getting a real job. 14. Is that a thing? Living in a fantasy ... 15. I mean, really... I think the theme here is major frustration over people thinking stay at home moms just have fun. 16. Dressed up? Do yoga pants count? Asking for a friend ... 17. No nap is ever long enough! 2 hours wasn't enough when I was only a stay at home mom. How the hell can I cram in work now that I'm a work at home mom? This mom meme really hits me in the feels! 18. It's cool except when the kids are home... Via The Outnumbered Mother 19. The "Things I Don't Do" List is Shorter I hate the question "what do stay at home moms do all day?"! 20. I'm SO Confused! Do you have any favorite SAHM memes? I'm sure I've missed a zillion hilarious and relate-able stay at home mom memes. If so, share your favorites... maybe I'll come back and include them in the list.Did you create a sahm meme? Shoot me a message and request your meme be included with a link back to you! #### 16 Age-Appropriate Chores for 6 and 7 Year Olds I choose to teach my kids responsibility and life skills through chores.  This is part of my parenting style.  This is a list of 16 age appropriate chores for 6 and 7 year olds my daughter does, or is capable of doing (mostly) on her own. Yes, I have my children do chores.  And I certainly started gearing their little brains to understand that their help around the house is expected and valued. From the time my daughter was just a toddler, I started allowing her to "help" me with little chores.  She loved putting laundry in the dryer or pulling it out of the dryer and putting it in the basket once it was dried.  She eventually graduated to "folding" (crumpling up) her own laundry and "making her bed."  Even my son is now doing some of the same toddler chores his big sister used to do at his age. I grew up doing chores at home.  And, when spending time at my grandparents' house, I did some there too.  I, of course, hated it as a child.  As I grew up and moved out on my own, I realized my family had done what they could to prepare me for adulthood ... the real world. So, the thought never crossed my mind that giving kids chores was frowned upon these days until social media let it be known that I wasn't supposed to have kids to make them do my chores. Well, I'm not in that camp.  You see, I realized the lessons I learned from my chores and there are things I want my kids to get out of life.   I want them to be prepared for going to work and doing adult things when they leave the house (because that's my ultimate goal ... raise my kids to leave the house!).  And, according to Very Well Family, "...giving your child chores may be one of the most important things you'll ever do." If you're in the camp for giving your children chores, then you're going to love this list of age appropriate chores for 6 and 7 year olds. Chores my 6 year old does Make Bed Set table Put dishes by the sink Clean her bathroom tub, toilet, and sink Clean room and put away books Feed the dog Extra chores when she wants to earn more money or when she earns a consequence for bad behavior Some of these chores I've included as consequence jar ideas, but there are times my daughter will ask what more she can do to earn an extra coin or two.  These chores aren't part of her regular routine, but help me greatly when the situation calls for it.  Some are just listed here because they make completely acceptable chores for 6 and 7 year olds. Help with dinner Clean windows Fold and put away laundry Vacuum Vacuum the couch Mop Dust and clean coffee table More chores she's capable of Empty mini-trash cans Water Plants Help make lunch(es) Chores For 6 and 7 Year Olds Area Chores Notes Bedroom Make their bed (with some help) Tuck in sheets and blankets, fluff pillows. Bedroom Put away clothes (with guidance) Sort by type (shirts, pants, socks) and fold or hang up with supervision. Bedroom Pick up toys and books Put them away in designated bins or shelves. Kitchen Clear the table after meals Stack plates, gather utensils, and wipe spills (with supervision). Kitchen Set the table for dinner (with supervision) Place plates, utensils, and glasses in appropriate spots. Kitchen Help unload the dishwasher (with supervision) Sort silverware and place dishes in cupboards. Bathroom Hang up their towel after bath time Use a hook or towel rack. Bathroom Put away toiletries Toothpaste back in its holder, shampoo in the shower, etc. Bathroom Empty the small trash bin Dispose of waste in the larger bin and rinse if needed. Living Room Dust shelves and surfaces (with supervision) Use a feather duster or damp cloth on safe surfaces. Living Room Fold blankets and pillows Fold neatly and stack or place on furniture. Living Room Organize books and magazines Put them back on shelves or create a reading corner. Bonus Feed pets (with supervision) Fill food and water bowls and follow safety guidelines. Bonus Water plants Give houseplants a small drink of water. Bonus Help fold simple laundry items Match socks and fold small clothes like t-shirts. Remember: These are just suggestions, tailor chores to your child's abilities and interests. Start with small tasks and gradually increase difficulty as they master them. Provide positive reinforcement and praise their efforts. Make chores fun by working together or setting timers. Most importantly, be patient and understanding as they learn new skills. Pin Me: > #### 16 Awesome Easter Egg Decorating Ideas What happened to the days we sat around dyeing Easter eggs as a family? Oh wait ... I remember trying to do that when I was a kid.  Dipping eggs into the strong smelling vinegar dyeing solution.  And, we weren't very creative with that stuff.  I distinctly remember dunking our eggs in the dye.  About the extent of our creations were maybe to try to dip only half of the egg in one color, and then the other half in another color. We were lucky if we didn't end up with the dye on our hands while trying to make dual colored eggs. I don't have much patience for the messy stuff, personally.  But, I found a few amazing Easter egg decorating ideas that don't seem like such a mess. And the chalkboard Easter eggs!  How cute is that for the little kids? 16 Awesome Easter Egg Decorating Ideas Fuzzy Chicks Easter Eggs Decorating from Easy Peasy and Fun Decoupage Easter Eggs from Gym Craft Laundry Decorate Easter Eggs with Tattoos from A Mom's Take DIY Chalkboard Easter Eggs from Sugar Spice and Glitter Ninjago Easter Eggs from Gym Craft Laundry Silk Tie-Dyed Easter Eggs from A Crafted Passion DIY Dyed Ombre Easter Eggs from Honey and Lime Toddler Twist for Egg Dyeing from 3 Boys and a Dog Painted Polka Dot Easter Eggs from Girl Creative Natural Easter Egg Dyes from The Jenny Evolution Marbled Easter Eggs from The Thrifty Couple Decorate Easter Eggs with Lace and Cheese Cloth from Outnumbered 3 to 1 Easy, No-Mess Glitter Easter Eggs from Creative Green Living DIY Flower Easter Eggs from Pizzazzerie Washi Tape Easter Eggs from Divine Lifestyle DIY Paper Mache Eggs from The Jenny Evolution Okay, I'm having some trouble picking out my favorite Easter egg decorating ideas here!  I think the silk tie-dyed eggs are beautiful and the tattooed eggs are a great idea!! Tell me: what was your favorite Easter Egg decorating idea here? Want Other Easter Ideas? Non-Candy Easter Egg and Easter Basket Stuffers Cute Easter Snacks and Treats Cute Easter Crafts and Activities #### 16 of the Best Bedtime Books for Toddlers It's great for children to have access to books and even better when you spend quality time reading. Build healthy bedtime habits with these top bedtime books for toddlers. As my son has become increasingly interested in books, he's also very particular about the books he wants to be read at night.  We have a small bookshelf in his room and a small stack of books by the glider.  The stack of books are what's currently in his favorites and we rotate once he's bored of them.  But, he usually rotates through the same books. Many of the books on this list were part of my daughter's bedtime routine as a toddler.  So, I'd say they've stood the test of time.  In fact, every now and again I find a few "misplaced" in her room and have to relocate them to the toddler's room. These are my toddler's favorite bedtime books! Top Bedtime Books for Toddlers Rock-A-Bye Farm The farmer rocks all his animals to sleep before he can go to sleep. Fisher Price Sleepytime Farm This book has a fun animal slider bar.  This brings a tactile eliment to the story as you read about the baby animals who are playing before they're ready to sleep. Pajama Time This is a fun book (as Sandra Boynton books usually are) for toddlers about all kinds of pajamas.  And, as is expected with her books, it gets sing-songy. The Going to Bed Book "Boat ... boat" my son points out.  I think he enjoys the end of the book best when he can see the boat, but the whole story keeps him entertained. Counting Kisses You love everything about your toddler, from his head to his toes.  Count kisses and you prepare baby for bed. Good Night, Sleep Tight Kiss Goodnight Goodnight Moon Goodnight iPad You're All My Favorites Snoozers: 7 Short Stories for Lively Little Kids B loves one of the stories in this book in particular.  "Night Sounds" includes funny sounds animals make as they snore.  He really loves "chee chee taaaah." Good Night, I Love You Where Do Diggers Sleep At Night? Farmyard Beat This is a fun sing-song sort of bedtime book.  Maybe a little too upbeat for putting the tots to bed, but if your toddler is really tired, maybe it won't matter.  It doesn't seem to be problematic for my already lively little guy. My Turtle and Me This sweet book was given to my daughter when she was a toddler.  The turtle on the book used to light up when pressed, but no longer does.  It doesn't really take away from the story of a child and his turtle! The Sleepy Little Alphabet: A Bedtime Story from Alphabet Town Did I miss anything?  What do you think are some of the best toddler bedtime books? #### 19 Adorable (And Easy) Easter Crafts and Activities Do you have your kids' Easter outfits picked out?  I don't know about you, but I don't spend much on a specific Easter get-up.  I may dress the kids a little nicer for Easter, but it seems like such a waste to spend a ridiculous amount of money on an outfit you only intend for them to wear once.  Anyone else with me? I digress. My favorite things to do around this time is start picking out basket contents and choosing EASY crafts.  Check out these adorable Easter crafts and activities that you can do with, or for, the kids. 19 Adorable Easter Crafts and Activities Easter Craft Stick Puppets from Easy Peasy and Fun Bunny Booty Kids Easter Craft from Thank You Honey Paper Plate Watercolor Easter Baskets from Honey & Lime Paper Roll Chick from Easy Peasy and Fun Crystal Eggs craft and science experiment from Preschool Powol Packets Easter Diorama from Merry About Town Easter Bunny Terrarium from Pastels and Macarons Cute Chick Pom Pom Craft from Easy Peasy and Fun Bunny Face Mask Preschool Easter Craft from Smarty Pants Mama Bunny and Chick Candy Packages from Divine Lifestyle DIY Chalkboard Easter Eggs from Sugar Spice and Glitter Paper Plate Easter Bunny Basket from The Girl Creative Easter Egg Puffy Paint Craft from Sugar Spice and Glitter Easter Egg Shaker Craft from Simple At Home Easter Counting Coloring Pages from Easy Peasy and Fun Mini Egg Cup Easter Basket from Jinxy Kids DIY Easter Window Clings from Gym Craft Laundry Bubble Wrap Easter Eggs from The Chaos and the Clutter Printable Easter Bunny Robot Craft from Thrifty Jinxy Tell me: which of these Easter crafts and activities are your favorite? I love the Egg Shaker Craft!  If I had a nickle for every plastic Easter egg we had left ... well, I wouldn't be rich.  But I might be able to buy coffee at Starbucks.  That feels rich, right?  Anyway, the egg shaker craft seems like a great way to reuse some eggs and having some fun with the kids! #### 19 Perfect Candy-Free Easter Stuffer Ideas That Will Delight Are you shopping for Easter?  If you're anything like me, you're looking for some great non-candy Easter basket and egg filler ideas.  I share 19 candy-free Easter items I love to stuff in their Easter baskets. Is it just me, or is Easter one of the largest candy-giving holidays of the year?  I sure feel like we tend to receive way too much candy at Easter.  As a mom trying to raise my kids with balance, I've come to really dislike Easter gift baskets and bags. Additionally, with the ever-increasing food allergies, I don't like adding to the worries of other parents.  So, instead of attributing to the mass amounts of candy at Easter, I've been more inventive about finding non-candy Easter basket and egg stuffers. Non-candy Easter Egg Stuffers Easter Craft Chicks Every year, we get a small package of little chicks like these!  My daughter loves them, though I'm not sure why!  They don't do anything.  In fact, as I sit here typing about these, my daughter is sitting beside me giggling about them.  However, they are perfect for stuffing in plastic Easter eggs.  Whatever you have leftover, or feel like using after Easter, can be used for adorable Easter crafts and activities.  We always pick ours up at Michael's, but I like the idea of this much larger package of chicks at Amazon. Easter Stickers What kid doesn't like stickers?  With this pack of 500 Easter stickers, you can stuff your kids' eggs, and have more than enough for school, church, and family Easter Egg stuffing. These have made it through SEVERAL Easters and the kiddos have never mentioned getting them before, so that's cool! Don't forget foam stickers, you know, because they're cooler! Easter Stamps I put these Easter Stamps in some of our eggs last year and they fit nicely!  Of course, any that I had leftover, not allotted to Easter Egg Hunts, I tossed into my daughter's Easter basket. Dinosaurs For the child who loves dinosaurs, these plastic dinosaurs make perfect non-candy Easter egg stuffers! Water Growing Toys What kid doesn't love those little squishy toys that you place in a glass and watch grow?   For the girls, there are adorable water-growing unicorns. Or try out the water-growing sea creatures. Non-candy Easter Basket Stuffers Books Books are one of my favorite non-toy gift ideas.  So, they also make great non-candy Easter Basket stuffers!  Try smaller books like Happy Easter Mouse! and Llama Llama Easter Egg.  Want more Easter book ideas?  Click this link to be taken to an Amazon list of tons of Easter books! Activity Books When I found these, I knew they were perfect little activities for my daughter.  This little Easter Activity Book fits in your hand and features word puzzles, hidden objects, and more.  Click here for more Easter Activity books. I've been known to get Paint With Water Books too! Bathing Suits Before you know it, summer will be in full swing.  Be prepared by giving the kids a new bathing suit or swim shorts.  Check out some of the top-rated kids swimwear on Amazon right now. Pajamas Roll up small pajamas!  The weather is going to be getting warmer, so a nightshirt or set with shorts is perfect to roll into a non-candy Easter basket.  Would you like some spring pajama ideas?  Check out these top-rated kids pajamas on Amazon. Food Items Black Forest Spring Snacks, Fruit Snacks Other Ideas Some other ideas I've used: Underwear for a potty training, or newly potty trained toddler. Socks - these were our favorite toddler socks Art supplies Writing Supplies Warm weather dresses or outfits Small toys - like a soft rattle for babies Small stuffed animal These were my kids' Easter baskets last year.  Okay, I had some candy in there, but over the years, I've definitely employed all the suggestions I listed above :) What non-candy Easter items have you put in your kids' Easter baskets? While we're on the topic of Easter, I'd like to know if you're into giving your kids big easter gifts. Why or why not? #### 20 St. Patrick's Day Crafts and Activities for Kids I love the excitement from kids when they get to do special crafts around holidays.  And, how cute are they when they're finished, dressed up like little Leprechauns toting their pots of gold?  Sometimes ... no, most of the time, my creative juices aren't flowing.  Plus, with two kids, I just don't feel like I have the time to create, gather supplies, and work with the littles.  So, the internet is my friend when it comes to getting inspiration. This year, I wanted to share some of the cute St. Patrick's Day Crafts and Activities I've come across.  There's something for all ages and skill levels here.  From rainbows to hats or window clings, you're bound to find something to excite your little one. If you decide to do any of these crafts, I'd love to see them ... share a pic with me on one of my social media channels :) St. Patrick's Day Crafts and Activities for Kids Stained Glass Shamrock craft for toddlers from The Inspired Home Leprechaun Photo Magnet from Thrifty Jinxy Glitter St. Patrick's Day Window Cling from A Mom's Take Shamrock Preschool Craft from Sippy Cup Mom St. Patrick's Day Hoop Art from Dear Creatives Coffee Filter Shamrocks from Outnumbered 3 to 1 St. Patrick's Day Wreath Craft from Organized Island DIY Leprechaun Beard from Divine Lifestyle St. Patrick's Day Pot of Gold from Pink When Easy Dot Art Shamrock Craft for Kids from Ginger Casa St. Patrick's Day Skittles Decorations from The Jenny Evolution Rainbow Necklace St. Patrick's Day Craft from Mommy's Bundle St. Patrick's Day Leprechaun Hat from Artsy Craftsy Mom Lucky Shamrock Thumbprint Craft from The Inspired Home St. Patrick's Day Window Clings from Oh So Savvy Mom DIY Rainbow Blocks from A Mom's Take St. Patrick's Day Garland from The Jenny Evolution The Green Four Leaf Clover from Ginger Casa St. Patrick's Day Word Search from The Jenny Evolution St. Patrick's Day Fine Motor Sensory Bin from The Jenny Evolution What's your favorite?  I'm torn between the rainbow necklace and the Shamrock Thumbprint craft. Tell me: would you like more roundups like this? #### 2016 in Review: Top 5 Posts from SAHM Plus... 2016 was a pretty good freaking year.  My daughter turned 5, started Kindergarten, and my son turned 1.  I've been married 8 years ... and hubby and I realized we got past the "7 year itch" without much of a thought.  That's pretty cool.  There were plenty of ups and downs, but I survived another year.  This time with not 1 but 2 high-need kids.  (No, not all babies are high needs.  But, that's a completely different subject for another post).  That's an amazing feat. You know what?  I did all that while launching my new site!  Re-branding from a blog I was no longer fond of to this one.  Learning a whole new blogging platform and how to better network.  What a year!  I'm so proud of myself for taking the leap back to blogging, after thinking it was going to be another year before I returned. To celebrate, I want to share the best of 2016 in my blogging world. 2016 in Review: Top 5 posts from SAHM, plus... These are the 5 posts that had the most page views in 2016. 5. Top 5 Funny Breastfed Infant Bodysuits I share 5 hilarious bodysuits for the breastfed infant. 4. What I learned from the Consequence and Reward Jar After instilling a consequence and reward jar system for my 5 year old's bad behavior, I learned something about myself. 3. How I escaped labor induction (and medical interventions) when my son was 13 days late My son, no kidding, had lodged himself on a bone in my pelvis.  Being 13 days late was a trial emotionally and physically.  But, I escaped induction and subsequent interventions! 2. Why I urge you not to take the epidural during labor Having been through 2 natural childbirths, I can vouch that it's worth every moment.  There are good reasons not to take the epidural. 1. 8 things to do while you're pregnant. Before you have your baby, make sure you do these 8 things to prepare. 2016 in Review: My personal favorites While the top 5 have the most views, I have a few that were my personal favorites.  The following are posts I really felt connected to or had a lot of meaning to me.  These are in no particular order ... because I really don't know which is my favorite! See #3 in the list above - 13 days past my due date. That's got a ton of meaning, and hopefully encourages other women to trust their bodies! How to support your pregnant friend's birth plan Your parenting is in question as early as the moment people find out you're pregnant.  I found that discussing my birth plan was surrounded by negativity, perpetuating myths, and creating fear.  I share how people should support birth plans! Changing bad behavior with consequence and reward jars Having struggled with my daughter's bad behavior and excessive whining, this was the only thing that worked for me.  I give some details about how to make it work! One thing your husband wants you to know about being a mom There's one thing you need to know about being a mom.  The answer may surprise you, but it shouldn't. Finally, simple self-care tips for mom You're a mom and I know all too well how busy you are!  Finding time to take care of yourself seems like a difficult undertaking, but it doesn't have to be.  I share a few simple ways to care for yourself without taking much time. Share your 2016 in review!  And, did you have a favorite post this year? #### 2017 Holiday Gift Guide for Toddlers {+ giveaway} I'd venture to say gift giving to toddlers is one of my favorite times to shop.  They're easily entertained by just about anything and parents are still in control over what they receive.  Mainly, toddlers don't know mom's making their Christmas wishlists for them and it's okay! Kids, on the other hand, start making their wishlists and aren't always as happy with whatever mom and dad pick out. If you're like me, and enjoy having some control over the junk at Christmas, finding the best toddler gifts is probably one of your favorites too.   If you're cringing at the thought of being at the mercy of your child's wishlist just hoping they'll have a few items you can fully get behind, you'll enjoy this holiday gift guide for toddlers! And, if picking out some awesome gift guide gift ideas for toddlers wasn't fun enough, I was able to include a few as prizes in the 2017 Holiday Gift Guide for Toddlers Giveaway!  After you read through the list of some of the best holiday gifts for toddlers, be sure to scroll down to the bottom for a chance to win some fabulous prizes to include under the tree this year for your tot! Welcome to the 2017 Holiday Gift Guide for Toddlers Disclaimer: SAHM, plus... was provided some of the items in this holiday gift guide for toddlers in exchange for inclusion in the gift guide.  Additionally, they may also be participating in the toddler gift guide giveaway as denoted by an asterisk (*).   All opinions expressed here are my own.  Affiliate links are included throughout this post.  Purchases after clicking on these links earn me a small commission, cost you nothing more out of pocket, and help SAHM, plus... maintain this free-to-you website. Ezpz Mat* *Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway Sponsor My son loves picking up his plate.  Usually, he does so as he's proclaiming "all duh-done" even though he hasn't touched his food.  Ahh, having a picky eater is grand! Having an ezpz mat helps us secure the place to the table by way of suctioning the silicon mat.  Plus, they're so much fun to look at and makes the food the center of attention, instead of the plate itself.  It's cute enough without being distracting from the food.  We received the gray mat, which I felt was neutral enough for boy or girl and made the foods stand out more than the plate itself. Don't want to wait to find out if you win?  Get 20% off any EZPZ item now through 12/31/17 with code EZPZFUN20. Recently, Ezpz added new Care Bear mats to their product line-up too! KiwiCo - Koala Crate Though maybe a bit advanced for my little guy right now, Koala Crate offers 2-3 creative activities for little ones ages 3-4.  This is the younger version of my daughter's favorite Kiwi Crate, by the same company! As a parent, I love how the instructions tell me, from the get-go, how much time and mess I should expect from each of the projects.  This makes it easier for me to determine what I have time for at the moment, or at least, making it easier to plan ahead. Recently, KiwiCo added the Panda Crate to their line-up, geared toward ages 0-24 months and a portion of their Crate proceeds are donated toward child development research.  So, while you develop your little genius' brain, you're doing a service to help fund research for all children's development. For Black Friday, you can get your 1st month for $7.95.  I can't stress enough how awesome these crates are and more than worth the $7.95 to try it out! Fun Bites* *Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway Sponsor Though he used to be a fabulous eater, he's become a picky eater!  One of the ways we combat fussy eating is to make food more fun.  Fun Bites helps us accomplish this a little more easily! I don't see myself as much of an artist, but certainly not a food artist.  So, Fun Bites helps me with that!  I can just place the cutting tool over foods and press down, instantly cutting designs out of ordinary food. Little Partners - The Original Learning Tower* *Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway Sponsor (AD) Remember the "building" I did and hurt my hand? No one happened to guess what I had been working on. . . Getting my kids involved in the kitchen is important, but I haven't always been the safest about it. We've all done it (I think) ... sitting tiny tots on the counter OR bigger ones in a chair. I'm not judging... I did it too, because I didn't realize a safer option existed. . . Well, I've teamed up with @littlepartners who have helped me get my kids involved in the kitchen AND keep everyone safe! The Original Learning Tower helps the kids stand at counter height while corralled to prevent falling. . . Here, my son is helping make a new recipe ... and eating the cereal. Certainly not something I could do with him on the counter or chair! Pretty soon, I'll have more details on a blog post. I'll be sure to let you know when it's ready! A post shared by Ivy | Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Apr 25, 2017 at 1:00pm PDT This has been a useful addition to our kitchen!  When our tot needs (because want in a toddler's mind is the same as need) to be involved in the cooking, cleaning or crafting, this is a safe alternative to pulling up a chair to the counter. The Original Learning Tower allows the kids (not just toddlers) to safely be at a level making the counter a usable space for all sorts of activities. I've found this to be a useful tool while cooking as my son is more prone to try a new food.  Apparently, it's more fun to taste test when an item is supposed to be cooked but, instead, ends up in his mouth. We've used this for cooking, crafting, and occasionally as somewhere to place the kiddo safely when I couldn't hold him.  Check out how we get our kids to be little partners in the kitchen + a yummy recipe! [easyazon_link identifier="B001ECHXVC" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="y" cloak="y" localize="y" popups="n"]Little Partners Learning Tower Kids Adjustable Height Kitchen Step Stool for Toddlers or Any Little Helper - Natural[/easyazon_link] The Original Learning Tower from Little Partners comes in various colors! [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" cloak="y" height="500" identifier="B001ECHXVC" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/41YlREsAoiL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Vtech Smart Shots Sports Center [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" cloak="y" height="500" identifier="B01FVS6TGO" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/518Q13yEu0L.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="437"] My son got this as a gift when he turned one.  Usually, most toys get played with for a day or two and the kids forget about them until I get them ready for selling on swip-swap or the donation pile! This, however, has been played with almost daily for the last year.  And honestly, it doesn't just appeal to the toddler ... the whole family has enjoyed playing with it together. Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Tablet [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" cloak="y" height="364" identifier="B00TID3TNA" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51BF3vR6C8L.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] This adorable tablet has been an entertaining little toy for our toddler over the last year.  He's found it to be a suitable toy when he feels like copying his sister who loves her Kindle Fire Kids Edition tablet. It was also entertaining for him on our road trip to Kentucky, but again, I'm pretty sure it was because he saw his sister totally immersed in her tablet. Highlights Hello or Highlights High Five Magazines B's first magazine arrived from @highlightsforchildren Hello It's filled with some short stories and instructions for parents to engage in addition to the reading. I'm also impressed with the sturdier pages, perfect for mini-destructor's hands! A post shared by Ivy | Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Jan 6, 2017 at 12:10pm PST When baby B became interested in books, he was really intrigued with the Highlights Hello magazine.  These were made for ages 0-2 as they were much more durable - perfect for chewers like my son!  We have a few on his bookshelf and he requests them regularly. Highlights magazines have been wonderful tools in short stories, engaging games, and instrumental in working on building the kids' vocabularies. My son isn't yet two and he's already speaking clearly in short sentences and people always comment about how unbelievable it is how much he speaks and isn't too difficult to figure out what he's saying.  I don't know if Highlight's had much to do with it, or just that we're always reading and talking.  But, I do know sitting down and reading our Highlights magazines has always been a treasured activity. If you tot is a bit older, we also really loved Highlights High Five, for ages 2-6 with slightly more challenging games and stories. Want to subscribe?  Get $10 off a subscription with the Highlights Black Friday Deal! Power Wheels Lil Lightning McQueen Blowing mom kisses as I drive away!! Daddy pulled out sister's old Lightning McQueen battery operated car and he took to it immediately. This boy definitely has his parents' genes ... driver ? Not sure I'm ready for him to be kissing me goodbye yet though . . #parenting #toddlermom #boymom #babydriver #toddlerdriver #lightning #kissgoodbye A post shared by Ivy | Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Oct 18, 2017 at 5:54am PDT When my daughter was younger, we purchased her a [easyazon_link identifier="B01IN4Y4YW" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="y" cloak="y" localize="y" popups="n"]Lil Lightning McQueen[/easyazon_link].  She loved it until she accidentally ran it into the dog's crate, then she was traumatized and never touched it again.  Toddlers are funny that way ... Thankfully, we kept it in case we had a second baby.  B took to it immediately ... and we made sure to keep it outside so he had fewer obstacles. What we love about this little car is that it's made for ages 1-3, perfect speed for your new driver, and the push button on the steering wheel moves the car when pressed and stops when the child lets go. Learning Resources Snap-N-Learn™ Matching Dinos [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" cloak="y" height="500" identifier="B07177JFGZ" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51SGnS2BZa3L.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] It's no secret my children love dinosaurs ... and I may have an unhealthy obsession with them as an adult.  I blame it on the kids for reigniting my interest in dinosaurs, and I probably know them better now than I did as a kid. But, I love to foster their curiosity about these amazing creatures, so the Learning Resources Snap-N-Learn™ Matching Dinos are a must-have.  I can foster their natural interests while instilling other educational values through play. There are 18 pieces that snap together to create 9 adorable dinosaurs.  Through play, we're able to discuss colors and shapes, and have some silly fun creating mixed up dinos. Educational Insights Peekaboo Barn Game [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" cloak="y" height="500" identifier="B01N27RD8F" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51X2B2BjRm2BiL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] We are huge fans of starting kids on games as early in life as possible, because kids learn through play.  And, a good family game night promotes bonding while covertly teaching them skills ... you know, because kids won't enjoy it as much if they think it's good for them. *wink wink* The point of the game is to get all the animals, except the rooster, to sleep in the barn.  If you get the rooster, he wakes another animal up to extend game play. This game promotes social and interactive play, animal sounds, vocabulary, and of course, teaching early game play. Welcome to the 2017 Toddler Gift Guide Giveaway This year is really exciting as the author and owner of SAHM, plus ...  For the first time, I decided to work on a 2017 Holiday Gift Guide.  What started as a gift guide for kids turned into two gift guides.  That means two amazing giveaways for my readers. Now, the toddler gift guide was more an afterthought but yielded this amazing giveaway thanks to our generous sponsors.  These sponsors offered these gifts to us in exchange for inclusion in the holiday gift guide for toddlers OR were part of a sponsored post earlier in the year. This year, one winner will receive all of these amazing prizes!  If you want to learn more about them, click to view the full holiday gift guide for toddlers. Prizes in the 2017 Toddler Gift Guide Giveaway This is a winner takes all giveaway for one lucky toddler mom!  1 winner will receive the following items: Little Partners The Original Learning Tower - 1 Original Learning Tower in your choice of available color/finish (ARV $199.99) ezpz mat - You will have your choice of ONE Ezpz mat (up to $27.49 ARV) FunBites - 2 of your choice of FunBites (ARV $19.98) Entry-Form Disclaimer: We are not responsible for prize fulfillment.  One winner will be randomly selected using Gleam and notified by email.  Winner will have 24 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.  This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, or Google.  Void where prohibited.  For questions about this giveaway, please contact Ivy at ivy@sahmplus.com. #### 2018 Holiday Gift Guide For 3 Year Old Boys Choosing presents for 3 year old boys can still be pretty easy (cars, balls, and noisemakers).  But sometimes you want something different to give as gifts, don't you?  Check out some of my favorites for the 2018 Holiday Gift Guide for 3 Year Olds. This year, as my son is nearing 3, I wanted to share some of my favorite ideas to give as presents for 3 year old boys. While we stick to a pretty strict 4 gift system (need, want, wear, read), I thoroughly enjoy perusing the net to find some really cool items to put on his wishlist.  No matter how much we tell the grands to stick to a limit, it never happens.  So, I like to have a nice wish list built up of things I wouldn't mind actually having around the house. Because of his age, I can still get away with requesting a lot of educational gifts ... and he thinks they're just fun toys! WIN - WIN! The 2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Presents for 3 Year Old Boys Some items in this years gift guide have been sponsored - I've either been provided compensation or product in order to share some of these items.  All opinions expressed here are my own and are not swayed by my relationship with the sponsors. I'd love your suggestions for other presents for 3 year old boys if you have any!  But, these are some of my current favorite gift ideas for a 3 year old boy. Bookroo Photo courtesy BookRoo My children both (finally) love books.  Still, with my youngest, he wasn't great at sitting still and listening to books, so it took a lot of time an patience to get him more interested in reading. One of the things that helps build his interest in reading is Bookroo! With Bookroo, you have several subscription options based on your child's age, one being the Board Book Subscription for ages 0 to 3 years.  Every month, your little one will receive 3 individually wrapped board books.  I truly believe the unwrapping of each book adds to the excitement and anticipation of finding out what their new books are like! Not only is this a great way to build your child's library, it's wonderful to have new books coming in every month, because it's so easy for mom to get tired of reading the same books over and over again.  If your children are like mine have been, you begin to recite the books and probably crave a break from the routine. Have older children? Don't fret mama!  Bookroo offers picture book and chapter book subscription options for children up to about age 10! You can get your child's subscription for as low as $16.95/box (plus $5 shipping/box).  BONUS: take $15 off using my special discount code SAHMGIFT.  This discount expires December 31, 2018, so you have plenty of time to get your orders in before Christmas or use some Christmas money before the New Year! Learning Resources Pretend and Play Calculator Cash Register [easyazon_image align="center" cart="n" cloak="n" height="500" identifier="B0006N8X3M" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51jH256oj8L.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] We're having fun with our Cash Register as our little guy learns about money. The Learning Resources Pretend and Play Calculator Cash Register comes with play money in the form of bills and coins.  This is a great way to teach a preschooler what each coin and bill is.  Plus, setting it up with a play store helps build your child's understanding of charging, or being charged, for items they wish to purchase. The cash register has been a long-lasting item in this house that both my kids have thoroughly enjoyed!  Honestly, even the 7 year old likes to play store with her little brother still, so this makes a wonderful investment and great present for a 3 year old boy. Melissa & Doug Monster Bowling Sometimes I need something to entertain the kiddo that's low effort on my part, but burns off some of his excessive 3 year old energy.  We like the [easyazon_link identifier="B000GL1DTA" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Melissa & Doug Monster Bowling[/easyazon_link] set for just such occasions. It feels the need for my son to use some gross motor skills and burn off his energy.  And, I can sit (or lay down) within arm distance of the 6 monster pins for easy set up. Plus, we work on basic math skills like "how many monsters are there?", "how many monsters did you knock down?", and "how many monsters do you have left to knock down?" SpinAgain from Fat Brain Toys We love the [easyazon_link identifier="B016F5QJQW" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Fat Brain Toys SpinAgain[/easyazon_link] toy for so many reasons. Well ... truth be told, our little guy loves pulling the white pole from the base and watching as the pieces twist and fall to the floor.  I can't tell you how often he does this as soon as I clean it up to put it away.  So, yeah, it's fun for him, but makes cleaning up the playroom a bit more tedious *wink* Aside from the appeal during cleanup to watch the pieces spin, the SpinAgain toy comes with tons of learning opportunities.  As I teach my son to place the pieces on his own, we discuss colors and the concept of biggest to smallest.  Additionally, if you watch bigger pieces vs smaller pieces spinning, you can see which pieces spin slower or faster than the other and point it out. Finally, the blue base is reversible so that the flat side makes for easy placement of the discs, while the rounded side adds a bit more complication as the base and pole will move (and sometimes topple) if the child is being a bit more reckless (as most boy moms will certainly understand *sigh*). Lego Duplo Okay, my kids are finally getting interested in Lego.  The 7 year old is starting to be able to build on her own and the 3 year old is interested, usually because there are so many to choose from with some of his favorite characters, construction equipment, and more. Admittedly, I've been known to buy them "for the kids" because a set really caught my attention and I wanted to play with it myself.  Luckily, my little guy still needs a bit of help in the fine motor department so he uses me to build for him a lot of times. But, [easyazon_link keywords="Lego Duplo" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]Lego Duplo[/easyazon_link] are great for small hands in that they can grasp with more of their hands than they could with the smaller pieces of regular Lego. Little Partners The Original Learning Tower Image © J. Ivy Boyter www.sahmplus.com That picture (above) was right after we received our tower and my little guy was helping me make chocolatey trail mix bars. And we're still using this fabulous piece since we received it.  The[easyazon_link identifier="B001ECHXVC" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Original Learning Tower[/easyazon_link] is a permanent fixture in our kitchen that has helped both kids reach the counter to "help" cook or do fun science or craft activities safely. It's truly a well-constructed piece of furniture that makes me feel safe while scooting around the kitchen when my kids want to "help" me. Little Passports: Early Explorers Subscription Several years ago, I was given the opportunity to review Little Passports for my daughter.  Of course, I wasn't great at reviews (or images for that matter).  But, it was a cool concept. Back then, Little Passports was geared to ages 5+. Now, they have an Early Explorers Subscription for ages 3-5 years. With the first month in the subscription, your child is given everything they need to begin their word exploration.  It's important to remember that the first month will be the introduction with their suitcase, passport, map, luggage tag, and more. Subsequent subscriptions will have world themes where your child will learn about things like music, oceans, and dinosaurs.  Each monthly expedition is led by "pen pals" through letters, learning activities and games. Early Explorers Subscriptions can be as low as $16.95/mo with the 12 month plan. a Rafflecopter giveaway Theo Kline Service Car Station [easyazon_image align="center" cart="n" cloak="n" height="375" identifier="B005C3FXAM" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51nvZC2cTGL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] For the 3 year old car enthusiast, this is a very interactive car toy.  Not only does it have some car sounds, you can teach your 3 year old about mechanics.  Take apart and service the whole front of a car. And, if your kiddo is like mine, he'll be pushing around pretending to drive after he's figured out how to put everything back in its place. Just don't be surprised if you have car parts all over your kid's room ... taking apart the [easyazon_link identifier="B005C3FXAM" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Service Car Station[/easyazon_link] appears to be way more fun than putting the car back together. Do you have any favorite ideas to give as presents for 3 year olds? Other Cool Gift Ideas #### 2018 Holiday Gift Guide for 7 Year Old Girls This year, choosing gifts for my daughter has been quite the task!  I miss the toddler days, when I could choose educational toys and she was just excited to open presents.  But, choosing presents for 7 year old girls aren't anywhere near as easy.  At least, not in my mind. About a year ago, thanks to school and suddenly recognizing what peers think, her favorite color has become pink.  Her choice in toys has also become much more girl oriented.  I can't remember what we were talking about, but I distinctly remember her saying "but that's for boys."  All my efforts to allow her to play with anything and everything that she enjoyed came undone when she entered school.  She's now wanting to "fit in" and is turning into a girly-girl. As much as I don't enjoy all the pink, girly things around the house, I know I have to accept this stage.  So, I've already had her go through toy catalogs to help me understand what she wants.  Some things in this gift guide I chose, but others were chosen by her. 2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Presents for 7 Year Old Girls I have been provided samples or compensation for including some of these items in this year's gift guide.  My relationship with these sponsors does not sway my opinions. Bookroo Photo Courtesy: Bookroo My daughter has always done well with reading and at 7, she's reading nearly a grade level ahead of her own.  I wish I could attribute it to taking her to the library every week since she was a baby, but I really think it's just her personality. Despite being a good reader, however, she's somewhat stubborn about reading her required 15 - 20 minutes a day for school. What I find to help us is to get books she really enjoys.  But, finding a good book can be a huge task. Bookroo helps by sending 2 chapter books per month.  So, not only is it exciting that she's getting 2 new books every month, but they're individually wrapped, which only increases the anticipation! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ivy | SAHM Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) While Bookroo offers a Chapter Book subscription for ages 7 - 10, they also offer board book subscriptions for ages 0mo to 3 yr, and picture books subscriptions for ages 2 to 6 years.  So, you can take care of all the little ones in your family with books that are appropriate for their ages. Get started on your child's Bookroo Subscription with $15 off using code BOOKS2LOVE for any subscription of your choosing!  A Quiet Reading Spot If your child loves to read, like mine does, he or she might like a quiet cozy spot in the house to read in and it couldn't be easier than a kid's tent! My daughter was given a teepee a couple years ago.  Initially, she used it to camp out in her room, but then it became the occasional reading corner for her. Using a teepee or tent is just one of the ways we use to make reading more fun at home.  But, it can be used for quiet time activities, the rare nap, or camping out overnight in her room. Now, we were gifted this tent a few years ago, and I can't seem to find one that looks like it, but Amazon has a ton of great kid's tents that are similar! Weaving Loom My kiddo has ALWAYS been very arts and crafts oriented.  Aside from being able to sit down and do worksheets and coloring pages with her at a young age, anything that's involved using her hands to create has appealed to her. As a toddler, she could paint for hours.  And when it came to coloring, she was quite the perfectionist, trying to quit coloring because she couldn't "stay in the lines like mommy."  But once I convinced her that it all takes practice, she's never stopped doodling, coloring, or trying any other art or craft to the best of her ability. But, I don't like a ton of messy crafts either, so something like this weaving loom kit was perfect for her. It allowed her to be creative without much in the way of prep work.   And, there's no cleanup! Hatchimals, Cases, and Playsets For the first time in 7 years, my daughter's gotten involved in a fad toy.  And, boy is she ever crazy about Hatchimals. Whenever she has money saved up from her allowance, Birthday money, or we offer her a special present she immediately requests something related to Hatchimals. Now, most of her Hatchimals are the tiny ones that are easily lost or stuffed in random places (like mama's yoga mat to be found at the beginning of class) by her almost 3 year old brother.  So, I highly recommend doing more than buying just Hatchimals. This year we had to convince her to get a carrying case for her little Hatchimals - this carrying case we decided on because it came with two special Hatchimals. Now, she's asked us to get her [easyazon_link keywords="Hatchimals playsets" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]Hatchimals playsets[/easyazon_link] "so they have a place to play." Little Live Pets - Rollie, My Kissing Puppy I guess having a real dog at home isn't enough cuteness for my daughter.  She chose to add Rollie, My Kissing Puppy from Little Live Pets to her wish list this year. Rollie wags his tail, kisses and licks, and makes 25+ sounds and actions much like a real dog.  The good news is, it's a pet that we don't have any more responsibility for, so our real dog won't be neglected (she'll just be jealous). Supposedly, the more attention you give Rollie, the more he loves you back.  So, I can see this being a great toy for kids without real pets, so they can see how rewarding it can be to care for a pet. Fingerlings HUGS - Kiki I'm always impressed by how much more interaction we're seeing from toys these days.  Back in my days, our "talking" toys had motorized mouths that made a single simple repetitive motion that many would probably consider pretty creepy these days. But, toys have come a long way since then.  WowWee came out with these advanced interactive toys and my daughter chose Fingerlings Hugs - Kiki with long arms perfect for big hugs!  But that's not all Kiki will do!  Kisses, burps, toots, being excited during play, and repeating what you say in silly ways are some examples of the fun your child will have. What kind of presents for 7 year old girls are best, in your opinion? #### 21 Easy & Fun Rudolph Craft Ideas Your Family Will Love Do you love Christmas crafts?  I love easy crafts and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer! That's why I love the easy Rudolph craft ideas and I think you will too. To be honest though, I love snowmen more.  But, as much as I love snowmen, Florida never gets snow.  I feel like a poser if I load up the house with snowmen.  I suppose I could just say that snowman decorations make it feel like winter though, huh? Anyway, so that I don't have this internal battle about whether or not I should decorate with snowmen, I choose less weather suggestive crafts. Christmas wouldn't happen without Rudolph, right?  Assuming that tattletale of an Elf and Santa determine our kids get Christmas gifts, Santa wouldn't make it without Rudolph.   All the reindeer really. So, let's pay homage to the real hero of Christmas with these easy Rudolph craft ideas everyone will love! Easy Rudolph Craft Ideas for the Whole Family Paper Roll Rudolph Craft via Easy Peasy and Fun Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Paper Bag Craft via Sippy Cup Mom Easy Reindeer Clothespin Craft via Rainy Day Mum Rudolph Christmas Wreath via Mama in a Stitch Rudolph Reindeer Paper Plate Craft from Easy Peasy and Fun Rudolph Pudding Cups via TaterTots and Jello DIY Rudolph vs Reindeer Tic Tac Toe Game from Rainy Day Mum Yarn Wrapped Crazy Rudolph Can via It Happens in a Blink Fun, Easy Rudolph Foam Ornaments via Mom Endeavors Quick and Easy Rudolph Craft Your Kids Will Really Love via SAHM, plus... DIY Rustic Wood Slice Rudolph Ornament via Crayons & Cravings Rudolph Gift Tags via Small Home Soul Paper Ball Reindeer Craft via Easy Peasy and Fun Kid Friendly Ornament: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer via Live Laugh Rowe Popsicle Stick Rudolph Ornament via Ginger Snap Crafts Bottle Cap Reindeer Kids Craft via The Country Chic Cottage Rudolph Ornament Craft via OhMy! Creative Rudolph Hot Cocoa via Simplistically Living Paper Plate Rudolph for Kids via Rainy Day Mum Rudolf Reindeer Wine Cork Ornament via Rae Gun Ramblings Candy Cane Reindeer Kids Craft Ornament via Mom Endeavors Do you have any easy Rudolph crafts to make? Or did any of these Christmas reindeer crafts really get you excited? #### 24 Fun Things To Do At Home With Kids Looking for some fun things to do at home with kids? Whether it's summer, a day off from school, or you're a stay at home mom, it's inevitable that your kids will moan about being "bored." I get it. It doesn't seem to matter if they have a thousand toys, sometimes those kiddos get into a funk and look to you to help them stay busy or active. Outdoor things to do at home with kids Fresh air, sunshine, and physical activity is really important for our bodies. Make sure to offer plenty of outdoor activities for your children to do throughout the week. Check out these ideas: Free play outside Take a walk around the neighborhood Ride bikes around the neighborhood Have a scavenger hunt in the backyard Have a picnic in the yard Have smaller kids to entertain? Check out Backyard Activities for Toddlers Inside things to do at home with kids Play board games Build blanket or box forts Read books - don't have a large enough personal library? Check out these ideas: Your public library may offer ebooks through the Libby app. Audible has books for kids. Do some crafts Learn new skills like crafting, photography, paper airplane making and more (Bluprint is offering FREE classes until April 16th) If you have a toddler, you'll love this big list of indoor activities for 3 and 4 year olds! Educational things to do at home with kids Online Preschool (We currently use MissHumblebee.com which has been provided as a free resource from our library. ABCmouse has also been used in this house). View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ivy | SAHM Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Jun 17, 2019 at 5:38am PDT 2. The Preschool Box 3. Do educational worksheets and activities - we're using School Zone Preschool kit that is no longer in print. 4. Learn a new language (We use Transparent.com which is provided as a free resource from our library). 5. Use education.com for free printables and lesson plans for Preschool through 5th grade. The free version limits how many printables you can print for the month though an upgrade often is only $5/month for an annual plan when they run sales (which happens often). Virtual Outings Watch the Sea Lions at the Georgia Aquarium (scroll down to view other aquarium habitats) Take an online tour of the Louvre Take a virtual tour of the Great Wall of China! Check out live cams at the San Diego zoo Take an interactive virtual tour at The British Museum Go on a mobile tour of Space Center Houston with their app Check out the Panda Cam at the Atlanta Zoo Watch the live cams from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Visit the Eiffel Tower, virtually Need more ideas for things to do at home with kids? Check out this huge list of free online events and activities for kids at home! #### 26 Cute Easter Treats You Need to Make This Year Is every holiday about food?  Um ... of course it it!  Now, get ready to be amazed by these easy and cute Easter treats to make for your kids. Ever since I found out I have food intolerances, I don't spend much time in the kitchen making treats.  Go ahead and feel bad for my kids.  Spending tons of time in the kitchen cooking mostly homemade food kinda burns me out.  So, we buy a lot of store bought treats. But, this year, I'm seriously considering trying to make something special for Easter.  Some of these Easter treats and snacks are easy enough for me to really think about making. I might just have a problem with the kids eating my creations. 26 Adorable Easter Treats and Snacks Though there are tons of Easter treat ideas out there on Pinterest, I narrowed my favorites down to these.  I think these are the cute Easter treats to make this year.  Though, some of them might be too cute to actually eat. Easter Bunny Snack Mix from A Mom's Take Rice Krispy Bird Nests from Thrifty Jinxy Easter Nest Snack from Pink When Bunny Bait Snack Mix from The Girl Creative Surprise Easter Egg Rice Krispies Treats from Honey and Lime Chocolate Covered Rice Krispie Easter Nests from The Mommy Mix Easter Bunny Snack Pack Pudding Treats from Sippy Cup Mom Sweet Spring Snack Mix Baskets from Hey Let's Make Stuff Easter Chick Rice Krispie Treats from Outnumbered 3 to 1 Cute Easter Bird's Nest Treats from Pizzazzerie Easter Pudding Cups from Wondermom Wannabe Sunny Bunny Snack Mix from Merry About Town Easter Bunny Bark from Princess Pinky Girl No Bake Granola Bar Mini Egg Nests from Mommy Moment Bunny Easter Rice Krispie Treats from The Jenny Evolution PEEPS Graham Cracker Snacks from Modern Mom Life Easy Easter Bunny Pudding Cups from Must Have Mom Spring Muddy Buddies from Thrifty Jinxy Bunny Carrot Dip and Easter Bread Basket from Pizzazzerie Easter Little Lambwich from Must Have Mom Choco-Peanut Butter Easter Cookies from Mommy Snippets Easter Basket Pie with Marie Callender's from Thrifty Jinxy Coconut Macaroon Easter Nests from Merry About Town Edible Bird Nests from Views from a Step Stool Gluten Free Easter Egg Treats from The Chaos and the Clutter Easter Bunny Trail Truffles from Pizzazzerie Tell me: which of these Easter treats are you going to make for the kids? Related: 16 Awesome Easter Egg Decorating Ideas 19 Perfect Candy-Free Easter Stuffer Ideas That Will Delight 20 Adorable (And Easy) Easter Crafts and Activities #### 3 Best Kids Video Cameras 2018 If you're in the market for the best kids video cameras 2018, I've done a bit of the shopping and research for you!  These are the 3 best video cameras for kids I could find on Amazon. Kids love using our phones for the cameras, don't they?  When my daughter was younger, I often handed over my iPhone to let her play games.  Most times, she'd return it with loads of selfies.  Now, my son seems to think my phone is either only to call his Papaw or to take their pictures. Since I switched to the Samsung S9, though, I no longer let the kids play with my phone.  Sadly (or not so sadly), this means I no longer get surprise images of feet, foreheads, or nostrils.    But the kids like taking pictures.  So what do you do?  Shop for the best kids video cameras in 2018 3 Best Kids Video Cameras 2018 on Amazon I've narrowed down the options to these 3 best kids video cameras 2018. [easyazon_link identifier="B07569N8SL" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Kids Camera,Powpro Pcam PP-CDFP Kids Digital Video Camera with Soft Silicone Protective Shell (CDFP-1)[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="n" cloak="n" height="500" identifier="B07569N8SL" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/41mFMenLSfL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] This camera is intended for kids ages 3 - 9 years old.  It's covered in a soft silicone protective shell and has two handles on opposite sides of the camera to aide children in holding the camera steady during recording sessions.   Your child will be able to take still shots and record video with this camera. Included with the camera is a handy neck strap, perfect to ensure your child doesn't drop their camera.  Plus, there are 3 AAA batteries in the package. One downside is that the camera does not come with an SD card, so you'd have to purchase one yourself. There are a variety of scenes to choose from as well. Customers have said that the picture quality is good for a child's camera and is a better alternative than handing over your expensive smartphone.  Other users have mentioned that this camera uses batteries quickly and that you have to unscrew the battery compartment to insert and remove the SD card, which may be a bit of a hassle, considering it apparently also doesn't have a "browse" feature to see your images. [easyazon_link identifier="B013UPCBN0" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]VTech Kidizoom DUO Selfie Camera - Blue - Online Exclusive[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="n" cloak="n" height="500" identifier="B013UPCBN0" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51oLaKyKJ1L.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] This is an Amazon Bestseller in video cameras for kids and I can totally see why!  The VTech Kidizoom has dual lenses making it perfect for regular photography and taking selfies! Geared for ages 3-9 years, this camera will allow your child to hone in on their photography and videography skills.  Plus, there are 5 built-in games, which are a feature parents can turn off or limit through parental controls. Some other enjoyable features of this video camera include auto shut off and 5 voice changing effects for extra fun movie-making for kids.  Additionally, it did appear this was a more durable model than a previous model. Among the least desirable features was the picture quality as users tended to mention this pretty frequently in the reviews of this camera. [easyazon_link identifier="B075RZL2RR" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Ourlife kids Waterproof Camera with Video Recorder includes 8GB memory card (Pink)[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="n" cloak="n" height="500" identifier="B075RZL2RR" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51ndpCXRvnL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] This is a still image and video recorder for the kids on the go! What's to love?  This video camera for kids is waterproof, comes with a neck strap and SD card, and mounting kits for bicycles and helmets so your kids can safely document their adventures.  The camera is said to run for 1.5 hours and is a rechargeable lithium battery. Some users complain about the clarity and quality of the playback and that the instructions aren't very clear, so you may have to poke around to figure out how to use the camera at first.  It seems like a great video camera for younger kids and at a price point that you're not likely to be disappointed with.   #### 3 Myths About Pregnancy & Dental Care You Shouldn’t Believe This is a guest article dispelling myths about dental care during pregnancy by Dr. Amanda Tavoularis (dentably.com) When you and your partner choose to grow your family, it is one of the most exciting times in your life. While you’re probably busy preparing to bring a new life into this world, there may be certain challenges that you face, such as family members and friends overloading you with information. This can be overwhelming, especially for first time parents. How do you know who to listen to?  When it comes to dental care during pregnancy, there are a lot of myths and it can be hard to know which information you should follow. As a dentist who’s been practicing for more than 20 years, it’s been my goal to help educate expecting mothers on how to have the best dental health and debunk some myths you might have heard. Myths About Dental Care During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Myth #1:  Being Pregnant Doesn’t Affect Your Mouth A common myth about pregnancy is that it doesn’t affect your dental health. This, however, couldn’t be further from the truth. Your changing hormones during pregnancy actually do affect your oral health quite a lot. In fact, pregnant women are at a greater risk for certain dental issues such as gum disease and pregnancy tumors because of their changing hormones. These conditions can cause preterm births and low birth weights so it’s important to be aware of them. However, both of these conditions are treatable, so be sure that you visit your dentist during your pregnancy. To help prevent gum disease and tooth decay you should also continue with an effective oral care routine at home. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and rinsing with mouthwash. This is essential to your dental health and it’s important not to neglect your routine during pregnancy. Myth #2: You Should Avoid Dental Work During Your Pregnancy Another myth pregnant women often hear is that they should avoid dental work. However, it’s actually extremely important to receive dental care to help prevent gum disease. You will need to have regular cleanings and exams during your pregnancy. Do note that for treatments such as cavity fillings or anything involving sedation, it’s best to hold off on them until your second trimester as this is the time where it will be safest for you and your baby. If you’re worried about any adverse effects, it is possible for you to postpone the procedure until after birth. Note that if you experience a dental emergency, you may need to undergo a dental procedure anyway to make sure you and your baby are safe and healthy. Finally, it’s also best to postpone any cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening until after the birth as well. These procedures are often not necessary so it’s important to stray away from exposing any harsh chemicals to you and your baby. Myth #3: Risk of Disease & Decay Stops After Pregnancy Finally, breastfeeding mothers may experience many of the same dental issues that they did during pregnancy. The risk of oral disease and decay does not automatically go away after you have given birth. In fact, women who are nursing may experience up to 5 percent bone loss which can lead to gingivitis. Some women may also experience teeth grinding during nursing due to soreness of the face and neck. If you are breastfeeding keep a close eye on your dental health and make sure that you make time to visit the dentist after your baby is born. Also, many dentists and doctors encourage mothers to remain on a diet that is low in sugar to prevent tooth decay and continue their effective dental care routine at home. Growing a family is a beautiful part of life and pregnancy is a special experience for women. While you’re probably feeling excited, there may be some challenges that you are facing with pregnancy as well. Dental care during pregnancy can be confusing too, but having a healthy mouth is important for the safety of you and for your baby. Continue taking care of your oral health during this time as you prepare to welcome a little one into this world. #### 3 of the Best Diaper Rash Remedies Moms Need to Know My toddler hates the idea of using a potty but also doesn't like me to change him.  So, he continues to get a diaper rash and I have to employ certain diaper rash remedies to make him feel better! You guys, I totally had my crap together with my first kid.  But, my second?  I guess I've kinda given up on the potty training business. Whoever said potty training boys is harder has been 100% right.  At least, that's my experience.  So, I'm stuck with a diaper bag for a while longer.  Just tell me I won't be sending him to school in diapers, and I'll be okay. Apparently, I missed a very small window in which my son was actually interested in using the potty.  Since then, he's refused to use the potty and cries like I'm hurting him when I try to place him on the toilet. It's so bad with the potty training that this little guy refuses to admit he's done number two in his diaper.  In fact, he won't tell me during nap or quiet time if he needs to be changed. And, because he's already notorious for getting a diaper rash, this is only exacerbated by his insistence to remain in his diaper. Now, my son seems to get a rash when he plays at a water table or in a body of water for a seemingly short amount of time.  At times, certain foods (like the Cuban food with lime juice) can also give him a rash. Even my daughter, as a little tyke was prone to diaper rash with certain foods like strawberries. You eventually kind of learn when to expect diaper rashes and, depending on their severity, try to reduce or eliminate the exposure to the food or events that often prompt diaper rashes. But, when one pops up, your child is likely irritable and may show signs of discomfort. My son will walk with his legs really far apart (and you'll likely just think he's playing around).  Or, he won't wrap his legs around me while I hold him. So, what are some diaper rash remedies to help relieve irritation and pain? My 3 Favorite Diaper Rash Remedies 1. Boudreaux's Butt Paste *I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions.  Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links. Boudreaux's Butt Paste is my go-to diaper rash remedy! Honestly, this is my first line of action because it's readily available in my diapering kit.  Boudreaux's has been part of my diapering station and diaper bag essentials ever since my daughter was a baby. Why? Because it was effective the first time I ever needed it, so I never considered changing brands.  And, it's never let me down in 7 years, so long as it was a rash treatable on my own (started showing signs of improvement with the diaper rash remedies we used at home)! What I love about [easyazon_link identifier="B00523ACAI" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Boudreaux's Rash Kicking Kit™[/easyazon_link] is that it's convenient and portable, making it perfect for use around the home or stuffing in a diaper bag for use while running errands. And, the kit includes a cool BPA free Butt Brush™ silicone applicator.  It's great for applying a thick, smooth coat of Butt Paste® for a protective wetness barrier But, that's not the only reason we use Boudreaux's.  Despite it's efficacy, and if you're anything like me, it's great to know Boudreaux's is free of dyes, parabens, presevatives, phthalates, and talc. Original Butt Paste® has 16% Zinc Oxide to start soothing your baby's bum and the Maximum Strength includes more for a stronger, more angry rash. Finally, you can grab the Rash Kicking Kit, which typically retails for a mere $14.99, on Amazon.  It makes a great baby shower gift or regular purchase for your diaper bag essentials to be prepared for baby or toddler diaper rash concerns. 2. Air Drying When your baby or toddler has a diaper rash, it's especially important to give the area a few moments to dry after a change (or bath). You could even give your little one a few minutes of diaper-free time. 3. Baking Soda Bath When a diaper rash is stubborn or extremely painful, try a baking soda bath.  Simply add up to 2 tablespoons of baking soda to your kiddo's bath water and let them soak for 10 minutes or less. The baking soda will be soothing for the skin and help recover pH balance. Don't forget to dry gently after a bath and allow your child's skins to breathe for a few minutes before putting another diaper on. Remember, if you're not comfortable with any of the above diaper rash remedies, you should consult with your pediatrician. If you've used any and all of the diaper rash treatments, and your baby's diaper rash persists, or worsens, it may be time to seek medical attention from your pediatrician. Fungal or Bacterial Infections can cause diaper rash that doesn't go away without treatment, but you won't know until you seek his or her advice. Tell me:  What are your favorite diaper rash remedies? Don't forget to purchase your Boudreaux's Rash Kicking Kit™ on Amazon and show them love on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! PIN ME #### 3 Simple Tips to Save Money on Back to School Essentials This month, I've been tackling the back to school lunch discussion.  Early?  Sure.  We're halfway through summer vacation already.  I'm getting my brain in gear for all things back to school. Over the last 2 years, I've learned out to efficiently pack school lunches for my daughter and beat the school morning rush.  I'm one who loves to be prepared and ahead of the game, though admittedly, it's not been so easy once we had a second baby.  So, I'm behind the curve on learning how to save money on back to school. This year though, I had my strategy down a little better.  And, as I find typical, the more I can plan ahead, the easier it is to save money.  This is how I plan to save money on back to school essentials this year. This is a sponsored post on behalf of Groupon. All opinions expressed here are my own. 3 Simple Ways to Save Money on Back to School Essentials Plan ahead I have a list of items I know I want for my daughter this year.  And, I had her pick out a backpack online after I researched the one I thought would be the best.  If you have your list of school supplies, keep it with your list of personal essentials. I have our school supply list pinned to a written list of things I need to purchase to get ready for the new school year.  I wanted to add a thermal lunchbox capable of packing hot lunches, but most importantly, my daughter needed a new backpack designed to last. Use Groupon Coupons Whether I'm shopping online or in store, using Groupon Coupons helps me to get what we need but still save on back to school essentials. Before you check out, be sure to search Groupon Coupons for savings.  There are over 12,000 stores offering coupons on Groupon, so you have tons of chances to save money on your back to school shopping needs! Remember that backpack I said we needed?  I decided on one that was recommended at L.L. Bean and I made sure to check Groupon Coupons so that I was sure to get the best deal when I ordered it. Buy when there's a sale I keep our Amazon Wishlists up to date and I sign up for my favorite retailers' emails.  It's important to be notified when there's a sale so I can snag the back to school essentials when they go on sale.  But don't forget the Groupon Coupons, in case you can stack a coupon on sales, too. Other places Groupon Coupons are helping me save money on back to school essentials I already told you I'm saving money at L.L. Bean on my daughter's new backpack.  But, all of our back to school shopping will be spread out amongst various stores, because that's how I find some of the best savings. I'm using Groupon coupons at Target, Amazon, and JC Penney to name a few. #### 30 Festive Cinco de Mayo Recipes: Apps, Main Courses, and Desserts Who doesn't love celebrating Cinco de Mayo?  Fun, lively music, and drinking (if that's your thing).  Of course it is ... it's un-American not to drink on a holiday.  Crap.  I'm un-American. Truthfully, I mostly don't celebrate the random holidays.  Honestly, I never even understood why the U.S. celebrated Cinco de Mayo.  So, I decided to do a little research.  The story is a bit more drawn out than I'd hoped.  So, I'm going to be lazy and let you click the link if you feel like learning what the U.S. has to do with Cinco de Mayo. Anyway, here's the truth.  This holiday gives me another reason to have mexican fare during the week.  I feel like I could eat Mexican dishes all week and never get sick of it.  It's not just Taco Tuesday this week!!  But, I certainly won't want to eat the same old Tacos we just had a few nights before.  You? Check out these amazing Cinco de Mayo recipes I've pulled together for you.  But, sorry guys, if you're into drinking, I did not include those kinds of recipes. Cinco de Mayo Appetizer Recipes Best Pico de Gallo Recipe from Tastes of Lizzy T Creamy Avocado Dip from Thrifty Recipes Mexican Hummus Recipe from Mommy Travels Mexican Bread Bowl Appetizer from Thank You Honey Mexican Tortilla Rollups from Tastes of Lizzy T Cinco de Mayo Main Courses Fish Tacos for Cinco de Mayo from Gym Craft Laundry Slow Cooker Chicken and Cheese from 3 Boys and a Dog Skinny Mexican Stuffed Peppers from Domestic Superhero Gluten Free Mexican Lasagna from A Mom's Take Green Chili Pork Tacos from Organized Island Easy Grilled Bean Flautas from Ginger Casa Mexican Quinoa Bowls from Domestic Superhero Chalupa Recipe for Cinco de Mayo from A Mom's Take Easy Tamale Pie with Beef & Black Beans from Thrifty Recipes Mexican Guacamole Burgers from Tastes of Lizzy T Chipotle Shrimp Tacos from Happy Mothering Easy Chili Verde Enchiladas from Organized Island Mexican Steak with Avocado Salsa from Tastes of Lizzy T (Paleo, Whole30) Quesadillas for Cinco de Mayo from Juggling Family Life Frijoles Charros from Oh So Savvy Mom Crock Pot Tequila Chicken from Tammilee Tips One Pot Cheesy Mexican Pasta from Domestic Superhero Cinco de Mayo Dessert Recipes Mexican Spiced Chocolate Chip Cookies from Mama Maggie's Kitchen Churro Truffles from Pizzazzerie Arroz con Leche from Mama Maggie's Kitchen Cinco de Mayo Pinata Cookies from Saving Dollars and Sense Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars from Domestic Superhero Abuelo's Capirotada Mexican Bread Pudding from Mommy Travels Snowball Cookies AKA Mexican Wedding Cookies from Tammilee Tips Mexican Lava Brownies from An Alli Event   #### 30 Wonderful Thanksgiving Board Books for Toddlers Looking for the best thanksgiving board books for toddlers? I bet you'll find a top pick in this list of over 30 toddler Thanksgiving board books. Fall in Florida is often just extended summer.  We experienced a cool spell just before Halloween and we'll likely get hit with another cold snap in time for Thanksgiving.  I'm always grateful for the brief reprieve from the heat.  Still, I try not to get my hopes up that it will last because Florida usually experiences a summery Christmas season! With Thanksgiving, I'm grateful for the cool weather, pumpkin spice lattes, and the ability to wear a few cute sweaters. Since we don't experience true seasons in Florida, I experience much of Fall vicariously through images on Instagram, the internet, and other social media sites.  Books are a wonderful tool to teach the kids about the changes of the seasons and all about Thanksgiving. I always start reading to my children when they're babies, so I amass tons of books, especially on subjects that are more difficult to explain in real life, like seasonal changes and emotions. When I really take a good look at Thanksgiving, I'm certain my kids would only think of Thanksgiving as a large gathering of family with a ton of food that should feed an army.  If it weren't for books and school, that's probably all they'd ever associate with Thanksgiving. I like a variety of books to explain a single subject because you never know what book will grab your child's attention.  That's why I rounded up this list of 30 Thanksgiving board books for Toddlers.  You're sure to find a few that will grab your little one's attention and help them understand the full meaning of the Thanksgiving traditions! 30 Toddler Thanksgiving Board Books The First Thanksgiving: A Lift-the-Flap Book It's been touted as "inoffensive" and a great book for introducing toddlers and preschoolers to Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving, Biscuit! "Celebrate Thanksgiving with Biscuit! Lift the flaps to reveal a special holiday surprise on every page. Biscuit has so much to be thankful for on his first Thanksgiving. How will he and the little girl spend this special day? Pull back the flaps to find out!" Llama Llama Gives Thanks "In Llama Llama Gives Thanks, it's Thanksgiving time for Llama Llama and his family! That means yummy foods and autumn leaves and being thankful for everything from pumpkin pies to blue skies. Thanksgiving may only come once year, but in Llama's family, giving thanks is always here!" This Thanksgiving board book has been described as perfect for toddlers, but not so much for preschoolers and above. Fall (Bright Baby Touch and Feel) "With seasonal pictures for Fall and Thanksgiving, this is an engaging book to share with babies and toddlers. There are Fall leaves, pumpkins, cranberries and photographs of other familiar things to look at, and the pages have different touch-and-feel textures, which little fingers will love to explore." This book is quite short, but if you've got a toddler who likes touching everything, this book does the job. Happy Thanksgiving, Curious George tabbed board book "Today is Thanksgiving and George is so excited! He loves everything about the holiday—from the parade with music, jugglers, and big balloons to the delicious turkey shared with family and friends. But even on Thanksgiving the curious little monkey manages to stir up some trouble! Follow George through his Thanksgiving adventures with the short poems in this board book. The fun, tabbed pages are perfect for little fingers!" The many reviews suggest this is a great thanksgiving book for toddlers! Five Silly Turkeys Your little one will be entertained by both the rhyming adventure and the sensory crinkle of the tail feathers in this adorable Thanksgiving turkey board book Bright Baby: Happy Thanksgiving Introduce the Thanksgiving holiday to your little one with this sweet board book full of touch and feel elements with Thanksgiving themed words and photos from food to family. Where Is Baby's Turkey? (Karen Katz Lift-the-Flap Books) Little ones love the anticipation of a lift-the-flap book as baby searches for the turkey stuffed animal.  Find out what baby discovers in the search. Thanksgiving Parade (Thanksgiving Board Books) Described as a book great for babies and young toddlers, see the Thanksgiving Parade from your little one's eyes. I Love to Gobble You Up! "Give thanks for your little ones with kisses, hugs, and GOBBLES of love all throughout the holiday season with this backlist holiday classic."If kisses were gobbles, I'd gobble you up!I'd gobble your nose, I'd gobble your toes! The just-right book for a Thanksgiving cuddle, this gently refreshed Sandra Magsamen title is perfect for reminding your little turkey just how loved they are. Features sturdy board pages and soft, tactile turkey "feathers" made of real felt. Sandra Magsamen is the bestselling creator of over 30 baby and toddler books, with sales of over 3 million copies worldwide." Thankful If you're looking for a way to introduce thankfulness to your little one's vocabulary, this Thanksgiving book is your answer.  The author reminds children how blessed they are and exhibits thankfulness through the characters introduced in the book through rhyme and whimsy. Corduroy's Thanksgiving A shaped board book that walks your little ones through a Thanksgiving dinner hosted by Corduroy ... from watching the parade, sharing what he and his friends are thankful for and more. Duck & Goose, Find a Pumpkin (Oversized Board Book) "Go on a pumpkin hunt with Duck & Goose in this oversized board book! Now an animated series, available to stream on Apple TV+!New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Tad Hills brings our favorite feathered friends out to find a big, beautiful pumpkin in this sturdy, large-sized board book. Duck & Goose look everywhere for a pumpkin--in the apple tree, in the leaf pile, inside a hollow log.... Where will they find one?Perfect for your favorite fall holidays, and a fun read-a-long for fans of Duck and Goose any time of year! The large size of this edition makes it an ideal book for sharing during storytime or lap time." The Itsy Bitsy Pilgrim If your little one likes the classic nursery rhyme "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" they're sure to love this Thanksgiving twist. Little Turkey: Finger Puppet Book (Little Finger Puppet Board Books) A simple Thanksgiving book for the really little ones, the finger puppet makes the book more engaging. Spot's Thanksgiving "Give thanks with Spot in this holiday board book!It's Thanksgiving, and Spot wants to make a pumpkin pie. Everyone celebrates together as his whole family helps prepare the treat!" Mickey & Friends Mickey's Thanksgiving For die-hard Disney fans, what holiday is complete without Mickey?  This book is brought to life through touch and feel to help keep your little ones engaged. Ladybug Girl Gives Thanks Short and simple, the reviewers of this book warn that it doesn't reference Thanksgiving, rather this book is meant more for the reminders of gratitude every day. Turkey Time! (Thanksgiving Board Books) Walk your little one through Thanksgiving day right up to dinner time! Reviewers suggest this book is best suited to the younger toddlers with short attention spans. The Great Turkey Race: with a Roaring Engine Sound (Shaped Board Books) "The perfect gift to celebrate Thanksgiving, this shaped board book has busy, illustrated scenes with so many things to look at as the great turkey race gets underway! Includes an integral sound button which makes a roaring engine noise." One Big Turkey "Join one big turkey and his forest friends as they celebrate the harvest season and count their blessings! The sweet, rhyming text of One Big Turkey will help children count everything they have to be thankful for, including food, friends, full tummies, and most of all, God! This board book presents parents with an adorable and simple way to teach their children about gratitude while enjoying the fall season." #### 30 Yummy Rice Dinners You Need to Try Rice dinners are budget friendly and filling.  Whether you need an easy weeknight dinner or just looking for ways to jazz up rice, you're sure to find something you'll enjoy here! There's something extremely satisfying about rice.  At least, my tummy thinks so!  I mean, who doesn't love a good, easy rice dinner like a quick casserole or one pot meal on a weeknight?  And rice is so versatile, you can add it to almost anything.  Then, if you have leftovers of plain rice, you can make a delicious rice pudding. But more than my tummy, our budget appreciates rice, too.  It's both filling and affordable.  Well, affordable depending on the rice you buy, right? What kind of rice do you like? Can I level with you?  I'm always up for plain white rice topped with Cuban style black beans.  Or plain white rice and butter.  Seriously, no fuss.  Just pop that stuff in a [easyazon_link identifier="B007WQ9YNO" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="y" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]rice cooker[/easyazon_link](because I can't cook rice without it), slab some faux butter on it, and scarf it down. Since hubby isn't fond of plain rice, we have to jazz it up for him a bit. This is where these lovely rice dinners come in handy! These 30 Delicious Rice Dinners Are Sure to Please Sports Night Dinner Idea: Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice via Gym Craft Laundry Louisiana Red Beans and Rice via Simple Sweet Recipes Fajita Style Easy Chicken and Rice Recipe via Inspiring Savings One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice via I Don't Have time for that! Italian Baked Stuffed Tomatoes with Rice via An Italian in My Kitchen Crazy Easy Chicken and Yellow Rice via SAHM, plus... Southwest Skillet Chicken and Rice via Living Sweet Moments Hawaiian Fried Rice via Food, Folks and Fun! Instant Pot Thai Chicken Rice Bowls via Wondermom Wannabe Italian Sausage and Vegetable Rice Casserole via An Italian in my Kitchen Orange Chicken and Brown Rice via Walking on Sunshine Instant Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice via I Don't Have time for that! Italian Chicken and Wild Rice via Genius Kitchen Polska Kielbaska Casserole with Peas and Rice via Hey Let's Make Stuff Cranberry-Pecan Curry Rice via Food, Folks and Fun! Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken Over Rice via Thrifty NW Mom One Pot Spanish Chicken and Rice via Living Sweet Moments Healthy Turkey and Rice Stuffed Peppers via In The Kids Kitchen Easy Sausage Rice Skillet Dinner via Penny Pincher Jenny Succulent Spanish Shrimp with Yellow Rice via Living Sweet Moments Instant Pot Chicken Taco Bowls via Wondermom Wannabe Easy Cheesy Spinach Chicken and Rice Casserole via Mom Foodie Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe via Pink When Easy Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe via Thrifty Jinxy Loaded Vegetable and Wild Rice Soup via Domestic Superhero Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Rice Bowls via Mom Foodie Beefy Mexican Rice Soup via Tastes of Lizzy T Steak and Rice Bowl with Veggies via Saved by Grace Best Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup via Inspiring Savings Do you have any favorite rice dinners I need to try? Related: 15 Easy Chicken and Rice Dinners You Need to Try #### 30+ Great Postpartum Freezer Meals for New Moms Spending the time preparing postpartum freezer meals was THE smartest things I did during my second pregnancy.   Make-ahead freezer meals for moms to make while pregnant saves time preparing food after baby arrives - meaning more time for the rest and care of your newborn! Endless diaper changes and learning new schedules. Sleepless nights. Sore nipples from trying to breastfeed. If I'm honest, I didn't get to nap much during the day either as my daughter took many 20 minute naps, instead of fewer long stints.  Just as she'd begun to sleep, I'd lay down.  Before I could get fully settled, she was awake again. Dishes were piling up. But diaper blowouts and spit-up meant laundry was always running! I didn't get much help after my first baby was born. As new parents, we were clueless about just how much work a baby was. And, I naively assumed grandparents would be knocking at the door to help.  I mean, I'd always heard the stories about so-and-so's mom or mother in law coming to cook dinner for the family to help everyone settle in. Boy, was I ever wrong. I spent the first several months learning out how to care for a high need baby who cried non-stop, except for her 15- to 20-minute naps.  Finding the time to cook, much less clean up after, was difficult. My parents stayed with us to help the first night, then they were gone. And my mother-in-law never once asked if she could help us. We suffered through and figured it all out.  My first is now 10, so we survived.  But I vowed not to be in that situation again when I got pregnant with my second baby. I spent the last couple of weeks of my second pregnancy preparing freezer meals. Guys, I prepped nearly 30 freezer meals! In my final days of pregnancy and 13 days past due, I finished up the last few meals hunched over in pain.  The exhaustion was beyond unbearable.  But, the reward was worth it. That first month with a second baby was insane as I learned how to parent two kids. Living with the sleep deprivation for the second time was ... well, more than a little exhausting. But, I didn't have to worry about not feeling up to cooking.  My hard work preparing freezer meals before baby arrived saved us most nights in the first month.  And, that's why I say planning and preparing freezer meals is one of the smartest things you can do while you're still pregnant. Aside from pregnancy, preparing freezer meals for your family is a huge time saver.  And, in the case of an emergency, or sheer laziness, you'd be really happy you took a chunk of a day or two to prepare these on occasion. What I didn't initially have was a list of good freezer meals to try.  So, I thought I'd round up a few tasty-sounding freezer meals for you.  Pin or save as many as sound interesting to you.   Stash these if you're about to have a baby or if you're looking for a little extra organization getting ready for school! Let me know your favorites! Postpartum Freezer Meals Will Save The Day! Looking forward to actually relaxing a bit after your new baby arrives?  Well, you won't be doing it unless you work on these pre-baby freezer meals. I promise, the effort you but in now will be worth it. How to Start Freezer Meal Planning *Disclosure: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. If you're like me, you may be clueless about how to start freezer meal planning.  Here are a few tips and tricks I can give from my experience: Get those awesome things that hold your Ziploc bags upright.  I use these: Jokari Hands-Free Baggy Rack Clip Food Storage Bag Holder Pick several meals with the same ingredients so you can prep similar items at the same time. Double-up on your favorite meals to increase your supply, but spend less time working. Must Have Mom offers tons of fabulous tips to help you get started freezer cooking! Making freezer meals during your last month of pregnancy can be exhausting, but you'll be glad you did, so you can spend time with your baby.  Check out the free lying in plan from Earth Mama, by clicking the following image: Breakfast Freezer Meals for New Moms Easy Mini Omelets from Must Have Mom Bacon Avocado Ranch Egg Muffins from The Pinning Mama Crustless Quiche from Thrifty NW Mom Scrambled Egg Muffins with Broccoli, Cheese, and Ham from  Walking on Sunshine Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches from Must Have Mom Postpartum Dinner Freezer Meals Crockpot Green Chili Pork Stew from Who Needs a Cape? Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole (Gluten Free) from Wholesome Yum Sloppy Joes Freezer Meal from The Chaos and the Clutter Fajita Freezer Meal Recipe from Must Have Mom Stuffed Peppers Recipe from Having Fun Saving & Cooking Freeze Ahead Mediterranean Shepherd's Pie from Rainy Day Mum Cranberry Chicken from Dukes and Duchesses Freezer Meal Stuffed Shells from A Mom's Take Crockpot Balsamic Glazed Drumsticks from Who Needs a Cape? Pesto Chicken Bake with Cauliflower (Gluten Free) from Wholesome Yum Beef and Corn Casserole Gluten Free Freezer Meal from The Chaos and the Clutter Beef Stew with Stock Vegetables from Divine Lifestyle Creamy Burritos from Architecture of a Mom Easy Freezer Chicken Soup from The Soccer Mom Blog Italian Meatloaf Freezer Meal from Must Have Mom Garlic Honey Chicken from Having Fun Saving & Cooking Tuna Casserole from Creative Homemaking Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy from Who Needs a Cape? Low Carb Cauliflower Casserole with Beef Marinara (Gluten Free) from Wholesome Yum Crock Pot Freezer Meal Pizza Casserole from The Chaos and the Clutter Crock-Pot BBQ Pork Ribs from Crock-Pot Ladies Easy Freeze Ahead Taco Casserole from Almost Supermom Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Chili from Who Needs a Cape? Spanish Rice Casserole from The Chaos and the Clutter Apricot Chicken Recipe from Having Fun Saving & Cooking   Pepperoni Pizza Braid from Must Have Mom Cheesy Pasta Bake from Thrifty NW Mom Gluten Free Stuffed Peppers from The Chaos and the Clutter Freezer Chicken Enchiladas from Creative Homemaking Crockpot Applesauce BBQ Chicken from Who Needs a Cape? Chicken Taco Casserole from The Chaos and the Clutter If you like this list, check out 10 Awesome Recipes that Freeze Well from my friends at Groom and Style. Did you like this list of freezer meals for new moms? If you spent any amount of time fixing up these freezer meals, you can just envision sitting back holding your new baby longer because you have very little work to do at night to have dinner ready!! #### 34 Indoor Activities for 3 & 4 Year Olds To Have a Blast Inside How can you beat the mundane while staying home with little ones? Check out these fun indoor activities for 3 year olds to help breathe new life into your daily routine. I have to say it. Florida is just too damned hot.  And winter, however briefly we experience it, can honestly feel too cold. Okay, the truth is, I'm gonna bitch about the weather because I'm intolerant to extremes. Why can't we have 74 degree weather year round? I mean, if Florida isn't going to participate in the display of the 4 seasons, can't it at least just settle on a decent temperature year round? Nope, we're way too hot most of the year and then we have a brief period of way too cold. All that said, my kids and I spend a good deal of time indoors and home throughout the year.  That is, unless we plan a day at the zoo, quick trip to Disney, a family vacation, or take off for one of our race days/weekends. And, it's so easy to get into a really boring routine when you're at home 98% of the time.  Not to mention, super easy to get sucked into screen time battles.  You know ... because the kids are tired of the same old crap, and you're a little more than tired of dealing with them. So, I decided to come up with and share a list of indoor activities for 3 year olds.  In case you're like me, getting stuck in a rut and would like some inspiration to do something different every now and then, this list will help inspire you to mix it up more often! More Than 30 Fun Indoor Activities For 3 Year Olds 1. Coloring Crayons, colored pencils, and markers, oh my!  Grab some coloring books, print coloring pages, or dole out some blank pages and color until the little one loses interest. Well, we all know that will feel like 2.5 seconds, but coloring and doodling will be great for fine motor development, among other benefits to coloring. 2. Play with Play-Doh As I've learned from using Play-Doh for an activity in our monthly subscription box from The Preschool Box, Play-Doh can be used for educational activities instead of just making crazy shapes, cutouts or stamps.  But, those will entertain little kids for a good while, anyway. Do counting activities, cutting, stamping, and shape creating with Play-Doh. 3. Drawing (Scribbling) Have your child choose crayons, colored pencils, markers, or a pencil and let them doodle away.  Don't be surprised if your child does a large-scale scribble and calls it a boat, though.  And that's okay.  This is a great exercise in creativity and fine motor development to get them ready for tracing and writing. 4. Worksheets Now is the perfect time to print some tracing or special activity printable worksheets as you introduce your little one to following instructions. Keep the mood light, though.  Tracing isn't easy and expecting perfect circles probably isn't reasonable at this point.  Just get them used to the idea that they need to follow instructions and be encouraging. 5. Read books There are benefits of visiting the library with a toddler, but it's important to also continue reading at home.  Reading with your child "stimulates their imagination and expands their understanding of the world." Borrow books from the library, buy secondhand books, and/or join a monthly book subscription box for kids.  We've used BookRoo and love that each book comes individually gift wrapped and the box includes a card with a link to more activities you can do after reading your books! 6. Do puzzles Simple puzzles or big, doesn't matter.  Puzzles will keep your little one's brain active and provide fine motor fun. When your child is ready, work your way up to tangrams. My son has been enjoying turning basic shapes into more complicated shapes.  He gets frustrated at times because there's no physical barrier to keep his shapes into place, but thoroughly enjoys it when he completes a new challenge. 7. Play games There are a few awesome games out for 3 year olds these days, so you're not stuck making up activities if you're creatively challenged like me.  We start our little ones out playing games as early as we can and one of our favorite toddler games has always been Roll and Play by ThinkFun. 8. Build a blanket fort The kids like the various tents they have, but they enjoy building blanket forts more.  I sit back and watch their minds at work as they figure out how to use chairs and blankets and get them to stay put. The 3 year old needs more help building his fort, but loves the end result... even if it's to tear it down a few minutes later. 9. Create with boxes Make little (or big) houses out of all those boxes you get on your doorstep.  I mean, HELLO Amazon Prime! If you're anything like our house, you've got stacks of boxes to recycle every week! But, these extra boxes finally have more use! From houses to pretend cars, get a little creative (and crafty).  Plus, your kiddo can draw and color on them to his heart's content! 10. Paint/Fingerpaint Unleash your little one's inner Picasso with a riot of colors and creativity! Finger painting is not just a messy delight; it's an excellent way for toddlers to explore different textures and express themselves. Grab some washable, non-toxic paints, lay out a large sheet of paper, and let their tiny hands become the brushes. The sensory experience will captivate them, and you might end up with a masterpiece worthy of the refrigerator gallery. 11. Build with blocks/bricks Stack, balance, and create! Building with blocks or bricks is a timeless favorite for 3-year-olds. Whether it's wooden blocks, LEGO Duplo, or Mega Bloks, these simple toys offer endless possibilities. Encourage your child to experiment with shapes, sizes, and structures. It's not just play; it's a lesson in spatial awareness, problem-solving, and, of course, the joy of watching their constructions stand tall. 12. Play dress up Transform your living room into a magical kingdom or a bustling city by delving into the world of dress-up. From capes and crowns to funny hats and oversized glasses, the options are limitless. This activity stimulates imaginative play, allowing your toddler to become a superhero, princess, or even a friendly neighborhood explorer. Watch as they engage in make-believe scenarios, bringing a burst of energy and creativity to their indoor playtime. 13. Play pretend Extend the dress-up fun into a full-fledged pretend play session. Whether it's running a make-believe kitchen, setting up a teddy bear tea party, or taking care of a doll, imaginative play is crucial for cognitive development. It enhances social skills, encourages language development, and fosters creativity. So, let your little one's imagination run wild as they embark on fantastical adventures within the safe confines of your home. 14. Dance Turn on some fun kid music or even your own favorite tunes and dance like crazy!  Play stop dance, dance with your child in your arms or on your feet, or both of you dance wildly around the living room. 15. Sing Transform your living space into a mini-concert hall and let the melodic adventures begin! Singing with your little one is not just a delightful bonding activity; it's also a fantastic way to boost their language skills. Choose favorite nursery rhymes, kids' songs, or even some classic tunes you love. Encourage your child to sing along, clap, and maybe even throw in some dance moves. The joy of music is boundless, and this activity promises smiles and shared moments. 16. Play with stamps Stamping is a hands-on, creative endeavor that can entertain and educate simultaneously. Introduce your toddler to the fascinating world of stamps. From traditional rubber stamps to homemade potato stamps, the options are diverse. Not only does this activity enhance fine motor skills as they grip and press the stamps, but it also introduces them to basic shapes and patterns. Watch as they explore the magic of ink and create their own little masterpieces on paper. 17. Let them help with cleaning I'm a firm believer in having my children start chores at an early age.  I want to raise responsible children to be responsible adults, but I still like them to enjoy helping mommy while they're young. When my little one gets irritated with me for leaving to wash, dry, or fold clothes, I offer to let him help me.  And, most of the time, this changes his attitude completely.  When I include him in my chores, he's less fussy and much more talkative. I take a lax approach to chores, but I do have a wonderful list of chores toddlers can do with some help.  This gives little ones a sense of gaining independence and helps me to bond with them. Make some chores fun and don't get super anxious about their cleaning skills.  Just let it go and let them have fun. 18. Let them help with cooking If you can pre-measure ingredients, getting a 3 year old to help with cooking can be entertaining.  Messy and time-consuming, but entertaining. This will help build motor skills and you can discuss math and all kinds of foods. I also find that when I include my little ones while cooking, they're more prone to trying different foods.  Recently, my little guy was hanging with me while I was cooking dinner and he kept trying all the vegetables I was cutting up.  This makes my mama heart happy, especially in the midst of their picky eater phase! 19. Take selfies/pictures You'll cherish looking back on old photos later when the kids get older.  A year can pass by and you'll look back on a picture and realize just how much your child has changed. 20. Let them take a bubble bath Playing with toys in the bubble bath can be a fun thing for little kids and a huge relief when they're having emotional days.  With either of my kids, sometimes offering a bubble bath during a tantrum eases one pretty quickly. Sometimes my kiddos will ask for a bubble bath out of the blue.  Between the toys and making bubble beards, it provides plenty of entertainment and a nice relaxing break for me in the process. We use this fantastic natural bubble bath, too, because we had issues with the oldest when she used standard bubble baths. 21. Have a tea party Invite your little one to a magical world of make-believe with a whimsical tea party. Set up a cozy corner with stuffed animals, dolls, and a variety of teacups. Encourage them to pour imaginary tea and engage in delightful conversations with their tea party guests. This charming activity fosters creativity, social skills, and fine motor coordination as they handle the miniature teacups and utensils with care. 22. Practice cutting Practice cutting with cool scissor skills worksheets! 23. Play with Matchbox cars Rev up the excitement with a fleet of Matchbox cars. Create roads and tracks using tape on the floor, and let your toddler's imagination zoom into action. Racing, crashing, and navigating obstacles with these tiny vehicles not only entertain but also enhance hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness. Watch as they engineer their miniature worlds, complete with bustling traffic and daring adventures. 24. Give toys a bath Turn a simple task into a splashy adventure by giving their toys a bath. Set up a basin of soapy water, hand them a sponge, and let the cleaning commence. This activity not only introduces the concept of cleanliness but also provides sensory stimulation. As they scrub and splash, they'll be engaged in a water-filled world of fun, turning a mundane chore into an entertaining water play session. 25. Make an indoor obstacle course Transform your living room into a dynamic obstacle course, challenging your little one's agility and coordination. Use cushions, pillows, and household items to create tunnels, stepping stones, and balance beams. Guide them through the course, encouraging imaginative play and physical activity. This indoor adventure not only keeps them active but also sharpens their motor skills and spatial awareness. 26. Watch a movie or tv show together Sometimes, a cozy movie or TV show session is the perfect way to unwind and bond. Select age-appropriate content, snuggle up with blankets and pillows, and embark on a cinematic journey together. Whether it's an animated favorite or educational programming, this shared screen time can be a delightful moment for relaxation and connection. 27. Create pictures with stickers Unleash the sticker magic! Provide your toddler with an array of colorful stickers and let them transform plain paper into vibrant works of art. From creating scenes to decorating their own masterpieces, sticker play enhances fine motor skills and allows for imaginative expression. Plus, it's a mess-free alternative to traditional arts and crafts, making clean-up a breeze. 28. Do educational activities You can create your own dry erase activity book with educational pages like tracing letters, numbers, etc. Or, like we've been doing this year, subscribe to an educational subscription box service like The Preschool Box that already has some awesome educational activities ready to go.  I personally love this route because I don't have to spend much time planning if any.  And, it's giving my little guy a fun way to learn a little bit every week beyond just doing tracing worksheets. 29. Have a puppet show Step into the enchanting world of storytelling with a puppet show extravaganza. Gather an assortment of puppets, or even make some simple ones together using socks or paper bags. Create a makeshift stage using a blanket or cardboard, and let the imaginative tales unfold. Puppet shows not only entertain but also encourage language development, creativity, and social interaction as your little one takes on the roles of both puppeteer and captivated audience. 30. Do arts and crafts There doesn't have to be any big planning here.  My daughter was inspired by the watermelon on the pocket of her nightgown, so she cut and glued construction paper to make a watermelon slice. 31. Create and play in sensory bins or bags For little ones when you don't want a mess, a sensory bag (or squishy bag) may be the best option.  I mean, it's a little bit of cook and prep work, but not terribly difficult and makes for a relatively mess-free way for the kiddos to play with something new. Sensory bins and bags provide an opportunity for kids to work with their senses by seeking and touching objects in different mediums.  Plus, a squishy bag can be used to draw or write letters and numbers with their fingers. 32. Give yoga a try Introduce your 3-year-old to the world of yoga, fostering a sense of mindfulness and physical well-being. Keep it light and playful with kid-friendly poses and movements. From downward dog to tree pose, these simple yoga activities enhance flexibility, balance, and coordination. Plus, it's an excellent way for both you and your child to unwind, breathe deeply, and embrace moments of calm amidst the daily hustle. 33. Do an indoor scavenger hunt Embark on a thrilling indoor scavenger hunt adventure. Create a list of items for your little one to find around the house, fostering problem-solving skills and exploration. Whether it's a favorite toy, a specific color, or a household item, the hunt adds an element of excitement to their day. This activity not only keeps them engaged but also encourages a sense of curiosity and discovery as they navigate through each clue. 34. Do sorting activities (sort things by color, shape, size) So, what do you think of these indoor activities for 3 year olds?  Have you ever given them a try?  Was there anything on the list that you haven't tried yet? This post, Fun Indoor Activities for 3 Year Olds, originally appeared on SAHM, plus ... March 2019 and has been updated for accuracy. #### 4 Benefits of Risk Taking for Children Not only are there benefits to taking risks, there are dangers from not allowing our kids to take a few. Discover these secrets to raising kids to take risks. "Parenting doesn't come with a manual, just follow your heart." We've all heard these words from a fellow parent or friend. But is taking risks part of the equation? Who would want to put their children in harm's way? Risk-taking and raising kids may not seem like a match made in heaven, and I needed to figure out how to merge these two factors over a long time. I mean, the thought of either of my toddlers rough housing (and getting hurt) was daunting. I would rather lay out a cushioned play mat and watch them closely. However, with experience, I learned the benefits of risk taking for kids, and I am a firm believer. In fact, now I prefer encouraging my kiddos to take a few risks. So, if you're hesitant to let your babies venture into new growth spaces, you've come to the right place. I will highlight the benefits of risk-taking for kids and guide you as you find your footing. Don’t worry; it’s not as scary as you might think. How Risk Taking Benefits Kids According to Helen Little's research, 87% of parents believe risk-taking benefits child development. Raising kids to take risks instils confidence, self-awareness, and skill development, lowering the risk of your baby engaging in harmful behavior. Kids learn risk management from a young age, and eventually, they'll become responsible teenagers and adults. Wouldn’t you love that? Below is a detailed explanation of how risk-taking will benefit your baby. It builds confidence: Fear of failure keeps many people from taking risks. However, you'll become less fearful when you take a risk, whether you succeed or fail. Your confidence continues to grow as you overcome multiple setbacks. The same applies to children. When your baby takes a risk, they'll become more sure of themselves and unafraid to try new things. Furthermore, developing self-confidence at an early age solidifies the foundation for a confident adult. Gives learning opportunities: Yes! Risk-taking allows you to learn about yourself, test limits, and acquire knowledge or skills. You learn to outgrow your comfort zone and live a spontaneous life. So why not implement the same for your kids? Kids learn their likes and dislikes and develop confidence through taking risks like riding a bike, leading school activities, or joining the gymnastics team. Offers a sense of accomplishment: Every time you try something new or scary, there’s a sense of accomplishment. It is fulfilling to know you tried something different, whether you fail or succeed. You’ll notice kids getting overly excited and eager to try new things when they complete a task. That sense of accomplishment encourages them to explore new activities fearlessly. Encourages skill development: We’re all born with unique talents, but they’ll go unnoticed if we don’t explore them. Risk-taking allows your kids to identify and improve their talents early. Furthermore, they develop new skills through risk-taking, which builds esteem and encourages hard work. Kids learn the importance of working hard to become successful despite the risks. Dangers of Not Allowing Your Kids to Take Risks It is easier for parents to become risk-averse, especially when the kids are younger. However, the urge to protect your baby from potential harm could do more harm than good in the long run. The dangers of not allowing your kids to take risks include limited physical mobility, low self-esteem, and complacency. In addition, non-risk-taking kids are more likely to develop phobias that stifle their emotional and social growth, leading to low self-confidence and poor performance. I'm sure you know at least one adult who fears heights, insects, large water masses, or crowds. Where is the origin of such fears? It all begins in childhood when parents set strict boundaries, focusing on the negative effects of risky play and shielding their babies. Poor problem-solving skills are another adverse danger of not allowing your kids to take risks. When faced with challenges at a young age, risk-taking kids are more likely to find their way around these problems with minimal adult intervention. However, guarded kids require more supervision, and decision-making isn't their strongest trait. So, as your kids grow, take small risks like assigning challenging chores, exploring new talents, and encouraging unsupervised play. In fact, child development experts encourage risky play for physical and psychological development. Letting go of the need to manage risk may seem daunting, but it outweighs the dangers of not allowing your kids to take risks. Furthermore, various activities encourage positive risk-taking. Examples of Positive Risk Taking Although risk-taking benefits the kids, the idea of exposing your kids to potential danger isn't encouraging. Therefore, it's only fair to create a safe environment for risks by identifying positive risk-taking activities for your kids. Here are a few examples of healthy risk-taking from a somewhat experienced mom. Assigning simple house chores with minimal supervision offers more than a bonding opportunity. In addition, House chores are beneficial for developing motor skills, instilling responsibility, and teaching time management. Encourage the kids to engage in challenging physical activities, such as biking, horse riding, hiking, rock climbing, martial arts, or roller coasters. These activities are fun and will encourage your baby to overcome the fear of heights, falling, and failure. Moreover, a sense of accomplishment comes with becoming a pro at a challenging activity. Leadership roles are excellent for instilling self-confidence, responsibility, and social skills. Therefore, ask your baby to run for a leadership role in the school. Of course, there's a chance they won't succeed, but it’s an opportunity for them to build confidence and improve their social skills.  Enroll your kids in a school club, playgroups, or volunteering clubs where they'll meet new faces. Emotional and social skills are developed through one-on-one engagements and meeting people from different walks of life. It is even better to start them off early because they’ll learn interpersonal skills, communication, and conflict resolution. Creating relationships will be the least of their worries as they grow up. Lastly, schedule family activities where you can all try new activities. You don’t have to micro-manage the outing and limit movement. Instead, encourage risky play and let the kids choose their preferred activities. This encourages independent thinking and confidence. 3 Tips for Teaching Children to Take Risks Are you ready to expose your kids to positive risk-taking? Or are you still unsure? Well, don't fret; you're not alone. It is normal for parents to feel hesitant about risk exposure with minimal intervention. In fact, I had to ease into letting my kids engage in risky play when they were younger. So, believe me, I understand. And with that in mind, I have curated 5 essential tips to guide you as you teach your kids how to take risks. Here goes; Participate in the Activities Your kids need to ease into risk-taking. Therefore, join them in these risky adventures before leaving them to their own devices. Seeing you participate assures them that the activities are safe. For example, when your kid sees you riding a bike, they're less likely to feel scared about falling. Similarly, enjoy the swing with them or help them climb a tree in the backyard. You can step away once they understand the basics. Be Encouraging It would be best if you were more encouraging and less stern when exposing your children to new risks. Don't lecture or force them into these activities unless they're truly open to it. The best approach is to encourage them and explain the benefits of stepping outside their comfort zone. For example, tell them why running for a leadership role is a great idea or how joining the football club will improve their social life. Truthful conversations about the importance of actions and consequences are encouraging at any age. Alternatively, feel free to pull the plug and ask them to try when they’re ready. In addition, don’t make the child feel like a failure for not succeeding immediately. When a kid feels supported, they become confident in their abilities. Introduce Unstructured Play You can introduce risks indirectly. Sometimes, simple actions like unstructured play encourage your kids to take risks. For example, provide opportunities for them to build with Legos, play with blocks, complete puzzles, or paint. Unknowingly, the kids will develop creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. These skills will become handy when faced with serious risks like horse riding or leading a group presentation. Generally, unstructured play is a slow build-up to risky challenges. There you have it! Risk-taking might seem scary, but it's really not. Moreover, your baby gets exposed to amazing benefits that only improve as they get older. So, don't be shy to take the plunge into positive risk-taking. After all, all you need is an open mind and a willing spirit. If you enjoyed this, sign up for our email newsletter here. You'll gain access to a detailed resource section of free downloads, including Summer Journals, House Rules, and more.. Join the community and enjoy full parenting support. #### 4 Important Reasons Mom Needs to Have a Hobby Moms shouldn't feel guilty for having a hobby and do things for themselves!  So, why do they often fall prey to this guilt?  If you're feeling it, you might like some of this encouragement for moms! How did you feel when you had your first baby? Enamored, most likely. But did you experience any sense of overwhelm?  Maybe a loss of personal identity? It took me nearly a year to get it through my head that I was more than just a mom.  With the birth of my first baby, I struggled with my identity.  I'd had the misguided notion that once I became a mom, that was the most important, and only, job I had. I'm not saying becoming a mother isn't the most important role you'll ever play.  It most certainly is.  However, it isn't the only role you play. If you're anything like I was, you put yourself and your marriage on the back burner.  You believe your child comes before you and your husband.  If you never fell into that trap, I'm impressed and ridiculously happy for you.  But, if you did fall into that routine, or are currently in it, you need to get out of that mentality.  Your husband wants you to know that there's more to your life than being a mom.  And your sanity and well-being depends on this knowledge. Aside from our own personal struggles, moms these days are busy trying to be super moms.  With the introduction of Pinterest, many of us feeling we need to earn an income (even if  we're stay at home moms), and rushing the kids to the various after school activities (which are probably more than they need), we're more stressed than ever before.  Moms are in need of lifestyle choices that help us find more joy and reduce the overwhelm.  Finding and actively participating in a hobby may be just what you need.  And, you shouldn't feel guilty about it! Why Moms Shouldn't Feel Guilty for Having a Hobby Stress and Tension Reliever When moms spend time on a hobby, it can replace negative thoughts with more positive thoughts and feelings.  Your hobby or creative outlet can lift your spirits and even help with depression. A hobby usually provides intellectual stimulation, while at the same time, relaxing opportunities.  Repetitive actions, like those in knitting, can be especially calming.  The results of a hobby are unmatched to those from passive activities (like watching television). Modeling Healthy Habits This is one of my favorite reasons moms shouldn't feel guilty for having a hobby to herself. Think about how often you're hounding your kids to pick an after school activity. As parents, we're diligently encouraging our children to have hobbies.  We happily pay for their lessons.  We schedule the time to drive them to and from their activities.  Moms do this because we want our children to grow and better themselves in areas they're interested in.  We understand this is an investment in their future. But, once we're moms, it's easy to forget that we need to continue our own personal growth.  We need to learn new skills.  Our personal hobbies can also connect us to people who share our interests. Moms with hobbies maintain a separate identity from their families.  This helps us maintain that we're real people and not just a mom.  What better way to model healthy habits and boundaries to our kids, right? Refreshing Change from Routine As a stay at home mom, I can tell you that day-in and day-out, it all looks the same.  Housework and childcare is pretty much repetitive.  And it's problematic with little ones at home to help destroy the house in the process. It's frustrating when it doesn't look like you've accomplished much of anything, doesn't it? It's possible to pursue a for, not only enjoyment, but to provide value to the family.  You can  sew clothing or turn your hobby into an additional source of income. Other hobbies, like tennis, gardening, or Zumba can provide healthy benefits from the exercise.  This is beneficial for your mind and body. Great for Your Relationships Aside from being good for your own state of mind.  having a hobby of your own is excellent for friendships and your relationship with your husband. By reminding yourself of your individuality, you'll be more confident and can build good friendships with like-minded individuals.  And, your husband will appreciate talking about something other than the kids all the time. Tell me: Do you ever feel guilty about taking time for yourself? If you've wondered about pursuing a hobby, but felt a sense of guilt over taking time away from the family, you shouldn't.  Moms shouldn't feel guilty for having a hobby because it's beneficial and healthy, not only for herself, but for her family. Think you don't have time?  Put YOU time on the calendar.  It's okay to occasionally rearrange the schedule to fit some time in for yourself and your favorite pastime.  And, if you need to, tell yourself to get off your favorite social media site and spend the time more wisely actively working on your hobby.  (Don't worry, we all have bad social media habits). #### 4 Natural Ways to Improve Fertility That Worked For Me You can improve fertility naturally.  Though there are some things you can do, increasing your chances of getting pregnant also has to do with knowledge.  These are my tips for boosting fertility naturally before seeking medical assistance. Nearly 13 years ago, we started trying for our first baby.  At the time, I was approaching my 30s.  I'd waited until my late 20s to settle down and marry.  Not for lack of desire, but finding Mr. Right (or Mr. Better-than-what-I-had) proved a difficult task. After a year of marriage, we began trying for our first baby.  I got off the pill, totally dismissing the doctor's discussion of how long it could take to get pregnant.  I felt healthy and I was totally ready for a baby, so I (wrongly) assumed I'd be pregnant right away. A few months down the road, I was becoming disappointed.  "Practicing" as my husband called it was starting to become more of a chore.  In time,  I began to calculate and track everything because I'm both a planner and impatient.  It was time months before, in my mind, so I didn't understand why this was so difficult for my body. I tried to speak to my doctor about how to get pregnant faster, but I was met with very little assistance because I hadn't been trying at least a year.  In the grand scheme of things, I'm actually kind of glad I got no help at the time, because it was important for me to get pregnant naturally.   So, I began to take matters into my own hands and work on these areas to improve my fertility. This is the path I took to improve my fertility and what I can wholeheartedly recommend to improve fertility and increase your chances of becoming pregnant.  Please be aware that I consider these basic, first steps to your fertility health.  This is not an all-inclusive list and not necessarily for those who have struggled with trying to conceive for longer periods of time.  But, these are things you may wish to rule out to boost fertility prior to seeking invasive or more in-depth medical advice. Great Ways to Improve Fertility and Increase Your Chances of Getting Pregnant There are several things to know and watch to improve fertility and increase your chances of getting pregnant naturally.  These are the steps I took to understand the process, my body, and my health which in turn helped me to get pregnant more quickly. Understand your cyles One thing I never really understood was my menstrual cycle.  Shame on me, right?  It wasn't uncommon for me to not have a period every month.  Growing up, I was never told this was "normal" so I believed it was normal. A normal menstrual cycle is 21 to 35 days according to Mayo Clinic.  Anything longer or shorter can indicate hormones are unbalanced or a health issue needs to be looked into. Factors can be unhealthy weight, excessive exercise, or other health concerns.  If your cycles aren't "normal" you're encouraged to speak with a trusted physician. In my case, I had extremely long cycles, which made it difficult for me to get pregnant. Track your fertility Although this isn't necessarily a direct way to boost fertility, tracking your cycles can help you to understand it.  Knowing when you ovulate and tracking any irregularities in your cycles will help you to understand what, if anything, needs to be improved on in your life. Aside from learning about your cycles for fertility and increasing your chances of getting pregnant, this book can later be used to help you with the Fertility Awareness Method to prevent pregnancy.  I strongly believe knowledge is power.  The more I know, the more power I have over my body and my life.  In parenting, I need as much knowledge and power to keep me strong. The book I recommend is Taking Charge of Your Fertility. This is a huge book and may seem overwhelming.  I found it useful to skim the areas I was directly interested in ... tracking ovulation and detecting issues within my cycle to help me determine if there were areas to work on.  And reading my basal body temperature?  Something I'd never heard of prior to trying to conceive (TTC). Regulate your cycles if they're an issue Since I primarily started using the pill in my teens to regulate my cycles, it was important to continue regulating them without preventing pregnancy.  By not regulating my cycles, I was continuing to prevent myself from becoming pregnant anyway. Although it is recommended you speak to your doctor (and I don't have a medical degree), I chose to regulate my cycles using a capsule called Vitex (aka Chasteberry).   Vitex is generally considered a fertility super herb and is recommended by many naturally-minded women seeking natural remedies for period regulation. I can attest to it's efficacy as it did help me to regulate my cycles when I was first TTC'ing.  I never had to seek medical assistance with this issue.  Please be aware, however, that this herb is not recommended for individuals with certain health conditions or unhealthy lifestyles.  If you're interested in Vitex, please do your research or speak with a trusted alternative health practitioner before determining whether or not this is a course of action you should be taking. When I determined Vitex was right for me, I chose Natures Way Vitex Fruit Caps.  Reviews can be mixed, but I found these to be affordable and effective, personally. Assess Your Physical Well-Being Are you living a healthy lifestyle and of a healthy weight?  To improve fertility, your physical well-being shouldn't be ignored. Being kind to our bodies is important if we're going to expect them to carry our babies.  I know we can't control everything and plenty of people get pregnant easily not eating healthily.  But, if you're struggling to get pregnant, this isn't something to dismiss. Take care of yourself now.  Knowing that if you do become pregnant, eating healthy for your growing baby will be easier if you started off on the right foot. At the time I started trying to conceive I was already eating a low carb, healthier diet.  I ate tons of salads and I'd been exercising regularly to try to reduce my cholesterol.  Continuing to eat healthy was a no-brainer for me. But, I was turned on to a book called Making Babies: A Proven 3-Month Program for Maximum Fertility. This book, I feel, was one of the leading factors in improving my fertility.  It's designed to that one takes a quiz about how they feel, in general.  Based on the answers, the book recommends a specific diet to approach caring for your body in the way it needs. I was recommended a warming diet.  Priority foods to eat for my needs were soups, stews, and drinks without ice.  Every where I went, I drank water without ice and swapped salads for healthier warm meals.  Though I'd been trying for nearly 8 months to get pregnant, I actually got pregnant within 2 months after having read and implemented the suggestions from this book.  Of course, I'd already regulated my cycles by this time too. If you're looking to improve fertility naturally, this book is a must-read! Assess your mental well-being Taking care of yourself is a top priority.  Once you do have a baby, it will be one of the most important ways to maintain your sanity.  A good mother knows she needs to care for herself in order to care for others.  Start your path to parenthood in the right state of mind. Have you ever heard stories of the couples who tried for years to have a baby to no avail until the days or weeks leading up to their eventual decision to adopt children?  I had several friends who went through this process.  Struggling with fertility, fostering children, and eventually deciding to adopt their foster kid (s).  And then, they found out they were pregnant within the same weeks they were to learn they would be able to adopt the children they'd been caring for.  Some of them, the very day they were finalizing their adoptions. The only thing they attribute the success to was that they were no longer focused on having a baby.  They'd let go and relaxed and then suddenly, it just happened. I know it only took me 8 months of trying to conceive the first time, but when I finally verbally "gave up" it happened for me too.  I straight up was tired of trying and just wanted to stop thinking about it. Try to relax, get some pampering, and don't focus on it.  Live your life to the fullest and be happy when and if you're blessed with a baby.  (Please know I'm not saying to totally give up ... I know all too well how strong that maternal clock is.  I just don't want it taking over your life making you and your husband miserable). How to Increase Fertility in Women, Naturally Ready to optimize your path to motherhood? These are practical, natural ways to boost fertility, focusing on understanding your cycle, nourishing your body and mind, and exploring natural supportive measures. Remember, patience and seeking professional guidance when needed are crucial as you embark on this journey. Embrace Your Cycle: Understand the Rhythm: Dive deeper into your menstrual cycle! Track its length, flow, and any irregularities. Normal cycles range from 21 to 35 days, and deviations might indicate hormonal imbalances. Consulting a healthcare professional for guidance is always wise. Unveiling Ovulation: Knowing your fertile window empowers you. Consider charting basal body temperature, using ovulation prediction kits, or exploring fertility awareness methods like the cervical mucus method. Understanding when you ovulate significantly increases your chances of conception. Nourish Your Body & Mind: Fuel for Fertility: Embrace a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Focus on healthy fats like omega-3s and limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and trans fats. These dietary changes can positively impact egg health and ovulation. Move Your Body, Nourish Your Soul: Regular exercise promotes hormonal balance and overall well-being. Aim for moderate physical activity most days of the week, but avoid excessive exertion. Prioritize stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, or mindfulness to keep your mental health in check. Explore Natural Support: Herbal Allies: Some herbs, like Vitex (Chasteberry), are traditionally used for menstrual cycle regulation and fertility enhancement. While promising, it's crucial to consult your doctor before incorporating any herbs into your routine, especially if you have existing health conditions. Acupuncture & Traditional Practices: Consider exploring alternative therapies like acupuncture, reflexology, or massage, which have shown some benefits for fertility in certain studies. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider to ensure they complement your existing care plan. Remember: Patience is Key: While these tips can significantly enhance your chances of conception, remember that every woman's journey is unique. Be patient with your body and avoid unnecessary stress. Seek Support: Don't hesitate to seek professional help if you face challenges on your path to motherhood. Discuss your concerns with your doctor or consider joining a fertility support group for guidance and inspiration. By prioritizing your physical and mental well-being, adopting healthy habits, and exploring natural options, you can create a fertile environment for conception and empower yourself on your journey to becoming a mother. Tell me: what do you consider basic steps to improve fertility? Do you know anyone struggling with fertility?  Lift their spirits with these fun ideas for throwing a getting pregnant party. This post to "improve fertility" was originally published here January 2020.  The content has been updated. #### 4 Signs of Sleep Regression to Watch For Has your baby's sleep patterns changed recently? Here are a few signs of sleep regression you should be aware of. Are you a parent who's been blessed with a great sleeper, only to suddenly find yourself up all night with a fussy, restless baby? If so, your little one may be experiencing a sleep regression. Sleep regression is a common phase that most babies go through, but it can be difficult to recognize and even more challenging to navigate. That's why it's important to know the signs of sleep regression so you can take steps to help your baby get the rest they need, while also taking care of yourself as a parent. In this article, we'll discuss the signs of sleep regression to look out for and provide tips to help you and your baby through this challenging time. Understanding Sleep Regression Sleep regression can occur at any age, but it's most common during the first year of a baby's life. The most common ages for sleep regression are at 4 months, 8-10 months, and 12 months. During these ages, babies go through significant developmental changes, which can affect their sleep patterns. Sleep regression can also be caused by other factors such as illness, teething, or changes in routine. However, developmental changes are the most common cause of sleep regression. Signs of Sleep Regression Understanding the signs of sleep regression is the first step in managing this phase. These are a few signs to look for: Frequent Night Wakings One of the most noticeable signs of sleep regression is frequent night wakings. If your baby was previously sleeping through the night and suddenly starts waking up several times, it could be a sign of sleep regression. During sleep regression, babies may wake up more often due to discomfort or changes in their sleep patterns. Difficulty Falling Asleep Sleep regression can cause babies to have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. If your baby takes longer than usual to fall asleep or wakes up frequently during the night, it could be a sign of sleep regression. Fussiness Sleep regression can cause babies to be fussier during the day due to lack of quality sleep. If your baby is more irritable or fussy than usual, it could be a sign of sleep regression. Changes in Naps Sleep regression can affect a baby's napping schedule, causing them to have shorter naps or skip them altogether. If your baby's napping schedule suddenly changes or they struggle to take their usual naps, it could be a sign of sleep regression. Sometimes sleep problems can be an indicator of a more serious underlying medical condition or illness. If you notice any changes in your baby's eating habits, weight gain progress, or if they are suddenly snoring or breathing loudly during sleep in ways they hadn't been doing before, it's important to seek advice from your pediatrician. Additionally, if your baby displays any signs of illness such as coughing or fever, it's best to consult with your pediatrician as soon as possible. While these symptoms may not necessarily indicate a serious condition, it's better to err on the side of caution and seek professional advice to ensure your baby's health and well-being. It's essential to note that these signs can also be caused by other factors such as teething, illness, or growth spurts. However, if you notice several of these signs at once, it could indicate sleep regression. Sleep regression can be a challenging phase for both parents and babies, but it's a natural part of development. Understanding the signs of sleep regression and what causes it can help you manage this phase better. Remember to be patient, offer comfort, and stick to a consistent routine. If you're struggling, don't hesitate to seek advice from your pediatrician or a sleep specialist. Continue reading our guide to sleep regressions: Sleep Regression: What is It and What to Expect 4 Signs of Sleep Regression to Watch For (this post) Sleep Regression Ages Why Does Sleep Regression Happen? How to Deal with Sleep Regression #### 4 Tools to Engage Early Writing and Artistic Interests  Do you want your child to have an interest in writing and/or drawing?  It's easy to foster or instill this interest at an early age with very little effort or monetary investment.  My daughter was writing words on her own at the age of 4.  Now, I don't know if it was just her personality (she's always thrived on a lot of structured education).  But, I do know that we've always had a wealth of these things available to her at any given moment.  Here are the 4 tools I suggest having to instill early writing and artistic interests: Note: I have included an affiliate link to give you an idea of one of the items I discuss.  If you click on and purchase from my links, I will be paid a small commission, but costs you nothing more out of pocket. 1) Paper We have a dedicated scrap paper drawer in the play room.  My daughter is allowed to use as much paper as she likes because these are typically pages that would have otherwise been trashed.  Essentially, you can't have too much scrap paper. 2) Writing utensils Pens, pencils, markers, crayons, chalk.  Because my daughter has always been good about not writing on anything other than paper, I tend to leave these items in areas she can easily reach them.  If you have children at home that aren't as self-disciplined, be sure to have utensils put away in a safe place, but dole them out any time your children want to doodle (assuming you have the time to supervise). 3) Tracing pages You can find all sorts of tracing pages to print for FREE online.  My favorite place is education.com.  I have picked up inexpensive workbooks at Dollar Tree before, and I've been known use some as dry erase pages, which I blogged about in a post on making a homemade dry-erase book. 4) Dry Erase Board and Chalk Board We have a Crayola Double-Sided Magnetic Easel that has a dry erase board on one side and a chalk board on the other.  When she expresses a desire to work with them, we hand her the proper tools for the board she wants.  When not being used, this folds up to lean against a wall, taking up less room, and making transport indoors and out a breeze.  Don't forget your sidewalk or driveway as another great option for drawing and writing. © Ivy www.sahmplus.com I feel it's important to note that you should try to always be enthusiastic about your child's writing and drawing.  By praising their work, regardless of what you see, they will build the confidence in themselves and want to keep at it.  Your child's skills will progress as they are ready, and sometimes with very little instruction. As an added bonus, I purchased a small writing pad from the Dollar Tree last year that I tuck into my purse along with a pen.  I allow my daughter to use this during longs waits at the doctor's office, waiting for dinner at a restaurant, or during longer car rides.  As with the writing pad, none of your tools have to be expensive.  Trips to the dollar store can often be sufficient to pick up a few, if not all, of these items. #### 4 Ways Elli Explorer is More Than Just Silly Fun I think you'll agree, Ellie Explorer is a great show for your kids because she offers education and fun in one package.  I share 4 reasons we love watching Ellie Explorer. For 2018, I decided I was going to do a home preschool experience for my toddler, similar to what I had done with my first, who is now 6.  The trouble I had in preparing his curriculum was that I had no idea how to make educating him more of a physical activity than what I did with S.  You see, B is a very active toddler who rarely sits down to read and takes about 2.5 seconds to scribble on paper.  Unlike his sister, he has very little attention span for worksheets and sitting.  It's even a major challenge visiting the library for story time with this toddler. But, I was determined to teach B, like I had done with S.  I just needed to get creative about how I was going to get educational messages through to an active kid, such as himself. I perused WildBrain's site and found quite a few shows I found interesting.  As my son napped over the course of a couple days, I sat watching a few of the shows to find one I thought the kids would like.  My main objective was to find an entertaining and educational show that would grab my toddler's attention.  I specifically needed something really upbeat to keep him from getting mad that I wasn't showing his usual favorite. Last year, while attending a blog conference, I met a representative at Wild Brain.  I'd never heard of it before then.  Come to find out, it's a cool YouTube channel offering tons of your little one's favorite shows for FREE right on the web.  Now, the funny thing is, my daughter had been watching a couple of these shows and I hadn't even realized it until I began scouring YouTube for shows for my youngest. Ellie Explorer hooked me, unlike many shows I find online!  I've partnered with WildBrain to share all the reasons we love watching Ellie Explorer.  All opinions expressed in this post are my own. While both kids were home one morning, I turned on Ellie, quite to the dismay of my son, initially.  But, her bright bubbly personality grabbed him as quickly as it had done with me.  Even my 6 year old watched rather intently, occasionally repeating something to her brother to make sure he was paying attention. The next thing I knew, they were both so enthralled, I was able to leave the room and have a few minutes to myself.  I've since used Ellie Explorer as a means to help me with several problems.   4 Ways Ellie is More than Just Silly Fun This is one of our favorite shows, especially for the toddler.  She helps our little one focus on colors and spells some of the words for an extra boost of education.   Educational For some of our home preschool learning with B, I know I have to mix up the way information reaches him.  Because of his short attention span, I need to constantly change up how educational facts and messages are delivered to him.  He loves watching TV shows and I've never been one to want my kids to watch those that don't have some kind of educational value to offer.  Ellie Explorer is good because she delivers knowledge to my kids in a really fun and engaging environment. Animals I don't know of many little kids who don't love most animals.  Do you?  The cool part about Ellie Explorer is that she shows real life animals and some animated ones.  Both are highly appreciated by the kids. Just the other week, we were learning about the jungle.  For part of the morning, I switched on Ellie Explorer and had him watch an episode about monkeys, since they're one of the animals you find in a jungle.  He was able to watch them in their habitats and hear their sounds. Counting One of my son's favorite things to do is count.  Very often, Ellie counts in her videos and my son really loves that. Activity Ellie Explorer encourages movement during videos.  She uses large motions, sounds, and songs to get kids moving.  To be honest, as I struggle with my energy, I'm quite pleased that Ellie is so upbeat and active.  She's really engaging, which is something little ones need to hold their attention.  My 2 year old definitely doesn't have the attention span I'd like, so anything that can get, and keep, his attention for even a few minutes, like Ellie can, is a blessing! Bonding Especially during moments I use Ellie Explorer videos as part of a preschool morning activity, I'll sit with my son and do the activities or try to sing along with him and Ellie.  We have fun making animal noises and learning to count (or even spell) together. A quiet break for mom I can't lie!  Sometimes I just need a few minutes away from the kid(s) to either take a minute to myself or get something done around the house.  I love when I hear "Eyyie" in my little guy's tiny excited voice.  I love that she captures his attention quickly and I can rush out to take care of whatever it is I need to for a few minutes.  It's a great feeling knowing he's entertained (and learning), instead of trailing behind me seeking to be held. In the real life interview with Eleanor, the presenter for Ellie Explorer, she says it takes "high energy" to be a good presenter.  She couldn't be more right!  I've noticed, over the years, that when a show or story time teller doesn't have enough energy, they lose my children's interest.  Thankfully, Ellie doesn't have this problem.  That's why I can rely on her to give me a couple minutes to regroup or present a topic to my little one when I need a break. And the best part is, there are TONS of videos to watch, including special holiday episodes.  This means there's something fun for many interests. So far, the kids really get a kick out of the Llama Song, too!  As usual, Ellie Explorer is energetic and entertaining.   I know many of us feel compelled to limit our children's screen-time.  I used to be that mom.  But, after having a second kid, I really struggle with my energy.  Screen time with the few shows I approve of sometimes is just a necessary evil.  I love that I can add Ellie Explorer to our routine knowing the kids aren't sitting around watching fluff.  Instead they're learning.  And, that I approve of something that even the picky toddler wants to watch is amazing! Ellie Explorer is now one of our favorite shows to watch when I want a break or when I want to focus on a specific area of education with our toddler. B working on his jungle theme #### 4 Ways Stressed Out Moms Can Calm Down Quickly Taking mom mental health time shouldn't just be on a schedule.  When you recognize overwhelm or stress coming on, combat it quickly with these 4 easy tips. Yesterday, I shared the goals I have for myself in 2018.  In my post about this mom's 2018 goals, I specifically said I was going to schedule mommy's time. This morning, I realized I'm gonna have to do more than that in order to regain some sense of sanity.  As a mom of two children, one being a cranky toddler, once or twice a month just isn't going to cut it.  I spent the morning cleaning laundry and packing up the kids to stay with their pawpaw in a few days. I've been rushing from task to task, trying to get as much done as I could, early in the day.  All the while, my attention was constantly being diverted with a toddler who wanted anything and everything just to get my attention. In an effort to mix things up, I sent the two kids to play in his room upstairs.  I asked my daughter to make sure he didn't walk out of the room.  My main concern was that he'd walk out the door and tumble down the stairs. Unfortunately, I kept hearing cries and screams coming from the other room and I had to drop my work and bring the kids back downstairs to play.  But when my presence didn't help the toddler's mood, I gave up completely and rushed him into his bedroom.  I left him in his crib and walked away. Guys, as I still here looking at the TODAY mug I received while at Mom 2.017, drinking some Yogi skin detox tea, I realize, I can't just focus on taking scheduled mental health time.  Sometimes, an exhausted mom just has to TAKE some mommy time. My son earned himself quiet time.  Thankfully my daughter is self-sufficient for the most part, so asking her to take some time to herself wasn't difficult.  And, I said "forget the scheduled time."  I just decided to take some mom mental health time. How I'm Taking Mom Mental Health Time (and you can, too) If you need a few self-care ideas that don't take much time to think about or plan ahead, these are the 4 things I almost instinctively do to boost my mood and recover from a rough spell with the kids. Sip a cup of something healthy.  I made myself a lovely cup of tea.  This time, I chose a pack of [easyazon_link identifier="B003YJCUKM" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="y"]Yogi skin detox tea[/easyazon_link] I received in a MommyCon box to try.  Luckily for me, taking better care of my skin was on my list of goals for the new year, so I'm really  Most days I'd choose chamomile and honey.   Give the kids a quiet activity.  If you can persuade the kids to work on something independently, try.  A box of magnet letters, coloring books, or felt play may be enough to keep them entertained without you for a few minutes. Don't feel bad about leaving them to work out their emotions.  Sometimes, I can't figure out how to make one (or both) of the kids happy.  There's no sense in continuing to stress myself out over it constantly, so I sometimes resort to leaving them in their rooms to sort it out themselves.  It's OKAY!   Plug in headphones and listen to calming music.  I've sometimes found myself so stressed that I've had to completely tune out all sounds and re-balance.  My favorite way to finding mental health more quickly is to plug in my earbuds and listen to a Pandora radio station called New Age Instrumental Radio.  Any sounds that promote calm is a good choice. I realized my plan for taking scheduled mommy time is a great plan to keep me sane throughout the year.  It will give me a chance to focus on myself and discover things I like to do alone.  But, taking mom mental health time in short spurts to combat the stress before it becomes overwhelm is another acceptable way to make it through the year with more sanity.  Being a stay at home mom is hard.  If we're being honest, the kids get tired of you and you probably get tired of them.  Finding balance is a practice not to be taken lightly, and probably won't come by simply sticking to a once or twice a month schedule. If you need 15 minutes of mental health time, just take it! #### 4 Ways to Empower Your Kids to Be Empathetic Some life lessons are best learned under the guidance of their parents!  Here are some tips for teaching empathy to kids. I don't give my kids or myself the flu shot.  Not just because I forget some years, but I choose not to every year.  I refuse to give shots that could very well be ineffective.  Something about giving my child a shot that probably won't keep them from getting sick irritates me. Who's gotten sick after getting the flu shot?  I've known way too many who have, and the one time my daughter was given one, she wound up sick. If the fact came out I hadn't vaccinated against the flu, people gave me a guilt-trip.  But can you imagine the natural guilt I felt the one time my daughter got sick after getting the flu shot? Guys, I can't win.   Parents can't win! Facebook pages are abuzz with constant arguments about people's personal decisions.  The news and comments these days shows us how much our world is lacking in empathy and unity.  We're at odds with each other about everything, it seems. And, while some groups are yelling about their rights, they're silencing others. Empathy is defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of another individual. With empathy comes compassion and unity.  And, we urgently need these traits today.  Am I right?  I mean, I don't necessarily need you to agree with my choices, but I sure would appreciate accepting that my choices are those I make for the better of my family.  My choices ... my family.  I do the same for you.  I accept that whatever choices you make for yourself and your family are made out of necessity.  Whatever helps you sleep at night.  And I'm totally cool with it, even if I don't agree with it, or see it as a viable option for my family. Although empathy may come more naturally to certain people, it's something we should all work on.  But how can we instill this important trait in our children as we watch the world around us failing at it? Teaching Empathy to Kids in 4 Ways Recently, my son has been pulling the plug from the video monitor out of the socket in the playroom.  After a few dozen pulls, each time requiring several steps to get the camera back online, he finally got in some serious trouble. After daddy left the room, my daughter walked over to hug her baby brother and console him.  I think daddy was impressed with her big sister skills in that moment. She'd been in trouble a few too many times, so she understood how it felt to be in his shoes in that moment.  And, she knew what she would want to feel and gave it to him, unprompted. My heart melted knowing she was developing empathy, especially for her little brother!  It's a start, right?! If you like these posts, be sure to subscribe for emails and receive your FREE childhood lessons report located in a subscriber-only resource library! Be Empathetic Towards Your Child Modeling the behavior you want from your children is the most obvious start. Always be willing to see things from your child's perspective Try to identify with his/her feelings Did you hurt your child's feelings by something you said?  Try to see the situation from his perspective.  Swallow your pride and apologize for anything harsh that may have indicated you didn't care.  Don't forget to reiterate what he told you, so he knows you were listening and responding to his feelings. Express that you can see things from his point of view so that you're able to show him true empathy. Be Empathetic Towards Others If someone upsets you, take a moment to think before reacting.  Think about what may have caused this person to act towards you in a manner in which was upsetting.  As you consider the situation, it's okay to verbalize, with your child, the thought process behind being intentionally empathetic. Allowing your child to see empathy in action will teach them the process and translate it for use in their own thinking. Teach Your Child to Care For the Plight of Others Have discussions with your child about other's struggles.  Show your concern and ask your child what ways they may be able to care for or assist individuals in their particular situations. Try to curb statements for feelings that relay judgment towards those in need.  It doesn't matter if the needs are financial, physical, emotional, or otherwise, empathy won't be sincere if we start out in a place of judgment. It's also important to discuss with your child that some factors behind a person's troubles are beyond their control.  This way, your child can see their privileges for what they are.  And, eventually, they'll understand that they need to show compassion towards everyone, regardless of the situation, because we may not always know or understand how they got there. My favorite discussion with my daughter began when she became overly materialistic.  Remember how I mentioned that she'd had no tact when it came to wanting more Christmas presents last year?  Well, that was an opportunity for us to explain how there are other children who didn't get any presents.  We began donating to a local women's center to help women and children in need.  I took the opportunity to have her go with him and discuss why we were donating some of our belongings to the center. We've even discussed touring a children's home because I feel she would benefit from seeing children who have nothing but that which people donate. Find Ways to Give as a Family Volunteering is a great way to put empathy into action! Practice empathy by volunteering as a family.  You can serve meals together at a shelter, donate toys and goods to a children's home, or put care packages for the less fortunate. Befriend those you serve in your volunteer work.  This will help your child understand that those in need are more than just charity work.  And they may learn just how much they have in common, despite their situations. Our children will one day run our world.  Teaching these great childhood lessons, like empathy and compassion will help make a better future for everyone. Teaching Empathy to Kids through Activities The Education Development Center shares empathy activities for kids in their discussion about preventing bullying.  Check out their empathy activities here. How else can we try teaching empathy to kids? Childhood Lessons If you like this, be sure to visit the Life Lessons section of SAHM, plus... This post, Teaching Empathy to Kids, originally appeared on this site October 2017 and has been updated. #### 4 Ways We Tried To Stop Our Kid's Crying In The Middle Of The Night At 6, our daughter began crying in the middle of the night, making nights hard, just like parenting a baby!  How did we stop it?  Check out our experiments and find out what worked! As a baby, my daughter was a terrible sleeper. The first 8 months were hell for us as we were running on little to no sleep nearly every night trying to console and feed throughout the night.  Even her then "longer" hour stints of sleep, I couldn't sleep because my body had been trained that she'd go off any minute anyway. Then, we figured out she was intolerant of dairy and soy.  We made the switch from breastfeeding to hypoallergenic formula and in a few short weeks, she was sleeping through the night. When I first wrote this, she was 7 years old. Up until about the age of 6, she continued to be a 10- to 12-hour a night sleeper.  I'd say I considered myself lucky, but it was a lot of work getting to that point.  Still, it was really nice putting her down to bed around 6:30 or 7 pm and not hearing from her again until morning. But, sometime before she turned 7, we went through a few weeks where she'd wake up crying in the middle of the night. Every. Damned. Night. Just as we'd settle into bed for the night, she'd wail.  If she didn't interrupt our final show at the end of the night, she was interrupting our sleep within the first hour. As if that weren't bad enough, you could go in her room and she'd be sitting straight up looking around as though she's totally coherent.  But, when you started to ask what's wrong, she'd mumble or babble and you'd realize she wasn't really awake. If you had the audacity to ask her to lay back down to get some sleep, she'd huff and throw her head into her pillow as if throwing a tantrum for having to do something she didn't want to do. We had to find out how to get the crying in the middle of the night to stop.  It took us weeks and trying several things to find something that worked for us. Things We Tried to End Our Child's Crying in the Middle of the Night I'm not one for seeking medical advice or prescriptions unless I've research and tested things at home and come up without answers or an improvement. When it came time to put a stop to our 7 year old crying in the middle of the night, I approached it the same way I do everything else.  Try to add or eliminate things that make sense before seeking medical treatment. Melatonin You may be wondering is melatonin safe for kids?  The truth is, we're not exactly sure, but we'd been given the okay by her pediatrician, but we were also instructed to wean her off and not use it long-term. Melatonin is designed to help one fall asleep faster and stay asleep.  And, while your body naturally produces melatonin, I don't believe we should rely on a pill just because it mimics our bodies' natural hormones unless we medically have to. So, we tried melatonin at night again, but we only used melatonin specifically designed for kids ([easyazon_link identifier="B06XTGLWNC" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]this is the one we rely on[/easyazon_link]).   We cut the low-dose melatonin in half (or quarters), because that makes me feel better. Did it work? Not really.  We've found melatonin useful in situations where the kids can't shut off their brains (like when we're on travel), but that at home, it's no more effective than if she'd spent the day playing. Our daughter continued crying in the middle of the night despite melatonin helping her to settle down to sleep more easily. Turn down the music We let our daughter listen to music at night, but she's always done that.  It seems, however, she'd been increasing the volume at night, so we instilled a rule that whatever we set the volume at for the Google Home in her room, it had to be left there.  If she messed with the volume, we were taking it out of the room. Our assumption was that something in a song would wake her from sleep, so a quieter setting would likely help. Did it work? Nope.  There was no change in the regularity of waking in the middle of the night crying. Read Before Sleep While we always read to her before bed, we wondered if having her read to herself would help her body and mind settle down. I know that reading at night makes my eyes heavy, so I figured we'd let her try it too. Did it work? Not at all. While it did help keep her in bed not running around playing, it didn't improve the quality of her sleep and she continued crying in the middle of the night, she at least stayed in bed and relaxed.  Way better than her running around the room or sneaking into the bathroom to clean because she "wasn't tired". Electronics Cut Off Time This final attempt came with tons of rejection from the family.  My husband knew our daughter was going to cry when I told her there would be no electronics after dinner.  Plus, it meant we would have to entertain the kids a little more, whether or not we were feeling like it. My daughter, of course, rejected the idea because she was straight up hooked on YouTube videos. Knowing what we know about the ways technology affects sleep, I stood my ground.  I figured, the worst that could happen was I'd have upset everyone for something that didn't work.  But, I was desperate for my daughter to stop crying in the middle of the night! Did it Work? YES!  From the very first night and every night thereafter, our 7 year old hasn't been waking up crying in the middle of the night. Tell Me: Have you had a problem with your child waking up crying in the middle of the night? #### 40+ Exciting Backyard Activities for Toddlers Who says toddler entertainment has to be difficult?  Though parenting toddlers isn't an easy job, break up the monotony with these fabulous backyard activities for toddlers. It has been said that  the most important years in a child's life are the first 3 years.  These early years, especially the first five, are when your baby's brain develops most rapidly.  As the parent of a toddler, this means you're going to want to instill good habit early on.  The habits you're likely to want your toddler to learn are likely healthy eating, visiting the library and reading, and instilling a love for the outdoors. Playing outdoors isn't solely about having fun, but teaching your children to stay active, healthy and fit.  For that reason, you may want to encourage your child to play outdoors if you're not already doing so. If you want to increase your toddler's appreciation for the outdoors (and do more than simply taking a walk), check out these popular backyard activities for toddlers.  You'll find you have nearly unlimited options at your disposal to keep you and your toddler from being tired of playing outside (unless you're in Florida, when it's often too hot to play outside).   This is mainly because toddlers are easy to please (unless they're in one of their moods).  This means that whatever backyard activity you organize, your toddler will likely enjoy it. Keep in mind, though, toddlers aren't unlike adults and older children.  They can get bored with the same activities.  To prevent this from happening, arm yourself with a wide range of different backyard activities your toddler can try. Backyard Activities for Toddlers Outdoor activities for toddlers are some of my favorite activities.  We should all be spending more time outdoors anyway, right?  So why not start your little ones learning to entertain outside in their own backyards? Swing Sets I don't know many toddlers who don't enjoy swinging!  Both of my kids thoroughly enjoyed being pushed in a swing for way longer than I liked standing in one place. Swing sets come in all different sizes and styles. Most swing sets don't usually just come with swings.  Many come with slides, monkey bars, and more, which makes purchasing a play set the perfect investment in regular backyard activities for toddlers and beyond! Because of the variety of sizes or styles, you can get something on a budget or spend lots of money on something elaborate. Related: Small to Big Backyard Swing Sets Swimming What toddler doesn't like splashing in a pool?  Okay, maybe there's a few, but I bet most love a good splash or swim in the pool.  That's not to say you even have to have a full-sized pool in your backyard.  Swimming and splashing in a kiddie pool is a great choice in backyard activities for toddlers, plus it's generally safe under supervision. Aside from swimming and splashing, add some bonus pool accessories like swim rings, beach balls, or small floating toys to encourage gross and fine motor activities in your toddler. Sandboxes I bet your toddler loves playing in the sand!  This is something I generally can't keep either of my kids away from for any length of time. Playing in sand is not only a wonderful sensory experience for toddlers, but it's great to help them develop other skills, like cause and effect.  The great part about sandboxes is that they can be relatively inexpensive (as well as the sand to put in them). As with anything else, sandboxes can also be more elaborate and expensive. Plus, you can purchase a variety of sandbox toys to mix up the play every time. Other Backyard Activities for Toddlers Painting With Ice Activity for Toddlers via Mommy's Bundle Recycled Chalk Paint for Outdoor Art via Rhythms of Play Homemade Sidewalk Chalk via Crystal & Co. Build a Dinosaur Garden via Megan Zeni Water Pistol Painting via Messy Little Mosnter Painting with Flowers via 123 Homeschool 4 Me Easiest Plants for Kids to Grow via Little Sprouts Learning Dinosaur Dig Excavation Activity via Fun Learning for Kids Painting Clouds Sensory Activity via Sugar Spice and Glitter DIY Wooden Roads and Ramps for Toy Cars via Buggy and Buddy How to Make Foam for Toddlers & Sensory Play via Crafts on Sea Climb a Tree via Rhythms of Play Pond Sensory Bin via In Our Pond Loose Parts Play Activity and Printables via Ruffles & Rainboots A Rainbow Walk via Creating Creatives Painting Fun Bubble Art via Chic 'N Savvy Sidewalk Puffy Paint via Fun Learning for Kids Kiddie Pool Sensory Play Ideas via Parenting From The Heart Rock Balancing Stone Stacking via Rhythms of Play Homemade Bubble Recipe via Crystal & Co. Painting Sticks via Creating Creatives Build a Mud Kitchen via Megan Zeni Wishing Bottles via Ruffles & Rainboots DIY Colorful Moon Sand via Look We're Learning Bubble Activities for Toddlers via Red Ted Art 12 Walk Ideas for Toddlers via Bambini Travel The Creative Water Table via Creating Creatives Let's Go on a Listening Walk via Creative Family Fun Flower Suncatcher via Messy Little Monster Frozen Flowers Sensory Ice Play via Crafts on Sea Make a Mud Pie via Rhythms of Play Super Soaker Sponge Balls via Natural Beach Living Grow Sunflowers with Kids via Little Sprouts Learning Drawing Outside with Spring Colored Sand via Buggy and Buddy Chalk Gross Motor Toddler Activity via Teach Me Mommy How to Make Homemade Chalk via 123 Homeschool 4 Me Bubble Snake Blower via Messy Little Monster Sand and Water Ocean Sensory Bin via Fun Learning for Kids DIY Outdoor Chalkboard for Backyards and Patios via Rhythms of Play Flower Crowns & Flower Play via Red Ted Art Color Golf Gross Motor Game via School Time Snippets Simple Bug Hotel for Kids via Red Ted Art Make Way for Ducklings ABC Activity via Growing Book by Book Paint Rolling on a Slide via Messy Little Monster Mud Ice Creamery via Mother Natured Don't forget to make local friends and set up group play dates with other toddlers.  As much as your toddler may have fun playing with you, it helps to give them opportunities to play with other children as well.  Set up a group play date and incorporate one of these backyard activities for toddlers to help your toddler hone in on his social skills as well. If you are looking for additional toddler-friendly outdoor activities or supplies, you may be able to find what you need online or at one of your local retail stores. For an affordable price, you should be able to find bubbles, water balloons, kites, balls, and t-ball equipment. These items may help to create a fun, but memorable backyard experience for your toddler. Do you have any other backyard activities for toddlers? Pin me for later This post originally appeared on this site June 2018 and has been updated for accuracy. #### 5 Best Reward Jars and Charts You Can Buy I've spoken several times about our need for improving my daughter's behavior.  I've also shared how we've used consequence and reward jars to improve things and what I've learned from the system. I found that an integral part of the success of the system was the reward jar.  Instead of focusing solely on the negative behavior that needed improvement, I knew it was important to praise and reward her for her good behavior.  In using a reward jar, I was able to see the number of times she was good.  Sadly, I recognized shortly thereafter how much I tended to focus on the bad. With the reward jar in place, she also was able to have something concrete to work toward. When she fills her reward jar, she gets to choose a special outing. We chose not to include toys and trinkets as rewards because she has too much stuff.  Plus, she's been earning money since she was a toddler doing toddler chores.  By allowing her to choose a special activity, we are able to celebrate her accomplishment together, as a family.  Of course, your reward options may look different than ours, but I strongly encourage experiences rather than material items. Do you want some suggestions for reward jars? Make Your Own Reward Jar It was easy to set up a reward jar, but it's not really cute.  At least, not at my house.  I cleaned out an old Bonne Maman preserves jar, labeled it with a chalkboard label, and employed some craft puffs as the reward balls. Don't want to be crafty or look for empty jars?  You can certainly purchase reward jars or reward charts that would do the same job. Reward Jars and Charts House of Marbles Marble Reward Jar Learning Resources Magnetic Good Job Reward Chart Chore/Reward Chart for Multiple Kids Trader Z's Kids- Premium Wooden Star Reward Jar, Chore Chart #### 5 Effective And Affordable Self-Care Tips For New Moms Did you know self-care can help prevent common health problems?  Learn 5 self-care tips for new moms to keep your immune system healthy in this guest post giving encouragement for moms. From the moment you found out you were pregnant, your diet, exercise and sleep were determined by your baby’s needs. After the birth of your child, the need to be the best and provide the best did not subside. This is why most new mums focus completely on their little ones and ignore their own needs. However, ignoring your own needs is not healthy – not for you and certainly not for your child. Self-care is an important aspect of post pregnancy care as it can help to prevent postpartum depression, anxiety and similar negative emotions. 5 Self-Care Tips For New Moms A healthy amount of self-love and self-care will go a long way in preventing the ‘baby blues’ and ensuring your physical, mental and emotional health. Here are 5 simple but effective self-care tips for new moms: Set aside  some ‘Me’ Time Poor self-care often leads to a loss of interest in hobbies and activities along with withdrawal from friends and family – classic signs of postpartum depression. Mental healthcare experts recommend that you take a little time for yourself on a daily basis as this will help you retain your sense of identity.  New mums often feel the need to keep their babies with them at all times but every afternoon pop her into her cot along with a toy and spend at least 20-30 minutes reading a book or listening to music. Ask for help Create a support system that consists of family, friends and even teens in your neighborhood who are willing to babysit. Baby sitters can simply watch over your baby in his/her cot while you are busy with household chores. This will allow you to take care of things like cleaning, laundry and gardening with complete peace of mind, knowing that someone trusted is looking after your little one. New mums often find it difficult to spend time away from their babies so this is a great way to start. If you are not yet ready to leave your child in the care of others, you can simply ask them to help with chores such as grocery shopping or running errands. Exercise daily Even if you were a dedicated fitness enthusiast before you got pregnant, you probably gave up on your daily workouts once your baby came along.  However, studies show that exercise plays a key role in the physical and mental recovery post pregnancy. Stick with low-intensity workouts as some research shows that vigorous physical activity is linked to an increased risk of experiencing depressive symptoms. Yoga is a great exercise option for new mums – a study on the benefits of yoga for depressed postpartum  women found that 78% of the new mums who did yoga experienced clinically significant improvements in in depression, anxiety and overall quality of life. Communicate more Pregnancy causes drastic changes in the levels of various hormones including progesterone and estrogen – which are closely linked to mood. These hormone levels come crashing down after the birth of your child which is why new mums are likely to feel stressed and have negative thoughts. Talk to your partner, family members and friends as this will help you deal with negative thoughts and make positive changes in your life. You can also ask veteran moms for practical suggestions and tips to overcome and prevent common negative feelings such as anxiety, depression and guilt. Pamper yourself once a week As a new mum, your focus in on your baby and your family but you shouldn’t neglect yourself in the process. Put aside a specific amount of time every single week where your husband or parents look after your baby while you go out. You can treat yourself to a pedicure, a chic haircut or a soothing body massage. These simple self-care measures will help boost your mood and improve your confidence and self-esteem. Related Reading: 6 Subscription Boxes for Moms Who Need to Practice Self-Care Self-Care Can Reduce Risks of Common Health Problems Pregnancy affects your immune system and it takes 3-4 months for your immune system to return to normal. This is why new moms are more susceptible to common health problems such as the common cold or flu. Self-care after the birth of your child will help to reduce your risk of common ailments and ensure your physical and emotional well-being. Author Bio: Anita Fernandes is a journalist and a writer by profession. She has been writing extensively on health and wellness related topics for a little over a decade now. Besides her professional interests, she loves a game of basketball or a good hike in her free time to fuel her spirits. “Health is wealth” is one motto of life which she lives by as well as advocates to every reader, who comes across her blogs. #### 5 Fantastic Ideas You Need to Use for a TTC Party Some call it a getting pregnant party others a TTC party.  No matter what, the concept is the same ... you're ready to announce to the world you're hoping to have a baby and deep dive into fertility.  Echo shares this fun post with 5 ideas to help you throw a fun get pregnant party! Trying to conceive can be difficult for some. It can be lonely, frustrating, scary and it can take a long time. If you have a friend that is trying to conceive (shortened to TTC among those hoping to get pregnant), why not throw them a “Getting Pregnant Party” to lighten the mood and show them that you support them! Now, don’t take the term “Getting Pregnant Party” literally. I don’t think your friend would be interested in THAT kind of party. Instead, come up with fun ways to celebrate your friend’s journey and show them that you care. These are the get pregnant party ideas I've come up with and I'm sure you'll love them. Getting Pregnant Party Ideas Put a bun in the oven! Have your friends bring over their favorite bread recipe, with any special ingredients they might need, and have a bake off! Have fun kneading bread together, baking it and of course, tasting it! You could also have the TTC’er do a blind tasting and judge for the winner! Host a pregnancy test raffle! Have your friends donate pregnancy tests to the TTC’er, in exchange for a raffle ticket for one prize! Perhaps a gift card or something. Pregnancy tests can be a great TTC’ing gift and you won’t believe how many someone can go through, when they are trying to get pregnant. Old Wives’ Tales! Have your friends write down advice that they have heard, over the years, on how to get pregnant. Turn it into a little keepsake or journal for the TTC’er!   Make your own baby dust! Buy some little bottles and a whole mess of glitter, sprinkles, sequins and confetti! Have your friends make and label a bottle of Baby Dust for the TTC’er! You can get these cute little supplies on Amazon: [easyazon_link identifier="B01D3QAE5I" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="y" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="y"]Mini Glass Bottles with corks[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_link identifier="B009CFYDSY" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="y" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="y"]Extra Fine Glitter[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_link identifier="B001BCWBB2" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="y" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="y"]Shimmering Sparkle Confetti[/easyazon_link] Make that baby stick! Create a fun play on words, by making your own “Pin the tail on the donkey” game for your getting pregnant party! I hope these ideas have gotten your creative juices flowing and remember, throwing a “Getting Pregnant Party” is all about having fun and supporting your friend that is Trying To Conceive. Do you have any other ideas for throwing a fun getting pregnant party? We'd love to hear your ideas or see pictures of your fabulous get pregnant party food, favors, or games! At The Mad Mommy about my kids, I love, I cook, I drink coffee and I laugh, because, in parenting, if you aren’t laughing, you are probably crying (or yelling). You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!  Related Content Gift Ideas for Friends That are Trying to Conceive via The Mad Mommy How to Get Pregnant Naturally with Stork OTC and Twitter Party 7 Items Every New Mom Needs to Make Life Easy With Baby The Most Helpful Advice on How to Breastfeed a Baby 8 Smart Ways Mom-To-Be Should Prepare for Her New Baby #### 5 Perfect Tips for Better Parenting Now I'm always seeking positive parenting tips to help me in parenting my two children.  Parenting is something I think we all struggle with.  You know the familiar mom guilt.  And, no matter how you approach a situation with your kids, you're inclined to self-doubt or guilt.  That's why I'm happy to share these perfectly positive parenting tips in this guest post from Sitinee. Being a parent has been the most rewarding, yet toughest thing I have done.  When the kids are young, the physical exhaustion gets you, however, as they get older, it is the mental exhaustion.  Having five beautiful children ranging from 3 months to 11 years, my husband and I have experienced a vast array of parenting wins and struggles (and we still have yet reached the teenage years!)  Here are 5 of our favorite tips/quotes that have guided through our years as parents. 5 Positive Parenting Tips from a Mom of 5 PARENTING TIPS 1: BEAUTY IS IN THE INSIDE "Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart."  ~ Kahlil Gibran A simple concept ~ but so difficult to instill.  Especially in this day and age of technology and social media, children measure their worth on the number of "likes" they receive on social media.  We as parents, need to be sure that we tell our children every day that they are beautiful, not just their physical features, but who they are inside.  And this is something we can start at a young age.  I've noticed my seven years old say something about her appearance.  It makes me cringe knowing they are already aware of their physical looks, but I need to take this opportunity to remind them that their beauty is their personality, compassionate nature, and their generous heart. PARENTING TIP 2: TAKE EACH OBSTACLE AS AN OPPORTUNITY "What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise." ~ Oscar Wilde Parenting is the most rewarding experience, yet the most difficult.  When our children succeed, parenting is pretty awesome - we feel like we're amazing parents!  However, when the kids make poor decisions, my first response is to get upset.  More often than not, I become over-emotional and unfairly reprimand my children.  They are just children, and our job as parents is to guide and teach them.  I still have not perfected this, but trying to change my mindset when mistakes happen.  I want to see the mistakes as a teaching opportunity.  Step one is to take a deep breath and then look at the situation and remember how can we learn from these difficult times. PARENTING TIP 3: FOCUS ON TODAY "Yesterday is history.  Tomorrow is a mystery.  Today is a gift, that is why we call it 'the present'."  ~ Eleanor Roosevelt It is a saying that is all too familiar to parents - kids grow up too fast!  I look at my family and cannot believe how quickly 11 years have passed.  My oldest is 11; he's almost as tall as I am and I'm seeing glimpses of the young man he will become.  It happened in a blink of an eye, and our family of 2 quickly grew to a family of 7!   We are often falling into the trap of getting caught up in the busyness of the day instead of stopping and enjoying the moment.  We need to embrace each day because we can't change the past and we can't control the future.  We can however, live and love today. PARENTING TIP 4: INVOLVE YOUR CHILDREN "Tell me, and I forget.  Teach me, and I remember.  Involve me, and I learn." ~ Benjamin Franklin Children are amazing and I am guilty of underestimating their ability.  It is too easy to do things for our children because it is faster and more efficient.  "Mom, can I help you cook?"  "No dear, I don't want you near the stove" or "No honey, I don't want you to make a mess."  How will they learn?  If we do everything for our kids, how will they learn independence and the confidence to do things on their own?  Even if it takes an extra 10 minutes to involve them in various chores or activities, by doing so nurtures their growth and sense of responsibility. PARENTING TIP 5: NEVER STOP BEING A ROLE MODEL "What we instill in our children will be the foundation upon which they will build their future." ~ Steve Maraboli We, as parents, are our children's first teacher and role model.  Children are like sponges, soaking up everything.  We have this opportunity to instill the values that will be part of their life forever.  The sooner we teach our children, the sooner it becomes a part of who they are.  This idea is one of the reasons why I started Giving Artfully Kids.  I saw this opportunity to instill, at an early age, in children the values of kindness, compassion, and empathy. Parenting is an incredible experience. However, it is one most difficult things you’ll ever do.  You experience highs and lows like in no other job you have.  But in the end, being parent becomes so rewarding that it is worth all the heartache, and hardships that come along with the joy, happiness, and love.  I would love to hear some of your favorite parenting tips. Bio: Sitinee Sheffert is a wife, mom of five, and a social entrepreneur. She is the founder of Giving Artfully Kids, a curriculum teaching children the importance of kindness and giving through crafting and Giving Artfully, a platform connecting crafters and organizations needing handcrafted items. Connect with Sitinee at twitter.com/givingartfully,  instagram.com/givingartfullykids, and facebook.com/givingartfullykids What are your favorite positive parenting tips? #### 5 Reasons You Need to Get Your Baby on a Nap Schedule Why do babies need naps?  Having a baby sleep and nap schedule was just as much to my benefit as it was theirs. Why do babies need naps? Let's talk! I went into having our first baby believing she wouldn't change much about our daily life.  And boy was I ever wrong. I'd pre-determined that I would be spending the day running around town doing whatever it was I wanted, whenever I wanted.  Aside from basic schedules (like bedtimes and meal times), I wasn't going to be stuck at home on anyone's schedule but my own. Despite my feelings on naps and schedules, we ended up doing exactly the opposite.  We kept nap times sacred!  That meant I ended up stuck at home a lot. I realize we got the short end of the stick when our first baby was intolerant of dairy and soy.  That came with its own set of problems that most people didn't seem to understand. Our second baby was difficult in different ways.  Lucky us ... two high needs babies! Our babies had other ideas about schedules.  And, they dictated their bedtimes and nap schedules.  It's one thing I had to learn I truly didn't have control over. Both babies absolutely could not miss their naps or be late for bedtime, lest we suffered the consequences.  Neither were easy going and happy when they were late for nap or bedtime and lets us know in no uncertain terms. I loved that they had obvious signs they were tired.  It made it fairly easy to get them down for a nap, so long as I was paying attention.  But OMG, when and if I missed the boat ... !!!!! Neither of my babies fell asleep out of the house, either.  I mean, they might have a rare instance when they just couldn't keep their eyes open, but those were few and far between.  And, the naps were usually only a few minutes.  Just enough to get them ramped up again. Why Do Babies Need Naps? Here's one of the times my youngest fell asleep out of the house!  We'd spent the day outside riding around and he was exhausted.  Even then, it required me to hide so that he couldn't see me so he could finally go to sleep.  And, it was a short 20-minute nap... not long enough for me to sleep either. © Ivy www.sahmplus.com At home, however, my babies could really sleep.  It's like they weren't afraid of missing out on much. Irritability If babies aren't getting enough sleep (that's between night and day bedtimes and naps), your baby will become irritable and fussy.  Honestly, they can become pretty unbearable.  I mean, ask any new parent going through the witching hour. Once a baby is overtired, they're pretty inconsolable and much more difficult to get to sleep. So, really, why do babies need naps?  You're warding off the fussiness with appropriate bedtimes and frequent enough nap times for your baby's age. Cognitive Development "After studying over 200 young children, researchers have concluded that daytime naps of 30 minutes or more help infants to retain and remember new behaviors, adding that bedtime stories are invaluable for a child's development." Science Daily Have you ever gone to bed feeling like you hadn't grasped a new concept, but woken up feeling more confident about it?  There's something to be said about what your subconscious can do for your cognition. A baby who sleeps is a baby who is learning. And, if you've ever noticed how much more tired your child is after being exposed to something new, it's because their little bodies are trying to process it. Physical Development Babies are growing rapidly during the early years, and not just their brains.  Their physical development requires them to sleep more ... just as it does anyone of your kids going through a growth spurt. But, in the end, I know sacred nap times are essential to my babies' well being and for us to have a pleasant day. Better Night Sleepers Believe it or not, letting your babies dictate when they need a nap during the day (but before they've become overtired) will actually help you get baby to sleep at night much easier. Though it sounds counter-intuitive, the better my babies slept at nap time and were allowed to awaken when they were ready, the better their nighttime sleep became.  Their little bodies learned to get into a rhythm that just worked, naturally.  And by not fighting their natural sleep cues and just letting them nap when they needed, they became 12-hour a night sleepers pretty quickly. If you have trouble with this concept, always try to remind yourself how difficult it is to get yourself to sleep when you're overtired. It's a Break for Parents As a stay at home mom, especially, baby naps were the best time for me to catch up on housework.  As a new mom, it was also the perfect opportunity to sneak in a quick nap when my babies weren't yet sleeping through the night. Don't forgo naps even if it's simply to have an hour to decompress and get in a little time for self-care or even do something good for your marriage. Admittedly, I've gotten jealous of the fly-by-the-seat-of-the-pants parents.  Those who don't have set schedules.  I've, at times, felt as though we missed out on quite a bit.  It kept us from forging friendships with families whose kids were the same ages. (Although, in retrospect they may not have had the time either if they were on a schedule). And when thinking about it that way, I wonder if other babies are losing out on essential sleep??  I know research suggests many infants aren't getting the recommended amount of sleep these days - so how many people do I know whose babies/children fall into that statistic? Tell me: why do babies need naps, in your mind?  Or, do you think it's a myth? I'd love to hear from you about your experiences with naps and bedtimes for your babies.  Is your baby easy going? Or do you find it necessary to stick to a sacred nap schedule to keep the peace in your house? #### 5 Reasons You Need to Switch to Stowaway Cosmetics I'm totally converting to Stowaway Cosmetics, and not just because they're tiny and cute.  Check out my health & beauty travel and busy-mom friendly Stowaway Cosmetics Review. Several years ago, I decided to clean out my arsenal of beauty supplies.  I'd amassed a large supply of cosmetics though I'd use only a select few of them for everyday use. Back before I found out about my Hashimoto's, I used drug store and grocery store brand makeup.  Once autoimmunity reared it's ugly head, my world was turned upside down.  I began to see everything as a threat to my health and decided that wearing cleaner makeup was something I needed to consider. Over $200 later, I came home with a small bag of makeup that didn't have all the essentials.  I literally walked out of the store with the basics ... foundation, eyeliner, mascara, and a lipstick.  Hardly what I'd expected to spend on so little of a replenishment of my old makeup supply. I couldn't fathom spending more, so I put my cleaner beauty brands on a wish list in hopes of building up my supply again. Still, traveling with my makeup or using it all up before it expired proved to be a bit of an issue at times.  That large bottle of foundation is reserved for things like date night out with hubby, so it truly doesn't get used as much. Since then, I've been introduced to Stowaway Cosmetics.  I was provided an essentials set of Stowaway Cosmetics in exchange for my honest opinions.  No other compensation has been received. Stowaway Cosmetics Review I received the following from Stowaway Cosmetics: Radiant Collection Beauty Balm (Fair) Creaseless Concealer (Fair) Effortless Eyeliner (Spice) Lip and Cheek Rouge (Burnt Rose) Cream Lipstick Volumizing Fiber Mascara Small Size Stowaway Cosmetics is a makeup company designing travel-sized cosmetics for the busy woman on the go.  These miniature cosmetics fit perfectly in a purse, diaper bag, or travel kit.  Plus, you won't have to worry about your cosmetics expiring before you have time to use them. Everything you need Stowaway Cosmetics provides a variety of makeup products for every complexion as well as perfectly sized travel brushes and makeup bags.  I love that it's an all-in-one shop for concealer, foundation, blush, lipstick and more! Cleaner Ingredients Though it's not clear in the outward mission on the main parts of the website, Stowaway Cosmetics aims to reduce toxins in makeup, while all of their products are gluten free.  Stowaway Cosmetics are EU compliant and free of dangerous chemicals like parabens and phthalates. Quality I've worn makeup for roughly 20 years, so I was quite surprised by the quality of Stowaway Cosmetics.  The first time I put on my new foundation, I couldn't believe how luxurious and creamy it was. All of the products I received in my kit were as good as (if not better than) all of my current products. Price Recently, Stowaway Cosmetics reduced their prices to make their miniature makeup more competitively priced.  Though the makeup is perfect for travel and costs less, you're not sacrificing quality. As I said before, this is the most luxurious makeup I've ever worn.  It's small size simply means I'm not wasting precious money knowing I won't have time to use it up before it goes bad. All of the items in my order go for roughly $65 when ordered individually.  If you can find a set that you like, you'll find an even better value! So, overall, I got much more than I bargained for.  I mean, I was really excited to receive these miniature makeup products.  Still, they exceeded my expectations I had about the quality of makeup I would be receiving. In truth, I'm completely converted and likely won't be purchasing my previous brands in the future. Since these items fit into my daily life and I don't have to worry about not being able to use them up, they're perfect for the mom who doesn't always have time for makeup, but likes quality makeup. As a bonus, the cleaner ingredients are exactly what I look for in makeup.  I'm more comfortable knowing my skin isn't soaking up a bunch of toxic chemicals (unlike other conventional makeup products), which also makes me feel safer knowing that if one of the kids got into my bag it wouldn't be harmful to them. You've Gotta Get It! If, after you've read my Stowaway Cosmetics Review, you feel like you need to try it to believe it, I highly encourage it.  For the price and the miniature size, you can get a good amount to get started without breaking the bank. Spend $50 or more for free shipping, otherwise it's $5 for standard shipping. Get your perfectly size Stowaway Cosmetics here! Bonus: Recycling Program Stowaway Cosmetics cares about waste!  Since you will finish your makeup, you can request a prepaid shipping label to return your empty cosmetics containers to have recycled.  Plus, for every 3 products you return for recycling, you'll receive $5 Stowaway credit. If you enjoyed my Stowaway Cosmetics Review, please comment below.  And if you've used them before, tell me what you think about them.  I'd love to hear others opinions. PIN ME #### 5 Swing Sets For Small Yards That Will Amaze 5 small swing sets for small yards that are perfect for little kids!   It's hot outside in Florida and I'm hoping the weather starts to cool soon!  It would be nice not to be drenched in sweat after 5 minutes outside. Still, as much as we're stuck at home these days, our options are to veg out inside or get active outside. I don't know about you, but I need my kids to run off some pent up energy when they're home!  3 days a week my son is in preschool, but the other 2 days he needs things to do.  And my daughter, who is participating in virtual school at the moment really needs to get outside and break away from the computer screen.  So much so that she's been opting out of playing on her tablet most days because, even she, is starting to be annoyed sitting and staring at a computer screen most of the day.  Well, one of the first things the kids tend to do when going to play outside is to run toward our play set in the back yard.  My daughter has always loved to swing. Most kids do, right?   Well, it's not easy for me to coordinate time to head to the park on our crazy, mis-matched schedules.  Plus, it's not always convenient loading the crew up, either. I choose to bring the park experience to our back yard with a nice swing set. But, what do you do if you don't have much yard space? Well, I don't really think you need a whole lot!  Kids find extraordinary ways to keep themselves entertained.  But,  I understand the desire to boost the backyard excitement.  Check out these swing sets for small yards and small children! Swing Sets for Small Yards & Little Kids Whether you're stuck at home during a pandemic, taking a break from work, or need the kids to run off some energy outdoors, you'll love these amazing small swing sets for small yards!  Perfect for your tiny tot to swing and slide at home. Costzon Toddler Climber and Swing Set This brightly colored set is geared toward ages 1 month (which is actually questionable in my opinion) to 6 years!  And it's more than just a swing and slide!  This set is like having a bit of a fair in the backyard with ring toss on one side and a basketball hoop on the other.  There's even a safety device on the swing to keep smaller babies strapped into the seat.  This  can be removed when your kiddo is big enough to keep him or herself planted in the seat. At the time of writing the Costazon Toddler Climber and Swing Set was offering a $20 off coupon! Saucer Swing Set This simple swing set is just one saucer swing that holds up to 220 lbs and is pretty versatile as swing sets go!  Kids can stand, sit, or lay down on the swing and can hold more than one child. Get the Saucer Swing on Amazon The next two small swing sets offer swings, a side, and a bit of extra play space for imaginary play.  They're great starter sets for small children. Step2 Naturally Playful Playhouse Climber & Swing Extension A playhouse and swing set combination perfect for young children! Get your Step2 Playhouse Swing Set on Amazon MaxKare Swing Set The MaxKare Swing Set is a no fluff set with 2 swings that doesn't take up a whole lot of space.  And, I imagine you could buy one of those baby swing seats to replace one of the regular swings if you need. At the time of writing this, there is an $8 coupon available on the MaxKare swing set. Sportspower My First Metal Swing Set with Slide This minimalist swing set includes two swings and a slide on the side.  Just enough entertainment while offering plenty opportunity for your child's imaginations to run wild. Get the Sportspower Metal Swing Set on Amazon. Past the small swing sets and ready for big swing sets for bigger spaces or bigger kids? Check out my list of awesome swing sets that are suitable for all size yards!! This post originally appeared in 2017 and has been updated to show the latest swing sets for small yards! #### 5 Tips for Encouraging Your Toddler's Independence You may find that while encouraging independence in toddlers, you deal with fewer toddler tantrums and help them build valuable skills.  In toddler parenting, that's a win, win, win! I've been a toddler mom and have struggled through the exhaustion as a stay at home mom.  I think the words mom and tired are synonymous, right? I have Hashimoto's and a range of issues thanks to getting a bit older.  Sometimes I think I got the short end of the stick on mom life which is why I feel it was important I encourage my kids' independence as much as possible.  Sure, I like to be a little lazy, too, but I keep telling myself the earlier I promote independence, the easier I'll make my life in the long run. I may have also learned that when not encouraging independence in toddlers, they can act like little terrorists when they want to do something themselves and aren't allowed.  My son went through a phase where he would plop himself on the floor and throw his head back.  With both of my kids, I had to deal with being hit (or kicked) or the full on tantrums if they were dead-set on doing something themselves.  So, I do my best to help them with their independence in safe and healthy ways.  At the very least, I show them I want them to do things independently, even if something isn't within their abilities at the moment. 5 Ways to Promote Toddler Independence Following are 5 easy ways to foster independence in toddlers and help reduce frustrations.  By letting go of the idea that things will be perfect, you and your tot will find a few more moments of peace.  And, you'll be teaching him/her some valuable skills they'll need as adults. My favorite part about a toddler learning his independence is the pride we both experience when he is capable of doing something on his own. 5 things you can let your #toddler do when he's proclaiming his independence #toddlermom #momlife Share on X 1. Toddler Chores View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ivy | SAHM Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) Both my kids really enjoy helping mommy with chores.  I know this phase won't last.  One day, they'll be grouchy teenagers who'll roll their eyes at me when I suggest they complete their chores.  For now, though, I encourage their independence by giving them age-appropriate chores.  I have a wonderful list of easy toddler chores that not only promote toddler independence, but help teach them responsibility. Bonus: Including children in daily chores allows mom to get more done and can be a bonding activity.  Plus, you can keep track of their achievements with a DIY dry erase toddler chore chart so they can visually see how much they're doing. 2. Allow them to dress or undress themselves My son loves putting on and taking off his own socks, but he's had trouble with the process.  For Christmas I purchased EZ Sox, which have loops to help him pull on his socks more easily.  This has reduced the frustration he's experienced with being unable to put on socks.  Now, he's generally able to put on and take off his own socks.  Plus, he learned to take off his jacket about the same time.  Wardrobe meltdowns became fewer once he found more independence. Bonus tip: Allow your tot to try something before offering assistance.  When you see him/her struggling, ask if he/she would like help. 3. Give them choices When feasible, give your toddler (appropriate) choices.  In order to combat some feeding issues, I allow my toddler to choose what he wants for lunch.  This isn't a free-for-all, however.  I usually stick to two options that I'm willing make (like turkey or grilled cheese sandwich).  I may even let him choose sides (fruit or berries).  I maintain control of a semi-healthy toddler lunch, while still giving him some independent control over what he's willing to eat.  Unless he's stuck in irrational toddler mode, this often means I don't have to deal with a tantrum over having made the wrong lunch. Bonus tip: Choices can be extended to books, outfit selection, or an activity you're willing to do.  Giving choices reduces tantrums. 4. Self Feeding Toddler independence - self feeding with EZPZ mini mat in gray As a mom of two kids, I understand our desire to have clean hands and faces.  But, more often than not, food struggles have risen out of my kids' desires to feed themselves.  I've had to let go of the notion that we're walking away from the table as clean as we came to it.  If your child expresses an interest in self-feeding, let them do so in whatever way they're comfortable.  Encourage the use of utensils, but if your toddler wants to pick up food by hand, don't fight them.  You don't want to further promote any reason for your child to become a picky eater. Bonus tip: Offer food cut in cute shapes using a FunBites food cutter to make food easier to pick up.  Serve on an EZPZ mat which may help food stay on a plate instead of on the table. Ready to get one of these awesome EZPZ mats? Get FREE shipping when you spend $50 or more at ezpz. 5. Personal Hygiene I don't know about your kids, but both of mine have loved washing their hands and brushing their teeth.  Encourage your toddler's independence when they express an interest in any personal health activity.  Make sure your children are exposed to your own personal hygiene routines so they know this is a grown up activity they need to do. Bonus tip: Have a step stool in the room(s) they'll be brushing their teeth and washing hands the most. Additional Tips for Encouraging Independence in Toddlers Embrace the Mess: Acknowledge that messes are inevitable when toddlers learn independence. Offer washable clothes and easy-to-clean areas for messy exploration. Focus on the learning process, not perfection. Offer Open-Ended Activities: Provide toys and materials that encourage creativity and open-ended play. This empowers toddlers to make choices and explore independently. Examples include blocks, play dough, water, and sensory bins. Break Down Tasks: Large tasks can overwhelm toddlers. Break them down into smaller, manageable steps they can accomplish independently. Offer guidance and support as needed, but allow them to complete each step. Celebrate Efforts: Praise their attempts, not just the finished product. Encourage them to keep trying, even if they make mistakes. This builds confidence and fosters a growth mindset. Offer Parallel Play: Engage in activities alongside your toddler without directing their play. Observe, offer words of encouragement, and join in when they invite you. This allows them to explore independently while feeling your support. Set Realistic Expectations: Remember, independence is a journey, not a destination. Start small, be patient, and adjust your expectations as your toddler grows and develops. Use Humor: Laugh it off when things get messy or frustrating. Keeping a lighthearted attitude can de-escalate tantrums and make learning independence more enjoyable. Incorporate Safety Considerations: Ensure activities are safe and age-appropriate. Supervise closely, but gradually give them more space as they demonstrate responsibility. Tailor Tips to Your Child's Personality: Not all toddlers learn the same way. Observe your child's strengths and weaknesses, and adapt your approach accordingly. Remember, fostering independence is a journey, not a destination. There will be messy moments, frustrated tears, and maybe even a stray sock or two flung across the room. But by embracing the process, celebrating small victories, and offering consistent support, you'll be nurturing a confident and capable little person. Share your own tips and experiences in the comments below, and let's empower each other on this journey towards raising independent toddlers! What are some of your favorite ways to encourage your toddler's independence? #### 5 Tips For Nurturing A Newborn Baby Nurturing a newborn baby can feel overwhelming to a new parent (or parents-to-be). You'll love these quick tips to get you less anxious about your new baby and get a jump on newborn care basics! Having a baby is one of the most beautiful things that could happen in a parent’s life. Yet, it is also one of the most challenging. Raising your newborn child is not easy. It takes a lot of effort and patience to nurture your child until he or she reaches the stage of complete development. Though some of the time this task is can be quite challenging, the joys certainly outweigh any negatives. Here are some suggestions for successful baby nurturing: Nurturing A Newborn Baby 1. Feeding Breastfeeding is recommended for the first year of a newborn’s life. This is to give the baby the optimum sustenance to grow and progress. Generally speaking, the newborn child should be breastfed about 8 to 10 times a day during the baby’s first few weeks. As a parent, it is necessary that you know when your baby is getting the proper nourishment needed. Some indications that your baby is feeding well is when he or she is having four or more wet diapers a day or having a bowel movements 3 times or more a day. Should breastfeeding become a source of frustration or stress for you or your baby, don't beat yourself up over transitioning to a bottle. Nurturing a newborn sometimes means mom has to take care of herself to be a good mom to her new baby. 2. Sleep Don’t be surprised if your newborn spends the majority of their time sleeping. It is common for infants to sleep most of the time, around 12 to 20 hours a day. When putting your baby to rest, it is advised by most doctors that you put your baby on his/her back, on a firm mattress. During cold weather, it is best that you dress your baby with warm pajamas to keep him warm rather than using a bedspread. 3. Bowel movements Determining if your newborn child is having a bowel movement is easy. It is usually apparent when he starts to become quite hard to please, his face turns red, and he starts to cry and tends to move his legs. It is natural for newborn babies to pass a lot of gas so don’t be surprised if this happens often. If your baby is breastfeeding, it is quite normal that he will pass stools a couple of times a day. On the other hand, babies that are formula fed do not pass stools quite as frequently. Should you ever see any signs of blood in the stool of your baby, immediately give your baby’s physician a call. If you'd like more information about what to expect with your newborn's bowel movements, check out this article about newborn poop. 4. Dressing your newborn Providing your baby with the proper clothing is very important. Keep in mind that you should use clothing that is comfortable and appropriate. During cold season, you should clothe your baby with knit caps and booties. Though parents often want their baby to look fashionable, it is better not to overdress your newborn. Babies struggle to regulate their body temperature and therefore rely on layers of clothing to stay the right temperature. 5. Baby’s day out Taking your newborn out on the town or to a friends can be fun. However, you need to consider when and where you can take your baby. Limit outings to nice days. It is important to keep your baby away from people with colds or any other form of illness. Also, avoid direct sunlight for this may harm your baby’s skin. In addition, avoid taking your baby to crowded places while your baby is only a couple of months old. To sum it up, proper nurturing of your newborn child is a rewarding experience. You’re not only able to personally attend to your child’s needs, but you also get to enjoy quality time where you and your baby can bond together. Now, do you feel more confident in nurturing a newborn baby? Let me know if these tips helped you feel less overwhelmed. Or, if you're still feeling stressed about nurturing a newborn baby, why not leave a comment and share what makes you anxious. Let's work through it together! #### 6 Baby Myths Dispelled for the Uncertain First Time Mom As first time parents, we can be pretty uncertain about things we hear.  We're always second-guessing how we're caring for our babies, because there's tons of parenting advice flying at us in various forms.  In this guest post, Erica will be dispelling baby myths for first time moms. From old wives to tales to tips your mother-in-law swears by, there’s a lot of information about babies out there that will have you wondering what is best. InnerParents decided to dispel some of the common myths about young babies that you may hear or read about. Dispelling Baby Myths for First Time Moms Myth #1 You will love your baby instantly After months of anticipation, you’re probably expecting love at first site with your little one. We’re here to let you know that it’s totally normal if you aren’t gushing over your infant instantly, and it’s more common than you think. Bonding happens over time. While some mothers and fathers feel instant closeness, nothing is wrong if you don’t. Just like anyone else, it takes time to get to know each other and enjoy each other’s company. Myth #2 Your baby needs a bath everyday It’s okay to give your infant a bath every day if they happen to enjoy, but it’s not necessary for very young babies. The truth is, they are getting clean in the areas that matter most every time you change their diaper and they are not really up to much else the rest of the time. Ensure that your baby’s nappy area, hands, neck, and face is clean on a daily basis and you can wait a couple days before bath time. Myth #3 You should avoid feeding your baby allergenic foods In the past doctors used to advise parents to avoid feeding their foods such as shellfish, peanuts, and eggs until after their first birthday for fear of developing an allergy. In turns out, the opposite is true. Introducing these foods early on can actually reduce your infant’s risk of developing these allergies later on. Myth #4 Your baby doesn’t have kneecaps While your baby may certainly be so flexible and soft you don’t think there is anyway that he or she can have kneecaps, the truth is they do. They simply aren’t hard. Infant kneecaps are actually made of soft cartilage to allow for growth spurts early on and they get firmer as they move through childhood. Myth #5 Your baby should poo every day Many parents become concerned if there baby doesn’t poo every day. The truth is, infants may not poo for several days up to a week. As long as the poo is soft, you can rest assured that they aren’t constipated, even if they haven’t pooed for several days. Babies that are solely breastfed are also less likely to become constipated. Myth #6 Excessive crying is a sign something serious is wrong Many parents worry if their baby continues to cry, cry, and cry some more, but it usually doesn’t mean that they are in pain or sick. Sounds confusing, right? Think of it like this, it takes a lot of energy to fuel excessive crying. Babies that are ill are usually listless and limp, passive, or breathing fast. Crying is a communication tool. So if your baby is crying, but they have eaten, slept, and pooed as per normal they are probably uncomfortable or want something else. Did you enjoy this list? Please share with your family and friends! Don’t forget to let us know a myth you’ve uncovered about babies in the comments below. Author Bio: Erica Johnson is the Main Editor for Inner Parents and a very proud mother of two who’s passionate about the latest parenting tips & baby products.  You can follow Inner Parents on Twitter and Pinterest for more articles like this one! #### 6 FREE Chore Charts for Toddlers Printables When you're ready to teach toddler independence and responsibility, come up with chores for a toddler and check out these free toddler chore chart printables. When my daughter was a toddler, I began having her do chores.  Mainly, I wanted to give her some direction during the day, aside from the simple home preschool things we were trying to do.  I'd realized early on that the busier I kept her, the better her attitude was. She was always asking to help mommy and I needed to be able to get work done while she was awake.  Admittedly, I struggled with starting her on chores because I spent a lot of time worried about them getting done right.  Once I let go of the notion that things would be perfect, I realized how much better we were working together.  I was spending time with my daughter while getting things done.  Plus, I was teaching her responsibility and independence as a toddler, which was a bonus. Having her working on chores allowed me to keep my house clean while bonding with my toddler and teaching her responsibility. After you decide on chores for your toddler, the next thing to do is create a chart to track their successes.  Don't want to do the work?  Check out these free toddler chore chart printables instead. 6 Free Toddler Chore Chart Printables Toddler Chore Checklist Printable via Do-it-Yourself Danielle This simple chore checklist printable doesn't include photos for a toddler, but does offer great suggestions for toddler chores. Dry Erase Toddler Chore Chart via SAHM, plus... This is a DIY printable dry erase toddler chore chart.  I show you how to make your own toddler chore chart printable with images and offer a free download if you'd rather not do the work. Printable Chore Chart via Pink When This chore chart is completely blank, aside from the lines to write in chores and squares for stickers or check marks upon completion, making it perfect for more than just a toddler. Printable Kids Commission and Reward Chart via Simplistically Living Based on Dave Ramsey's commission based system for kids, the free printable chore charts are good for all the kids in your family, not just for toddlers. My Weekly Chores Free Printable via Kori At Home Created mainly for autistic and special needs kids, this is a perfect printable chore chart with included visual aides for toddlers. Free Printable Chore Chart via Delineate Your Dwelling Another simply designed chore chart with no images and blanks to fill in your own chores, making it perfect for helpers of any age. How do you keep your house clean with a toddler?  Do you have your tot do chores? #### 6 Of The Best Monthly Subscription Boxes for Babies Looking for a monthly baby subscription box?  You're going to love these monthly subscription boxes for babies!  I've done the shopping for you and found these monthly baby boxes to include toys, books, activities, and baby care products that you'll be pleased with. Sometimes, especially as new moms, we don't have a clue what awesome things are available for our babies.  It can be really difficult to narrow down the baby care items.  How in the world do you know you're going to like something, much less whether or not what you choose will even work for your baby? Parenting is hard enough without being inundated and uncertain about the products, toys, and even selecting books.  That's why I totally recommend trying out monthly subscription boxes for babies. These subscription box services are expertly curated for your baby's age by passionate people who believe in what they put together.  And, by subscribing to a monthly box, you'll save yourself the time of searching for items and hopefully stumble on some things you love without ever leaving the house!  SCORE! Monthly Subscription Boxes for Babies 1. Bluum This monthly subscription box isn't just for babies, but you'll love it for them.  Bluum helps parents discover new products for their babies to help make life easier. Each box contains 4 or more full-sized products for your baby, based on the age and gender you enter at sign-up, that will exceed the price you pay for the monthly subscription.  The moms who run Bluum select books, age-appropriate toys, apparel, accessories, and gear that they believe will make life easier and more fun for you and your baby.  Although they don't guarantee organic products, they do try to select organic or all-natural when possible. Subscription Pricing Monthly for $34/box 6 month plan for $29/box 12 month plan for $27/box Shipping is FREE in the Continental US or $3 outside the lower 48 states. Plans for the Bluum baby subscription box automatically renew, but you can cancel anytime.  Early cancellations, however, are subject to a $25 cancellation fee. Get a freebox with a 6- or 12-Month Subscription to Bluum using code FREEBOX 2. Ecocentric Mom Box While not strictly for babies, moms will love these monthly subscription boxes for babies! I've done an Ecocentric Mom Subscription Box review previously and have loved every box I received from them in the 4 months I used them. This baby subscription box includes eco-friendly and better for you items like home care, snacks, developmentally appropriate toys and more.  Plus, there's always something to help remind mom to pamper herself. As far as subscription boxes go, this has been my favorite because of the emphasis on natural, organic, and toxin-free products. Subscription Pricing Ecocentric Mom costs vary based on the number of items you'd like in your subscription. Use code AUTOSHIP10 for 10% off and free shipping on your order for any auto ship subscription! 3. Panda Crate from KiwiCo Panda Crate is available through KiwiCo (a popular kids subscription box service that began with Kiwi Crate).  This baby subscription box is available for little ones ages 0 - 36 months. With this monthly subscription for babies, you'll get developmentally appropriate activities designed specifically for your baby's age and stage.  To do this, you'll enter your child's name and date of birth when you're ready to place your subscription order. Panda Crate Baby Subscription Options Essentials Plus - with additional toys Deluxe - everything in Essentials and Plus, with an additional book Currently, if you join their newsletter, you can get 40% off your Panda Crate Subscription. 4. BookRoo I'm a huge fan of reading to my kids, starting when they're infants.  Reading can be comforting as your baby hears you speak softly and it's one of my favorite bedtime rituals as a mom.  In a pinch, I've even been known to bore my baby to sleep reading adult chapter books.  This is why I recommend this as one of the better monthly subscription boxes for babies. Start building a library of books by having a monthly delivery of books from BookRoo. You'll receive 3 individually wrapped board books in the Board Book Box geared toward ages 0 months to 2.5 years.  Each box will have books that are hidden gems instead of classics or favorites because BookRoo hopes they'll help you find some favorite books without the worry of shipping something you already have. With your monthly subscription, you'll also receive a card explaining the books and offering a link to resources that help bring the books to life.  Think activities or crafts that are centered around the books your baby has received in his subscription. There are also subscription boxes for older kids including Picture Books and Chapter Books, so you can have a monthly subscription for almost all the kids in the family. Subscription Pricing Board Book and Picture Book Pricing starts as low as $19.95 per box plus shipping and handling! Siblings You can handle boxes for sibling in one of 2 ways.  Sign up with BookRoo and have them ship the appropriately-aged books every other month.  That means baby will receive his books one month and the other sibling will receive her books the following month, then it rotates that way through the subscription. However, if you would like both your children to receive a monthly box from BookRoo, contact them directly and they'll give you 15% off for the second subscription.   Get 15% off your first order at BookRoo with code BOOKS2LOVE 5. Ages 0-13 Imagination Box and Mini Subscriptions Owl Post Books offers monthly subscription boxes in two sizes for babies 0-3 years called Imagination Box and Imagination Mini starting at $16.99/mo. What you get in an Imagination Box: 3 new age-appropriate books seasonal crafts Plus, the boxes themselves are interactive! Use code FIRSTBOXFREE to get your First Month FREE when you subscribe to Owl Post Books for at least 6 months. 6. 123 Baby Box This monthly subscription box curates a selection of baby care items from bath time to feeding, diapering to play time. Whether as a baby shower gift or a monthly box filled with surprises for your own, baby, simply customize the box and subscribe. $45 for your 1st box and $56/box monthly. Cancel anytime. Are there any monthly subscription boxes for babies that you LOVED? #### 6 Of The Most Important Baby Sleep Products Smart moms know baby sleep doesn't come easily (usually).  We relied heavily on these baby sleep products to help everyone get a better night of sleep! There's nothing better than a sleeping baby.  At least, not in my mind.  Having high needs babies made it more important for me to get them to sleep and stay asleep as long as possible. A sleeping baby is a tired mommy's break.  With baby asleep, mom can catch up on housework, meal planning, or even a nap herself. But getting baby to sleep isn't always an easy feat.  It takes a good bit of work, understanding a baby's natural sleep and awake schedules, and having some amazing baby sleep helpers. Must-Have Baby Sleep Products So, if you're ready to help baby have a better night of sleep, you've got to consider these baby sleep products, PRONTO! Bassinet For the first few months, getting a baby to sleep alone in their crib is next to impossible.  Well, unless you're lucky.  Very often I found my infants napped or slept better either in my arms or in a much more snuggled fashion in a bassinet of some sort. My daughter preferred her Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper while my son was more of one to be held, or swaddled and propped on his side. Both were, honestly, better as tummy sleepers, so finding ways to get them to sleep that wasn't on their tummies was a bit of a feat. As the Rock 'n Play Sleeper is discontinued, the Rock With Me Bassinet seems like a nice alternative! SNOO Smart Sleeper Now, I know the SNOO is way out of budget for many, but it is worth suggesting because it appears to be an all in one type of deal that many have rated well.  Because it automatically delivers white noise and gentle rocking when a baby fusses, it boasts that it increases sleep by 1-2 hours (and I know just how valuable an additional hour or two of sleep is!). You'll use a mobile app to adjust settings for newborns or weaning options when you're ready to transition baby to sleep in a crib. The SNOO comes with 3 hip-safe SNOO sacks, mattress, and crib sheets. While it's a hefty price, there are many nights in my past I would have given anything for the extra one or two hours a night of sleep!  This electronic nanny will alert parents if more attention is needed. Baby Crib If you've ever gotten roped into bed-sharing with your baby, you'll eventually want your bed and personal space back.  Either way, eventually it'll be time to send baby off to his own room.  Don't forget a nice crib and comfortable crib mattress! I'm an absolute sucker for convertible furniture for babies. They grow so quickly, so if I can spend roughly the same amount on a convertible crib as a standard crib, that's a win-win! This crib has many conversion options from infant crib to twin bed, lasting into your child's early years. White Noise Machine When my son was 2.5 years old and we were still using white noise for naps and bedtime.  Plus, hubby and I run a bedside fan at night, simply to have a little white noise to drown out little noises while we sleep. We all seem to sleep more soundly this way (and hubby really needed it after being trained in the military to wake to everything).  Because of which, I highly recommend a white noise machine because it's more than a baby sleep product since you can continue using it through toddler years and beyond! This one is a best seller and has amazing reviews: Swaddle I'm a huge fan of the swaddle.  After watching the Happiest Baby on the Block, I knew swaddling was something I had to give attention to.  And, it became one of my favorite baby sleep products for the very early months. Though swaddling wasn't easy to do, both my babies did well in a swaddle.  My second did much better in a swaddle, but he was also very particular about how he slept in a swaddle and I had to get creative about meeting his needs.  Generally, he preferred a tight swaddle but slightly propped on his side.  You know, because swaddling wasn't hard enough. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ivy | SAHM Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) So, I cheated with those awesome SwaddleMe originals.  These cheater swaddles are purchased for your baby's size.  You just tuck their legs in the pouch and then wrap their arms up tightly and secure the wrap with the attached velcro. Well, things got a whole lot better in the baby swaddling world since my babies were babies!  Nested Bean introduced the Zen Swaddle and I really wish I'd had these during those sleepless nights. The Zen Swaddle is the ultimate cheater swaddle.  You see, it's a fool-proof swaddle but it also has this lightly-weighted pad that rests on your baby's chest, simulating the feeling of your palm.  It's aim is to help your baby settle and sleep more easily. Because of this, it's supposed to improve your baby's ability to put themselves to sleep and settle more easily if they wake through the night.  Many mothers claim their baby's are sleeping a few more hours through the night than they had been previously. They currently offer the Zen Swaddle Classic in 100% cotton and Zen Swaddle Premier in 70% bamboo and 30& cotton with moisture wicking abilities. Baby Monitor There's nothing worse than waking up a sleeping baby because you "had to check on them."  I can tell you, from experience, some babies are easy to wake up, no matter how quiet you think you are. My son has always been on high-alert and I swear he could sense my presence just a few feet from him, despite my stealthy ninja skills. Yeah, a baby monitor is a must have! Now, you can get a standard sound only monitor or a night-vision, two-way talk monitor.  We've used both and there are pros and cons to each.  I personally prefer a video monitor so I can see my babies. Still, if you're really experiencing anxiety about your baby's safety while sleeping in another room, it can affect your own sleep. In this case, you might consider a much more technologically advanced monitor like the Owlet. The Owlet Dream Duo is a sock device that will monitor baby's heart rate and oxygen levels.  If either of these are detected outside of their pre-set ranges, your parent monitor will have lights and sounds and you'll receive app notifications. Of course, you can still have a video monitor, because what mama doesn't love looking in on their sleeping baby without the worry of waking them up?! Blackout Curtains Experiencing the 4 or 5 a.m. wake up?  One of the best things we invested in for this issue was a set of blackout curtains. The best part about this is that it blocked enough light in one of the windows that baby's naps were easier to come by too! Of course, don't forget to keep your lights low (or off) during those 4 a.m. wake-ups, lest they become parties and baby doesn't go back to sleep. We used these because there were two in the set and relatively portable for getting a baby to sleep while on travel. Tell me: what are some of your must have baby sleep essentials? I'd love to know what you found most useful in getting your baby to sleep.  Your recommendations can help other moms struggling to get through the first year with some sanity! PIN ME This post about best baby sleep items appeared on SAHM, plus ... August 4, 2018 and had been edited and updated based on new information and to provide a better user experience. #### 6 Perfect Valentines for Your Child's Classroom that Aren't Overly Girly These are perfect Valentine's Day cards for your child's classroom that aren't overly girly. It's time to start thinking about Valentine's Day.  And, it's one of my least favorite times of year, which I actually plan to discuss in the very near future.  But, as a mommy, I'm kind of obligated to get into the spirit and help my daughter pick cards for her classmates. Hey, whatever happened to shopping at brick and mortar stores? Oh yeah! Two kids Limited selection of crap my kid doesn't like anyway Because Amazon So, that's my compromise ... every year, mommy searches Amazon for a new selection of not-overly-girly Valentine's Day cards.  As much as S loves dinosaurs and cars, I was disappointed that she chose puppies last year.  I'll give her a little bit of credit ... they were cute.  Kinda hoping she remembers she's still cool and chooses dinosaurs or cars.  I'd even be happy if she can't decide between the two and asks for two sets.  Keep your fingers crossed for me! In the meantime, check out these 6 Valentine's that aren't completely vomit inducing girly.   6 Perfect Valentine's That Aren't Super Girly! I must start with dinosaurs ... it just wouldn't be right!  Why?  Because my daughter is dinosaur obsessed!  There are 28 awesome grape scented scratch and sniff dinosaur valentines in the box. How cute are these?  I love Valentine's Cards that aren't overly feminine!!! These cards have jokes and the kids do a scratch-off to reveal the (funny) answers. Why choose Valentine's Cards for kids with candy these days?  You know everyone is allergic to something.  Besides, these are way cooler.  I mean, what kid doesn't love decoding messages? If your kid loves games, share the love with these Tic Tac Toe Valentines.  The game pieces are stickers, so this is a one use deal, but I bet they'll go over well with the class! If you must give candy, at least wrap it in a hug with cute Valentine's animals.  I bet you could tape an eraser and pencil together and make that work too! Do you like more than just a card?  This party favor pack includes small coloring books, pencils, and heart-shaped pencil sharpeners.  You'd just have to find some cute Valentine's Day favor bags. And A Bonus Item Because I love you ... I found those favor bags I just said you needed!  This 30 pack of red cellophane bags ought to do the trick! Happy Valentine's Day, Friends!  Are you looking for anything specific?  Let me know and I'll see if I can help you find it! What's your kid's idea of the perfect Valentine's Day cards for their classroom? #### 6 Subscription Boxes for Moms Who Need to Practice Self-Care Whether mom doesn't know where to start or wants to get in a better habit of self care, she'll love one (or all) of these self-care promoting mom subscription boxes as a gift that keeps on giving. If you asked me right after my first was born, I wouldn't have told you I needed time for myself.  I'm pretty sure I would have said something along the lines of "I'm a mom now... my baby needs me." Fast forward almost 7 years to now.  I'm not at all in that mindset. I've since learned that focusing all my attention on everyone else, while neglecting myself, was getting me nowhere good.  Now, I schedule my mommy me time on the calendar at least once a month.  And, I'm making sure to steal a few minutes almost every day to give myself a break.  Whether it's reading, playing games on my phone, or listening to whatever music makes me happy, I no longer put myself on the back burner. But, I remember those days that I felt like I was incapable of taking time for myself.  It was a difficult road to learn to be more than just a mom.  It took practice and determination to get out of that rut.  So, I want to share some self-car promoting mom subscription boxes that will help you (or a mom you know) learn to devote time to yourself/herself. Top 5 Self-Care Promoting Mom Subscription Boxes Whether this is a gift for Mother's Day or a gift for yourself any time of year, mom is going to love these self-care promoting mom subscription boxes! #1 My All Time Favorite Ecocentric Mom is, so far, my favorite subscription box for moms.  I recently had it gifted to me for my birthday and I was really excited about it. While this box isn't solely dedicated to mom's self-care, it is the perfect subscription box for mom and baby's well-being.  And, because I'm a mom of two, I always feel better when I'm looking out for the whole family. Ecocentric Mom boxes are available for many phases of a mother's journey, from pregnancy to preschool aged kids.  Each box is designed for baby's due date or birth date and includes monthly product discoveries in 4 categories: pampering, bump/baby, practical, and yummy. This self-care promoting mom subscription box is for the mother who values going green, reducing (or eliminating toxins), and wants to support small brands.  [the_ad_group id="13362"] Use code SAHM7 to get $7 off any Ecocentric Mom Subscription Don't want to sign up for a subscription?  That's okay ... Browse Limited-Edition and Gift Boxes #2 A Highly Rated Self Care Subscription Box TheraBox is one of the most highly rated self-care promoting mom subscription boxes. Okay, the truth is, TheraBox isn't just for moms.  However, I believe moms are some of the most stressed out people who need, but don't take enough time for, more self-care. TheraBox sends out 5-7 items every month that are inspired by research to rewire your brain for happiness and to lower stress.  The cool part is, the box is curated by practicing therapists, so  it's real and the reviews are outstanding. I think what I like most about this box is that it promotes self care for the moms who feel guilty about leaving the house. Gift a TheraBox Subscription Box for Mother's Day #3 Local and Organic Well, I don't know how "local" this is for everyone, but the items in the TOLAAP box are touted as "local and organic." This subscription box includes pampering items such as candles, soaps and creams from small business owners.  They also donate to a local animal shelter, which may be a bonus for moms to know if they're into that sort of thing. Give the gift of a TOLAAP box for mom this Mother's Day #4 Health and Wellness The Merkaela subscription box is a little different than most, shipping one box every quarter instead of monthly. This subscription box takes a holistic approach to a clear mind, body, and spirit using natural, organic, and chemical-free products.  Because it's a quarterly gift, each box revolves around a seasonal theme as well.  Plus, you can choose between a Basic or Vegan subscription. Gift a Merkaela Subscription Box #5 Support Women Businesses For the mom who doesn't understand "mommy me-time", have it delivered with the Pause and Unwind box. This one sets itself apart by only supporting women-owned or women-founded businesses.  Plus, in each box, they share the stories about the women who created the products received.  Mom will receive a letter, calendar, and tips for relaxing with the items they receive.  I think this would help promote self-care much more for those moms who aren't in a good habit of taking their "me time." If mom has a special interest in supporting women in business, she'll really love this self-care promoting mom subscription box. Give a Pause and Unwind Box #6 Book and Self-Care Items Love books and want to practice some self-care?  The Oxford Momma subscription box has you covered!  Each month, you'll receive a bestselling book (fiction or nonfiction) and 4-5 additional self-care items like tea, candles, inspirational art, and more.  As a mom who wants to start reading more, this would be of major motivation to take some time for myself and get caught up on some good reads! Use code FALLINLOVE for $3 off your first Oxford Momma Box Tell me: do you subscribe to any self-care promoting mom subscription boxes? [the_ad_group id="13341"] Or maybe you have your eye on one?  Which one? #### 6 Tips for Choosing the Right Doctor for Thyroid Treatment Treating thyroid disorders is not an easy task.  In my experience, and from my reading on the subject, you may not always feel better with the suggested thyroid hormone replacement you’re prescribed.  But, if your lab results come back normal, your doctor or Endocrinologist may dismiss your feelings. Finding a provider that will listen and research new approaches can be a daunting task.  At the worst, you’ll be treated like a hypochondriac. If you’ve been struggling with hypothyroidism and/or Hashimoto’s, you’ve probably dealt with your fair share of terrible doctors.  If you’re lucky, you’ll stumble on a doctor who will listen to how you feel and help you improve your well-being. It’s important for you to find a doctor that will act as a concerned party.  One who is willing to overlook lab results and listen to you is VITAL in treating thyroid disorders and Hashimoto’s (or any autoimmune condition). 6 Tips for Choosing the Right Doctor for Thyroid Treatment  Your doctor should not get defensive (or be offensive) As was in my case, I had to do research and request the tests to get my diagnoses.  Thankfully, the doctor who started the process was pretty easy-going and didn’t argue with me on much. But, some thyroid disease sufferers don’t get so lucky and have to do a bit more fighting.  It’s not uncommon for doctors to tell you not to check WebMD because they assume you’ll always come up with the worst scenario. While it’s up to your doctor to take all things into consideration to come up with a diagnosis, it seems they can’t keep up with it all.  But, when it comes to your thyroid, how you feel is the best indicator of things being off.  Only you know how you feel. If a particular treatment isn’t working, and you have done research and want to try something new, it’s important your doctor listens to you. If your doctor becomes defensive when you bring ideas to them or request copies of lab results, it’s time to look elsewhere.  Additionally, a doctor who treats you like a hypochondriac or as though you’re crazy is not the doctor for you. Remember: this is your body and you know best how you feel.  If a doctor can't respect that, look elsewhere. Your doctor should be open to new treatments Generally, speaking, a general practitioner may not know some of the latest in thyroid disorder research.  A doctor who only runs a TSH test and refuses to check Total T4, Total T3, Free T3, and Free T4 is operating under an antiquated theory that TSH determines everything. When testing your thyroid, testing all the above variables helps see a larger picture. A good doctor will at least entertain the idea if you bring research or evidence to the latest testing and treatment plans.  One who dismisses it is not the doctor you want continuing your treatment. Your doctor should care more about you vs. lab results Not all results are created equal in the world of thyroid disorders and Hashimoto’s.  Labs don’t all use the same range values.  Further, what may be considered in range according to lab values my not actually be normal (or optimal) for YOU. Fire a doctor who is stuck on lab values. If you’re feeling terrible but being told “but your lab results are great” with no further consideration, it’s time to find a new doctor. Speaking from experience, I fired my first and only endocrinologist during our second appointment.  I complained that I still had no energy and wasn’t functioning during the day without a nap, despite my numbers being “in range.”  She responded by repeating my numbers were in range, so everything was fine.  Then, she offered me an anti-depressant prescription to help with my energy. Ladies, this was the sign that she was absolutely not a doctor who cared about my well-being.  She chose to not only dismiss my feelings but treat me as though I was a mental patient. I didn’t care if I didn’t have a backup plan … I knew she wasn’t going to work with me. That’s not the kind of doctor you need in your thyroid journey. How to Find the Right Doctor to Treat Your Thyroid Shortly after that incident, I found a doctor who cares about me.  It wasn’t by luck though.  I researched doctors in the area who practiced functional medicine instead of traditional medicine.  So I wanted to share a few tips for finding your own functional medicine doctor. Do a quick Google search In the Google search bar, type in functional medicine and your city.  For me, my search would look like this (link my search: functional medicine Jacksonville, FL). You could also ask a Pharmacist if they know any doctors who practice Functional Medicine). Are any of these doctors in-network under your insurance? Compare your search list against your list of insurance in-network providers.  For any of those who are, write their names down or start a spreadsheet.  You’ll fill in more information like address and phone numbers. Check their reviews and ratings Visit sites like HealthGrades.com or Vitals.com.  Make notes of the star ratings on the sites, but be sure to read through the comments of those who have left them.  Many times, you’ll get an idea for how the doctor will treat you through these comments, which will help you determine if he/she is worth a consultation.What's in my Hospital Bag? Plus, a FREE Printable Hospital Bag Checklist In summary, 6 tips have been outlined to help you in choosing the right doctor for thyroid treatment.  Remember that your doctor should be a partner seeking to help you feel better.  Anyone who is unwilling to listen to you is not the best fit for you.  Following these tips will help you waste less time and hopefully begin feeling better again. #### 7 Amazing Tips to Detox Your Busy Brain As busy, overwhelmed moms, I always stress taking care of ourselves.  This is a fabulous guest post explaining why and how to take brain health seriously with 7 fabulous tips to detox your brain.   Detox Your Brain - Overview Have you reached a point where the brain feels tired and can’t work anymore? This is a level where toxicity is very high, and the brain needs a rest. Scientifically, there are many ways in which the brain can reduce toxicity and return to normal conditions. I am going to give you some amazing tips that will help you to detox your busy brain and probably get it back to a normal working condition. 1. Getting Enough Sleep Having a quality sleep is one of the fundamental ways you can use to detox your brain. Sleep is a natural occurrence where brain cells regenerate thus allowing the brain to heal and recover. Series of studies and research have shown that the brain contains its internal detoxing system that automatically clears up all those worn out cells every time we fall asleep. Lack of enough sleep accounts for almost 70% of the cases of toxicity in the brain. It is therefore essential to have enough sleep every night after a long day’s work. This not only helps the brain to recuperate faster, but it also has other health benefits to your entire body. The glymphatic system is the organ responsible for detoxification in the brain. The Glymphatic system removes cellular waste from the brain by using mitochondria cells found in the brain. On the other hand, research from the medical department has discovered that fluid by the name of cerebrospinal fluid is responsible for draining toxins away from the brain. 2. Stimulating the Spine (chiropractic adjustments) It has lately been discovered that these adjustments are a very effective detoxification method since they help the brain in improving memory. This is because the adjustments help the correct flow of blood from the rest of the body to the brain. This process is facilitated by maintaining the spines’ alignment and general movement. MRI scans show that after chiropractic adjustments, the cerebral spine and blood flow increases thereby releasing your brain from all the stress and toxic wastes and ultimately improving memory. Therefore, if you suffer from memory problems, make sure that you regularly undergo chiropractic adjustments which will help you in improving your memory. Although medical practitioners suggest that improving the memory is not the primary aim when stimulating the brain, it, however, helps in improving short-term memory, working memory, and long-term memory. I, therefore, assure you that every chiropractic adjustment you make improves your brain's ability to get rid of toxic wastes. You should, therefore, make a point of undergoing regular chiropractic adjustments. 3. Write down your important details to empty overcrowded thoughts The brain works by repeating thoughts that are important but can easily be forgotten. It is through this pressure that mental stress starts to build up and the brain becomes toxic. However, writing down all the important details you need to remember relieves you from fear and a sense of security is once more restored. Writing down all your thoughts helps you to empty up space especially all those overcrowded thoughts that you don’t need. This technique helps lighten and release the accumulated pressure in your brain. This is pretty simple, just take a pen and a paper and write any information that comes right into your mind. This is a very effective brain detox tip since it relieves you from the mental pressure that you may be undergoing at that particular moment. 4. Reduce noise and negative thoughts Do you know that the environment which surrounds you may largely contribute to stress and a toxic brain? Noise is one of the leading distractors of effective thinking since it draws away the necessary attention required in thinking and communication. When the brain is made exceedingly toxic especially by external noise, you may start to develop certain signs of depression. On the other hand, the negative thought may also be another cause of toxicity in the brain and lead to the development of signs of depression. In fact, according to recent research by various medical institutions, 3 out of 10 of the signs of depression are caused by noise and negative thoughts. In order to reduce toxicity from the brain and stay a stress-free life, you should avoid associating with negative minded folks. This is because we tend to absorb the energy of the people we are around. On the other hand, you should always find time to stay alone away from all distractions. This is a very effective way to make sure you get to intimately understand your inanimate nature and form your own opinions in life. This technique will eliminate all those negative signs of depression in no time. 5. Get to do something you like Research has shown that doing something that you like greatly reduces all those toxic wastes in the brain. For instance, if you love playing golf, you should create some time to play your favorite sport at least twice a week. This technique is meant to distract you from your busy schedule and therefore gives you a perfect moment to refresh your brain. Also, other possible ways that you can detox your busy brain may be through positively enjoying your leisure time with activities you like such as watching your favorite television channel, reading an inspirational book, or even practicing yoga. I am pretty sure that these fantastic methods will keep your mind calm and relaxed. Related: Hobbies for Stay at Home Moms 6. Try to reduce activities that distract your brain Distractions are a very common cause of toxicity in the brain. Research and studies show that distractions cause approximately 20% of the brain's toxicity. You should always avoid distractions by ensuring that you do not multitask. Multitasking is not good for the brain since the need to acquire a considerable amount of information at the same time only leads to accumulated stress and toxicity in the brain. One effective technique to counter distraction and multitasking is by practicing the art of not reacting to every impulsive idea that comes to your mind. This requires practice and a little patience. 7. Make your senses active This is a very effective method of detoxing your busy brain. This brain exercise is mainly done by bringing awareness to all your five common senses. In this way, you can perform a brain exercise such as concentrating on one sense. For instance, a deep concentration to the sense of smell makes you clear your mind from all those activities that increase toxicity in the brain. For instance, this brain exercise may require you to find a quiet place and concentrate on a certain smell, direct your attention to that specific sense of smell and distinguish its characteristics. You may ask yourself questions such as, is it fresh or bland, pleasant or unpleasant? A brain exercise with all the five senses will significantly reduce toxicity in your busy brain. Conclusion Since the brain uses almost 20% of your body energy, it is therefore essential to ‘cleanse’ it. This process of ‘cleansing’ the brain is what is known as detoxification. Therefore it is imperative for every working individual to ensure that they employ some of the techniques of detoxifying a busy brain. The most imminent one is getting quality sleep. However, recent research from the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) shows that 80% of adults suffer to some extent from sleep deprivation. Pin For Later: Author Bio Margaux Diaz is writing for health, beauty, skin care, and fitness for many years. She has been consistent with her writing thus contributing exceptional and worthy articles. She is very much passionate about the work that she has devoted herself to influence and motivate others to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Connect with her Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin. #### 7 Books to Ease Anxiety About Going to Preschool Is your child going to preschool soon?  I loved these 7 books to help ease anxiety and answer questions about going to preschool for the first time. When my daughter started preschool several years ago, she had only been in a daycare setting 2 times in her life.  Each was only a day long at a drop-in service so I could work on a project at the time. When we talked about preschool, she seemed enthusiastic, but often asked me if I would go with her.  Explaining to her that I would take her and drop her off to be in school with new people happened to be more difficult for me than you might think. We're big on reading and she seemed to grasp subjects better when we read books geared toward what I want her to understand.  So, we read a few children's books to help reduce any anxiety and get her more excited about entering preschool as a big girl. Now, my son will be going to preschool in the coming weeks, so we're breaking out the books again! If your child is getting ready to start preschool, I recommend these books to help build the excitement. 7 Books To Read Before Going to Preschool Maisy Goes to Preschool: A Maisy First Experiences Book "Maisy is confident and acquainted with the routines of preschool. She clearly has no separation issues. . . . As always, Cousins’s bright color illustrations are simple and appealing." – School Library Journal My Preschool "Join a happy little boy during a day at preschool, from cheerful hellos in circle time, to painting colorful pictures and playing at the water table before snack time. The best part of saying good-bye at the end of the day is that the little boy knows he will come back tomorrow." It's Time for Preschool "Esmé Raji Codell and Sue Ramá introduce very young children—and their parents and caregivers—to the world of preschool in this cheerful and welcoming book that is guaranteed to make the first day (and every day) a bit less scary and a lot more fun!" The Night Before Preschool "It's the night before preschool, and a little boy named Billy is so nervous he can't fall asleep. The friends he makes the next day at school give him a reason not to sleep the next night, either: he's too excited about going back! The book's simple rhyming text and sweet illustrations will soothe any child's fears about the first day of school." What to Expect at Preschool (What to Expect Kids) "It's hard to believe, but your child's starting preschool. Even if it's just for a couple of hours two or three days a week, it seems such a big step for someone in such little sneakers. Not to worry -- we're here to help prepare both of you for that step. We'll answer your child's questions about what preschool is like, what preschoolers do, who teachers are, and how they help to make preschool such a fun and special place -- so that the first day of preschool will be a day you'll both look forward to." Preschool to the Rescue "Look out! There's a sleepy, creepy, deeper-than-you'd-think mud puddle on the preschool playground, and it has swallowed up a pizza van, a fire engine . . . even a tow truck! But don't worry, this group of clever preschoolers knows just how to rescue them!The talented duo who brought readers the popular Counting Crocodiles and The House That Drac Built have created an irresistible playground adventure." Preschool Day Hooray! "What's a day in preschool like? Come inside and see! Every preschooler will relate to this empowering text that is fun to both hear and say." After starting preschool Reading these books helped my daughter learn what to expect about her day.  That was a huge help!  The only thing we had to learn was our personal routines.  And, as prepared as we were, we still had many emotions throughout the first couple weeks. I learned that there weren't enough hugs and kisses in the world, but that she'd eventually get over it.  And, if I didn't say "I love you" in sign language as I passed by her window in the morning, she'd have a full-on meltdown. Eventually, we got things ironed out and we survived the year! Now, on to the task for preparing my son for going to preschool! Did you read any special books for a child anxious about going to preschool? How else can you organize and prepare for school?  Check out these posts: Organize to beat the school morning rush Reducing stress when starting school #### 7 Favorite Pumpkin Crafts and Activities Do you love Pumpkins?  It's one of my favorite parts of fall ... pumpkin everything.  I love this season, when the weather begins to cool (at least for Thanksgiving) in Florida, and everything is pumpkin flavored.  Last year, my daughter called Fall "Pumpkin Time" and painted a LOT of pumpkin pictures for us.  We love doing our annual visits to the fall festivals and pumpkin patch. Aside from painting a bunch of pumpkin pictures and carving a Jack-O-Lantern, there are so many great pumpkin crafts you can do with your kids.  So, I wanted to share a few of my favorite pumpkin crafts and activities this year.  Show your love to the other bloggers' creations I'm sharing and let them know I sent you!   Upcycle Baby Food Jars in this Easy Baby Food Jar Pumpkin Craft I recommend supervising this craft, especially with young children, since they'll be using scissors and decorating glass jars.  Super Easy Felt Pumpkin Craftivity A little bit of planning on your part, but will keep younger kids busy! Use it every year and make a few extras as gifts! Toilet Paper Tube Pumpkin Craft This one is so easy!  And you're only limited by how many toilet paper tubes you've saved! Glow in the Dark Pumpkin Window Cling How cute and surprisingly easy! Pumpkin Apple Stamps Seriously ... I have to wonder why I don't think of things this simple! Pumpkin Shakers There's something to be said about shakers.  This one can incorporate a few activities for the kids. Salty Sweet Roasted Pumpkin Seeds After you're done carving your Jack-O-Lanterns, save the seeds and let your older kids cook!  Cook these up before crafting or snack after crafting! #### 7 Important Benefits of Reading for Kids 2020 created havoc in our lives, didn't it? Well, including relaxing the mind, there are other benefits of reading for kids. In 2020, my kids started school ... finally! My nine year old entered 4th grade and my 4 year old entered VPK. For several years I'd daydreamed about what my first week with both kids in school would be like. I'd expected to have both kids going to brick and mortar school. I'd shuttle them to school, go home, and catch up on rest. After the first week when I was completely bored, I'd start catching up on the deep cleaning and purging of all the things we've accumulated and no longer need. But, the return to school in 2020 didn't look anything like I had played out in my head! Back to school in 2020 resulted in virtual school for the oldest. My son went to brick and mortar VPK 3 days a week. Since I also work from home part time, there's no catching up on rest or getting any deep cleaning or purging done. The extent of my break came in the form of help around the house from a family member a few hours once a week. And while she was instrumental in helping with my sanity one day, there was still a lot going on. So much, in fact, that we were relying on screens to help us deal with many of our problems. But too much screen time is bad for kids, and I speak from personal experience. I've seen my kids sleep suffer from too much screen time and their behaviors and attitudes change with screen time adjustments. So, I want to make reading with my children (or their own reading times) more of a priority. But, what are the actual benefits of reading for children? This post is sponsored by Bookroo. As always, opinions, and ideas expressed here are entirely my own. 7 Benefits of Reading for Children 1. Relieves Stress and Calms the Body "Recent studies by Mindlab International at Sussex University shows that reading for as little as six minutes a day can reduce the heart rate and stress levels by 60% or more. " (Quote from the article How Reading Relieves Stress in Children) Who couldn't agree that we could all use some extra stress relief these days? Even Bookroo is seeing that need and is sharing their message to Keep Calm & Read On. 2. Reading is Good for the Brain Reading is good exercise for the brain! Aside from stress relief, reading benefits your brain in the way of mental stimulation and enhanced vocabulary, just to name a few. The American Academy of Pediatricians has said, “reading regularly with young children stimulates optimal patterns of brain development, strengthens parent-child relationships at a critical time in child development, which, in turn, builds language, literacy, and social-emotional skills that last a lifetime.” 3. Kids Who Read Do Better at School Imagine all the things you couldn't accomplish if you couldn't read! That's why reading is important and getting kids interested in books early on sets them up for a better future. While your child may be more interested in science or math, what good is that interest without the ability to read instructions for completing a science experiment or to answer a mathematical word problem? 4. Reading Often Improves Reading Skill You've heard practice makes progress, right? Well, the saying is true, even for reading! The more time your children spend with books, the more their reading improves. 5. Reading Improves Concentration Does your child have a short attention span or trouble concentrating? Having them read can re-train their brains and improve concentration skills! 6. Reading Develops Imagination I have always thought of books as seeing the world through someone else's eyes. But, just as easily, books open the door to the possibilities of other worlds. It's one of the reasons I've always liked more science fiction and fantasy so that I could imagine the wild characters described within some of my favorite books. Reading new books can help build or improve upon a child's imagination, and this is great to help with creativity! 7. Reading is Fun As much as parents want our children to learn and become better, we can't forget that reading is, and should be, a good form of entertainment! Don't forget to make reading more fun to keep kids interested in books so that they can reap the benefits of reading! Keep Calm & Read On Well, it sounds as though we could all benefit by doing some more reading! What's holding you back from incorporating new books into your child's reading routine? I've got three things keeping us from obtaining new books regularly: Inability to visit the library often Lack of time to research new books for kids Not wanting to borrow digital books - looking to reduce screen time Well, Bookroo helps provide benefits of reading for children while making my life as a parent easier! They deliver age-appropriate books for kids aged 0 - 10, monthly. It's easy to remember some of the classics and to pass those on to our children, but Bookroo seeks out "hidden gems" from new books to help curate and build our childrens' at home library. The best part is that I select the age-appropriate book club, choose the subscription length, and Bookroo does the rest. Great books arrive at home leaving me and my children to sit down together just to reap those rewards of reading! DISCOUNT: Join Bookroo using code BOOKS2LOVE to receive 15% off your order! If you liked learning about the benefits of reading for children and want to stay informed about other relevant content for parents, don't forget to join my newsletter. This post originally appeared Sept 202, but has been updated to include a new discount code for Bookroo. #### 7 Important Facts Before Choosing Elective Induction Over your pregnancy? Baby is late? You've begun to ask "Can I ask to be induced?"  When there's no medical need for induction of labor, elective induction for convenience is not a decision to take lightly .  Here's what you need to know. Your belly is so in the way.  You can't bend over to tie your shoes.  Heck, you can't bend over for anything!  Picking up anything you drop is beyond awkward as you have to spread your legs and squat, all the while hoping you don't topple over. Sometimes you wonder if you should just be induced and get it all over with. Nearing the end of your pregnancy, you're likely exhausted and just want to get your body back.  I've been there twice and can totally relate to it all.  In fact, I narrowly escaped medical induction when my son was 13 days past his due date. I totally understand what it's like to be completely over the pregnancy. Plus, how many more times can you answer the same questions like "when do we get to meet the baby?"  If you're getting these questions, be sure to read my post on all the other ways to irritate a woman whose pregnancy is overdue. Your doctor has probably mentioned, at least once, that induction is an option.  If she hasn't, you're probably thinking now would be a good time to meet the baby.  And you may wonder "can I ask to be induced?" But, requesting induction of labor isn't a decision you should make so lightly. Let's discuss some of the common reasons and myths to help you determine whether or not you should be induced. Can I Ask to Be Induced? Key Considerations Before Elective Induction Whether or not you should begin to consider medical induction varies on a great many factors.  I don't believe that decision should be made without arming yourself with knowledge. So, if you're thinking of requesting induction, I want to help you understand a few things before you decide. 1. What's Your Childbirth Goal? Let's FIRST determine what your ultimate goal is for your birth choice. If you don't really have an image of your perfect birth and are okay with medical interventions, up to and including C-Section, you may not need any of the following information.  It's totally okay if you're cool with any outcome, but it won't hurt you to know this either. However, if your end game is to give birth naturally, it's important to do some research before requesting induction.  Be sure to become familiar with all these points before determining if you should be induced. Cascade of Interventions If your ultimate childbirth goal is a natural, drug-free birth, be aware that every medical intervention you accept, including elective induction, increases your chances for spiraling down the cascade of interventions. The cycle is best outlined by Childbirth Connection in their article about the cascade of interventions: Many maternity care interventions have unintended effects during labor and birth. Often these effects are new problems that are "solved" with further intervention, which may in turn create even more problems. This idea that using one intervention can lead to the need for more interventions is called a "cascade of intervention." The maternity practices that can lead to a cascade of intervention include: Using various medications to induce labor. Artificially breaking the membranes surrounding the baby and releasing amniotic fluid before or during labor. Using synthetic oxytocin medicine (“Pitocin”) to make labor move faster. Giving medications for pain relief. Laboring in bed versus being upright and moving about. In many instances, these practices cause problems because they disrupt the normal physiology of pregnancy, labor and birth by: Interfering with hormones that move labor and birth along. Creating opportunities for infection. Having undesirable effects on your baby. Making it harder for you to push your baby out. When these effects happen, women may feel that their bodies have failed them, not realizing that the things that went wrong could have actually been triggered by maternity practices themselves. 2. About Your Baby's Due Date First, please consider that a date you are given is based on a 40-week "average".  In pregnancy, a due date isn't a guarantee, rather an estimation. In 2013, the ACOG published the following in regard to defining term and post-term pregnancies: "...recommended that the label “term” be replaced with the designations early term (37 0/7 weeks of gestation through 38 6/7 weeks of gestation), full term (39 0/7 weeks of gestation through 40 6/7 weeks of gestation), late term (41 0/7 weeks of gestation through 41 6/7 weeks of gestation), and postterm (42 0/7 weeks of gestation and beyond) to more accurately describe deliveries occurring at or beyond 37 0/7 weeks of gestation." It's important to note that ACOG suggests a baby is overdue when it reaches 42 weeks or beyond.  For this reason, I would not consider requesting induction before 42 weeks.  It is generally known that first-time mothers often go into labor later than subsequent pregnancies, so it's best to give your body (and baby) the time it needs to complete its job. Additionally, it is no longer recommended to induce labor before 39 weeks, especially on an elective basis, unless medically necessary. 4 things to know if baby is late and 5 ways to cope When Your Doctor Changes Baby's Due Date According to an Open Journal of Medical Imaging, in 2014, they state this about third trimester gestational age determination: "[1]. Ultrasonic studies have proven useful in determination of gestational age (GA) in first and second trimester, but their accuracy in third trimester is not reliable because of biologic variations like racial differences in fetal biometric measurements and inter-population variations [2]." Stick to your original EDD (expected due date) given from your LMP (last missed period) or the first trimester dating ultrasound (if you have one).  If your doctor wishes to change your baby's due date later in your pregnancy, especially after a third trimester ultrasound, respectfully decline.  Of course, if your doctor wants to change the EDD to give you a few extra days, take it. With my first baby, my doctor told us when he expected our baby would arrive, however, there was a bit of uncertainty over conception dates because of my irregular periods, so we pushed the due date out a few days later. As it would turn out, that baby arrived exactly on our chosen date on her own. 3. Baby's Size or You're Too Small When I hear that a woman is being induced because her doctor is "worried the baby is too big" ... frankly, I'm disappointed. Don't go getting defensive on me. I'm disappointed in doctors for using these excuses to coerce a woman to be induced before either she or her baby are ready.  The worst is when I hear "because they think I'm too small to deliver a baby naturally." I'm not all religious, but I'm pretty sure if that higher power made it so that we were to procreate, he'd also not be a jerk making it impossible for small women to deliver.  So, let's consider these two points: CPD Have you been led to believe you should be induced because you're too small? CPD (or Cephalopelvic Disproportion) is a rare disorder.  According to American Pregnancy Association, CPD is rarely diagnosed prior to the onset of labor.  "During labor, the baby’s head molds and the pelvis joints spread, creating more room for the baby to pass through the pelvis." Additionally, their site says "According to the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM), CPD occurs in 1 out of 250 pregnancies."  You can read more about CPD on the American Pregnancy Association's Website. Baby's Size I'll be honest here.  I don't have any facts to back up whether or not third trimester ultrasound measurements are accurate enough to make any decisions on induction.  I totally believe, however, that you need to refer to all the other points in this article. Speaking from personal experience, my son was nearly 8 lbs at birth.  I was 5' 3" and had only weighed about 120 lbs at the end of my third trimester.  At 88 lbs when I got pregnant, I could have easily been targeted as someone who was either too small or whose baby was too big.  Not only was he relatively big, he was 13 days late and I had absolutely no issues delivering him naturally. Remember - proper laboring positions will help your pelvis expand the way it's intended to make room for your baby.  And, baby's head is flexible so that it can mold to fit through the birth canal.  Neither your pelvis nor your baby is a fixed object working against this process! 4. Complications There may be medical complications in which your doctor suggests that you be induced. A few reasons medical induction may be necessary include but are not limited to: hypertension preeclampsia abnormal bleeding or the baby being in danger of not receiving nutrients from the placenta 5. Is Baby in an Optimal Position? Let's get a little bit personal for a moment.  If you haven't taken the time to read my son's story about being 13 days late, I highly recommend it. The gist of the story is that I narrowly escaped labor induction by 1 day.  My Bishop Score (discussed in the next point) was barely above the number indicating it was barely ready for labor. Additionally, my son's head was stuck on a bone in my pelvis.  An induction was very likely not going to be effective, our labor could have been traumatic with a prolapsed cord if they broke my water, and I stood a higher chance of labor ending in a C-section. I escaped all of this when I figured out my baby was not only not in the optimal position, he was also stuck on a bone preventing him from engaging and starting labor. If the baby's position is of concern, check out Spinning Babies to see if you can get your baby into position for birth before you decide to be induced! 6. Is Your Cervix Ready? Check Your Bishop Score Why is a Bishop Score Calculator Important Before Having An Induction? If you're thinking of requesting induction, you're going to want to take into account whether or not your body is physically ready for labor, especially if you're hoping to have a vaginal birth.  ACOG describes the importance of your cervical readiness and how the Bishop Score helps to determine it: "Health care providers use the Bishop score to rate the readiness of the cervix for labor. With this scoring system, a number ranging from 0–13 is given to rate the condition of the cervix. A Bishop score of less than 6 means that your cervix may not be ready for labor." Disappointingly, ACOG doesn't discuss how they calculate your Bishop Score in this particular patient FAQ. I believe it's important to know your stats, so I'm sharing how to get your Bishop Score using a Bishop Score Calculator.  You can read more about the Bishop Score from Family Practice Notebook and then sign up for my emails to get your own Printable Bishop Score Calculator for FREE. [mc4wp_form id="757"] 7. Labor Induction Risks Refer back to #1 where I discuss the cascade of interventions.  Additionally, Mayo Clinic Lists the following risks of labor induction: The need for a C-section. Labor induction is more likely to result in the need for a C-section — particularly if you've never given birth before and your cervix hasn't already begun to thin, soften and dilate (unfavorable cervix). Premature birth. Inducing labor too early might result in a premature birth. This poses risks for the baby, such as difficulty breathing. Low heart rate. The medication used to induce labor — oxytocin or a prostaglandin — might provoke too many contractions, which can diminish your baby's oxygen supply and lower your baby's heart rate. Infection. Labor induction increases the risk of infection for both mother and baby. Umbilical cord problems. Labor induction increases the risk of the umbilical cord slipping into the vagina before delivery (umbilical cord prolapse), which might compress the cord and decrease the baby's oxygen supply. Uterine rupture. Uterine rupture is a rare but serious complication in which the uterus tears open along the scar line from a prior C-section or major uterine surgery. An emergency C-section is needed to prevent life-threatening complications. Bleeding after delivery. Labor induction increases the risk that your uterine muscles won't properly contract after you give birth (uterine atony), which can lead to serious bleeding after delivery. For me, personally, increasing the chances of a C-section was a huge deterrent in all the decisions I made about both my labors.  Still, unless medically necessary, those possibilities don't seem to be worth the risk of requesting induction unless it's necessary. Is it Okay to Have an Elective Induction? The most important first step in deciding whether or not to consider elective induction is to know your ultimate childbirth goal.  If natural birth is what you're preparing for, remember that induction is the first step in the cascade of interventions so this decision shouldn't be made lightly. Knowing what is and isn't a medical necessity prepares you for making the right decisions. If there appears to be a medical necessity that requires you to be induced, knowing your Bishop Score will help you determine whether or not your body is likely to take to a medical induction, should you decide you want to go on with requesting induction. FAQs about Elective Induction Can I be induced early by request? Barring medical reasons for induction, there is no benefit for requesting to be induced early.  Remember that your baby is still growing and developing and that you should give him or her the time needed to be ready for birth. Will insurance pay for elective induction? Some insurance companies have adopted policies to exclude elective induction from reimbursement eligibility before 39 weeks if not medically necessary.  We recommend to check with your insurance provider before making any decisions about the medical management of pregnancy and induction of labor. Can I Choose How to Be Induced? To some extent. Your provider will perform an assessment of your cervix and calculate a bishop score then provide the recommended induction option. He/she may provide options for you to consider based on your bishop score. But, you're also allowed to decline or postpone induction if you're not high-risk or in immediate danger. Is it better to be induced or go naturally? This choice will need to be made through a combination of understanding your childbirth goals and you personal circumstances.  Arm yourself with the research and knowledge so that you can determine the best labor plan with a trusted medical provider. How long does elective induction take? This depends on whether or not you're full-term, first or subsequent babies, and your body/cervix readiness.  While inductions usually don't take very long, it is possible for it to take several days, depending on your personal circumstances. Is being induced harder labor? This can depend on the type of induction you're receiving.  It's said that contractions from medical induction are more intense and can last longer. Can you eat during induction? We recommend eating during labor while you're at home, but if you've been medically induced and are at the hospital, you most likely will be restricted from eating. This post, Elective Induction, originally appeared on SAHM, plus... August 2017 and has been updated. #### 7 Important Plug-Ins for a New Wordpress Blog As you may know, I re-branded my site.  It was a complete re-branding, right down to my blogging platform.  For those of you that don't know, I used to write on a blog called Ivy's Variety using a blogspot address.  Later, I bought my own domain and continued using blogger.com.  I did this for a few years.  As time went on, I realized I was outgrowing my blog.  The more I learned, the less I liked my blog name.  And, I wanted more and more to learn why nearly everyone suggested using WordPress.  Now, I won't get into why using the WordPress.org platform is better, but I can tell you how I started new WordPress blog and the plugins I use as a WordPress newbie. Image source: Toa55 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net Let me also share one bit of advice for anyone unsure if they're capable of using the WordPress format.  I spent a LOT of time concerned about how user-friendly WordPress would be.  I learned on Blogger and had gotten really comfortable with HTML.  Was I going to need to learn a bunch of CSS when I moved to WordPress?  Fast forward to now.  I can tell you it took all of about a couple hours to figure out most of WordPress that I would need immediately.  It's ridiculously simple, especially once you select a theme.  There is a wealth of information available and so many people ready and willing to help you should you need support.  Honestly, I wish I had never started a Blogger blog in the first place.  That would have actually simplified my entire process as well. *Disclaimer: Affiliate links are included in this post. Making purchases after clicking my links may earn me a commission, but will cost you nothing more than the purchase itself.  In some cases, I am able to offer you a discount to save you money. Hosting a new WordPress blog For starters, I chose an affordable hosting plan through GoDaddy.com.  They offered a special on WordPress hosting and my new domain name.  I was able to choose the monthly plan I wanted, knowing I could upgrade anytime I felt I would be receiving more traffic.  Choosing their WordPress Hosting also made setup of my site extremely easy, because the download and data was completed for me, just ready for me to begin writing, and installing Plug-Ins. Select a Theme for your new WordPress Blog There are so many themes, free and paid, for your choosing.  Some you can find and download straight from the WordPress software.  Others you can purchase from special online theme shops.  They're highly customize-able and a lot are already set up for better SEO.  I chose the Schema theme from mythemeshop.com.  I've been thoroughly happy with the easy-to-use theme, and the few questions I had were quickly resolved in their support forum.  If you're ready to invest in your site, consider using mythemeshop. Must-have Plug-Ins for a new WordPress blog   Importing Content from Blogger This piece of advice is only for those who are switching from Blogger to WordPress.  If you want your old Blogger (blogspot) content to be moved to your new WordPress blog, then you'll need a special Plug-In that will import your content for you.  For this task, I chose the Blogger Importer plug-in. Back-Up your new WordPress blog Backing up your data and content is essential.  WordPress and your hosting company will not back up your data and content for you.  So, I installed UpDraftPlus, and I recommend doing this before you have your site built.  Also, do this before and after you import (or begin making changes to) your content. Securing your new WordPress blog I stumbled on an article featuring several plugins that were recommended for security.  That recommendation saved me before I knew I needed saving.  About 2 weeks after I installed my security plug-in, I began noticing hacking attempts and DDOS attacks.  I currently use the free version of the Wordfence plug-in which has multiple settings for locking out users trying to gain access to your admin log-in.  Plus, you can get more involved in the security and determine when to throttle users or block their access if it appears they're trying to crash your site by overloading it (DDOS attack). Optimize your new WordPress blog for SEO It doesn't matter if you moved from Blogger or are starting a completely new blog, you need the Yoast SEO plug-in.  I'm still using the free version, but it's making a huge difference in my writing and search engine traffic.  You WILL need to go back to optimize your old content, not just your new content. Google Analytics for Wordpress This small plug-in allowed me to enter my Google Analytics code easily into my site without having to know code or proper placement.  It's free and saved me time in my setup process.  Get the free Google Analytics for WordPress plug-in. Google XML Sitemaps The Google XML Sitemaps plug-in automatically sends out your blog's sitemaps to search engines.  You have better things to do with your time, no matter how easy it might be. Reduce or eliminate spam comments Another thing you don't have time for is moderating spam comments.  Save your time for the comments you actually want to see.  The Anti-Spam plug-in will automatically determine what constitutes a spam comment and not bother you with the details. Totally new to blogging? Check out more of my tips: #### 7 Reasons Discovery Cove Wasn't Awesome For Little Kids 7 reasons I should have waited to visit Discovery Cove when kids are older.  Our travel and entertainment experience at Discovery Cove with young children. Let me preface by saying, this is my experience at Discovery Cove with my kids.  Not that Discovery Cove wasn't awesome, because it totally was.  Just that my kids weren't!  And, I appreciate my dad for this massive gift that my kids ended up not appreciating.  I felt horribly about that. My dad thought it was a great idea to take my daughter to Discovery Cove the first week of her summer break.  His friend was taking her niece who was nearly the same age and thought they'd have a good time together.  Plus, they couldn't resist the option to swim with the dolphins!  When he offered to take me and my two year old, as well, my husband said I should consider it since I'd never been.  Against my better judgement, I decided I would tag along. The park was beautiful and the all-inclusive theme was amazing, but in some ways, I wish I'd stayed home with the toddler.  I'm on the fence about having taken young children to Discovery Cove.  I'll expand on my thoughts as we go along. I'd love to know if you ever took young children, or if you're saving Discovery Cove when kids are older! Our Day at Discovery Cove with Younger Kids Our trip included 4 adults and 3 kids age 6 and 2.5 years. First things, first.  Dad decided to spoil everyone with a private cabana.  At reservation, they requested he arrive at the park before 8 am to get checked in.  We did the best we could with 3 small kids 6 and under, but arrived after 8 a.m.  Still, the staff was very accommodating and recommended we go enjoy breakfast before being taken to our cabana, as it would require a trek through the sand. Breakfast was somewhat more of a treat than expected.  There was a long buffet line where you were able to select everything from eggs, bacon, sausage, and all sorts of pastries and fruits.  As a gluten free diner, I went to the end of the line to request a special plate of food to be made separate from the line.  The chef was very knowledgeable about food allergies and was able to get me a full plate of safe food.  While having a large breakfast is a real treat, in general, I was extremely disappointed in the quality of the eggs, which tasted like powdered, reconstituted eggs, so I had two bites and couldn't stomach more. Breakfast was also where trouble began with the kids.  The 6 year olds were already moaning and groaning about having to wait to swim with the dolphins.  Patience isn't my daughter's strong suit, but I was surprised at all the attitude we were receiving while trying to get them fed. Once we were loaded up on as much food as we could handle, we headed over to check-in for our cabana, at which time I was convinced to swap out my own stroller for one of theirs.  Their strollers were equipped with beach buggy style wheels, making the trek through the beach sand much more tolerable.  I'm glad I did, because even the modified stroller was a little difficult to push at times. On the way to our cabana, we were told where to meet for our dolphin swim, shown some of the facilities, and outfitted for our wet suits and vests. Once escorted to our cabana, I was in awe!  Having had one other cabana experience at another theme park, the Discovery Cove cabana was beyond impressive!  Instead of tents lining the water practically on top of each other, we essentially had a tent with a really private yard and a gate.  The bushes and trees surrounded our space, with a spectacular view of the dolphin swim area.  I'm not sure whether or not that was simply luck, but it was beautiful!  We were shown our private amenities, including a table, chairs, hammock, locker, stocked cooler, and a set of sand toys.  My two year old immediately grabbed the toys and began digging away. The rest of the day, we spent trying to explore the waters, doing our dolphin experience, and having lunch. 7 Reasons I Should Have Waited to Visit Discovery Cove When Kids Are Older While I loved the idea of doing Discovery Cove with the kids, it ended up not being the best decision.  If you're wondering whether or not to take young children, let me tell you why it it may be smarter to wait to visit Discovery Cove when kids are older: My two year old gets a nasty diaper rash, so half-way through the day he was in pain and couldn't go back in the water The toddler also is incapable of missing his nap and holding his stuff together, so he was miserable and begging to sleep My 6 year old daughter struggles with water in the face, so I never ended up being able to check out the lazy river As soon as she took off on the dolphin swim, the salt water got in her face and mouth.  Then she cried and was terrified of the water the rest of the day. She refused to try the snorkel and wouldn't allow anyone to take her out in the water to see the sharks. When I finally gave up and tried to get the toddler to nap, he was woken up by his sister crying about the lazy river Finally, I decided we'd walk around to check out the aviary toward the end of the day.  But, the aviary entrance couldn't accommodate the stroller wheels, so we didn't end up getting to see it either Related: What To Pack For Discovery Cove I'll Do Discovery Cove When Kids are Older Overall, as beautiful as the area was and as friendly as the staff was at Discovery Cove, my kids weren't ready or mature enough for it.  We didn't get to see as much as there was to see and I spent more time consoling and convincing than I did actually enjoying the park. The vibe of the park is definitely much more relaxed, but my kids just weren't ready to settle in and simply enjoy everything.  And apparently my son's butt is still too sensitive for all day water activities. All in all, my overall thought is that Discovery Cove is probably more enjoyable with parents and teenagers.  Teens can take care of themselves better and leave parents to enjoy the park at their own pace.  And, just because the dolphin swim is available to 6 year olds, doesn't mean they're really ready. Take your family dynamics, routines, and temperaments into account before deciding whether or not to experience Discovery Cove with kids.  As for us, I'm saving Discovery Cove when kids are older when I can actually take advantage of the relaxed atmosphere! Pin Me #### 7 Things Every New Mom Needs to Make Life Easy With Baby View Post Do you know the things every new mom needs? 7 baby items I couldn't live without, especially with a second baby! These baby essentials were shining stars in this house. It's hard to believe my second baby is almost two years old and my first is now 6!  How did my babies grow so fast?  Looking back on the last 6 years, I'm grateful for some baby gear VIPs in our home. There are, of course, baby items that were total must-haves.  You know the ones ... diapers, wipes, cribs.  But, they're your standard baby registry items that don't need explanation. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement as you begin creating your baby registry.  As a first-time mom, it can seem overwhelming.  And, it doesn't always feel any easier with the second (and subsequent babies).  My children were nearly 5 years apart.  Recommendations changed.  I changed.  New products were made. What do you need on your baby registry though? Unfortunately, some of the baby items I couldn't live without may not be considered standard baby must-haves.  But, I'm here to tell you, these are the baby items I couldn't live without. 7 Things Every New Mom Needs These are the 7 baby items I couldn't live without.  I consider these items unsung heroes and highly underrated baby essentials that every mom should have to make life easier with a new baby.  And, if this is your second (or subsequent baby), some of these are likely even more important. 1. Baby Carrier Babywearing was a lifesaver when my second baby came around.  And, I realized how much easier life could have been if I could have found a way to get over the intimidation of a wrap. As a newborn, I wrapped my son in his Moby Wrap and was able to cook, clean, or tend to my oldest's needs. © Ivy www.sahmplus.com When my son was big enough to transition to a soft structured carrier, I did tons of research.  The Boba 4G was at the top of my list given it seemed to be able to fit a wide range of sizes.  Plus, it wasn't as expensive as some of the other more popular brands.  While not a cheap carrier, it has totally been worth every penny! This carrier saves almost every day for me and played a big part in why my second breastfeeding experience was better than the first.  I learned how to breastfeed in this thing quickly, which also meant I didn't have to stop the entire family if we were out shopping or enjoying a day at Legoland or Disney. While not a cheap carrier, it has totally been worth every penny! © Ivy www.sahmplus.com [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B01MQYDO8T" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51Pi4srN47L.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="333"] For the ways in which it makes our lives so much more easy, the baby carrier is absolutely the TOP of the list of baby items I couldn't live without! 2. A Really Big Diaper Bag I like large diaper bags with lots of exterior pockets.  Stuffing tons of diapers, wipes, pacifiers, and my own personal items was a must.  If I was swapping a purse out for a diaper bag, it needed to carry everything!  It made sense that I stuff more diapers than I needed in one day so I wasn't constantly refilling the bag either. 3. Swaddling Gear Swaddling my second was a huge help in getting baby to sleep!  However, swaddling from a blanket was a skill I never could quite master.  Not even close.  So, I cheated by having several sets of Swaddle Me in a few sizes.  They're totally dummy-proof!   4. White Noise We were lucky enough to have a spare iPad available to run white noise all night in my son's bedroom.  He was a light sleeper, so the noise helped drown out some of the regular noises to help him sleep more soundly. Don't have a spare device?  Get a white noise machine! 5. Black Out Shades/Curtains No joke, these are my best friends!  I have one in my son's room to block the light from the brightest window.  And, we take another with us when we travel just in case we need to block light in his room B loved his 4 a.m. party and I tried everything from not turning on lights to not talking.  I made the 4 a.m. party the most boring event on earth, but I had to one-up it by blocking out natural light.  Bye-bye early riser! 6. Diaper Pail Diapers are stinky ... especially newborn diapers!  If you've ever thought about having a simple room garbage can.  Don't!  I mean, unless you like tossing bags on a daily basis.  I'm kinda lazy, so I like not toting a bag of diapers down the stairs often.  But, my nose doesn't appreciate the smelly diapers either.  Nothing is more unappealing than a stinky baby's room.  Am I right? © Ivy www.sahmplus.com I loved my old Arm & Hammer diaper pail!  And, I wouldn't suggest navigating your baby's first year of life without some kind of similar diaper pail to hold tons of diapers without releasing the stench throughout the room! This is one of those baby items I couldn't live without simply because it kept baby's room from stinking! 7. A Baby Swing Look how alert our 14 day old was! ©Ivy sahmplus.com As much as both my babies preferred mommy's arms, they needed a break.  Sometimes I just needed to pee ... it happens, you know?!  Being that my babies didn't spend much time in one, I always chose something that wouldn't hurt the wallet. This one was nice because it could swing or double as a stationary seat.  Plus, it folded up nicely for travel or to store when I needed more space in the playroom. This is a baby essential to give your body a break and let the baby see his/her environment. Having a baby?  What baby items are on your baby registry? Have you started your baby registry?  If not, one of my favorite baby registry sites was Amazon!   Related articles: What's in my hospital bag + free hospital bag checklist 8 smart things to do before you have your baby How to prepare for a natural childbirth #### 7 Ways I Prioritized Myself and Ditched the Mom Guilt! 7 things I did for myself this month that I actually feel good about!  Just a bit of encouragement for moms to make yourself a priority and ditch the mom guilt! August and September were really busy months for me, as it likely was for you as well. With summer coming to a close, I was looking forward to having more time on my hands.  But, back to school also revealed how far I'd gotten behind on working on the blog and writing new content. Over the last few months, I wasn't able to get as much done as I'd anticipated.  Between vacations, kids constantly around needing something, and some unexpected stress in the beginning of September, taking time for myself went by the wayside.  Meeting goals on the blog happened through luck, as it seems.  And getting any significant amount of work done was next to impossible. I spent the summer months exhausted and burned out. At the end of August, I knew it was time to make some serious changes to my routines. Maybe you're like me ... overwhelmed and burned out.  Maybe not.  Perhaps you're just looking for ways to give yourself some time to be more than just a a mom. Whatever brings you here, I hope these 7 things I did give you some inspiration for things you do can for yourself.  Whether it's to practice some self-love, take some mommy me time, or just giving yourself time to learn something new or work on personal goals, it's my hope that you find these ideas useful! Don't have time or want to refer back to this post?  Know a mom who needs this?  Share this post and save it for future reading! 7 Ways to Make Yourself a Priority (And Not Feel Guilty About It) Ate Healthier I'd gotten hooked on sugar again and was experiencing some inflammation and pain I hadn't experienced in a long while.  After having gone Paleo I noticed a huge difference in how I felt in many ways, for the better.  Apparently, the long-term introduction of sugar after my pregnancy (2.5 years) was taking its toll on me again and I was beginning to feel horribly. Though I won't likely ever go back to a completely Paleo diet, I've adopted it more-so again through PlateJoy. Aside from healthier eating, PlateJoy gives me more time as I spend less time online searching recipes.  Plus, we're not experiencing the dinner rut and total boredom from the meal routine we had going on. Be sure to check out my initial PlateJoy review. Tip #1 to Make Yourself a Priority: Choose to eat healthier and or drink more water.  Your body will thank you and your family will benefit from it, too.  The bonus is joining a meal planning service that can give you more time while helping you achieve dietary goals. Joined the YMCA Although the reason for joining the Y wasn't for the health, I know I've received some major benefits in that department, too. To be honest, my 2.5 year old son has been quite the handful and I've simply needed more time away from him to maintain sanity.  With the KidZone childcare included in the membership at the YMCA, it seemed like a no-brainer. From the first Yoga class I took, I could tell that, despite lifting a 30 lb toddler all the time, I wasn't nearly as strong as I should be.  My breathing was indicative of the stress I was under and I realized that I was going to benefit much more greatly from joining the Y than simply having a break from my toddler! Tip #2 to Make Yourself a Priority: Get active.  Even if you can't afford to go to a gym, take some time to become (intentionally) active in some way.  Can't leave the kid? There's stroller fitness classes.  Even regular walks are good for the whole family. Finished a Book Well, I started this book in August and it took me forever to read it.  I maxed out the number of renewals on my library checkout, despite the fact I had a 4 day vacation away from the kids and read as much as I possibly could. Several months ago, I got hooked on the show The Last Kingdom on Netflix, then found out it was based on a book series and I had to read it.  I'd been dying to try to get into the habit of reading again after learning that 6 minutes of reading a day can lower stress.  Guys, I'm a crazy ass toddler mom, but I couldn't force myself to find the time for 6 minutes!  What?! Related Reading: How Reading Reduces Stress Well, this show was JUST the motivation I needed! So, stealing a few minutes to read in the car while sitting in the school pickup line and occasionally at night, I finally finished the first book in the series, The Last Kingdom. Tip #3 to Make Yourself a Priority: Sneak at least 6 minutes of continuous reading into your day.  I know it can seem hard, but it's 6 minutes!  Car line, waiting at the bus stop, or hiding in the bathroom.  Just take the 6 minutes! Began an Online Course There's a certain aspect in my blogging career that I've needed to get a handle on.  So, despite all the crazy, I joined an online course that included 1 day of intense live classes for 4 weeks.  Though it actually added to a bit of my stress, I chose to do as something I felt I needed, even though right then wasn't exactly the right time. I chose to invest in myself again and I've taken a good amount of time to actually go through the coursework. What I've learned, however, is how little time I actually have.  But, it's essentially teaching me that I've got to get even more organized. So, I've been going deeper in my schedule organizing down to 30 minute increments to see the short blocks of time I have available to fit in everything else. Tip #4 to Make Yourself a Priority: Learn something new or build on a skill you already have!  You're still an individual ... treat yourself as such and give yourself the time to be you.  And this doesn't have to even be for work.  Learn a new hobby! Hired a VA I've had a few goals when it came to the blog, but I was running out of time to complete even the most menial tasks associated with it.  Honestly, I didn't want to do it.  So, in an effort to gain a little more time but still get some promotional things done, I finally hired a VA to help me with a few tasks during the week. My hope is that , by offloading some social media tasks, I don't get sucked into social media, lost in reading what other people are doing.  I'd really like to sit down and focus more on writing or creating new items for the Etsy shop. Plus, it's my hope to meet some new goals on the blogging front.  With my VA's help, I'm hoping to meet those goals a little sooner! Tip #5 to Make Yourself a Priority: Give yourself some time.  Can you outsource something you don't want to do?  I'm a huge fan of delegating responsibilities.  That's why I have an automatic [easyazon_link identifier="B01DZWX5II" locale="US" nw="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]vacuum cleaner[/easyazon_link]! Started a New Face Skincare Routine I'm terrible about getting into the habit of skincare.  But, a few slightly more emphasized wrinkles around my eyes motivated me to attempt to stick with it.  I'm now applying Marula Oil (received in one of my Ecocentric Mom Subscription Boxes) and an Under Eye Cream (purchased from my local salon) morning and night. Tip #6 to Make Yourself a Priority: Start a new healthy habit that will make you feel better.  My new face routine takes me about 3 minutes, just out of the shower.  Can you find 3 to 5 minutes for a daily routine (or twice a day) to do something that makes you feel good? Continued Having Groceries Delivered Sometimes, I look at the grocery bill from Shipt and wonder why I continue to pay so much more on my groceries, plus tip, when the store is 2 minutes from my house. Then, I take the kids to the store and I'm instantly reminded why I keep my grocery delivery service.  It's for my sanity.  I don't have kids begging for everything they see, fighting over the steering wheels in the buggy, and screaming when things don't go there way. Yep, I keep my grocery delivery from Shipt because I'm a better person not visiting a store with them.  Plus, the hour to hour and a half someone else is doing my shopping, I'm able to get another item or two checked off my to-do list. Tip #7 to Make Yourself a Priority: Don't do something that will bring you more stress (if you can help it).  If the kids stress you out on shopping trips, have groceries delivered or shop online!  It's okay to say no or take stuff off your plate! If you struggle with making yourself (or your husband) a priority, I'd love for you to join my Facebook Group.  It's a sweet community of moms who are (or have been) in your shoes.  We're just trying to find a balance and ditch the guilt associated with "taking time away from our kids."  I'll encourage you to be just a little "selfish" but it's all for improving your relationship with your husband or becoming a more fulfilled individual who "isn't just a mom." PIN ME #### 7 Ways My Roomba is Like Another Baby I received an iRobot Roomba about 3 years ago for the first Christmas in our new 2 story house.  I'd lamented to my husband that I was going to be spending an awful lot of time sweeping or vacuuming because we had a LOT of tile.  Though I'm not a fanatic about having a super clean house, I do have an issue with feeling dirt particles on my feet.  And, no, I wasn't going to walk around the house with shoes all the time.  I was thrilled to get this great gift and I've had it run every week day we've had it, unless it starts to get on my nerves.  Really, having another baby in the house has made me realize just how much the Roomba is like another baby. So, let's get down to the fun of comparing Roombas to babies... 7 Ways My Roomba is Like Another Baby [tweetthis twitter_handles="@sahmplusblog"]7 ways a roomba is like a baby[/tweetthis] It eats things it shouldn't.  Okay, that's my fault.  Sometimes its S's fault.  Either way, I've had to pull paper, ribbons, cords, and small toys from its mouth. It gets stuck.  On occasion, I hear it going on about something and I have to rescue it from somewhere ... like, under the rocker, at the glass door frame. It gets into places it shouldn't.   Over time, my Roomba figured out how to get under the kitchen cabinets.  Figured out = broke the rubber molding under the cabinets. It forgets to go to bed.  "But, I wasn't tired."  I have come home to it sleeping on the floor in the playroom.  Have too much fun while mommy was gone, did ya? It locks itself in a room.  The Roomba often shuts itself in the guest bathroom and can't get out.  And, just like a small child, it's not easy to get it to move away from the door to let it out. I can put it on a schedule.  And, I can interrupt its schedule, anytime I please... I mean ... when it's necessary. Some days, it's into everything.  And, like my son, I have to chase it around to keep from sucking up everything in its path. Here, the Roomba got stuck under a shelf in the playroom Aside from all the painfully familiar reasons the Roomba is like having another baby in the house, there are some reasons I'd prefer having a Roomba over another baby. 5 Ways My Roomba is Better than Having Another Baby I can put it to bed and walk away.  When I'm tired of chasing it, I can just put it to bed and do whatever I want. It doesn't cry all day.  And if it whines about getting stuck... I can either move it or put it to bed. It cleans up after everyone.  Thank goodness someone cleans up around here. I don't have to cook for it.  It's even better than having a dog ... no remembering to feed it. I can put it on a schedule.   Unlike a baby, I can generally expect it to go according to plan. I wish I had realized early that having a Roomba was like having another baby in the house.  I might have reconsidered having baby #2.  And maybe I could have convinced hubby to buy me a second Roomba for the upstairs.  All joking aside, I love my two babies, but sometimes I don't exactly love my Roomba for having some of the same qualities as a baby.  Plus, it's not like it's ever going to grow out of this phase.  So, in a few years I'll have 2 teenagers and a really old baby. If, after you have weighed the pros and cons of having a Roomba (or another baby in the house), you should use this handy affiliate link (I will earn a commission) to purchase a Roomba. What did I miss?  How is a Roomba similar to a baby? Other posts you may enjoy #### 8 Good Reasons Moms Need A Break Today, I'd like to offer some extra encouragement for moms ... you know, learn from my mistakes kind of thing, as I share 8 good reasons mom need a break from the kids. It took me quite some time, as a first time mom, to give up spending some time with my child.  I couldn't rationalize that moms need a break and to take time for themselves.  That's what I was giving up when I decided to become a mom, right? Aside from the first terrible 6 months, I felt like it was my job as a stay at home parent to spend every waking moment with my daughter. That unrealistic expectation of myself forced me to put aside my wants and needs.  I assumed that, by putting everyone's wants and needs ahead of mine, I was on my way to becoming a stellar wife and mother. Boy was I ever WRONG.  Not just wrong but   W.R.O.N.G. I was losing my sense of self, becoming exhausted, worn out, and burned out. I began losing my sense of humor and patience. I was down on myself feeling insignificant, useless, and boring. Heck, I'm starting to wonder if I ever was as smart as I thought I was. My relationship with my husband was suffering and I began to resent him for getting out of the house and, truthfully, began to resent my own baby for everything else I was losing. Does this sound harsh??  Sure it does! Perhaps you're cringing as you read the words, but if your family and friends aren't telling you just how bad things can get, you may not be getting the full story. Honestly, as I started down the path as a full-time stay at home mom and homemaker, I found myself in mommy groups with women who also didn't get out and do things for themselves (if they did, I wasn't meeting them).  So, I just went on assuming that's what stay at home moms do. As everything started crumbling around me, something had to give!  Finally, some time around my daughter's 1st year, we decided it was time that I learn to get out of the house without my husband and baby.  It wasn't easy, and the first few times I did, it felt as though I was abandoning everyone and shirking the only responsibility I had in life. Trying to get some of the play group moms out made me think it just wasn't what women did after having children.  Thankfully, I had someone show up to one of my mom's night out events and oddly I had never met her before.  Everyone I knew bailed on me and I almost cancelled plans to go out because I didn't know the only person who was bothering to come out.  I can't express how relieved I was to get to know her and learn that I could rely on her to get out of the house on occasion with me! So, I've learned to get out without feeling guilty.  You may not be there yet, or perhaps you're reading this shaking your head because you've been there. I can tell you, it turned so many things around. 8 Reasons Mom Need a Break From the Kids Moms need a break, whether or not we like to admit it. It's similar to a re-boot of your computer - you leave exhausted and slow (and someone is probably ready to punch your screen), but you come back feeling rested, relaxed, and clear headed and hopefully running more smoothly. You're building friendships - who doesn't need someone to talk and vent to, anyway? You now have something else to talk about and your significant other is probably happy to hear about something other than poopy diapers and the number of melt-downs the little one (okay, and you) had today.  Believe me when I say this is ONE THING your husband wants you to know about being a mom ... there's something more to you that motherhood! You find out more about yourself and your friends, and maybe gain a little extra confidence in the process. There's potential for networking if you're a WAHM or for when you plan to return to the work force. The added bonuses:  If daddy isn't already putting baby to bed, it's a great skill for him to learn.  Kids get extra bonding time with daddy. You're teaching the kid(s) daddy does things differently AND THAT'S OKAY. Are there other reasons moms need a break? PIN ME: 8 reasons moms need a break originally appeared on this site May 21, 2018. #### 8 Highly-Rated Conservative Books for Kids Having conversations with kids about conservativism isn't always easy to expand on or have them grasp. Good thing there are plenty of conservative children's books to help us out. In This ArticleThe Best Conservative Children's Books & SeriesThe Tuttle TwinsLiberty Lane: A Conservative Children's Book SeriesThe Little Book of GovernmentWhat Should Danny Do?America: A Patriotic PrimerI'm Your Flag So Please Treat Me RightPaloma Wants to be Lady FreedomBRAVE BooksIs your favorite conservative children's book not on this list? I consider myself a conservative and I want my children to learn the same values. We believe in hard work, earning what you have, and not being given everything you want. Have you ever read the definition of a conservative? Let me show you the snippet from Google Search: Now, I don't know about you, but the first definition almost sounds negative. Averse to change? I don't consider myself averse to change. In fact, I'm okay with change as long as it doesn't hinder people from living their lives freely. I hold values dear and teach my children that: You earn things by working hard - you aren't given things just because you want them. It's why I give my kids chores. You have a right to make decisions about your body or things you believe in, especially when you're mature enough to make well-thought-out decisions. You have freedom of religion and freedom of speech. You have the right to defend yourself and the right to bear arms. It's okay to be different - you can each say your peace and move on. Our merits and character should be deciding factors in dealing with others - not the color of our skin or our gender (or gender identity). Let's be clear that my values are mine and I respect if you don't believe the way I believe. By respect, I mean that I won't hold it against you, do you harm, or wish bad things on you for being different. We might not be the closest of friends if we're miles apart on what we believe, but I accept and love that we're different. And that's something many people are lacking ... true tolerance and the ability to move on! With that said, there are plenty of liberal ideologies that I'm happy to discuss with my children. And yes, when possible, I try to discuss them fairly. But, ultimately, I want my children to know that their family leans more toward the conservative side. But, how do you talk about conservative values with kids in a way they truly understand? I always go back to BOOKS! The Best Conservative Children's Books & Series Note: I have not read every one of these books. Many of the conservative books for kids in this list have been added because they were highly rated and have received great reviews. Without further ado, let's check out some of the top conservative children's books! The Tuttle Twins My absolute favorite set came from the Tuttle Twins! I did a review of the Tuttle Twins books a while back and I love to re-read them with the kids on occasion. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ivy | SAHM Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) In this politically charged climate, the kids have been asking many more questions about the world around us. These books have been useful tools to explain conservative values to our children in much easier terms. Some of the topics the books discuss are free markets, individual rights, how money works, and more! There's usually a pretty good deal available on their website, so check them out. Liberty Lane: A Conservative Children's Book Series "Parents across America are concerned, and they should be. Today's children's book market is saturated with progressive messaging and pre-packaged talking points. The goal of the Liberty Lane book series is to provide parents and kids a launch pad for conversations about principles. Rather than push a divisive agenda, Liberty Lane promotes values all conservatives share: hard work, personal responsibility, tradition, humility, and patriotism." The Liberty Lane Series is recommended for children ages 8-10. Purchase your Liberty Lane books on Amazon. The Little Book of Government This book for children provides a basic and easy-to-understand introduction to government and the role in plays in our society. Important concepts like democracy, freedom, and lawmaking are explained, along with an introduction to the role the Constitution plays in our government as well as our nation’s three branches of government.  With fun text, engaging illustrations, and interactive questions that make the reader think about the role government plays in their own lives, The Little Book of Government will become an essential title in every school and home library. "  The Little Book of Government is suggested reading for conservative children ages 3-10. It has a received a 4.5 out of 5 star rating and has been reviewed by one commenter as "[a] good conversation starter about government." Purchase The Little Book of Government on Amazon. What Should Danny Do? With 9 Stories in 1, the fun never ends! What Should Danny Do? is an innovative, interactive book that empowers kids with the understanding that their choices will shape their days, and ultimately their lives into what they will be. Written in a "Choose Your Own Story" style, the book follows Danny, a Superhero-in-Training, through his day as he encounters choices that kids face on a daily basis. As your children navigate through the different story lines, they will begin to realize that their choices for Danny shaped his day into what it became. And in turn, their choices for themselves will shape their days, and ultimately their lives, into what they will be." This book has collected a 4.8 out of 5 star rating on Amazon with over 15,000 reviews! Some reviewers have called it a "wonderful teaching tool" and an "excellent book of practical choices for little kids." Purchase your copy of What Should Danny Do on Amazon. America: A Patriotic Primer America: A Patriotic Primer is a succinct history of the United States, an ABC of the principles on which this country was founded, and a book for children and families to pore over, discuss, and cherish.A is for America,the land that we love.B is for the Birthdayof this country of ours....To choose the twenty-six people and ideas that comprise the book, Lynne Cheney has drawn on a lifetime of learning about the American past, and on the inspiration that comes from witnessing recent history firsthand. Illustrator Robin Preiss Glasser imbues Mrs. Cheney's words with childlike joy through her exuberant drawings. Together they have created a patriotic primer, a book that teaches history by celebrating the diversity, tenacity, and faith of the American people. This A to Z of America frames the story -- and the miracle -- of our country." This book has received a 4.8 star rating with over 200 reviews on Amazon. Pick up America: A Patriotic Primer on Amazon. I'm Your Flag So Please Treat Me Right Although many kids say the pledge of allegiance at the beginning of the day, they sometimes don't show a lot of sincerity while doing it because they don't fully understand what the flag means to America. I'm Your Flag So Please Treat Me Right! is a story told by the American flag. It explains through the eyes of our flag what the red, white and blue stand for, and what the flag means to all Americans. "I stand for freedom when I wave in the air, so proud of my stars and stripes. Whenever you see me, please show that you care. I'm your flag, so please treat me right! I'm lucky to have you and you're lucky to have me. The things that I stand for are why you are free. Be proud when you see my red, white and blue. When I wave in the air...I'm waving for YOU!" This delightful, historical and colorful story will help people of all ages better understand the value of our beautiful flag. Geared toward ages 5 to 12, this book reels in a 4.8 star rating with nearly 200 reviews. Get I'm Your Flag So Please Treat Me Right on Amazon. Paloma Wants to be Lady Freedom Today we spend so much time talking about diversity and what makes us different that we're forgetting to tell our children stories about what unites us as Americans. We have so many beautiful and important things in common—our history, our love of freedom, and our pursuit of the American Dream. This book is geared towards ages 3 to 8 and has received a 4.7 star rating with almost 200 reviews on Amazon. Grab your copy of Paloma Wants to be Lady Freedom on Amazon. BRAVE Books Conservative parents might opt for BRAVE Books due to the emphasis on traditional values and the celebration of the family. BRAVE's founder, Trent Talbot's personal journey as a new dad, searching for wholesome books while being concerned about the progressive themes in contemporary children's literature, might just resonate with you! The involvement of BRAVE's team members, including a former teacher and an in-house illustrator who are deeply invested in their own families, ensures that the stories produced align with values that conservative parents prioritize, fostering meaningful discussions and familial bonding. BRAVE Books are geared toward children ages 4 to 12. When you make a purchase through my link a 15% discount will automatically apply to your BRAVE Books order. Is your favorite conservative children's book not on this list? We love reading and would love to hear about your favorite conservative books for kids! #### 8 of the Best Meal Planning Success Tips What's for dinner?  It's an exhausting question.  Before getting completely organized, it was a question I asked myself regularly as I sat down to pre-plan.  Every night before we sat down to the table, it was a question I received from my husband.  Then, my daughter.  Lots of times, I'm so tired of thinking about dinner, the very question makes me cringe! Can't I just sit down to the table to eat the dinner without thinking about it any longer than the time it takes to plan and make it? No. Even though I now have this whole meal planning thing down pat, I still hear the question from my daughter.  And I still have to think about it.  But, I've made meal planning so much easier, with practice, over the course of the last couple years. I can already hear you saying "but, I don't know what I want to eat during the week."  Stop yourself right there and throw out that thought.  Remind yourself that you're looking for more time in your life.  If you go to the store daily, based on what you're feeling like for dinner that night, you're wasting an awful lot of time.  If you know you like a particular food or meal, planning it ahead of time doesn't change your like for it.  Maybe you're not going to be particularly in the mood for it in a couple of days, but you won't hate it either.  The reward of saving time, in my opinion, greatly outweighs having to decide on a meal and shop every day.  And, the best thing you can do for keeping up with all the demands of a family is to schedule everything! 1. Get your whole schedule organized At the very least, create and update a family schedule.  In a previous post, I showed you how to best organize your family schedule.  This will help you for all your scheduling needs, including meal planning.  If you use my post to make your schedule, you'll be using your calendar app to also include your dinner plans.  This will make it so much easier to see the time you have available to determine the best meals for which nights. Pick one day to do your grocery shopping. 2. Set aside time to plan Pick a day (or days) and a time that you can dedicate to meal planning.  Personally, I like to meal plan a little at a time.  After I put the kids to bed at night, I can sit at the computer and spend a few minutes deciding what I want to cook the following week.  This works best for me right now, but eventually, I'd love to take 1 morning a week to get it done in one sitting. Whatever works for you, go for it. 3. Have a weekly theme night! Pick one night a week for a simple meal that everyone loves.  In our house, we have Taco Tuesday.  I used to try to mix it up and make different kinds of tacos, but the last time I did chicken tacos, my husband asked "why would you mess with a good thing?  No one was complaining."  So, beef tacos it is.  Every Tuesday.  Look, I won't complain.  I know every week I need at least one package of ground beef and the toppings. The best chance of success is to decide on something everyone really loves.  Other good options may be spaghetti, chicken and yellow rice, or breakfast.  Yes, breakfast.  You don't have time for it in the morning, so treat everyone to a big breakfast at night. 4. Gather cookbooks, recipe box, and/or Pinterest While looking at your schedule, sort through your recipes. Plan crock pot meals or simple dinners for busy days/nights you have less time available.  Reserve your less busy nights or weekend evenings for more labor intensive meals.  A whole roasted chicken on Sunday will yield plenty of leftover options, like homemade chicken broth and the pulled chicken for chicken and yellow rice, for your busy nights. 5. Create your shopping list while meal planning While you're sitting down selecting your meals, go ahead and create your shopping list.  You can check your list for sales and determine if you should double up your purchases on some items.  Additionally, you can determine if you can double up on a meal to freeze for an easier night in the future. Since I currently don't do my own shopping, I create my shopping list directly in my Shipt app.  Once I'm done planning and taking inventory of items I'll need, I can place my order for groceries anytime I'm ready for them.  No matter how you shop, creating a digital list on your phone, using an app like Grocery IQ, is a huge help. While you're at it, consider all the things your child will need for lunches for the week and add your item to the list. 6. Cook up double If you can swing it, plan a double batch of something you can freeze.  Cooking a pot of chili?  Double the recipe, cook, and freeze half to serve later.  I've made the meat and veggie base of a shepherd's pie, doubling the recipe so that I could freeze it.  On a busy night (or one I feel particularly lazy), I can thaw this and only have to make the mashed potatoes before baking. 7. Pre-make kids' lunches for the week I use Sunday afternoons to go ahead and start working on my daughter's lunches for the week.  Since I have a pretty good routine down, and she eats just about everything, it's easy for me to cut up vegetables and prepare fruit. You can read more about my strategy for beating the school morning rush here. 8. Give yourself a night out I hate cooking.  After spending as much time as I do meal planning every week, cooking, and eating it, I'm SO tired of thinking about what I'm making.  But, I love food.  I generally give myself at least one day a week off from cooking.  Build in 1 or 2 nights during the week in which you go out, pick something up, or have something delivered.  The best part is, this usually means everyone can have some input on what they're eating for the night, which is something I don't build into my meal planning for the week.  (I'm a mean mom ... if you don't like what I cook tonight, you don't have to eat.) Meal Planning Saves time - go to the grocery store once for the whole week "What's for dinner?" isn't a problem question May save money Allows you to plan according to schedule Reduces waste Can provide easy freezer meals Will keep you from eating less healthy take-out more often Have any meal planning tips or questions?  Let me know! Did you catch my first post in this series?  This is the 2nd post in a 4 week series to help you nail down your schedule and manage your time.  It was 5 weeks, but I decided to do something special! At the end of the 4 weeks, I'm launching a new e-book which will include the 5th topic (and my favorite).  Plus, I'm going to include a few free resources that you can't get here from my posts to supplement some of the stuff I discuss.  To celebrate the launch of the e-book, I'm going to give it to my email subscribers for FREE.  This will be a temporary freebie until I launch it on Amazon.  So, you'll have first hand experience with the e-book before anyone else does. If you're a parent (especially stay at home moms) struggling with time management, you're going to want this book.  But, why pay for it if you can get it free for a limited time?  So, go ahead and sign up to receive my newsletter and I'll notify you when the book is ready for download.  Until then, you'll be sure not to miss the next three posts in this series, so you'll have a head start when the e-book is released! #### 8 Quick and Easy Toddler Snacks Sure to Please! Parenting toddlers is a big job!  Getting them to eat right is a feat in and of itself, but you (and your toddler) will love these easy toddler snacks! Your busy and growing toddler loves to snack.  In fact, your picky toddler probably loves snacks more than eating dinner and lunches.  Don't they? I know mine sure does! Well, your growing toddler also needs to snack a few times a day.  Not just eat at regular meal times with the family. Here are a few easy toddler snacks you can put together in just a few minutes. Not only will you help your child fill his nutritional needs, but he'll enjoy some of these fun ideas to keep him interested in healthier snack options, too! 8 Easy Toddler Snacks Your Toddler Will Love Do you know your toddler's nutritional needs?  Get started with the MyPlate Plan Widget (below) to help determine how many servings of each food group to provide your toddler each day. P.S. - It's totally free!   When you're done, determine which of these easy toddler snacks will help fill the gaps for more balanced nutrition. Ham and Cheese Crackers Serve up crackers topped with cut up pieces of ham and cheese.  It's like homemade Lunchables ... and if your kids are like mine, they'll like the real cheese more than the highly processed stuff in those packages. You can make these easy toddler snacks a bit more fun by cutting the meat and cheese into cute shapes using a cookie cutter or other food cutter.  We like [easyazon_link identifier="B00PEVEQ00" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]these[/easyazon_link]and [easyazon_link identifier="B078HHSQGW" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]these[/easyazon_link]. Fruit Dip Word of caution: this can get a little messy! Cut fruit and berries in bite-sized chunks your toddler can handle.  Serve with a small bowl (or condiment dish) of yogurt.  For this easy toddler snack, we chose Trader Joe's Organic Vanilla Greek Yogurt. Encourage your toddler to dip the fruit in the yogurt. Your toddler will love the special treat while you're increasing their intake of calcium, protein, and fruits for a more rounded and healthier snack. Low Sugar Cereal You'll almost always find a box of low sugar cereal, like Cheerios, in my pantry.  They've been a regular part of my toddler's snacks because they're not full of sugar and great for helping toddlers work on their pincer grasp and fine motor skills.  It's perfect to snack on either dry or with a little milk. Dry cereal is also highly portable, making this easy toddler snack perfect for travel and on-the-go activities.  Simply throw a serving in a Ziploc or reusable snack bag and toss it in your purse or diaper bag. Veggies and Dip Keep some cut up veggies in the fridge. Small pieces of carrot, peeled cucumber, celery as well as small sections of broccoli and cauliflower all make great finger food for toddlers. Make sure the pieces are very small to prevent choking or steam them to soften them up. Serve with a little ranch dressing if desired. Peanut Butter Sandwich A PB&J has been a snack staple for ages. Mix things up by toping the peanut butter with some thin slices of apple or banana instead of the jelly. Or try smearing the peanut butter on a tortilla. Add jelly and roll it up. Cut the rolled up tortilla into strips for a fun new way to eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Quick Cheese Quesadilla Place a soft tortilla on a microwave safe plate. Top one half with cheese and fold the other half over it. Microwave 30-60 seconds or until the cheese is melted. Cut into wedges and let it cool a little before serving. Quick Smoothie Throw half a banana or some berries in a blender along with some vanilla yogurt and a splash of milk. Add a little ice if desired and blend until smooth. Serve in a sippy cup or with a straw for a quick fruit smoothie. Your toddler will love drinking a milkshake for a snack. Give these fast, easy and healthy snack ideas for your toddler a try. By the way, these make great snacks for everyone else in the family as well – including mom. Shape Sandwiches A sandwich can be a healthy and delicious toddler snack.  My son tends to LOVE sandwiches and because he also tends to be a picky eater, I can present his lunch to appear as though it's a snack, and he's more likely to eat it. Couple it with cutting the sandwich into cute shapes, and you have an adorable snack you can fill with just about anything. We use [easyazon_link keywords="funbites food cutter" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]these fun food cutters[/easyazon_link] and sometimes [easyazon_link identifier="B01M0QSH4V" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]this one for a larger dinosaur shape[/easyazon_link]. Want to Make These Easy Toddler Snacks More Fun In an Instant? Grab an EZPZ mat (they come in different sizes and shapes) and get some more fun toddler snack ideas from the book Making Mealtime EZPZ. PIN ME #### 8 Reasons Why Your Family Needs Google Home Why your family needs Google Home.  More than just serious life stuff, Google Home is fun for kids, too. This is one of the devices I loved in May!  Seriously, the Google Home has been a life changer around here.  The kids like to talk to it.  We ask it questions.  Sometimes we play games with it. Seriously, useful information at the sound of your voice is an amazing thing.  But, I love how it takes my lazy self to a whole new level.  And, when I'm feeling a little silly, Google Home fits the mood too. Do you have a Google Home?  Let me tell you why your family needs Google Home! 8 Reasons Your Family Needs Google Home Check the Weather Did your child dress appropriately today?  Guys, my husband and I are busy getting everyone ready in the morning.  The last thing I want to do is pause to check the weather on my phone.  I mean, I don't even know where I set my phone down last.  So, we just consult Google while we're making breakfast. Listen to Streaming Music Sometimes we just want to play music during breakfast or randomly in the afternoon.  Google Home will stream it for me and I can tell it to change it's volume without ever hitting a button or touching a screen.  In the middle of cooking?  Just tell Google to play your Pandora station! Ask About Animal Sounds One of our favorite things to do for the kids is to ask Google what sounds various animals make.  Of course, our children love dinosaurs, so we have to ask Google what a dinosaur sounds like.  She's usually pretty good with the responses, but she's stumped if you ask her what a particular dinosaur sounds like. If you ask the kids, this is likely their only reason why your family needs a Google Home. Keeping Up With Your Schedule What are the plans for today?  If you didn't read up on how to keep up with your family schedule, Google can help.  Google knows what's up and she'll happily tell you your schedule! Are You Feeling Lucky? Seriously, ask Google this question.  Okay ...  I was going to leave it at that, but this was so cool I couldn't contain my excitement!  When you ask Google "Are you feeling lucky?" you'll open up trivia games and you can tell it how many contestants are playing. Hands-Free Home Temperature! Google Home works with Nest to control your home's temperature!  If you already have Nest, you're in great shape.  If not, I'm not sure why ... we save a ton of money with Nest looking out for our heat and air usage.  As though picking up my phone was a hassle, I can just tell Google to adjust the temperature in the house for me. The Jokes "Okay Google, tell me a joke" or "Okay Google, make me laugh."  These requests yield way better results than my almost 6 year old's so-called knock-knock jokes that are simply senseless.  This is an amazing way to laugh as a family. It plays nicely with everyone The kids get to talk to it and ask it random questions.  When my husband brought home the first unit, I hadn't realized it would work for everyone in the house, so it's a fabulous device that will entertain and assist the whole family! We've had our first Google Home unit for about 6 months and I won the second one when I went to Mom 2.0 in May 2017. Get Google Home at Best Buy and start having fun, being lazy, and staying on track with schedules! Do you already have a Google Home and want to unlock more of its potential?  Check out Matt Phillips' eBook Google Home: Complete User Guide #### 8 Smart Things to Do Before Your Baby Arrives Whether it's your first or subsequent pregnancy, there are tons of things that you need to do to get ready for baby.  I'm sharing 8 smart things to do before baby arrives. As the time came nearer to my little man's arrival, I kept thinking about all the things I needed to prepare while pregnant.  As I recall, there's a lot to do to prepare for a newborn, and the last thing I needed was to NOT be ready since I had a preschooler with schedules we had to keep.  Life was going to get interesting without scrambling to get everything done and together at the last minute, or worse after the baby arrives. As a somewhat experienced mom, I want to help you be more prepared for your new baby's arrival by sharing 8 things you should do (or not) while pregnant.  If you like my tips, don't forget to sign up for my newsletter and receive a free download of more ways to prepare for your baby while pregnant! 7 Things to Do Before Baby Arrives & 1 Not-To-Do *Disclosure: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.  Other affiliate links are included in this post. If you like these tips, don't forget to subscribe to the SAHM, plus... newsletter to download a free printable with a total of 24 things to do before baby arrives! Don't Read Pregnancy Books While Pregnant Yes, I said it!  I can't tell you how unprepared I was for the first baby because I spent a lot of my first pregnancy reading about pregnancy.  I thought I was doing the right thing, but in hindsight, I wasted a lot of precious time learning about something that I could have just been learning through life experience.  If you haven't already educated yourself about pregnancy, now isn't really the time.  Skim or speed read an article, or a few if you feel you must, but generally, you have a wealth of pregnancy information available on the internet and wonderful smartphone apps that will see you through your pregnancy.  Articles, apps, friends, and family will help you through any complications should they arise. What you really need to be doing is researching and deciding on your birthing options and learning all about how you think you'll be taking care of that precious newborn. Giving birth naturally: What you need to know to prepare Childbirth Education and Birth Plan I'm wholeheartedly against medical interventions to deliver a baby.  That's NOT to say that I disagree with them if there is a true emergency, so please don't misunderstand me.  I simply mean that women's bodies were designed to carry and deliver babies, and, having been through an un-medicated birth laboring 26 hours and another at 9 intense hours, I can attest to the fact that our bodies do, in fact, produce the hormones to help relieve the pain. Although, you also have to be in the right frame of mind because your fears will set the stage for pain. Anyway, my point here is that you need to find a class that aligns with your ultimate childbirth goals, and one that will prepare you for the unexpected.  Because I am all about natural birth, I loaded up on information and found a class that was in line with my goals, helping my husband to understand why it was so important for me to not have unnecessary medical interventions.  Additionally, I had done my reading and this class backed up everything I had read. If you're interested in natural childbirth, I shared my tips for preparing for natural childbirth. Once you know how you hope your labor and delivery go, write your birth plan and share it with your doctor.  Be sure to save and share a copy when you arrive at the hospital. Decide, too, who you want in the delivery room.  If he supports your birth plan, I highly recommend having your husband in the delivery room. Earth Mama Organics has a fabulous Birth Plan generator.  You simply enter your information, select check boxes that apply to you, and then get your birth plan in PDF format.  Click the image below to be taken to the birth plan creator. Affiliate Disclaimer: I am including an affiliate link to a book.  If you purchase after clicking this link, I will receive a small commission, though it will cost you nothing more than if you found the book on your own.  I AM recommending this book as I would to any friend or family member because I found it extremely informative and helpful in preparing for my first baby.  If you're interested in natural, un-medicated childbirth, I recommend the book The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth. Baby's Room and Gear This one is fairly obvious, but just in case ...  Have your baby's nursery furniture purchased and built ahead of time.  During your last month, I suggest washing and putting away newborn clothing and bedding essentials.  And, you'll probably want to set up your diapering station, if you have one.  You've likely picked out an adorable going-home outfit or two, so having this washed and packed in your hospital bag to just grab and go will be helpful.  Finally, purchase and install your infant car seat. Of course, a baby shower can help you to save money on your gear, whether it’s the cutest baby clothes (check out micro preemie clothes here) or cosy blankets. Believe me when I say preparing everything while pregnant is way easier than cleaning clothes and finalizing room details with a newborn in the house. Are you ready to start a baby registry? There are quite a few benefits to Amazon Baby Registry! Tour Your Hospital One way to reduce any anxiety about the delivery day is to visit your hospital.  I know our hospitals offer Maternity Suite Tours to show you around the maternity ward, what a suite looks like and the nursery facility.  This isn't a must, but our tours also provide us the opportunity to pre-register for our stay.  While this is helpful to familiarize yourself with the hospital and rooms, it's a great time to ask any questions you may have for the staff. Pre-Register for your Hospital Stay Do this if you can!  Giving your hospital advanced registration will reduce the amount of information you have to provide while you're working through contractions.  Plus, the last thing on your mind during the laboring process is whether or not you have your wallet with your insurance cards.  I can assure you the only thing I was doing when heading to the hospital was hurling, making the awkward phone call letting them know I was on my way (unable to answer questions immediately when asked during a contraction), and amazingly, remembering to ask which doctor was on duty (and promptly requesting to go home when it wasn't a doctor I wanted to see).  Getting checked in at the hospital was relatively easy, but they already had all my information on file. Request Your Free Breast Pump This year, I found out breast pumps are covered by my insurance company.  I'm not certain if all insurance covers these pumps, BUT, whether or not I worked never even came into question.  Contact your insurance provider to find out if your breast pump is covered.  If so, they'll probably give you a number to call to order the pump.  I had two options but I couldn't complete the order until I was registered at the hospital. Though I found I didn't need to pump nearly as often with my second baby, I still found it useful for taking time away from the baby because I still craved time for my marriage.  Make sure to get pumping supplies that help decrease any pain or sensitivity you have, especially in the first few weeks. Pack Your Hospital Bag Packing essentials for yourself and your baby for the nights/days of your hospital stay is important.  Be sure to pack at least one outfit for yourself and your baby to go home in.  Since baby #2 is due in November in FL, I can't be sure of the weather, so I'll be packing both cool and warm weather clothes for us both.  Click this link if you want to see what I packed in my hospital bag, and for a free Hospital Bag packing checklist. Make sure your hospital bag is packed with postpartum essentials! Make and Freeze Meals Unless you're lucky enough to have someone willing to come over and cook meals for your family (or have someone set up a meal train for you), plan to spend time during the last month preparing a few meals in advance.  My personal choice (and due to food allergies) was to spend some time preparing and freezing dinners that could be cooked in the slow cooker, or popped into the oven, eliminating time-consuming prep work and giving you some time with your newborn.  My ultimate goal is to have a month's worth of meals in my freezer, but I realize that's a tough feat to accomplish, especially while fighting 3rd-trimester exhaustion.  I think 2 weeks' worth would be suitable as you are starting to establish new routines, however, even a week's worth will give you much-needed time for recovery and baby snuggling. Like the idea, but don't know where to start?  Check out this great list of over 30 freezer meals for new moms to get some ideas of things to make while pregnant! While you're at it, go ahead and create a lying-in plan to focus on recovery and more bonding time with baby!  Earth Mama Organics can help you do this with ease. More things to do before baby arrives... This was only the beginning! There's SO much you can do to prepare for your baby's arrival! Sign up, below, to receive this free download of 24 things you should do before you have your baby.  Plus, you'll get access to tons of other bonus content in the SAHM, plus... resource library! [mc4wp_form id="757"] How else should one prepare for baby? This post originally appeared on SAHM, plus... in 2017 and has been updated Sept 2022. #### 8 Things I'm Learning About Life With an Auto-Immune Disorder You know what?  I'm sick. Not just today, sometimes, or on the rare occasion, but every day ... sick.  I found out at the end of 2013 that I had an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.  The reason I want to share my story with you is because I've begun to realize a few things about life and motherhood since being diagnosed with and being "treated" for this disease.  Life and motherhood hasn't been remotely close to what I pictured, and it's taking me some time to come around to accepting it (and I'm still working on it).  In the process, I'm learning a few things about life that I never really gave much thought to. 1) I don't look sick.  No, I probably don't look sick, except that I've lost a good deal of weight since going gluten free (and it's weight I couldn't afford to lose).  Because I don't "look" sick, people don't understand how terrible I feel, or why I went gluten free.  Even family has been a little un-supportive at times because they just don't get it.  I guess they have to see to believe?  The point I'm trying to make here, is that we have no idea what anyone is going through at any given moment in their lives and we shouldn't judge someone by their looks. 2) I struggle with energy and brain fog every day.  I've been told plenty of insensitive things like "it's because you're a mom", basically being called lazy, or because my thyroid numbers look fine nothing is wrong.  Here we are after a year on medication, my numbers always come back "fine" and guess what?  Still struggling!  Treating a single symptom of an overall disease hasn't exactly helped the auto-immune part.  Shocking!  What we think we know about a disease isn't what we read about, but what the person is truly experiencing. 3) It affects every aspect of my life.  I'm not the mom, the wife, or the person I'd hoped to be in life.  Despite all the changes I'm trying to make to become a healthier individual, I seem to be going downhill and it affects everything.  I'm not as easy-going, certainly not as happy, and my lack of energy makes it difficult to be patient with just about anything or anyone.  On those good days when everything in the universe seems to align perfectly, I see myself as who I thought I would be.  It's usually a fleeting moment or simply a day, followed by more days of feeling like I've been abducted by aliens and I don't recognize myself. 4) I sympathize more with people.  I don't know what they're dealing with and unless someone comes out and says it, I don't know if they're sick with something too.  Expressing exhaustion, impatience, feeling like a failure ... I get it, even if I don't understand completely what the other person is going through.  This gives me much more insight into the fact that we all have something we're struggling with and we all could use a little sympathy during hard times. 4) I'm still a problem solver.  Since doctors have been unhelpful in the treatment of my disease, I'm relying heavily on my ability to solve my own problems.  I don't just go with what you tell me.  I go by my instincts and I search and research to find appropriate answers.  If you call me with a problem, I'm going to, by nature, try to help you with it.  That part might get me in some trouble if the person just wants sympathy and I'm trying to offer advice. 5) There are days I just want to throw my hands in the air and give up, but I can't.  Well, now that I'm a wife and mother, I can't do it.  I have to remind myself to be strong because other people are relying on me.  That's both a blessing and a burden.   Since I can't run away from it, I have to continue to be strong and keep on fighting. 6) I don't have patience.  I know, I said it already, but there it is.  I don't have patience for not having answers, not seeking answers, and not trying your hardest to do everything you can to make things better.  I don't have patience for feeling like a failure in any part of my life and I don't accept it.  I push on.  I give myself a little slack ... some days I'm not the best mom, but I do the best I can.  Other days I'm a great mom and wonder why I struggle on the off days, only to be reminded when I'm having an off day. 7) Some days, I just want to roll over and go back to sleep... for the entire day.  I believe in fighting our illnesses, but sometimes we just need to rest.  That does not mean that we allow our illnesses to take over us and spend every day sulking.  All we can do is try our best not to let our illnesses take over us completely, but some days we should just let our bodies rest to give ourselves energy for days we really need it. 8) Be open to new experiences.  I've never had a great deal of luck with doctors.  I love Shelby's pediatrician, but my experiences with most doctors has rarely been positive.  Maybe it's because my autoimmune disorder makes me difficult to understand, but I feel like I get nowhere with doctors.  From a misdiagnosis resulting in unnecessary exploratory surgery on Shelby to taking two years to finally diagnose me with Hashimoto's, I find that I can generally rely on myself to figure things out before a doctor and have learned not to put my trust in them completely.  This brings me to today.  I'm opening up my mind to try new things to help myself because I haven't yet found a doctor to help me fully.  I'm currently adding supplements and starting essential oil treatments (which my husband is lovingly calling witch doctor stuff) in hopes of improving my quality of life.  I'm sorry, but when a patient feels like crap, the acceptable answer isn't "Well, you're labs are fine" and keep on doing the same things. #### 8 Ways I'm Preparing for a Better New Year I'm terrible about making timely New Year Resolutions.  Honestly, I always make them after the new year.  And, it takes seeing everyone's Facebook posts weeks (or months) later, boasting and lamenting about their successes and failures.  Then, I think "oh man ... what should I have wanted to change this year?"  I'll pick one or two things and stick to it for a few weeks (or minutes). Truthfully, I don't usually give a crap. This year though, I'm resolving to get my resolutions decided on before the New Year.  And, I honestly hope I do them.  Because these I really feel are important.  Maybe having two strong-willed kids will do that to a person ... drive them crazy enough to need a change.   Disclaimer: Affiliate links included in this post. Here it is ... my list of Preparations for a Better New Year Feel free to steal my ideas.  If you do, maybe just let me know and we can try to keep each other accountable?  Please ... Clean out my email box.  Make it a goal to keep it clean.  You could totally do like I did and accidentally delete your entire inbox.  When I realized I couldn't remember what exactly I had been saving, I just deleted the trash box as well.  I was nervous for a couple weeks, and then I realized how much better it felt.  I didn't know what I was missing, which means I probably didn't delete anything of major importance.  If I did, I still don't remember, and it's been 6 months. Schedule more "me" time.  I'd like to get my hair cut more than once every 3 or 4 months.  Can I shoot for 2 months?  Aside from going out maybe once a month to Autocross, I really need an evening to unwind with some friends.  I need to plan a once a month mom's night.  Bonus points if I do this once every other week.  And total rock star status if I come up with some me time at least one night a week.  Whatever it is, I definitely need to schedule more time to take care of myself. Meditate.  Or just breathe.  When I updated my Apple watch a few months ago, I was pleasantly surprised when it sounded a little alarm to tell me to breathe.  It started me with a 1 minute breathing exercise.  It told me to meditate.  Does this actually qualify as part of #2?  I'm also going to continue using the mindfulness journal I reviewed to help bring some more peace and calm to my life. Stop seeking validation of my awesome parenting skills.  Seriously, asking if I'm a good mom is counter-productive and totally subjective.  I know I'm a good mom.  If you're not certain about yourself, come back in January to check out my post which provides the only answer you ever need to know to the question "Am I a Good Mom?" More scheduling.  I seriously struggle with focus.  I'm going to have task lists, calendars, and a better "schedule" for the blog.  Since I plan to increase my posting schedule, I really need to getting better at planning and sticking to a plan.  But, I also need to schedule time out for my son.  So, I'm going to find a story time and put it on my calendar to let myself know that I expect to increase his outings. Do less.  Wait.  Didn't I just tell you I was going to to more in #5?  Yep, I'm totally contradicting myself.  I'm going to continue using Jet.com and Shipt to order the bulk of my groceries.  They free up AT LEAST an hour a week for me to do other household chores on Sundays.  Off loading those tasks gives me a chance to get more done in a day and essentially buys me a little extra time during the week to do more.  Do you want to use these services?  Using my affiliate link, sign up for Jet.com where you save time and money.  Using this referral link, you'll receive $10 to try out Shipt (grocery delivery from Publix). Wean My Baby.  I've already started providing my son a sippy cup more regularly, but my hope is to be done with weaning in a couple months.  I'm looking forward to not being the only person my son believes can take care of him!  If regaining a sense of self and reclaiming my boobs isn't a better new year, I don't know what is?!?! Attend a blog conference.  This year, I invested a little more heavily in building my blog.  Now, for the first time in my 5 years of blogging, I'll be attending a blog conference in 2017.  In just a few months, I'm hoping to learn a bunch.  I'm excited about the opportunity and thankful that my husband sees my potential and believes there will be some value in doing this.  This will also be a few days that I get to leave my husband in charge of the duties I'm usually doing.  Essentially we get to walk in each others shoes.  I'll get a chance to miss my babies and hopefully come home to the excitement they usually reserve for him. As you can see, I'm determined to make some changes for 2017.  Some personal and some to help me achieve some goals on the blog. How was 2016 for you?  What are you planning to work on for a better new year? #### 8 Ways Parenting is Hard Work I love my kids, but parenting is hard work.  These are the things that make being a parent kinda suck. At school orientation, I yelled at a mother for getting in my way, preventing me from following the teacher to the classroom.  I've never met this teacher and I had no idea where the 2nd-grade classrooms were. Shortly after, I realized that mom was not only lost, she was headed to the same classroom I was. It was a "doh" moment for me.  One for which I apologized profusely. Her plan to leave her 2.5-year-old with a sitter had fallen through.  She was falling apart and I'd been the exact person I would have hated, had I not been fortunate enough to have someone watch my own 2.5-year-old. I knew precisely how she was feeling. Overwhelmed by dealing with the true necessity of getting through orientation while understanding the expectations of the new teacher.  Still, having to simultaneously wrangle and keep at bay the monster any 2 year old can become for the various logical and illogical reasons they do so. Guys, parenting is hard work.  Not that we go into it completely naive, but it's usually more demanding than we can comprehend until we're in the midst of it. As a mother with two strong-willed children, I can vouch that parenting is much harder than I'd ever have expected.  There may even have been days I'd thought having become a parent wasn't a good idea. If you're being honest with yourself, you've had those days,  too. 8 Reasons Parenting is Hard Work Why is this kid crying again?! You're Learning, Too I don't care how many books you've read or that you've taken a parenting class, there's no way to prepare for actually being a parent. And whatever parenting style you believe you'll be is totally going to change because of your children's personalities. Heck, you may even find that you have to adopt different parenting styles for each of your kids ... because what works for one won't usually work for the other. Hello!  I'm a parent of a picky eater after having one who eats everything under the sun! Parenting is hard work because there's a learning curve. And then, it'll change for a new phase just when you think you have it figured out for this one. Over-scheduling In this era, parents are under constant pressure to do more. We're silently pressured to home preschool if we're stay at home moms. We feel like failures if we're not Pinterest moms. And, it looks like you don't care if your children aren't involved in more than one after school activity. Parenting is hard work because we're over-scheduling our lives based on societal pressures and feelings of inadequacies. We believe we're supposed to be super mom based on what we believe about other moms.  Comparing ourselves without the whole story is a bitch. Shelby highly contagious the day I went into labor with baby #2 There are always surprises No matter how much of a planner you are, there are always surprises. If your kids are anything like mine, you'll plan a vacation or short trip and one of the kids will get sick every damned time. It's so bad, you almost plan that it will happen and you start taking the travel insurance out, which is something you never would have considered before. Parenting is hard work because you just can't plan for all the surprises. The Guilt If it's not one thing, it's another! Guys, I choose not to vaccinate my children for the flu.  I don't do it for myself because I choose not to be injected with a substance that isn't guaranteed to be effective for the flu strain that year.  I've known plenty of people who've gotten sick from them, so I stay away from them. The one year I let my mom guilt get the better of me, I caved and allowed the pediatrician to give my daughter the flu vaccine.  And, she got sick from it. I was doomed because I was going to feel guilty one way or another. Parenting is hard work because you're likely to feel guilty about a subject, regardless of your stance on any particular subject or instance. Feeling Like We're the Only Ones I'm talking about things we do all the time... but we feel like we can't tell others about it. You know ... things like letting the kids watch too much TV, feeding them McDonald's because it's easier, or yelling at the kids because we just can't control ourselves anymore. Parenting is hard work because we're not confessing "our sins." We're making ourselves feel like we're the only ones going through a rough time. And by remaining silent and keeping it to ourselves means we're making it hard for other parents, who probably are feeling exactly like we do but won't share because no one else is. Confessions From A Mom Afraid To Breastfeed Feeling As Though We're Judged Haven't you ever felt like you've been inundated with parenting advice you didn't ask for? You've either been questioned by family or friends why you do things a certain way.  And some of us have to deal with grandparents who undermine our authority because we're doing it wrong. We're judged for our birth choices. We're judged on our feeding choices. Sometimes we feel judged, but it's our mind feeling guilty and people may not actually be judging us. Parenting is hard work, sometimes because we put too much stock in what others think about our parenting skills. We're not 100% certain and we're letting others get into our heads. That one time I called sipping Starbucks while the kids took a bath "a break" We Don't Give Ourselves Time Off The first time I became a mom, I struggled with the idea of having time to myself. I felt guilty for taking any time away from my first baby to get out of the house for myself or have someone watch her to have a date night with hubby. Truth be told, I'm a much better wife and mother since I've gotten over that guilt.  Now, I'm not only happier, but I'm a better wife and mom when I take time to focus on my own stay at home mom hobbies. Parenting is hard work if we're not giving ourselves time to decompress and treat ourselves as individuals. When we give to ourselves and our spouses, we're rewarded with everyone feeling more fulfilled., We're Pulled in So Many Directions Once we become parents, we wear tons of hats. We've got obligations mixed in with all the things we want to do.  We've got personal goals and goals for our families.  And what we may prioritize can easily be changed on a whim because other priorities naturally take over. If I don't make every effort to organize our family schedule, I can become overwhelmed.  And an overwhelmed mom is like a captain sinking a ship. Parenting is hard work if we're not organizing our schedules and keeping our minds as clear as possible. Being a Parent Sucks Because ... We have unrealistic ideas of what parenting should be like. We have expectations of our children and of ourselves ... and things rarely go as planned! Kids will be kids and we're doing our best to raise them to become productive members of society ... someday. We have to teach kids to control their emotions, have manners, and not to overindulge in unhealthy habits (food, electronics, etc). We have to do all this while being judged by other moms and sometimes family members. Of course, the kids aren't going to make being a parent easy, are they? It's great to recognize the why before we can understand how to make things a little easier on ourselves. What Do You Do About It? So, how do you make being a parent less of a drag? Lower your expectations. Let go of the vision you had of being a parent. Get organized. Stop competing with friends, family, and neighbors. Do what you need to do to survive. But don't forget to take some time off and have a good time! #### 9 Awesome Kids Activity Books by Anna Pomaska I love coloring and activity books.  They make perfect gifts in an Easter Basket or as a stocking stuffer at Christmas.  And, I love giving drawing or coloring books as part of a Birthday gift.  But, they also make wonderful additions to traveling activities for kids on the go.  Of course, I'm thinking about summer vacations. Space is always a concern when I plan a road trip.  Not only can I not fit everything we want in the car, who wants to lug 5 bags for each kid?  I know I don't! Small!  Everything has to be small!  I can totally make room for an activity book (or 10), even if it means placing a few on the floor in the car.  Though, using an organizer on the back of the seat is probably a better option. Even if we don't take these on the road with us, they'll keep the kids plenty active over summer break.  And with so many options, there's no reason they couldn't settle on at least one of these when they start feeling bored. So, I found these gems as I was looking for activities to keep the kids busy this summer.  I had no idea there were so many Anna Pomaska books to choose from or the variety of activities!  But, I gathered the top rated books by Anna Pomaska on Amazon. 9 Best Books by Anna Pomaska *Disclaimer: Affiliate links are included in this post. [easyazon_link identifier="048646556X" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" localize="y" popups="n"]My First Mandalas Coloring Book[/easyazon_link] Mama, keep your adult Mandala coloring book to yourself and give your child this book instead!  You can share the peace and serenity with your child and you both get lost in your coloring together. The large Mandalas are created for children ages 3-8 [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="048646556X" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51PSbSgXi5L.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="375"] [easyazon_link identifier="0486262995" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" localize="y" popups="n"]My First Crossword Puzzle Book[/easyazon_link] This great little book was designed to encourage your children to learn how to spell.  Unlike a typical crossword, images are given by number in the puzzle.  Your child simply has to spell the word correctly. Though this book is rated for ages 8-11, if the cover is any indication of the ease of the puzzle, you may find it suitable for younger writers. This would be a great activity book for those looking to prevent the summer slide. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="0486262995" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51fIbs02BnSL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="363"] [easyazon_link identifier="0486447006" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Dot-to-Dot[/easyazon_link] Though rated for ages 3 - 8, Amazon reviews may suggest that you should expect this to be on the easy side.  Perhaps plan to give this to your younger children in the age range, perfect for beginning dot-to-dot practice. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="0486447006" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51dhVjikgJL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="378"] [easyazon_link identifier="0486276392" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Little Bunny Rabbit Stickers[/easyazon_link] This is a small book of stickers, less than 6 inches tall, geared toward children ages 4 - 8.  Fans of Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit will surely delight in this sticker set. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="0486276392" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/519W4ZG2BZ0L.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="354"] [easyazon_link identifier="0486456455" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Glitter Tattoos Sun, Moon, Stars[/easyazon_link] If your kids are anything like my daughter, this pack of glitter tattoos may be used up pretty quickly.  Geared toward ages 6 - 10, your tattoo loving kids will enjoy the mix of glittery tattoos available. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="0486456455" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/518qrJ7C8XL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="360"] Glitter Tattoos Jewelry If your girl loves playing dress-up, this set of glitter tattoos is just the thing she needs!  Another tattoo pack for ages 6 - 10. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="0486456463" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51opW2BZtgzL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="362"] [easyazon_link identifier="0486245438" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" localize="y" popups="n"]The Land of Dots: Dot-to-Dot Fun[/easyazon_link] For ages 3 - 8, preventing the summer slide with counting practice is made easy with this Anna Pomaska dot-to-dot.  Filled with whimsy, mythical creatures, and coloring fun, your kids will enjoy this activity book! [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="0486245438" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51ymsUQXdXL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="371"] [easyazon_link identifier="048623732X" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Write Your Own Story Coloring Book[/easyazon_link] This is a fabulous book for kids ages 6 - 10.  They can color each picture and create a story on the alternate page using the image they just colored as their thought starter.  Great activity to help prevent brain drain over the summer. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B014BH7Y3S" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/61M2BEHDtPL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="375"]Follow the Dots Coloring Book [easyazon_link identifier="0486251578" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" localize="y" popups="n"]The Little Follow the Dots Book[/easyazon_link] This is another small book (under 6 inches tall) for ages 8 - 11 years.  I can see this little book perfect for on the go entertainment or to take into a waiting room or dining establishment to keep the kids quiet. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="0486251578" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/41DYFZ9WHYL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="366"] #### 9 Smart Ways To Save On Baby Stuff Fantastic tips to help you save on baby stuff.  Shopping for baby supplies can be expensive, but it doesn't have to break the bank! It's no secret that babies are expensive.  In fact, the cost of raising a baby in the first year is roughly $12,000. All typical and necessary baby items that manufacturers and retailers KNOW are must haves, you're likely to pay a good deal for.  And, if you want some extraneous items that aren't necessary?  Well, you can bet you're coughing up good money. Then, if you want higher quality items in hopes of having them last through more than one kid, you'll be spending quite a bit more.  At least, initially. Couponing at your local retailers can often provide some really good deals, but it's simply not enough! I've found the following really helpful ways to cut costs when it comes to baby stuff.  So, I wanted to share how I save on baby stuff but never did without. 9 Ways to Save on Baby Stuff 1. Ebay Since our first little booger turned out to be dairy and soy sensitive, we had to switch from nursing to [easyazon_link keywords="hypoallergenic formula" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]hypoallergenic formula[/easyazon_link]. If you think regular formula is expensive, check out the hypoallergenic formulas.  You'll find that you can't go and get store brands, big tubs aren't offered, and some of the sales don't apply to hypoallergenic formulas. So, we had to get creative to find our best deals on formula.  At the time, our best deals were found on EBAY where we bought unexpired Nutramigen for $1.06 per oz. 2. Amazon Family If you want the convenience of diapers delivered, check out Amazon Family where you'll save 20% on diaper subscriptions.  Start a subscription after you know what diaper works best for your baby thought.  The deals here are normally on the huge boxes. In addition to the diaper subscription discount, you'll receive: *Exclusive Coupons and Deals from Amazon Family *Exclusive Baby Registry benefits *FREE Two-Day Shipping on millions of items *Unlimited instant streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows *Unlimited, ad-free streaming of over a million songs and more Prime benefits Join Amazon Family 30-Day Free Trial 3. Amazon Warehouse Deals I have been really pleased with Warehouse Deals @ Amazon where I bought a huge box of Luvs size 2 diapers at $0.13/diaper back in the day.  It still qualified for Prime shipping, so it was free 2 day shipping as a Prime Member. My understanding of these Warehouse deals is that you buy items here that may have boxes that have been messed up somehow, but the items themselves weren't damaged. Amazon Warehouse isn't just for baby products, either! 4. Baby Registry Aside from receiving necessary items on your baby registry at a baby shower (which is a huge way to save on baby stuff), there's added bonus to having a baby registry (or a few). Most retailers offer registry completion discounts that are very enticing and help parents-to-be save money on baby stuff before baby even arrives. Here are the benefits of an Amazon Baby Registry: * 10% completion discount; 15% completion discount for Amazon Mom members. * FREE 90-day returns on Baby Store purchases. * It's universal - add items to an Amazon Baby Registry from any site. Create Your Amazon Baby Registry Target Baby Registry Benefits *Visit Guest Services to pick up a free welcome gift of over $100 worth of coupons & handpicked samples. *A 15% discount on everything left in your registry, 8 weeks before baby’s expected arrival. *A very generous return policy. No need to save every receipt. Return & exchange registry items for up to a year. Create Your Target Baby Registry buybuyBABY Registry Benefits *Create a free baby registry and collect (in-store) a free goodie bag with coupons, samples, and a registry guide. *Enjoy a 15% completion discount. *Enjoy free shipping for your baby's first year when the value of gifts purchased from your registry exceeds $1,500. *exclusions apply *For each friend you refer who registers with buybuyBABY, you'll receive a reward of $25 off a $100 in-store purchase. Create Your buybuyBABY Registry To help you further save money on baby stuff with a registry, be sure to price compare!  By putting items on registries from stores that offer the lowest price of the same item, you're saving your gift givers money.  Then, when it comes to using your completion discounts, you can stack the completion discount on top of the already low priced item! 5. Get Hand-Me-Downs Baby clothes costs can feel like a lose-lose. For one thing, baby clothes can be expensive.  And yet, you're lucky if your baby wears a newborn size for longer than a week. Before you know it, your little one grows out of whatever size they're in and probably wore about half what you bought.  So, don't be ashamed to take hand-me-downs from anyone who wants to pass them on. This was one of my absolute favorite ways to save on baby stuff.  Plus, I was able to pass the savings on to others when my babies were done with their hand-me-downs. 6. Opt for Convertible Gear Save on baby stuff by choosing convertible baby items like a [easyazon_link keywords="2 in 1 crib" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]2 in 1 crib[/easyazon_link] (crib to toddler bed) or [easyazon_link keywords="3 in 1 crib" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]3 in 1 crib[/easyazon_link] (crib, toddler bed, and full size bed). You can even opt for things like a [easyazon_link keywords="convertible high chair" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]convertible high chair[/easyazon_link] or [easyazon_link keywords="convertible car seat" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]convertible car seat[/easyazon_link] to stretch your baby gear dollars a little further. 7. Request Samples You can request samples of things like formula (if you're not planning on breastfeeding) at the hospital when you give birth.  Or request samples at the Pediatrician's office. Most times you'll find samples aren't given to you without asking, so don't be shy! 8. Share supplies! It's not uncommon to feel the urge to buy special baby laundry detergent for sensitive baby skin.  And, when you do this, you essentially are opting for more time spent doing laundry.  And, an extra load can cost you more in electricity and water. Instead, opt for dye-free and scent-free versions of things like laundry soap ([easyazon_link identifier="B002R1W6IE" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]we've always used this one[/easyazon_link]) and body washes that the whole family can use. 9. Opt for Reusable If you're planning on having more children, opt for things you can reuse.  Many moms are choosing to cloth diaper for various reasons.  And, while cloth diapers can be a huge up-front expense, if you plan on having more children, they can easily be passed down, which will save a ton over the years versus disposable diapers. And, boy do babies go through some diapers! Reusing things isn't just about diapers though.  Hold on to things like clothes, pack and plays, strollers, and high chairs. Do you have other ways to save on baby stuff? What are some of the ways you've found to save money on baby items? #### 9 Terrific Mom-Approved Subscription Boxes for Toddlers Is it hard to shop for (or with) your toddler?  I'm loving these subscription boxes for toddlers right now.  There's books, educational activities, and stylish clothing to be found here. I don't have time to shop for everything at all times.  I'm a busy mom.  Sometimes I just want someone to hand us whatever it is we need or are looking for at the moment and be done.  Between research, prices, and decisions, shopping for toddlers and finding fun books and activities can be somewhat of a pain. I'm currently interested in subscription boxes for every aspect at home.  It started with my Ecocentric Mom box and I'm becoming obsessed with putting subscription boxes on my wishlist.  Now, it's spilling over to my children's wishlists because I'm finding so many wonderful subscription services these days. Come to think of it, I can't remember the last time the kids received something in the mail.  Anytime they do, they smile from ear to ear.  There's something magical about receiving your own mail as a kid.  Not so much as an adult when mail becomes bills and sales flyers.  But, subscription boxes can change that for us all, can't it? So, I thought I'd round up a few recommendations for the best subscription boxes for toddlers.  These are the best ones I've found and they range from educational activities and books, to stylish indie clothing and accessories.  You're sure to find a subscription there that will delight your toddler. Subscription Boxes for Toddlers I hope you find the following information useful in selecting a toddler-friendly subscription box!  I know, in our experience, my kids have loved receiving subscription boxes and magazines throughout the year.  Between having activities delivered on a monthly basis and receiving their own mail, subscription boxes make great non-toy gift ideas. I've done my best to provide as much information as I can find on each of the subscriptions to help you determine which one is right for your toddler.  And, I've also added discount codes if I could find them, because who doesn't like saving a little money?  Am I right? Cricket Crate You've probably heard of the popular Kiwi Crate for young children, right? Well, not too long ago, Kiwi Co came up with the Cricket Crate, which is designed for ages 0 - 36 months.  Each box comes with: projects that are appropriate for your toddler's age Wonder magazine for parents to learn about and boost their baby's development Online Resources for more activity and book recommendations And, a board book with a bookmark to offer literacy tips Pricing ranges from $19.95 per month (on a monthly plan) or as low as $16.95 per month when you pay annually. The Cricket Crate can be easily gifted and can be cancelled at any time. Use code COUPON30 to receive 30% off your first month of any Kiwi Co Product. BookRoo If you're a fan of books, like me, building your toddler's library may be a priority.  As much as I may like visiting the library with my toddler and borrowing books, I also love having a large bookshelf for my kids at home to always have books available.  But, sometimes it can be difficult selecting a new book, especially if your toddler is trying to get in on the purchasing decision.  You know ... he's likely handing you tons of books and won't make an actual decision on just one. BookRoo is going to do the work for you by curating age-appropriate books for your toddler.  You and the tot just sit back and enjoy the monthly delivery of new books.  While BookRoo offers monthly subscriptions for ages 0 to 10 years, there are two selections to choose from for your toddler. The monthly Board Books option is geared to babies and toddlers ages 0 - 3 years.  It comes with 3 board books every month geared to tiny tots with shorter attention spans. The monthly Picture Books option is for ages 2 - 6 years.  This subscription will include 2 picture books for little ones with longer attention spans and those who may be entering early reading abilities. If you have kids that span in separate book options, they give you the chance to alternate between book options each month when you sign up.  Alternatively, contact BookRoo if you would like both kids to receive their own monthly subscriptions and they'll give you 15% off the second subscription (a sibling discount if you will).  See the BookRoo FAQ's to learn more. The cool thing about BookRoo is that they individually wrap the books in recyclable and eco-friendly wrapping paper, so it's like your child is receiving a gift every month, just to build the excitement that already comes with receiving his or her own mail! Prices vary based on whether you're buying for yourself or gifting.  Oddly enough, making a personal purchase is less expensive, however, you have all three book options available.  As a gifter, you're limited to two options and the price is higher.  I'm uncertain why it's more expensive as a gifter. Personal purchase pricing can be as low as $16.95/mo if you choose to pay 12 months in advance, with other subscription plans and your book choice options changing the price of the subscription as well. Additionally, they do have a credit policy if you receive a book you already own.   You should check that out here. Get 15% off your order with code BOOKS2LOVE when you subscribe with BookRoo Bluum This subscription box service offers curated products based on your child's age and gender.  Bluum proudly presents their boxes for busy parents who don't have the time to research every aspect of purchases for their toddlers.  The moms who run Bluum will do the research for you to choose new products to make life with your toddler easier, more fun, and in some ways, more healthy by finding natural products. You can expect to receive books, toys, natural home and body care items, and accessories in your monthly subscription, chosen with your child's age and gender in mind.  Because they're certain you'll love your items, they do not offer a swap-out option for your items. You'll receive a sneak-peek email every month to help build your excitement for your toddler's upcoming box. Bluum boxes start at $34/ month if you pay on a monthly basis.  They also offer a 6 month plan (billed every 6 months) for $186 or a 12 month plan (billed annually, and offers the largest discount) at $348. Use code BABO for a free gift (while supplies last) AND a free box with a 6 or 12 month subscription! HOOT for Kids Not that we need more toys, but I love how HOOT for Kids does more than just send a box of toys every month to your kids ages Newborn to 6 years! Your toddler's subscription is called a "treasure box" which comes with 3 or more toys that are picked especially for his or her developmental stages.  Once you place your subscription order with HOOT for Kids, you fill out a questionnaire about your toddler to help them choose the most appropriate toys to include in the treasure box. When your toddler's treasures arrive, you'll be delighted to find that a personalized activity sheet is included to maximize the potential of the chosen toys. Addtionally, as a member, you can download more activities AND and special add-ons if want something specific or your child is celebrating a birthday.  Your add-ons will arrive with your shipment. I think one of the best features is that the plans don't automatically renew unless you've selected otherwise!  I haven't found most subscription box companies to do this. Pricing starts at $34.99 per month for an individual box with a middle tier and offers a 6 month plan that makes your box about $32/mo.  There's an upgrade option to receive an additional toy in each box for an extra $5 per month as well. You may be offered 10% off if you join the HOOT for Kids Email Newsletter Green Kid Crafts The Green Kid Crafts Junior Discovery Box is geared to ages 2 to 4 years and comes with 4 to 8 STEAM activities and the project materials to complete them. Green Kid Crafts is an award winning STEAM subscription box service and provides quality activities with amazing instructions to help guide you and your toddler through the crafts. If you're an eco-friendly-minded mom, you'll love to know that their boxes are 100% recycled.  And, they try to incorporate eco-consciousness into their monthly themes, as much as possible.  As a semi-"crunchy" mom myself, I can really appreciate this aspect of the service. You can choose to pay monthly at $19.95/mo, but you'll save the most by choosing an annual plan making the monthly cost $17.95.  They also offer 3- and 6-month plans that will save you over the monthly plan. Little Learners Busy Box This cool subscription box is available through Cratejoy. A former teacher turned homeschool mom created the Little Learners Busy Box for busy moms who want fun and educational activities for their toddlers, but don't have the time to research, prep, and do!  Geared to ages 2 to 4 years, Little Learners Busy Box comes with 5 or more done for you activities that can be mixed and matched to create over 30 activities.  That's tons of fun activities delivered every month with no prep time requirements on mom.  As an overwhelmed mom myself, I love anything that comes ready for fun. The creator smartly packages each box in a reusable storage box for use again and again to build and reinforce preschool skills for your toddler. Prices can be as low as $20/month if you choose the 6 month plan.  If you join Honey and download their chrome extension, it will help you locate coupons available for use on Cratejoy. Check out Little Learners Busy Box on Cratejoy Smockbox, little style sent! For parents who value small shops and natural toys, Smockbox is for you! This toddler subscription box includes 4-8 surprise items that includes indie and small shop kids fashion and natural, age-appropriate toys.  According to their listing, every box comes with one outfit, toy, an accessory, and a bunny storage bag. While on the higher end of subscription boxes for toddlers, it touts that for your $65, you'll receive a value of $80 or more. Use code CRATEJOY10 to get 10% off any subscription term Murphy's Bulk Books As much as I love books, I often can't stomach the prices!  You'll rarely find me purchasing new books because kids aren't going to care for them and they'll end up looking nearly as bad as the perfectly good used books we often buy.  The library book sales are how we've amassed a large child's library at home with very little money investment.  Going to a library book sale with two kids, though?  Those days are over for a little while! Murphy's Bulk Books is another Cratejoy gem, offered by a book store in Dayton, OH.  They offer several book tiers, but the first is the Board Books option, which they claim means you receive more books per box.  In each monthly box, you'll receive pre-loved children's books in good to like new condition, according to the seller. Plus, for every box they sell, they'll give one away to those in need.  This is a really sweet subscription box to purchase if you're wanting to practice a bit of philanthropy while also teaching your children that not everything we own has to be new. Pricing for a Murphy's Bulk Books subscription is around $35.  Unfortunately, I couldn't find a discount code at this time. Hoppi Box If you like high-quality, natural, eco-friendly and sustainable toys, you're going to love the Hoppi Box subscription service for your toddler! An expert will curate some amazing toys specifically for your child's age and developmental stage.  This will take the guess-work out of what to buy for your toddler, which is something I struggle with on occasion myself. Instead of receiving a monthly box, Hoppi Box ships a box once every three months.  Their pricing is $75 for the 3 months, which sounds high, but when you break it down, it comes to $25 every month. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to locate a coupon for this box either. I hope you loved all the options I've shared to help you choose the best subscription boxes for toddlers!  There's so many available these days, I feel as though you're bound to find something perfectly suited for your toddler's personality or your personal values. No matter what you choose, your toddler is going to love receiving new surprises every month.  Plus, it may make for a very exciting walk to the mailbox at least once a month. [the_ad_group id="13341"] Tell me: what are your favorite subscription boxes for toddlers? #### 9 Things You Need to Pack for Discovery Cove With Kids Although it's an all-inclusive theme park that provides most amenities for the day, there are still 9 things not to forget to bring for yourself and kids at Discovery Cove.  Here's my list of things to pack when you're wanting to travel to Discovery Cove with your kids. When we first decided to visit Discovery Cove Orlando with the kids, I hadn't realized how much was being provided.  As I started preparing the week before we left, I was gathering all our swim gear and stressing over whether or not the stroller and our hands would be able to carry everything into the park.  I envisioned a the stroller basket jammed full of snacks and bags hanging on the stroller handle.  Of course, I also saw myself carrying my toddler in the baby carrier which would likely end up strapped to the stroller as well. As our trip got closer, I realized it wasn't feasible for me to carry everything I had planned.  Even with my dad's help, I knew it was going to be too much to keep track of.  So, I began to look for what Discovery Cove actually provided, to see what I could get away without taking.  As luck would have it, there wasn't much I actually needed to pack for the kids at Discovery Cove! I was surprised by what Discovery Cove provided with the cost of entry.  And, I was grateful that all of what is provided really helped offset the cost of entry. S0, before I tell you what you should pack for kids at Discovery Cove, let's, first, start with what's provided with your admission. Animal safe sunscreen Towels Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks and Drinks Wet Suits - shorties or vests Snorkel Gear Soap & shampoo in the shower stall Lockers - at no charge for holding personal belongings Some alcoholic beverages Floating vests and pool noodles Beach chairs Should you decide to bring your stroller, you'll exchange it at the entrance for their stroller (at no charge) which is equipped with tires for the beach sand. You are asked not to bring food, drink , and flotation devices into the park.  This really lightened my load when packing the kids for our day. 9 Must Haves for Yourself and Kids at Discovery Cove Ultimately, I learned this trip wasn't a smart move with my little ones and I should wait to visit Discovery Cove when kids are older.  But, having done it, I felt I needed to share that I felt what I packed was spot on. The amount of things provided by Discovery Cove leaves you with very little to pack for kids!  Aside from all they provide, you should still bring the following items for your adventure with kids at Discovery Cove: [easyazon_link keywords="Sunhat kids" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]Sunhat[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_link keywords="Sunglasses kids" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]Sunglasses[/easyazon_link] Swimsuit (if you don't wear it in) & extra swimsuit for younger kids or toddlers if they have an accident Extra change of clothes Diapers - I'm a huge fan of [easyazon_link identifier="B01EKZO7NG" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]these[/easyazon_link] Swim Diapers - we use [easyazon_link identifier="B00WG76LQW" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]disposable swim diapers[/easyazon_link] Wipes Plastic bag to separate wet clothes/swim suits Underwater camera - [easyazon_link identifier="B007PVDPW2" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]this one is a great deal[/easyazon_link] if you don't want a disposable! BONUS #10 - Water shoes!  We kicked off our flip flops and swapped them out for [easyazon_link keywords="water shoes kids" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]water shoes[/easyazon_link] so that we could enjoy the park without the worry of losing shoes while keeping our feet protected in and out of the water! Towels are available throughout the park as well as in the bathrooms.  Not having to tote towels really saved room in our bags making for a fairly easy trip in and out of the park. If you rent a cabana during the day, you have a large private locker to hold your belongings and a cooler and snack chest that are refilled throughout the day.  In fact, I never had to run to any of the snack stations for myself or the kids.  If you have food allergies, you alert your cabana host who will gladly bring you loads of extra snacks as well.  Finally, there are sand toys available for the kids in the cabanas, so if you need to take a break, they'll still have something to keep them entertained. Should you choose to rent a cabana, bring some extra cash to tip your cabana host.  I promise, they'll earn it!!! If you can help it, leave jewelry at home (especially if you're doing the dolphin swim). Generally speaking, you can get away with packing very little for yourself kids at Discovery Cove in Orlando.  But, these are what I believe to be items you need to keep everyone safe and comfortable during your adventure. Have you been to Discovery Cove with Kids? #### 9 Ways To Develop Reading Skills in Little Kids Simple education tips mostly disguised as fun to help develop reading skills in little kids. Have you ever thought about just how important reading is for your child?  Now that my oldest is in school, I'm constantly reminding her to read instructions.  Reading is an essential skill that makes everything a little easier. It’s a fact when children develop good reading skills early in their lives, they are much more likely to be better learners and better educated.  Reading is the foundation for success in all other subject matters and the level of success a child will experience in their life. Still, learning to read isn’t an easy task for many children. This is why it's so very important that you, as the parent, be a good model for reading and work with and encourage your child to read each and every day. As a parent, you should spend time with them at home to ensure that your child develops essential reading skills. Develop Reading Skills In Little Kids With These 9 Tips Use of language and vocabulary Don't limit your language and vocabulary to what you believe your child will understand at his age. Refrain from baby talk (made up silly words) as much as possible because it's actually bad for their development. It IS okay, however, for your child to mispronounce a word.  For little ones, it's not necessary to correct them as much as you'd think.  They'll get there eventually. Have your child respond after listening to stories Read short paragraphs and have your child tell you about what they just heard.  This will help you monitor their level of comprehension. Learn and recognize the alphabet and letters Use everyday items around your house as examples. For example, cut out big letters and have your child find items around the house that begin with that letter and stick the letter to them.  Or use items in a letter craft ... creating a large letter on a page and gluing items that begin with that letter to the page. Work with your child to connect the sound the letters make to the spoken language In our home, we always sing the letter sounds song that we picked up from a toy (A says "ah". A says "ah".  Every letter makes a sound and A says "ah".) When we work on home preschool, we usually do letter of the week, so I can introduce each letter sound every week.  Then, we list off as many items as we can that start with that letter and emphasize the letter sound. Related Reading: 1 Month With The Preschool Box: The Easy Way to Preschool At Home Additionally, you can try things like the Hooked on Phonics app.  Above is a picture of my son was very excited playing Hooked on Phonics on the iPad (which happened to be a real treat for me to sit for a while, too). Read 20 Minutes Per Day Read often to your child so they know that reading is a daily activity.  Start reading to your children while they're babies and make it a habit to read every day. An additional key is to read 20 minutes a day.   According to K12Reader, reading 20 minutes a day improves academic performance. But, that's just one benefit of your child's daily reading habit. Work daily with your child to add a new word to their vocabulary There are books, websites, and apps that will offer a word a day.  Make a habit of exploring at least one new word a day, offering as much discussion as they would like about the new word. It's also beneficial to teach children to ask questions about words while reading. For the younger crowd, if they ask what a word means during a reading session, go ahead and provide the answer. For your older children, teach them to either highlight words or place a sticky note in the book to remind them to look up the new word later if they don't want to look it up during one of their sessions. Let your child predict what happens next Involving them in the story allows them to learn sequencing and can help ensure they're paying attention to the story.  This can also make reading more fun for them. Let Them Pick Books Take your kids to visit the children's area of the library.  Here, you can often find  story times for young children, where someone may lead them through educational exercises like recognizing letters and numbers. There are so many benefits of visiting the library with your kids, but it will also help them to build their interests if you let them pick out their own books to be read. Make Reading Fun I think fun is a crucial factor in helping to develop reading skills in little kids.  I mean, if you're not having a good time, do you want to do something, yourself? Play is the backbone of education for young learners, so remember this when you want to develop reading skills in little kids. How to make reading fun: Introduce your child to your local library as soon as you can. Get them signed up for summer reading programs. Set aside an area in your home where your child can have and develop a library all their own. Put their favorite chair in their library or where they like to read and have you read to them. If you liked those ideas, check out my other post on ways to make reading more fun for kids! These skills are vital for the pre-first grade level reader. Once your child gets to the first grade,  they'll be building upon these skills that will set the stage for the child essentially for the rest of their lives. As a parent it’s not enough to merely incorporate these skills into your child’s daily activities.  Instead, you keep your fingers on the pulse of your child’s progress and understanding. At this early age, it is critical to get the reading journey off on the right foot. At its simplest form, reading is a skill. Just like any other skill, it takes practice to become proficient at it. In fact, reading is such an important skill… it takes more practice than a child will receive if they attend a traditional school. As a parent you need to augment the school’s reading program with daily reading time at home. If you are homeschooling, make reading a daily top priority type of activity. But don't forget the fun! Reading truly is fundamental to education and successes. Without good reading skills, much of life will always be a struggle. Build a sound and solid foundation for your child by ensuring early on that you help establish a love for reading in your child and success will follow. #### A Comprehensive Guide to the Importance of Parenting Styles It can be hard to feel as though we're doing anything right as parents and as though we're bound to mess our kids up. Knowing the importance of parenting styles, and thus understanding yours, can help fuel personal growth and set you on the right track for better parenting. The way we raise our little ones shapes who they become as they grow. Parenting isn't just about setting rules. We also need to mold their values and personalities, too. Picture this: authoritative parents are all about that sweet balance of love and boundaries, leading to confident and high-achieving kids. But those authoritarian or neglectful styles? They can sometimes result in kiddos feeling unsure of themselves and struggling to make friends. And get this, the effects of parenting styles stick around long after the terrible twos! Studies suggest that how we raise our kids can influence their relationships and decision-making skills well into adulthood. Crazy, right? Why Parenting Styles Are Important Parenting styles play a crucial role in shaping a child's personality, values, and overall well-being. The way parents interact with their children has a profound impact on their emotional and social development. The parenting style adopted by parents can either nurture or hinder a child's growth. For instance, authoritative parenting, characterized by warmth, support, and clear boundaries, has been found to have positive effects on a child's self-esteem and academic performance. On the other hand, authoritarian or neglectful parenting styles can lead to negative outcomes such as low self-esteem and poor social skills. The influence of parenting styles extends beyond childhood and into adulthood. Research suggests that the long-term effects of parenting styles can shape an individual's relationships, decision-making abilities, and mental health later in life. Parents need to be aware of the impact their parenting style can have on their child's development. By fostering a nurturing environment that promotes open communication, empathy, and respect for boundaries, parents can help cultivate positive traits in their children that will benefit them throughout their lives. Importance of Parenting Styles and Child Development Research has shown that different parenting styles can have varying effects on child development. These include: Authoritative Parenting: Warmth, support, and clear boundaries. Linked to higher self-esteem and improved social skills. Authoritarian Parenting: Strict and controlling approach. May result in lower self-esteem and social difficulties. Permissive Parenting: Lax rules and minimal discipline. Can lead to challenges with self-control and responsibility. Neglectful Parenting: Lack of emotional involvement and attention. Potentially harmful effects on emotional development. Understanding the impact of different parenting styles on child development is essential for parents to make informed choices about how they raise their children. By adopting an authoritative approach that balances warmth with clear expectations and consistent discipline, parents can create an environment that promotes healthy growth and development for their children. How Parenting Styles Affect Child Behavior Each parenting style has its unique influence on child behavior. Here are a few examples about how parenting styles affect child behavior: Authoritarian parents: Tend to be strict and demanding, setting high expectations. Can lead to obedient but potentially anxious or rebellious behavior in children. Authoritative parents: Strike a balance between setting rules and being responsive to their child's needs. Guide while encouraging independence and open communication, leading to well-adjusted children with self-control and social competence. Permissive parents: Are more lenient with rules and discipline, allowing greater freedom for their children. This approach may foster creativity and self-expression but can lead to impulsive or entitled behavior if boundaries are not established. Uninvolved parents: Show little interest or involvement in their child's life. This neglectful approach can result in children struggling with emotional regulation or exhibiting attention-seeking behaviors. Consistent discipline and communication are key factors that influence child behavior across all parenting styles. When discipline is fair, consistent, and age-appropriate, it helps children understand boundaries and develop self-discipline. Effective communication between parent and child fosters trust, empathy, problem-solving skills, and emotional regulation. Understanding how different parenting styles shape child behavior allows us to reflect on our approach as caregivers. By incorporating consistent discipline techniques alongside open lines of communication with our children, we can create an environment that promotes positive behaviors while nurturing their emotional well-being. How Do Parenting Styles Affect Education? Your parenting style significantly impacts your child's academic performance. While warm and supportive approaches tend to foster motivation and achievement, stricter styles can create fear and hinder curiosity. Similarly, overly lenient or uninvolved parenting may lead to a lack of discipline and support, potentially affecting your child's educational development. Recognizing your influence is crucial for nurturing a positive attitude towards learning in your child. Parenting Styles and Academic Performance The role of parenting styles in fostering academic motivation is a topic of great interest and importance. Research has shown that the way parents interact with their children and the parenting style they adopt can have a significant impact on their educational success. Different parenting styles have been studied in relation to academic performance. The connection between these parenting styles and educational success is complex and multifaceted. The following parenting styles and their impact on academic performance is summarized here: Authoritative parenting: Characterized by warmth, supportiveness, clear expectations, and open communication. Positively associated with higher levels of academic motivation and achievement. Promotes autonomy in children while providing structure and guidance. Authoritarian parenting: Characterized by strict rules, high demands for obedience, and limited emotional support or warmth. Linked to lower levels of academic motivation. Children may feel pressured to perform well academically but lack intrinsic motivation or a sense of autonomy. Permissive parenting: Involves low demands for behavior control and high levels of warmth and support. May foster positive parent-child relationships. Can lead to lower academic achievement due to a lack of structure or discipline. Neglectful parenting: Refers to a lack of involvement or attention from parents towards their children's needs. Consistently associated with poorer educational outcomes. Often results in limited support or guidance for academic pursuits. Understanding the connection between different parenting styles and educational success can help parents become more aware of their approaches and make informed decisions about how they interact with their children. By fostering an authoritative style that combines warmth with clear expectations and open communication channels, parents can create an environment that promotes academic motivation in their children. Effects of Different Parenting Styles on Learning The way parents approach their role in shaping their children's learning experiences can have a profound impact on their attitude towards education. Different parenting styles can either hinder or encourage a child's educational growth. Authoritarian parenting: May create a fear-based environment that stifles a child's curiosity and creativity. Focuses on obedience rather than fostering independent thinking and problem-solving skills. Children may develop a negative attitude toward learning, viewing it as an obligation rather than an opportunity for personal growth. Permissive parenting: Involves minimal rules and little structure. Can lead to struggles with self-discipline and lack of motivation in educational activities. May hinder the development of study habits and organizational skills necessary for academic success. Uninvolved parenting: Characterized by emotional detachment and minimal support or guidance. Can lead to feelings of neglect or abandonment in the child. Children may struggle academically and develop low self-esteem regarding their abilities. Authoritative parenting: Strikes a balance between setting clear expectations and providing emotional support. Promotes independence while offering guidance when needed. Children raised under this style tend to have higher levels of motivation and engagement in their educational pursuits. Ultimately, parents need to recognize their influence on their child's attitude toward learning. Adopting supportive approaches that foster curiosity, critical thinking skills, and intrinsic motivation in education from an early age onwards will greatly benefit the child's overall educational growth and development. Parenting Styles and Their Impact on Marriage You know, parenting styles can be a real game-changer for a marriage. They're like the secret sauce that flavors the whole parenting stew. Imagine this: when you and your partner are on the same page about how to handle the kids, it's like having a superpower! It can bring you closer and make the whole parenting gig a lot smoother. But hey, we all know that agreeing on everything isn't always a piece of cake, right? Sometimes, our upbringing and experiences can sneak in and affect how we parent. That's why having open, honest conversations about parenting styles is key. It's not about who's right or wrong; it's about finding that sweet spot where both of your parenting styles can mesh together like a perfectly choreographed dance. Remember, teamwork makes the dream work, especially when it comes to raising those little rascals! So, keep the communication flowing and support each other as you navigate this wild and wonderful journey called parenthood. So, here's the deal: picking the right style is like laying the groundwork for their whole childhood. It's super important. But don't worry if you're not an expert yet. There's always more to learn and try. Keep exploring, keep experimenting, and keep being the amazing parent you are! Now go give those kiddos a big hug and keep rocking that parenting game! Additional Resources Now that you're aware of the importance of parenting styles, we would like to encourage you to check out the following resources to help you improve your parenting skills: "Parenting with Love and Logic" by Foster Cline and Jim Fay - This book is like a bible for many parents, teaching how to raise self-confident, motivated children. Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) - A fabulous program that offers practical, proven strategies for handling everything from tantrums to bedtime battles. "The Whole-Brain Child" by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson - It's not just about parenting; it's about understanding how your child's brain works and using that knowledge to navigate the ups and downs of childhood. Circle of Security - This program focuses on building strong parent-child attachments, laying the foundation for healthy relationships later in life. #### A Custom Baby Gift for Teacher Going on Maternity Leave I needed a baby gift for teacher going on maternity leave.  Instead of running to the store, I created something custom with my Cricut and heat press.  How cute is this craft? At the beginning of S's First Grade year, we found out we were assigned to one of the best First Grade teachers in her school.  I couldn't have been more pleased as I learned that her teacher expected good behavior and placed high value on reading.  She was the perfect teacher for S. And then, we found out she was expecting her first baby and would be out on Maternity Leave toward the end of the school year.  That was a bummer! The teacher was going to be missing out on Teacher Appreciation week, so the room mom put together a special week in March to shower the teacher with our appreciation.  But, it was a baby-themed week. The second and third day of the week were going to be baby onesie and baby bib days, respectively. Now, I'm not a big spender AND I'd just recently been practicing with my new Cricut and heat press.  So, I decided I was going to make something for her.  I needed the practice and I thought it would be nice to give her something custom. I'm going to show you how I made this apple-themed baby onesie which used to be my top seller when I sold on Etsy!! Our Custom Baby Gift for Teacher Going on Maternity Leave Now, I kind of threw this together because I hadn't been keeping up with my emails and only saw this on a Friday ... just three days before the special week began.  I had to run to my local Hobby Lobby to get supplies AND everything was a first run test.  So, I'm really grateful this gift turned out well on the first try. Supplies for the Apple Themed baby gift for teacher going on maternity leave: Apple Monogram SVG Adorable Apple SVG for monogramming (try one of these) White Baby Bodysuit White Baby Bib Siser EasyWeed Heat Transfer Vinyl in Black Siser Red Glitter Heat Transfer Vinyl Green Glitter HTV Gold Glitter HTV Cutting Machine This is the machine I work with! Heat Press This was the machine I bought to get started with my crafting and worked well for my start up Etsy business. How I Created It Our Teacher's Baby Gift I downloaded an adorable apple monogram SVG and placed it into the Cricut Design Space, using the baby bodysuit template (found under fashion).  I had to choose the size of the bodysuit I bought, then got to work. I first placed the chosen apple SVG on the template and made it fit the size of the bodysuit to my liking. Then, I decided on a font and placed my text.  I chose a font I'd downloaded with a commercial license, so that I could use it on projects to sell, too.  My text said "teacher's pet".  Finally, I sized the font to fit within the apple and attached the text together so that it would cut out as typed. When sending your project through your cutter, make sure to select "mirror" so that the words will be facing correctly to heat press onto the bodysuit.  This is standard for any materials you plan to transfer to an article of clothing. For my particular apple, the stem was included in the red layer as well as having a separate layer for the brown (or the gold I used).  Because glitter HTV shouldn't be pressed on top of one another I, very cautiously, snipped the red stem off the apple.  Then I butted the gold stem up to the red apple.  Afterward, I laid the green leaf adjacent to the gold stem. I also didn't feel like pressing multiple layers, so I cut the heat transfer tape really close to the edges where other parts met so that I could press everything at one time. For my machine, I find it best to use the heat setting at 320 and pressed for roughly 20 seconds. My current vinyl calls for a cold peel, so I had to wait for it to cool.  Be sure to check the instructions for your particular vinyl. Afterward, I placed parchment paper directly onto the exposed HTV and pressed again at the same heat setting for another 20 seconds.  This allowed me to begin seeing the fibers of the garment in the vinyl. Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating a Custom Baby Gift with Cricut & Heat Press 1. Design and Cut: Download an SVG file of your choice (e.g., apple monogram). Open Cricut Design Space and upload the SVG. Select "Fashion" category and choose a template that matches your bodysuit size. Resize the SVG to fit the bodysuit template as desired. Choose a font (ensure commercial license for resale) and add your text. Size the font to fit within your design and attach the text for cohesive cutting. Important: Select "mirror image" before cutting the heat transfer vinyl for proper heat press application. 2. Prepare the Heat Transfer Vinyl: Consult your specific vinyl's instructions for recommended settings. Depending on your design, separate layers of glitter HTV that shouldn't overlap. Weed any excess vinyl around your design, removing unwanted material. 3. Heat Press Application: Preheat your heat press to the recommended temperature for your vinyl (typically around 320°F). Place the weeded design onto your bodysuit, ensuring proper positioning. Follow your heat press instructions for pressing time and pressure. Allow the vinyl to cool completely before peeling the carrier sheet (cold peel vinyl) as instructed. 4. Final Touches (Optional): For enhanced durability, consider placing parchment paper over the design and heat pressing again with the recommended settings. Tips: Double-check your vinyl instructions for specific temperature and pressing time. Consider practicing on scrap fabric before applying to your bodysuit. By following these steps, you can create a unique and personalized baby bodysuit and bib using your Cricut and heat press! I'd love for you to comment and tell me what you thought of this custom baby gift for teacher going on maternity leave. #### A Hobby of a Different Color: Savannah's Mom Hobby Not every mom's hobby, even similar ones, look the same.  Some moms have fairly normal hobbies, like reading.  Others are a bit more hands-on and crafty.  Still, others may seem a bit crazy and daring. The time we take for our hobbies, the way we do them, and the gift that they are to each of us is completely different from one person to the next.  Savannah's mom hobby is different, to me. Her love for saving money is her hobby! When I first read that this was her hobby, I couldn't understand.  I mean, as a stay at home mom, I feel compelled to save money, but I never would have considered it a hobby.  Couponing and shopping sales became a chore for me.  This post challenged my thoughts, for that reason.  But, I do get it.  It's the thing she feels driven to do.  It makes her happy. Meet Savannah Savannah is a stay at home mom with a young son.  She envisioned herself being a girl mom but really loves having her energetic and fun son.  His obsession with trucks, cars, and planes has been a bit contagious.  She finds herself pausing to look as airplanes go by, even if he's not around. Before having kids, Savannah thought of herself as a parenting expert.  She, like most of us, had a list of things she would "never do" like not allow snacks in the car or rely on the television for her child's entertainment.  But, parenting rarely goes as planned.  She's admitted to having a car covered in "goldfish dust" and allows her son to watch more TV than she'd like to admit because they need a break from each other.  (Girl, I totally feel your pain.  The goldfish flakes are a premium option, right?) One of Savannah's long term goals is to convince her husband to take a Great American Road trip.  She hopes to rent an RV with her family to visit National Parks out West, but her husband isn't exactly keen on the idea. (I'll keep my fingers crossed for you! I think it sounds like fun, but totally wouldn't do it until my kids were older!) Savannah's Mom Hobby: Saving Money Being thrifty was always Savannah's "thing."  She loves finding deals and hates paying full price for anything.  Bargain hunting became her hobby. When she decided to become a stay at home mom, she needed to buckle down and find more ways to save money.  Savannah is always looking out for new deals and takes a few breaks during her day to look online or compare ads.  She considers her hobby "super flexible" because she can take advantage of quiet moments while her son is napping or after he goes to bed for the night. While she uses her hobby as a means to help support the family while staying home, it's a break for her ... giving her a chance to be something more than a mom. Savannah has expanded her hobby to help people find deals and save money online.  She runs a blog called Saving with Savannah and an active Facebook Group called Daily Deals from Saving with Savannah. WOULD YOU LIKE TO ENCOURAGE MOMS TO FIND A HOBBY? I want to give you the opportunity to be featured.  Any mom hobby, no matter how mundane you believe it may be, can be an excellent source of inspiration for a mom struggling to maintain her sense of balance.  If you’d like to encourage another mom by sharing your mom hobby, click here to the mom hobby interview. Please follow the rules of the interview – mainly, encouraging moms to join or start a business IS NOT the focus and will NOT be featured.  It’s okay if you make money from your hobby, but NOT okay if you only started something to make money.  We’re trying to free mom from thinking about more obligations. If you have social media following, this is a good chance to get listed? Take into account I will try to publish mom hobby interviews generally once a month unless interest warrants more frequent posts. #### A Mom with Multiple Hobbies Welcome to another edition of Mom Hobby Inspiration!  Have you been inspired yet to make some time for yourself to do something you enjoy? You know, so far, most of the moms I've interviewed have had one or two hobbies.  Even still, most of them have only really told you a story about one of them.  Today, though, I'm introducing a mom with not just one or two hobbies.  Jenni is a mom who has multiple hobbies.  I can't even imagine having the time for more than the 2, and only one of mine takes me away from the house once a month (at best).  This mom has an amazing story, but I wished she could share her secret to finding the time for all her hobbies, not to mention working on two new ones in the same year.  Wow! Meet Jenni I met Jenni online in a mom bloggers group a few months ago and she happy accepted the opportunity to help me with this project. Although she says she never really had an idea of what her family would look like, Jenni is a mom of two children on the Autism Spectrum, which is something she had never expected.  Additionally, she said she wouldn't have a daughter who was all about pink stuff, but her daughter didn't get the memo. (I'm right there with you! ) When you have to do whatever it is you have to do When I asked Jenni if she had a story she could share about a time she had to get out of the house, funny or not, she said it wasn't herself that was out of the house.  One day, her children were running around the house knocking over furniture having a grand old time.  The power was out in the house, they were stir crazy, and she was overwhelmed by the noise.  When she'd had more than she could handle, she sent the children out to play in the backyard.  She made herself a cup of cold milo, sat in the kitchen to watch them, and did some crochet.  Though, the power came on earlier than expected, she didn't tell the kids.  They enjoyed the afternoon running around the back yard and yelling, while she was able to take her "me time" making a crochet blanket and enjoying the peace indoors. Mom with Multiple Hobbies I'm inspired by Jenni!  As much as I'm always trying to convince myself (and my readers) to find hobbies they enjoy, Jenni really has the right idea.  She blogs, does cross stitch, sews, and began to crochet last year. I admire her ability to keep up with working part time, running the kids to specialists and therapy appointments, as well as finding the time to devote to her blog and craft projects.  She says "After a long tiring, sometimes stressful day, I wind down by hand sewing or working on a crochet project."  Sewing not only helps her relax, but she finds herself making a lot of her son's shorts to help with his sensory issues. She started her blog Raising My Little Superheroes to share her family's journey with Autism.  It helps her to clear her mind of everything they are going through.  She says she blogs whenever she is able to and works on her crafts most nights to relax and wind down. What Jenni tells me about her hobbies is this: I ensure that I make time for my hobbies as I need "me time" to wind down and relax. To me it is important to remember and enjoy doing the things that I Iike to do. I am a mum but I'm also Jenni, I have an identity, and my hobbies are part of my identity. My daughter is starting to express an interest in sewing so that helps us to bond as I teach her to cross stitch and crochet. If you're interested in learning more about Jenni, you can follow her on Facebook. WOULD YOU LIKE TO ENCOURAGE MOMS TO FIND A HOBBY? I want to give you the opportunity to be featured.  Any mom hobby, no matter how mundane you believe it may be, can be an excellent source of inspiration for a mom struggling to maintain her sense of balance.  If you’d like to encourage another mom by sharing your mom hobby, click here to the mom hobby interview. Please follow the rules of the interview – mainly, encouraging moms to join or start a business IS NOT the focus and will NOT be featured.  It’s okay if you make money from your hobby, but NOT okay if you only started something to make money.  We’re trying to free mom from thinking about more obligations. If you have social media following, this is a good chance to get listed ?  Though I have begun publishing weekly, please take into account that I can only publish when I have time available.  The schedule may change based on how many people I have in que or any sponsored work that needs to be completed.  I'll message you as soon as I am ready to acquire more information from you to complete the article. Thank you, in advance, for helping me with this amazing project! #### A Mom's Guide to Healthy After-School Snacks As a mom of two little whirlwinds myself, I totally get the chaos that ensues when picking up the kiddos from daycare or extended day. You're tired, they're cranky, and traffic is the last thing you need. And if it's not quite time for dinner, but the kids are hungry, a quick snack could be just the thing to hold everyone over and maintain some semblance of sanity for a bit. But before you reach for that easy bag of chips or swing by the drive-thru, let’s chat about making that ride home a bit healthier (and still fun) for everyone! Why Rethink the Car Snack? It's super easy to hand over a juice box and some cookies just to get through the ride, but guess what? Researchers looking into how our kids eat after being picked up from daycare or after school activities found that our kiddos are getting a whopping 290 calories in just that one hour after daycare. That's about 20% of their entire day's calorie intake, with a significant chunk coming from added sugars and less-than-stellar snack choices. Yep, that quick snack could be a sneaky culprit in less healthy habits. Healthy Snack Ideas for the Ride Home Here’s my little toolbox of stress-free, healthy snacks that have saved my sanity more times than I can count: Veggie Victory: Slice up some carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers. Make them fun shapes, and suddenly they’re way more interesting! Cheese Please: Who doesn’t love cheese? String cheese, little cheese cubes, or slices – they’re always a hit and provide good protein. Fruit Fun: Apple slices, banana pieces, or a mix of berries. Keep them in little containers ready to go. Hydration Station: Water is always the best choice, but if they want a bit of flavor, try infusing water with fruits or opt for plain milk. Believe it or not, my kiddos like water with fresh lemon squeezed in ... no sugar added! Making It Work Prep is Key: Spend a few minutes the night before or in the morning prepping these snacks. You’ll thank yourself during that car ride! Get the Kids Involved: Let them pick some of the fruits or shapes for the veggies the day before. If they help make it, they’re more likely to eat it. Routine Wins: Kids thrive on routine. Make these healthy snacks a fun and expected part of the ride home. Sing a song about snack time, or make up a little game! Remember, No Pressure Every parent knows there are good days and “let’s just get home” days. Dr. Kristen Copeland, who studied these very snacking habits, reminds us that while treats are okay once in a while, this car ride home is also a prime opportunity to foster healthier habits. So, even if today ends up being a cookie day, there’s always tomorrow to try again with some crunchy veggies or sweet fruit! As a seasoned mom, I’ve learned that these moments are as much about survival as they are about instilling good habits. Keep it light, keep it fun, and keep those tiny tummies happy and healthy on the ride home (at least a good part of the time)! #### A Parent’s Guide to Kid-Safe Outdoor Spaces Creating a backyard that’s both fun and safe for children is something most parents think about, especially as the seasons change. The yard can be a place for exploration, games, and family time, but it can also have hidden hazards that are easy to overlook. The good news is that keeping an outdoor space safe doesn’t mean it has to be high-maintenance or take up every weekend. With the right approach, a backyard can be ready for play any day of the week without constant work. How to Keep Kids Safe Outdoors Before planning games, toys, or activities, it’s important to make sure the yard is free from dangers that could cause injuries. Uneven ground, loose tools, sharp branches, and garden chemicals are common issues. Even something as simple as a hose left on the ground can be a tripping hazard for a running child. Doing a quick walk-through every few days can help spot problems before they turn into accidents. Fencing is another key part of a safe outdoor space. A secure fence keeps children from wandering and helps keep pets and wildlife where they belong. Gates should have latches that are out of reach for younger kids but still easy for adults to open quickly if needed. For yards with water features like ponds or pools, barriers are essential to prevent unsupervised access. Clearing the Play Area One of the quickest ways to make a yard safe for kids is to keep the play area clear of debris. Fallen branches, acorns, and leaves can make surfaces slippery or hide small hazards. During certain times of year, especially in autumn, leaves can pile up quickly. Instead of relying on a rake alone, using tools designed for faster cleanup can save hours of work. For example, a leaf vacuum can collect and mulch leaves in one step, making the ground safer and ready for play sooner. It’s also worth checking for items that might have blown into the yard during windy weather. Plastic bags, broken toys, or even small garden tools can end up scattered without anyone noticing. Having a storage space, such as a weatherproof box or shed, helps keep things out of the way and organized. Choosing Safe Surfaces The surface under and around play equipment matters more than many parents realize. Hard ground or concrete increases the risk of injuries if a child falls. For playsets, swings, or climbing frames, adding a softer surface like rubber mulch, sand, or grass can provide better cushioning. If the yard has a lot of bare patches or uneven spots, reseeding grass or adding ground cover plants can reduce tripping risks. For patios or deck areas where children might play, check for loose boards, nails, or splinters. A quick repair not only keeps the space safe but also makes it more comfortable for barefoot play during warmer months. Organizing Toys and Equipment Outdoor toys can make a backyard exciting, but too many items scattered around can lead to accidents. Balls, ride-on toys, and garden games should have a designated storage space. This not only helps the yard look tidy but also keeps toys in good condition for longer. Larger play equipment should be set up in a way that allows children to run and move freely without bumping into walls, fences, or each other. It’s best to leave enough space between different play areas so kids aren’t running into swings or slides when they’re in use. Managing Plants and Garden Features Not every plant is safe for curious children. Some common flowers, shrubs, and even certain vegetables can be toxic if touched or eaten. Checking which plants are in the yard and replacing harmful ones with safer options is an important step. Bright, non-toxic flowers like marigolds or sunflowers can make the space colorful without adding risk. Sharp thorns or branches that grow into play areas should be trimmed back. If the garden has decorative stones or gravel, consider placing them in areas where kids are less likely to trip over them. Water features like birdbaths or fountains should be shallow or securely covered when not in use. Keeping the Yard Ready for Play A safe outdoor space isn’t just about removing hazards. It’s also about making it inviting and ready to use at a moment’s notice. Setting aside time for light, regular maintenance makes a big difference. Spending just ten minutes a day tidying up can prevent bigger weekend projects. For busy parents, convenience is key. Storing smaller cleanup tools in an easy-to-reach spot means it’s simple to clear a path, remove debris, or fix small problems before they turn into bigger ones. If outdoor lighting is available, it can extend safe playtime into the evening while making it easier to see potential hazards. Balancing Fun and Safety Children need room to run, explore, and try new things, and a safe yard can give them that freedom without constant worry. The goal isn’t to remove every challenge but to make sure risks are managed. A well-maintained yard can still have climbing structures, sports equipment, and areas for imaginative play, just with the right precautions in place. Parents can also involve kids in the process of keeping the yard safe. Simple tasks like picking up toys, helping put tools away, or checking for sticks on the lawn can teach responsibility and make children more aware of their surroundings. Final Thoughts A safe yard for kids doesn’t have to be flawless, it just needs to be a place where they can play without constant worry. With a bit of planning, a few smart tools, and regular care, any backyard can feel both safe and inviting. Stay on top of simple safety checks, keep the space tidy, and focus on enjoying the time spent outside with the family. #### A sippy cup worth trying It took us forever to find a sippy cup that my daughter would use - in the end, we had to take away the bottles before she was weaned.Once we passed that hurdle, we had to settle on a sippy cup that she'd accept for all beverages.  Turns out her cup of choice was the Playtex Twist N Click!  They come in several varieties, but we currently use the spout variety.  They have these great spill-proof valves that only release liquid when your child is drinking.  My daughter runs around with these dropping, throwing, and setting them down all over the house during the day.  On rare occasions, it seems as though air may get trapped and spurt a minimal amount of liquid out of the spout, though overall, a rare problem to contend with.We have both the gripper (non-insultated) and the Insulator cups.  We love both,but for travel, our Insulator cups fit more easily into our diaper bag single bottle compartments ;)  Some posts may contain affiliate links, please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### ABCMouse.com Review I was lucky enough to win a free subscription to ABCmouse.com and thought I would share my experience with you.  I was not compensated for this ABCmouse.com review in any way.  From setting up our account to using the program on a regular basis, here's what we thought about ABCMouse. We all know (if you've been following along for a while) that I value early childhood education and believe in doing as much as possible to help educate my daughter.  Since she's not in day care and won't be attending preschool for about another year, I find resources online to help me structure preschool lessons at home.  To be honest, it's a tedious task to conduct preschool at home.  I'm not the craftiest or most creative person, so I rely heavily on finding resources online and hope that we have the materials we need for the activities.  This is where my love of online educational games and apps begins.  I was first introduced to Agnitus (read my Agnitus review here) and now ABCMouse! ABCmouse.com Review Set Up Set up is easy! There's a 5 minute tutorial which guides the parent through the website features, but there's no fluff.  You can set up your account by creating information for the parent and up to 3 children in the family.   This process took me about 2 minutes, including customizing the avatar for my daughter. You can select the level to start your child's learning from toddler time to Kindergarten.  If you selected something too advanced or too young, you can change this at any time.  Once your setup is complete, you will be taken to a short tour of how to navigate and use ABCmouse.com. ABCmouse.com and Your Child ABCmouse is for toddlers, preschoolers, and Kindergarten learners.  I'm giving you my experience from the standpoint that my daughter is nearing 3 and I've never allowed her to use our computers.  Because she has no experience with a mouse, I opted to have her go through the mouse tutorial so that she could learn to use one.  Two sessions on the mouse tutorial and she was frustrated because she got hung up on thinking she couldn't click and hold the mouse button to drag objects. My advice: At this point, I wanted her to go ahead and become acclimated to playing the games and lessons, so I decided we'd go ahead and start.  She saw an option to do puzzles, and this is when she learned to drag items.  If your child is struggling with a certain area, try moving to something that you know will motivate them! S loved her ABCmouse so much that on the second day of lessons, she was asking for me to turn on "a-b-c mouse dot com." Activities There are many ways to access each of the activities.  Your child can go to the classroom and do the learning path to be guided through sequential activities or they can choose to do any of the activities they feel like at the moment.  S seems to like doing both. Puzzles - various puzzles of animals, alphabet, numbers, sentences, and more.  You can customize the difficulty levels of the puzzles to suit the child's needs.  Easiest allows child to click to send pieces to their spaces, while harder settings require the child to master the click and drag features and work on placing pieces with more precision. Songs/Chants - Customization options include a bouncing ball to help your child follow along with the songs. Coloring/Painting - S loves these because they allow her to be creative - choosing different types of coloring & painting tools as well as the colors. Books - Can be read aloud and we customize the reading to include highlighting the words. Games - various games to practice all the different skills "ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy’s preschool curriculum focuses on important basics in the four main curriculum subjects of Reading, Math, World Around Us (beginning science and social studies), as well as Art & Colors, establishing a foundation of knowledge for young children that they can build upon with confidence and success." Extras Aside from the learning path activities, Shelby has the ability to Play with, learn about, and care for various pets. Purchase pets, toys, and more with the tickets earned. And, the site offers printables to help continue the learning offline. Subjects in reading, math, art, and the world around us are included in the curriculum, which is offered for Toddlers 2+ Preschool 3+ Pre-K 4+ Kindergarten 5+ (I later talk about how we use ABC Mouse to reinforce Kindergarten education at home). More Information At the time of writing this, ABCmouse.com typically offers your first month free!  The monthly subscription rate is set at $9.95/month.  However, I did, at one time ,stumble on an annual subscription pricing page set at $79 for a year or $99 for two years.  Both are great offers! Overall, I'm extremely impressed with this system.  Shelby requests "ABC Mouse dot com" on a daily basis.  I've noticed that her proficiency with the mouse has greatly improved and she's really starting to interact with the songs and games.  She's constantly motivated by the ticket reward system and the prizes given out at the end of a full lesson. As always, I continue to recommend that you limit your child's screen time and be sure to monitor their computer usage.  While I love the program, I don't believe this should be your child's only source of education ... you should interact and follow along so that you can build on the skills they are learning while they're offline What did you think of my ABCmouse.com Review?  Ready to try it? #### Accepting That This Is The Mom I Became It's time I begin accepting the mom I became instead of focusing on the kind of mom I'd hoped to be.   Sharing some encouragement for moms who need to accept that the version of themselves as a mom doesn't always stack up to what they envisioned.  And, IT'S OKAY! What prompted this realization? All this time, I had it wrong about myself.  I claim I didn't recognize myself after having my first born.  I've whined about it more than a few times.  I'm coming clean about it because it's good to admit some dark secrets sometimes. Admitting that parenthood isn't all rainbows and sunshine can be scary.  Some people can really make you feel down on yourself for admitting these things.  And, if you're like most moms, you're already down on yourself about one thing or other.  In some way(s), you've beaten yourself up today over something you've perceived at failing at in motherhood.  I know because I do this a lot.  Negative self-talk. I totally forgot my daughter's snack.  What kind of mother does that? I can't believe I haven't sent a healthier meal in her lunchbox.  I've been reduced to pre-packaged foods so far this year. I rarely cook in the kitchen with my kids and I don't enjoy it when I do. I always love finding crafts on Pinterest, but I never do them because they're too time consuming/messy/expensive. I wish I were "that" mom. A blogging friend of mine recently did a Facebook Live that really struck a chord for me.  She simply said "be the kind of mom you are." Her video was more detailed than that, but those words were all I needed to hear that day. "Be the kind of mom you are."   Damn, Jill.  You're so freaking right!  Why is it taking me 6 years to realize everything I want to be (or think I should be) isn't who I really am? The Mom I Thought I'd be In my early years, before being married and having kids, I had visions of who I would be and what my family would be like.  I'd always imagined a houseful of boys.  And, I figured I'd have energy for all the shenanigans. I wanted 4 children.  I always saw myself as a mother of boys.  I never pictured girls. I'd imagined being a patient, tolerant, fun mom. I assumed I'd always be in the kitchen baking with the kids. I'd want to take annual family vacations. Sometimes I'd even considered being a homeschooling mom.  You know, because I'd have all that patience. Surely, I was going to be a good mom.  One that does all the things, putting herself on the back burner without a second thought. The Kind of Mom I Actually Am Nothing I envisioned came to fruition.  Life is mostly not how I pictured it.  It's not all bad, it's just different.  I need to begin accepting the mom I became vs the kind of mom I thought I'd be. I had a daughter first and had no idea what I'd do with a girl. Shortly after her birth, I became ill.  I struggled with Hashimoto's and late onset food allergies and intolerances. I spent the better part her 5 years questioning whether or not I should have more children. I had another child, a boy.  Oddly enough, I felt as clueless with a boy as I thought I was with a girl. Both of my children were born high-needs babies.  I don't enjoy the baby years and I have determined 2 children is more than enough. I'm always tired. I have no patience. I crave peace, quiet, and alone time. I'm certain I'm not cut out for homeschooling, though I'd do it if it were necessary. I can't stand cooking in the kitchen with the kids. I curse like a sailor and I could seriously use a swear jar.  Although I may cuss it out as I toss it in the trash. I need more time away from my kids than I take.  My once a month racing Autocross hobby isn't enough alone time.  And, it's certainly not the down-time I need to reboot. I'm the kind of mom who can't neglect herself, otherwise the whole family feels the pain. Accepting the Mom I Became The truth is, I probably needed to have my head examined before I became a mom.  Or a serious dose of reality.  I mean, people tried to tell me raising kids was hard, but there was no way for me to fully understand it.  Now that I'm living it, I know there's no way for them to have explained it to me. I never asked for an illness to creep into my life just when I'm figuring how how to be a mother for the first time.  Perhaps that's what has me down about myself most of the time.  I never got to experience motherhood in a "normal" capacity. But, thanks to Jill's Facebook live, I've had a wake up call.  I have got to get better about accepting the mom I became vs the mom I thought I would be. I have to accept that normal only means my normal.  Whatever normal looks like for another mom isn't going to ever be the same for me. This is me accepting the mom I became: I'm fighting to make it through the day. Sometimes I'm fighting through the days to stay afloat. I'm not the mom I thought I would be. I am the mom life has conditioned me to be. I am kind of a badass that doesn't really fit into the traditional stay at home mom role. I need more quiet time than I could have ever imagined. I will continue pushing myself to try new things, but still accept I am who I am and some things aren't made for me. I am a good mom, it just looks differently than I'd expected, and I need to let go of those visions I had. This is me starting my journey of accepting the mom I became. Tell me in the comments:  Do you ever think you wish you could be some other kind of mom?  Do you struggle to accept the mom you became? #### Accepting Yourself as a Badass Mom is Important Encouragement for moms - ready to accept yourself as a badass mom? For 2018, I urge you to accept yourself for who you are and define and accept yourself for the badass you are!  When my first baby was born, my entire life changed.  Just two years before her, I was married for the first time.  I'd barely learned about being a wife (much less a good one) and now I was learning to be a mom. When I say "my entire life changed" I don't exactly mean for the better, either. I lost a sense of myself.  I was so busy focusing on everyone else, everything about me was pushed to the side.  In fact, I'd nearly pushed my husband aside too. I believed my life was all about raising a healthy, happy baby.  And, while I was failing miserably at that, I lost myself.  Everything I'd been up to then was gone. I'd already given up my fun little manual shift car.  I sold my motorcycle.  I traded all my "me time" for breastfeeding, bottles, and no sleep.  I wrongly assumed my entire life revolved around that baby. I suffered miserably.  I hadn't realized, then, that every day I didn't take care of myself was another day I wasn't being the best mom (or wife) I could potentially be.  By pushing my own needs and wants to the side, neglecting myself, I wasn't happy.  And I was making everyone miserable right along with me. Fast forward to now, 6 years later.  I take time almost every month to at least get a hair cut.  On a monthly basis, my husband and I Autocross.  Since cars were how we met, it was only fitting that we do this hobby together.  And when I've slacked on taking care of myself, my husband kindly reminds me that I'm overdue.  I'm pretty sure it's self-preservation for himself as he finds ways to tell me I'm turning into a lunatic without actually using those words. Looking back, I recognize that I stopped being myself, because I had a skewed view of what being a mom meant.  I had views of what a mom was, and who I was didn't fit that view.  I tried to hide my inner badass because "that's not what moms do." Now though, I realize I needed to be whatever mom was happy and fulfilled.  Not the ideal mom based on traditional views.  Not the mom the public eye expects me to be. I needed to stop giving a shit about what you might have thought of me.  I needed to be myself.  That was the only way any of us were going to survive. I began to accept my inner badass.  I built her up and let her blossom. We're not perfect.  In fact, we're not always happy.  But, I have come to rely on my time when I can unleash my badass.  And I've learned not to worry about what others think of who I am. That's what I want for you.  I want to help you start accepting yourself as a badass mom ... in whatever way that means to you! Accepting Myself as a Badass Mom To get over the hurdle, I had to define myself.  What made me tick?  What did I enjoy?  What didn't I enjoy? I had to go back to my roots.  I have always loved cars.  I've always been interested in guns.  I've always laughed at poop and fart jokes. So, I got into Autocross.  I took a concealed carry course.  And, I don't always get onto my kids about the nasty jokes they tell ... I just laugh along with them. I birthed two babies without drugs. I still wear a 30-something pound two year old in a carrier on my tiny frame because it keeps me from chasing him. A post shared by Ivy | Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Nov 10, 2017 at 1:32pm PST And I totally enjoy changing up my hair every now and again.  My current phase is ridiculously short! A post shared by Ivy | Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Dec 15, 2017 at 3:58pm PST The more I accept these things, the bigger the weight gets lifted off my shoulders.  My life continues to improve the more I accept who I am. Over the years, I've become a much better driver.  I've recently placed 3rd fastest time (for the second time) in a group of 50 drivers in our local Autocross club. I'm much more irritated with the idea of more gun control, especially if you tell me "it's a women's issue."  In my mind, owning weapons is my opportunity (and right) to protect my family.  And, the bigger gun you give me, the better!  I kinda like to think of myself as Jane Smith from that movie Mr. & Mrs. Smith. via GIPHY When I let loose and laugh with the kids over ridiculous, and immature, jokes, we're all happier.  Sure, I'll teach them the jokes aren't appropriate in public, at school, or around a lot of others.  I'll have them respect you at your house if you don't like those things.  But, at my house, we're having fun with it, because I can't help myself and I don't want to.  Seriously, stupid crap, like a robotic dog slipping on a banana peel will have me laughing to tears. Important Steps for Accepting Yourself as a Badass Mom What about you?  Are you ready to start accepting yourself as a badass mom?  Badass doesn't look the same for everyone, so follow these tips to get you started on your journey to recognizing your own personal badass mom style! Recognize what you love.  What are your passions?  Persue them! Understand what you don't love.  Reduce or eliminate things you don't love. Stop worrying about what others think of you.  The path to happiness isn't doing what others want.  It's about doing what's right for you.  The right people become part of your life when you're genuine. Define what "badass mom" means to you!  Don't compare yourself to others.  Whatever it is that makes you a badass mom may not be the same as other moms.  Sure, your friend handles tantrums with such grace and composure and you wish you could do that.  But, I guarantee you have a quality or two she'd give a right arm for, herself.  Just tell yourself "[x] makes me a badass mom." Don't downplay your inner badass.  Whatever awesome quality you have should be on display.  You should be proud of it.  Even if it seems mundane to you, make it awesome.  Call it your super power if you must.  Whatever it takes to recognize you're a badass mom, do it! Know that accepting yourself for who you are teaching your children a valuable lesson in self-worth.  You're modeling what you hope for them.  And, what mom wants to stifle their children, especially their good qualities, right? Let's all own our inner badass and let it shine.  Will you join me in accepting yourself as a badass mom? Go ahead and tell me what makes you a badass mom! #### After by Anna Todd from Wattpad to Published Novel #AfterSaga I participated in the After by Anna Todd blog program as a member of One 2 One Network.  I received a free copy of the book and will receive monetary compensation for sharing information about the book and writer, however, all opinions expressed here are my own.  I feel I should clarify, ahead of time, that this is not a book review. So, here's the cool thing about After by Anna Todd.  She began writing stories on Wattpad as Imaginator1D.  Wattpad is a free mobile social reading and writing app that can be used on your phone, tablet or computer.  It connects readers and writers socially and is a great inexpensive hobby.  Anna began After on Wattpad and gained more than 1 billion reads and over 6 million comments. After was written on Wattpad as a hobby in between appointments and errands.  Every few days, Anna would publish a new chapter to her book and she gained numerous readers.  Simon and Schuster is turning the story into a 4 book series.  Even more impressive, Paramount pictures has obtained the film rights to make her story into a movie. Now, this is the first time I've ever heard of Wattpad, so I had to do a little research to understand the hype.  I'm intrigued at the concept and a bit disappointed that I'm just now being introduced to it.  Wattpad is 85% mobile with millions of members and nearly a billion stories to read.  You can join Wattpad to read, write, or both.  And, the social aspect of Wattpad makes it easy for readers to interact with writers and other readers, discussing the stories they love.  Plus, when your favorite author updates a story, you get notifications of that too.  I love the idea of reading stories for free! The story itself is about an ambitious teenager going off to college and leaving a like-minded boyfriend behind as he finishes high school.  It appears that she meets a different kind of guy on campus, which intrigues her and leads her into a troubled and unhealthy relationship. Anna Todd is a military wife of the man she dated for a year in high school and married one month out of high school.  Ann is reader, a romantic, and loves boy bands.  She believes writing this book was her way of combining her loves and living a dream come true. If you are interested in After by Anna Todd, you can purchase a print copy of the book from Barnes and Noble or for your eReader. And, if you want to continue following Anna Todd, you can find her on: Wattpad     Twitter     Instagram #### Age 2: My Favorite Year I wonder if I write these titles every year as my child gets older.  Where we are right now, I love year 2. My daughter is learning and growing so fast.  She's developing even more of that giggly personality that we love so much about her.  Her vocabulary is ever-increasing and she just has the cutest voice I've ever heard. We shipped her off to her grandparents' house for the weekend and both realized that we were really going to miss her.  Weekends we shipped her off before age two were more sanity breaks, so it was a relief to have some time away.  I still need relief at times, but our weekends without her are now bittersweet.  I'm happy to have time to do what I want or need, I can focus on me and my husband, and, on occasion, just do nothing.  Now, we're also missing out on her sweet little voice, funny or cute things she says, and tons of giggles. As a baby, she was needy and demanding without the voice.  Now that she's gained her voice and started learning her manners, she's blossomed into less of a dictator and more of an individual who knows what she wants, when she wants it, and can nicely ask for it (though still needs to be reminded at times).  I'm now able to appreciate her sense of self and independence because she's not screaming at me all the time. Sure, we still have moments, or days, that aren't all wonderful, but these are the most amazing days we've had! What were or are your favorite ages?   #### Agnitus Educational App Review I was able to get my hands on the full version of Agnitus by winning a giveaway and wanted to share my experience with the app and subscription service.  I was not compensated in any way to provide my review and information about this app.  Agnitus is a fun and educational app that helps your child (age 2 to 7) with preschool and Kindergarten fundamentals.  Okay, I know there's tons of tech these days, but this isn't a fluff app that simply keeps your kiddo quiet.  While that's a benefit for many of us, your kid will actually be spending time on games to help them developmentally. Agnitus Educational App Review What can I tell you about this app? There's a parent dashboard.  You can access a dashboard either on the iPad or online to add a child's profile, select (or remove) games or skills you do and do not want the kid to access, and view study time, skill ranking, and other progress reports. Sharing achievements.  I haven't used this feature, but when you log into the parent's dashboard on the iPad, you can share your child's latest achievement on Facebook.  One of the most recent was that S began to learn about geometry of shapes.  I'd love to brag about how smart she is, but I'd be sharing things every few minutes, so I try not to.  Maybe it's something I could use as a motivational tool when she's old enough to understand the accolades. More educational together time!  I am not a teacher and I certainly don't have adequate knowledge of building and using a complete preschool curriculum.  This app helps me fill in the gaps as well as build on the foundation in areas we already work on.  This app is fun whether she plays on her own or with me, and covers many areas of education that she probably should know.  And, because I don't have to spend as much time worrying about what to plan, we can just enjoy this app to fill in some time. I can see this being a useful tool for homeschooling and parents trying to boost educational efforts outside of school in a fun and stress free way.  The app includes curriculum for preschool to 3rd grade, so you'll be using this for several years and you can easily take education with you on travel. Does the kiddo like it? I can ask her if she wants to play Agnitus, and she'll usually drop what she's doing and ask "Ahhninus?"  She really enjoys her Agnitus app time because it's fun ... not pushy education time.  She'll even clap and yell "I did it!" for herself when she knows she's done a good job at the activities.  There are some activities she's not fond of and won't try them, but I suppose that's to be expected. What I don't like The grade report.  Staring at the report can make things look really good or really terrible.  I'm looking at an F for colors.  Now, this kid knows her colors and I know it (plus she knows several of them in Spanish).  I also know she doesn't like following directions half the time and doesn't wait for the app to tell her the directions.  So, the areas that say she needs extra help (F), I have to remember that I need to help her focus on directions, not just do what she wants, because I know that's typically what happens.  So, I don't like that part of the app, but at least it's a good reminder that I need to try to sit by to help her understand that there are "rules" of the game. The other thing I'm not super fond of is the addition of many more books.  I get that they're showing a slider to bring attention to following words in books, but a lot of times, S just wants to have the books read and doesn't want to play the educational games.  Since we read a lot of books, I really want her to focus on the other areas in the app. My "don't likes" are more of an ego issue for me than a real complaint with the app.  I know their intent with those portions of the app, and it makes it clear to me that I should pay more attention to the app with her so that she learns the right way to play. Advice Don't do any of the exercises for the kids unless you have a test profile.  The reason I say this is because you will be graded and make it look like your kid is doing better than they are.  We have to catch ourselves at times, which is a good reminder that we have to build on our communication skills to help her succeed, rather than doing something for her.  Hmmm ... that's the advice we hear about homework isn't it?  Agnitus will teach us the right way to help with homework when S finally enters school. Purchasing You can get a limited number of games in the free version, but I highly recommend the paid version.  Please understand I am including an affiliate link here to direct you to Agnitus.  You will receive a free 30 day subscription, but you have 3 paid options: 99 cents per month gets you 1 skill and 1 book per day. 3.99 per month gives your child all available skills and books. 6.99 per month gives you access to everything, including progress reports, global grades, multiple child profiles, teacher controls, and more. Agnitus is available on the App Store, Google Play, Samsung Apps, and Amazon Apps! #### Airbnb vs Hotel: Pros and Cons for Families - SAHM, plus… Weighing the pros and cons of Airbnb vs Hotel and why we (almost) never stay in hotels when we travel as a family. We rarely rent hotel rooms anymore, but it's not that we don't travel.  We do.  It's just that traveling with two kids who can't seem to sleep if they're in the same room with each other is a nightmare. It started when our daughter became a 12-hour a night sleeper.  My presence in her room kept her awake, no matter how much I did to get her to relax or ignore her.  So, we began upgrading to a suite when we traveled. Then, the second was born and the problem was exacerbated.  I now how two babies who would sleep through the night, unless they were bed or room sharing. Upgrading to an even larger hotel room was either impossible or far too expensive to even consider.  So, travel was limited when it came to the family, because who wants to be up all night with kids who can't settle down? So, instead, we opted to use Airbnb for the majority of our travel needs.  Aside from sleep, renting homes on Airbnb offers more benefits to our family. Benefits of Airbnb vs Hotel 1. Sleep As I've already stated, sleep doesn't come easily for my two kids if they have to share a bed or room with anyone.  When we put them in their own rooms, they go to sleep more easily and everyone can sleep more soundly. Renting a home on Airbnb allows me to find a place where each child can have their own room, making Airbnb a superior option. +1 for Airbnb 2. Cost Generally speaking, we're able to find 3 and 4 bedroom homes on Airbnb for about the same as you'd pay for a single room at a hotel.  Once you start factoring in upgrading to a suite of some sort, it's easy to go over budget. A hotel room with extra rooms may be cost-prohibitive for families, but homes with the extra rooms can cost about as much as (maybe a little more) than a single hotel room. +1 for Airbnb 3. Space Unless you're renting a suite at a hotel establishment, space is an issue in most hotel rooms.  Even some of the suites can be relatively small. And, we've been duped into upgrading to a "suite" at some hotels that were really just a small section of a room with an incomplete divider.  So, the section for the parents was extra cramped while the kid's section was still open to seeing light, which just kept them awake anyway. The space available in an Airbnb is typically going to be more family friendly than most hotel rooms, given these are generally homes and condos being rented out. On a recent trip to visit Discovery Cove Orlando and SeaWorld with friends, my kids, and my dad, we rented a humongous 3 bedroom condo for about the same price as a single room in a hotel.  We all had space to spread out and enjoy the condo without being cramped in a room or have to rent multiple rooms. +1 for Airbnb 4. Selection Your selection is limited by budget, location, and availability.  Still, you can view pictures of each home, inside and out to determine whether or not you feel it will be suitable for your family. I love being able to narrow my selection based on the price I want to spend, how many rooms and beds I need, and the amenities I'd prefer. Most times, I seek out 3 bedrooms at a minimum, select the whole house options, and include Wifi in my options.  Generally, I also narrow down the area in which I want to say, so I'll normally look for a rental by typing "Disney Springs" into the search bar to really narrow down the choices in a large city. Given enough time and depending on the time of year, there's always tons of options available to me.  Smaller towns may be more difficult to find much, but I think that depends on whether or not anyone rents out there ... like the one time we tried to rent near Legoland and there weren't very many choices.  But, I didn't feel there were many hotel choices either. +1 for Airbnb 5. Kitchen If you're on a budget, having a kitchen may be a great option for families who would rather make their own food instead of being forced to dine out for every meal.  When the youngest was a baby, having breakfast in our Airbnb rental was way easier and quicker, so we could move on to our activities sooner.  Even still, having breakfast in our rental saves us money for the rest of the vacation and we can eat what we like, without resorting to a hotel breakfast, which isn't always fantastic, especially if one has food allergies. +1 for Airbnb 6. Amenities Here's where I'm on the fence when discussing the pros and cons of Airbnb vs Hotel.  While most homes offer Wifi free with your rental, some don't.  Sometimes the house you want doesn't have a king sized bed.  Few rentals have a pool.  And, if you'd rather NOT make your own food, you don't have an on-site restaurant or dining area, like most hotels do. If there's an incident and you need towels, you'll get them from a hotel.  However, if the host of an Airbnb rental was a little more reserved, either you'll have to look for towels or wash some.  And that's the same with paper towels, toilet paper, and other everyday living essentials. In most cases, we take a box of supplies with us, which you wouldn't have to worry about with a hotel room.  But, we typically also always get a home with washer and dryer, which makes it easier for us to pack lighter.  In the event we need fresh clothes, we don't have to leave the room to find a shared laundry room, we can just do laundry in the comfort of our own rental! On the fence. 7. Quiet While there are obviously some very nice hotels that aren't obnoxiously loud, you're bound to hear people a lot. I can't think of a time when we've rented a condo or home through Airbnb that we've had to deal with much noise or commotion.  Unfortunately, the same can't be said about a hotel stay.  More often than not I've experienced some kind of noise or disturbance, even during late hours as I worried about whether or not one of my kids would be awoken. I love that every one of our Airbnb stays has been quiet, just like home. If, after weighing the pros and cons of Airbnb vs Hotel for your own family, you've decided to give Airbnb a try, you can get $40 in travel credit through my referral link! Your turn!  Weigh in on the pros and cons of Airbnb vs Hotel renting for traveling families in the comments below. Don't forget your pets!  Some Airbnb rentals allow for pets, however, we prefer to give our pet a vacation of her own and many times we have used Rover.com!  Get $25 off your first booking on Rover.com. PIN ME #### Am I a Good Mom? The Best Response is This "Am I a good mom? It's a question that echoes through the chaotic symphony of motherhood, often lingering in the minds of many of us. As I stood in the kitchen, juggling dishes while suppressing the relentless waves of sickness, the nagging doubt surfaced again. A sudden realization hit me: I had forgotten to pack my daughter's snack for school. Guilt washed over me, questioning my competence. How could I forget something so seemingly simple? I calm my thoughts after I remind myself that her teacher had a snack stash for just this situation.  In fact, I donated a humongous box of chips to her classroom just weeks ago.  She's fine.  She will be taken care of. It was in moments like these that the relentless whisper of 'Am I a good mom?' grew louder. If you've ever found yourself wrestling with the same question, you're not alone. Join me as we delve into the essence of what truly defines a 'good mom,' and why the answer might just be simpler than we think." As a mom of two children, I know how often I question my abilities.  There are so many questions I pose to myself about my own parenting. I often wonder if I do enough.  Have I said the right things?  Am I teaching my children important life lessons?  Have I shown them how to be good friends?  Am I teaching them to be responsible for their actions and that they're not entitled to anything in this world?  That's just to name a few.  And those probably happened in less than an hour.  Just today. All my questions boil down to one simple, and common, question most moms have. In This ArticleAm I a Good Mom?How Do I Know If I Am a Good Mom? Quotes and PerspectivesHow to Stop Wondering if You're a Good MomCredible Insights and Expert Opinions About Good Mothers:Final Thoughts On Answering "Am I a Good Mom" Am I a Good Mom? The key to being a good mom is simple. Stop asking the question. I know you're asking "How does that qualify as an answer to a question?" It isn't.  But there's a reason for it.  And that is ... There is no definitive answer. The fact that you feel compelled to ask if you're a good mom likely means that you are a good mom.  You're asking because you care.  You're concerned that you're doing the right thing for your family.  This tells me, simply, you are a good mom. Challenges of Motherhood: Juggling household chores while battling sickness, the constant mental checklist of things to do, and the perpetual worry about children's well-being. Feeling guilty over small slip-ups like forgetting to pack a child's snack for school, questioning one's parenting abilities, and the relentless self-doubt about being good enough. How Do I Know If I Am a Good Mom? Quotes and Perspectives Okay, I get it.  You need some signs that you're a good mom. Here are a few things that indicate you're probably a good mom: Your kids smile, laugh and enjoy life. Your kids are polite and share. You put (at least some of) their needs ahead of your own. You parent your kids according to their personalities and needs. You aren't afraid of doling out consequences. Sometimes your kids say "I hate you". What are the Signs of a Bad Mother? Not so great moms may: Only focus on work, financial stability and their child's school performance. Not try to communicate or have heart to hearts with their children. Provide an overabundance. Be over-protective or not protective enough (finding balance). Signs of a Good Mom: Witnessing the children's genuine smiles and laughter, observing their polite and sharing behavior, and noticing the selfless prioritization of their needs. Tailoring parenting techniques according to each child's unique personality, demonstrating the courage to implement necessary consequences, and fostering open communication for a healthy parent-child relationship. These Quotes Define What It Is to Be a Good Mom If you want to know if you’re a good mom, just ask your kids.  The rest of the world can’t determine that for you. I’ve always believed that caring enough to question your own abilities makes you a good mom!  You’re asking questions and looking for ways to improve.  That to me defines what a good mom is. Sleep deprivation is hard on anyone.  I know, first-hand, just how difficult it is to do any “momming” without a good nights’ sleep!  It’s harder to think and makes one really irritable. Being a good mom isn’t about keeping the house clean and organized.  It’s about the family you raise and the time you spend with them. “There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply.” – Elder M. Russell Ballard BONUS: I love this really easy-to-follow flow chart from Huffington Post …. because there really is only one answer: How to Stop Wondering if You're a Good Mom Motherhood is a challenging job, to say the least! But here are some things that may help put everything into perspective and keep you grounded in reality: 1. Stop seeking validation from others.   Their opinions of your parenting don't matter, do they?  That's the thing with us moms ... we always seem to be concerned about what others think about us.  And, it shouldn't be that way.  Their opinions are subjective because their ideas of being a good mom really only apply to themselves.  They don't have all the information to make the best decisions for your family.  Only you do.  So stop putting stock in other's thoughts. 2. Stop comparing yourself to others. Your friends' posts on social media are only one side of her life. I am not a Pinterest Mom! The Pinterest pins one may save are no indication of a mom's real life.  I seriously have tons of crafts saved to my Pinterest boards, but I don't have the time or energy to do them all.  I just like them.  And I wish I could do them. 3. Remind yourself what's important. Are you doing what you believe in for your family?  Make a list of what is important for you to do, say, and/or accomplish as a mom.  As long as you're trying, you're doing what's right.  Speaking of trying ... 4. Seek ways to improve. Just because you (should) know that you are a good mom, doesn't mean you don't try to improve yourself.  We should always be looking for ways to be better.  Just remember, you're aiming to please yourself.  You should be seeking improvements in areas you want to improve upon, not what someone else believes makes a good mom. Embracing Personal Growth: Recognize that being a good mom doesn't mean being flawless, but rather constantly striving to improve. Identify specific areas you want to enhance, whether it's being more patient, practicing better communication, or allocating more quality time with your children. Embrace the journey of self-improvement with the understanding that it's about aligning with your own values and not adhering to someone else's standards. Credible Insights and Expert Opinions About Good Mothers: Parenting experts often emphasize the significance of self-compassion and self-awareness in the journey of motherhood. Dr. Kristin Neff of Self-Compassion.org, a well-known expert in the field of self-compassion, highlights how self-compassion can significantly reduce the feelings of inadequacy and self-judgment that many mothers experience. She notes that self-compassion involves treating oneself with the same kindness and understanding that one would offer to a beloved friend, especially in challenging moments of parenting. Furthermore, Dr. Shefali Tsabary, a renowned clinical psychologist and author, often emphasizes the importance of conscious parenting, encouraging mothers to embrace their own personal growth alongside their children's development. According to her, conscious parenting involves a deep understanding of one's own emotions and triggers, which ultimately enhances the parent-child relationship and nurtures a more supportive and empathetic environment for the family. Additionally, recent studies published in reputable journals such as the Journal of Marriage and Family and the Journal of Child and Family Studies highlight the correlation between a mother's self-compassion and her overall well-being, indicating that self-compassionate mothers are more likely to exhibit positive parenting behaviors and create a nurturing home environment for their children. Utilizing insights from these experts and incorporating findings from credible research can significantly enhance the credibility and depth of your article, providing readers with valuable perspectives and evidence-based information to support their journey through the challenges of motherhood. Final Thoughts On Answering "Am I a Good Mom" Everyone has an idea of what it takes to be a good mom.  Ask any mom-to-be what she thinks a good mom is.  She’ll have a fantastic (and unrealistic) idea about motherhood.  But, once you’re a mom, you know you’re going to question your every move.  And, you’re not going to get much help from all the judgement you get from other moms.  Worst of all, those closest to you are probably going to contribute to your self doubt. The important thing to remember is that you define what a good mom is according to your family dynamic.  Be strong, be bold, and don’t doubt yourself.  You’ve got this mama! As you reflect on this, remember to reach out to fellow moms, for in our shared experiences, we find solace and strength. Share this post, a gentle reminder to all the amazing moms out there, that their journey is valued, their efforts cherished, and their love immeasurable. Together, let's celebrate the beauty of our diverse paths and the incredible bond that unites us all. So, tell me how you define what a good mom is. Do you ever feel like you hate being a mom?  No judgement here either!  Check out my thoughts on what to do when you don't like being a mom! Am I a good mom? originally appeared here in 2017 and has been updated. #### Amazing Mother's Day Gift Ideas She'll Love Mother's Day is right around the corner.  It's time to go shopping and these Mother's Day gift ideas are way better than flowers! Because I'm a mom, my Mother's Day gift ideas are suggestions based on my experiences. Let me start by saying what moms aren't likely to want, and that is anything that makes them think of more work.  Being a parent is exhausting.  It doesn't matter if we're stay at home or working moms, women still have a lot of the traditional in-home responsibilities (unless they're lucky enough to have a partner that cleans house too). As a stay at home mom, I do all of the house cleaning.  On some occasions, I even try to help with some of the yard work. Because of that, I can tell you that the last thing I'd want for Mother's Day is another piece of equipment that I'm expected to use unless it makes my life easier! The reality is that, despite taking more frequent mommy days out, a stay at home mom doesn't have a healthy work-life balance. In truth, for Mother's Day I need the day off.  And it would certainly be a blessing to receive maid service for a day. I digress. I guarantee the mom in your life is going to love (at least most of) these Mother's Day Gift Ideas! 7 Mother's Day Gift Ideas That Are Better Than Flowers Go ahead and bring on the flowers, but I guarantee these gift ideas for moms will be much more joy-inducing! 1. Automatic Vacuum [easyazon_image align="center" cart="n" cloak="n" height="375" identifier="B073WZ42XD" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/41bIz10OXL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] If you're feeling like mom's seriously out of her mind asking for a housekeeper, show her you understand she would like to lighten her work load. There isn't any reason mom has to vacuum the floors when technology is becoming so prevalent... and capable. I've owned an [easyazon_link identifier="B06XRT2B3P" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]iRobot Roomba[/easyazon_link] and a [easyazon_link identifier="B073WZ42XD" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Samsung POWERbot[/easyazon_link] and found both to help me tremendously.  Instead of feeling like I have to vacuum or sweep hard floors at least once a day, I can do a major cleaning about once a week. For both, I scheduled a mid-day cleaning and it vacuums every part of the downstairs for me.  Half my vacuuming is now done, and much better than I'd do myself at once a week.  Hubby gets serious brownie points for getting me an automatic vacuum. 2. A Nice Mixer for the Cook [easyazon_image align="center" cart="n" cloak="n" height="454" identifier="B00005UP2N" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/41aMuZzyjL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Let's be clear ... if mom loves baking and cooks labor intensive meals this is an excellent idea.  If she doesn't seem that excited about cooking (or doesn't make hard meals) you may want to steer clear of this gift offering. For me, a [easyazon_link identifier="B00005UP2P" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]KitchenAid Mixer[/easyazon_link] and all the [easyazon_link keywords="kitchenaid mixer attachments" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]fancy attachments[/easyazon_link] has been a lifesaver. When I had to start cooking almost Paleo, my dinner-time work load increased significantly.  Constantly having to chop, slice, and juice various vegetables was both time consuming and plentiful. In and of itself, the KitchenAid Mixer was a fabulous gift, but the attachments have been the most amazing part of the gift. I'm a lazy cook and this still makes me enjoy making meals from scratch ... and I cook things I wouldn't even dream of cooking if I hadn't had some of the attachments. 3. Mom Shirts Geting something personalized can make for one of the better Mother's Day gift ideas, especially if you're on a budget. This is the perfect personalized mom shirt with kids' names on it.  It also includes an established date personalization. If mom's a little more humorous than sentimental, these may suit her better. Kids and choas.  The words are synonymous, aren't they?  She'll love this chaos coordinator shirt for Mother's Day. Is mom's parenting style a bit questionable?  Does she admit it and does she kind of think it's funny?  Then this questionable parenting mom shirt may be just her speed this Mother's Day. Get more mom life shirts on Etsy! 4. Send Mom To The Spa Let mom know you value her efforts.  Give her some time off her feet and into a spa! Better yet, fill her gift basket with a spa gift card and this adorable lavender filled burlap bedroom gnome with a few odds and ends. 5. Have Someone Else Do Grocery Shopping There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of taking two small children in the grocery store.  Well, for the kids. There's the free cookie to start the trip and the balloon at the checkout counter. But, somewhere in-between, mom's pulling her hair out hearing "I want" and "Can I have" and "He's breathing my air." If mom comes back from the store looking like she's been through a hurricane, it's time to let someone do the shopping for her.  And you know you're not about to skip out on playing your video games to do it. Choose a service like Shipt (you can try it out FREE for two weeks). I find the Shipt app useful to add groceries to my list throughout the week.  Then, when I begin doing my weekly meal planning, I can add everything to the list I've already started.  And, she can chat with her shopper during the shop if she needs to add, or make changes, to the list. A shop takes about an hour, but that's an hour mom can spend doing other things ... even if it's dealing with the kids bickering.  She'll just appreciate not being publicly humiliated by the kids', or her own, displays of insanity. 6. Make Meal Planning Easier Food ends up on the table and you know it's not always easy on mom.  She's having to chop, slice, cook, and serve. She's also helping with homework while the other is under foot begging for snacks and milk in an attempt to fill up before dinner. But that's not all that goes into the family meals every night. Mom's gotta plan.  She's trying to figure out how to feed the family healthy food taking into account whether or not everyone is going to like it, while hoping not to get stuck in a dinner rut. And, it's all gotta fit into the limited time she has to actually focus on cooking. Meal planning is the pits!  So, make meal planning easier by giving her a subscription to a meal planning service.  These are some great meal planning websites for families. 7. Real Time Off For the mom who doesn't want all the fuss and fluff, you might simply consider giving her a weekend OFF DUTY! If you can swing it, consider giving her a weekend away.  And, as far as Mother's Day gift ideas go, this one will probably earn you the most brownie points! I don't know a mom out there that would refuse the gift of a weekend out of the home where she's not expected to cook, clean and wipe asses. If we're being honest, the joke about fantasizing about being hospitalized just to get time off really isn't a joke. So, consider a cruise or a weekend in a hotel away from the kids.  Depending on your location, you can get pretty good deals on 3- to 5- night cruises! Moms ... how do you feel about these Mother's Day gift ideas?  Anything you would add? #### An Open Letter to Santa for Christmas 2016 I'm realizing that I'm beginning to stress about the holidays.  Wishlists and the abundance of "celebrations" are a big source of stress for me this year.  I now have two children, 4 nieces and nephews, and a husband who need nothing.  But, there's some kind of guilt if I tell myself nothing is perfectly suitable.  We give all through the year.  As a family, and individually, we do things all year.  We're not neglected.  And, we begin adding things to wishlists ... mostly in hopes of not getting junk we really don't want.   So we end up with some stuff that at least we're mildly happy with. The number of Christmas gifting festivities is more than I can handle.  And there's always way too many gifts.  The whole season has become overwhelming.  So, I wrote Santa a note to explain why I need just one gift from him this year. A Mom's Open Letter to Santa for Christmas 2016 Dear Santa, As Christmas approaches, I'm feeling particularly needy.  Sadly, as I make sure my Amazon wishlist is updated, I find more and more I want to add to my list.  Then, I struggle with not impulsively just buying that which I have wished for.  Mostly, it's because I put things on my list that I really want, and I never get around to getting because "someone else will get it" or "I don't want to spend the money right now."  Looking at my list, I remember the projects I've wanted to tackle, how much I wanted to organize something, or how much I really needed something to make cooking or housework a little less tedious. I've watched my husband add to his list and then purchase some of the items himself.  I know that's who he is, but it makes it hard for me (or anyone else) to buy him anything.  I sway between wanting to tell him he's bought his own presents from me, and then feel guilty and want to get him something else.  But what the actual eff can I get the man who has everything? My kids need nothing.  I spent weeks racking my brain over what to get my daughter who has everything a 5-year-old could ask for.  To make my point, handing her a Toys R Us book was pointless.  She picked out THREE items.  One she was too old for, one she was too young for, and another she basically already had.  While I was happy she didn't pick the entire book of toys, it left me with no better ideas that I started with.  NOTHING. My son gets to use a lot of the toys my daughter had as a baby.  Thankfully, we didn't go all out on pink toys and tons of baby dolls (because she didn't play with that stuff anyway).  I've seen a few things that I like for him, but he doesn't need anything either.  To make matters worse, his birthday is just a few weeks before Christmas. Though I purchased a few items from our non-toy gift ideas list, we finally decided it was time to replace the old swing set in the backyard.  It's been falling apart and in need of repair.  Instead, we decided a replacement with a more fun system was at least something that we could give them.  But, it was significantly more than I would have liked to have spent for Christmas.  But, I keep telling myself that it's an appropriate purchase that will get plenty of use over the next few years.  It's totally worth it ... right? Of course, there are the family Christmas celebrations.  Too. God. Damned. Many.  I can already tell there will be at least 4.  AT LEAST.  And I'm dreading it. There's my immediate family.  The one and only that I am really excited about.  Giving my children their gifts in the peace and comfort of my own home. My Grandparents are hosting one.  This isn't particularly stressful as this will include mostly older adults, few kids, and will be fairly laid back.  As much as it can be as a parent with two kids.  And, there won't be so many gifts that the car is loaded to the brim. Then there will probably be one with my husband's siblings and mom.  There are six kids in all (2 of them are mine), and they're freaking wild.  Most times, all the kids dig into their presents at once and you can't make any sense of what's going on.  I'll be lucky if I get to see any one of the kids open their presents and see their faces of joy, disappointment, or indifference as they rush to tear open the next package.  We'll be lucky if we can fit all the presents in the trunk of my SUV.  And I'm probably going to wish I'd put a roof rack and storage thing on my Amazon wish list.  I wish I was joking. We'll be spending another segment of time with my husband's siblings again when his Dad comes into town.  And ... just copy and paste what I said in the paragraph above. When you visit our house on Christmas Eve, please be sure to bring mommy a bottle of wine.  Or TEN.  If I can't drink during the celebrations, I'm going to need to drink away the stress after the kids go to bed. In the meantime, I'll make my New Year's resolutions and prepare myself to find some peace, work on my poor need to collect more shit, and hopefully pencil in some time to donate all the other shit that doesn't get played with.  And if things don't go well, at least the wine will temporarily make me feel better at failing on my resolutions. Sincerely, Stressed out mom and wife #### Anavita Moisturizing Anti-Wrinkle Cream Review + Giveaway Here we go with the age thing again.  I'm not sure if it's age, my health, or the fact that I've lost more weight being gluten free, and now Paleo, but I feel as though my skin is just hanging on my face when I smile.  I see pictures of myself these days and wonder when those wrinkles appeared and I'm beginning to really blame my extreme weight loss.  Regardless, I've had another wonderful opportunity to try an Anti-Wrinkle Cream from Anavita through Tomoson.  The opinions expressed in my review are my own and are not swayed by having received a promotional item. I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Using Anavita Anti-Wrinkle Cream It is suggesed to use Anavita in the morning and evening by applying to cleaned face, neck, or body.  The container suggests seeing visible results within 4 weeks with the best results in 12 weeks. The label states that you may experience tingling, but you should discontinue use if you experience excessive irritation. Applying Anavita I followed the instructions by applying the anti-wrinkle cream after showering.  I shower at night, so my first application was after a fully exhausting day with the kiddo. The cream was so lightly scented that I can't even describe it.  I'm happy with that as I've stated before I'm not fond of strong or too feminine scents. The cream was nice and thick.  I noticed that it took quite a bit of cream because it would soak into my skin almost on contact and I kept going back for more.  I guess that means my skin really needed the treatment. After about two days of morning and night treatment, I noticed that my skin was more moisturized and required less cream at each application than I had previously.  My face and neck rarely felt dry to the touch. In 6 days I felt as though my face stayed moisturized and I was using much less product at application.  Although I haven't used the product as long as recommended to see results, feeling more moisturized seems like a good step in the right direction to fight aging.  I'm really happy with the product for that reason and I'm excited to see the differences in the coming weeks. Before and After Pics - just 6 days How would you like to try out Anavita for yourself?  If you can't wait to try out Anavita, be sure to check out the SPECIAL $10 off offer they're giving my readers.  Still want to win? Then let's move on to the giveaway!! Anavita Moisturizing Anti-Wrinkle Cream Giveaway Giveaway entries are accepted from 12:00AM 2nd October 2014 — 11:59PM 9th October 2014 Eastern Time. Anavita Moisturizing Anti-Wrinkle Cream Giveaway Open to US (age 18 yrs+). Void Where Prohibited. Ends 10/09/14 at 11:59 am EST. No purchase necessary. The winner will be chosen at random and notified by email as soon as all entries are verified. Winner will have 24 hours to respond to selection email by following instructions to selecting their print and including shipping address, or a new winner will be chosen. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. One set of entries per household! Use of multiple accounts and duplicate entries is prohibited and will disqualify you from the giveaway. Finally, you must remain a follower of all the accounts for the duration of the giveaway in order for your entries to count. If I cannot verify an entry, it will not be counted. If winner forfeits or does not claim the prize, a new winner will be chosen. Winner is responsible for making sure to give correct shipping/mailing address in order to ensure delivery. Contact website owner/administrator for any further questions. This giveaway is sponsored by the authors. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Google Plus, or any other social media. We hereby release Facebook and the above of any liability. Attempts at receiving duplicate entries (include, but not limited to, using multiple email addresses in the same household) will cause forfeiture of all of that household's entries. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.   #### Animals Flip and Mix - Kid's iOS app Review This is a sponsored post to review Animals Flip and Mix- ABC Cognitive Games for Kids.  The opinions expressed here are my own. I received a code for a FREE download of this iOS app and will be giving away 7 more codes to my readers! Animals Flip and Mix is a fun and educational iOS app game for children between the ages 4 - 8 years.  It "...improves children's reading, writing and pronunciation skills, in an imaginative, playful and amusing manner."  At two years, my daughter wasn't quite aware of the intent of this game, so I had to write my review based on what I felt important.  Being that I don't have a child in this age range, your opinions of this product may differ from mine, and I'd certainly love to hear your thoughts after using it. The app brings you to a character and it's easy to figure out that you can switch 3 parts of the animal to create different characters (and thus different, and funny, words).  Each of the 3 parts of the animal is also a different part of a word.  When your child has blended words and created a real word (and complete character), a green play button will appear by the character.  Clicking on that play button makes a simple activity appear. Even when your child isn't blending a complete word, the characters they can create could seem limitless.  And, they'll hear the parts of the words sounded out.  I recently posted about phonemic awareness and practicing letter sounds with my daughter has helped us with her speech, so it makes me happy that this app works on more complex blending. To the extent that my 2 year old could play with this app, she enjoyed asking me to help her create a character that would make the play button appear.  I took the opportunity to read the pieces of the word to her, even when it would create funny characters.  She'd promptly grab the phone when the play button appeared, and would interact with the short activity for each character, then ask for help again. It was good to see her enjoying the app, and being able to introduce her to complex blending without "schooling" her was fun.  If you want to see the app in action first, check out the trailer: Don't you think this would be a great educational app to have for your children? Be on the lookout for a giveaway starting on Friday December 6, 2013 at 12:00 a.m. EST.  Can't wait to enter and find out if you're a winner?  You can download Animals Flip and Mix now from iTunes. #### Another New Years Resolution: Clean and Organize the House It's never too late to work on New Years resolutions (though maybe they aren't called New Years Resolutions at this point).  I've been considering this for a while, but just started following through so I thought I'd mention my progress.  I've been needing to get my house more cleaned and organized.  Living here for over a year, we still have things unpacked and shoved into corners of the house.  It's rather embarrassing.  And, it's even worse that we generally just keep adding more stuff. So, I want to get things cleaned out and better organized.  The entire spare bedroom has been overrun by things we no longer have use for, but I haven't been able to get rid of it.  Either lack of time, or trying to sell things hasn't gone as planned. I determined that some things were better sold for less than I wanted, if it meant that I was getting rid of it.  So, I went through my Craigslist posts and reduced prices trying to get it out of here quicker.  And, things I wanted a little more money for, I posted on eBay, since I seem to fair better there, especially on kids clothes. Still, I boxed up some baby clothes in specific sizes and posted them cheap on Craigslist.  A woman found one of my posts and asked what else I had ... she wanted to buy things for a young woman having a baby, who has nothing for her.  And, I decided that I'd lower the prices to help someone (it helps me get rid of things even more quickly) and I donated a few other items that weren't as valuable.  It's a win-win. Finally, I lucked out and won an Oxo Pop 10 piece storage container set and began working on tidying up the pantry.  This helped motivate me to organize the pantry (as shown in the top picture), while also forcing me to throw out foods I had no intention of cooking any longer, or that I hadn't realized expired.  Sometimes we just need the right tools to get us started, I guess. How are you doing on your resolutions so far? #### Are You Tired of Your Child's Lack of Tact? A few years ago, we were sitting in a living room as my niece opened a few gifts.  I can't remember if it was her birthday or Christmas.  Upon opening one from her Grandfather, she promptly belts out "I already have this!  I don't want another one!" Her parents' faces turned red.  Mouths were agape.  Everyone, however, was thankful the grandfather wasn't in the room at that very moment.  I couldn't imagine the embarrassment had he been in the room. Just last year it was my turn for embarrassment.  My daughter received her Christmas presents from one of the Grandparents.  After opening them, she exclaims "Is that all?  I want more."  That Christmas, she was all about getting more. As a parent, I can't begin to tell you how embarrassing these statements are.  Even though the children were very young at the time, it's hard for us to hear it come out of their mouths.  Conversations ensued in both cases about being respectful of others' feelings and being grateful for everything we receive. Tactfulness is a great quality to help one avoid awkward situations and be a better friend to everyone.  Using tact means using discretion and sensitivity when relating to others around you.  But, children's brains don't work this way.  Instead, it's natural for a child to do quite the opposite.  Still, they can begin to understand this trait as they mature. Learning tact will save your children from many misunderstandings.  Here is how you can help to teach your kids tact and become an individual who is capable of having comfortable conversations with others. 4 Tips for Teaching Kids Tact Teaching kids tactfulness is going to take some time and plenty of reminders.  Since you're trying to teach honesty at the same time, this may be a lesson that takes more time and patience.  The key may be getting your children to think before they speak.  Have them ask themselves questions  like "will this hurt someone's feelings if I say this out loud." Teaching Your Child about Telling the Truth Though honesty is an important childhood lesson, it's important they learn tact to strike a balance between truthfulness and tact.  We should want our children to tell the truth,  but being honest shouldn't mean saying whatever we want, whenever it comes to mind.  Some truths can be unnecessarily harmful to relationships. Give your children a solid foundation in teaching what honesty is and is not.  Help them to understand what is and is not acceptable to say, as well as teaching them about the balance between honesty and tactfulness. If you like these tips, don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter ... you'll never miss another post and you'll receive access to a FAN ONLY resource library which includes this new free report about lessons your children need to learn! Educating about the Need for Tact Explain to your child about why tact is a necessary element of maintaining relationships.  Let your children know that failing to use tact can hurt people's feelings and put relationships at risk. Blunt speech, while directly getting your point across, isn't always the most well received.  Explain to your children where tact is essential and necessary for the safety of others' feelings. As an example, conversations between world leaders and politicians require tact in order to maintain friendly and effective working relationships. Soft, or kind, words will go further in maintaining healthy relationships. Give Examples of Where Tact Was Not Used Does this age me? via GIPHY If you've noticed a moment or conversation where someone (or your child) lacked tact, discuss it with your child.  Explain what consequences may come to the individual who didn't use tact.  And, help them to understand what effects there may be on the individual on the receiving end. In the prior examples, it would be great to explain to your child that Grandpa may feel like his gifts aren't good enough.  Or he may think of them as ungrateful or selfish.  Let them know about they handle situations differently. Give Examples of Where Tact Was Used When you notice a situation where someone uses tact, make sure to point it out and help your children focus on the positive effects.  Explain how a friend may have avoided an argument by using tact and kind words.  Instead of reacting immediately to a feeling, he/she may have thought about their words more carefully in an effort not to increase the stress of a particular disagreement. If you let your kids watch much television, be sure to point out these situations with their favorite characters.  For older children who are exposed to politics, point out tact in those situations.  Seeing people they can relate to or those who are in high-powered positions act respectfully among their peers will help.  Seeing others model peaceful acceptance of others shows how the positive effects can be far-reaching.  Discuss what you can learn from those people we admire and respect. It's to be expected that young children struggle with the concept of tactfulness.  They're naturally impulsive and don't realize how we can hurt people with our words.  Give them time and model how to be tactful.  In time, they'll begin to understand the effects of their words.  Eventually, everyone will benefit from the relationships your child will be able to handle once they've learned the balance between honesty and tact.  Childhood Lessons You can find more childhood lessons here, and more will populate as they are published.  But, don't forget to sign up for emails so you don't miss a single post!! #### Awww, baby's growing up fast My 5 month old not only has the ability to put herself to sleep in her crib, but seems to prefer it over being rocked. I know I should be grateful and proud, but as a first time mommy, I also already really miss the cuddle time. I would, however, really like for her to learn to sleep through the night. She's still waking up several times during the night. Luckily however, I've gotten her down to one night-time feeding, so I'm hopeful that soon she'll be sleeping through the night soon! Off to another subject. As a stay at home mom, I get to see an awful lot of horrible daytime TV. Watching the commercials for shows that are on, I realize just how terrible these shows can be. I haven't watched this show, but the ad for "Dance Moms" is enough to make me wonder what the heck is wrong with people? That, and "Toddlers in Tiaras" Can someone please explain to me WHAT is so great about these shows? #### Babies Are Expensive: How to Save Money on Necessities for Baby #SharetheLuv #ad Whether you're an expecting mom, first time mom, or more experienced, there's one thing you can't escape about babies.  The expenses.  If you haven't already figured it out, babies are really expensive buggers to maintain.  It doesn't matter how you plan to feed, clothe, or diaper your babies, they need so much. I always thought breastfeeding was the cheap route, so it made sense to do that, right?  Not really!  With my first baby, I had to buy an expensive pump because they weren't covered by insurance back then.  Then, there's all the trial and error you go through on ALL the gear each baby may or may not use.  Some of the expense isn't necessarily just the gear, but determining what does and doesn't work. As a tw0-time mom, I can tell you a few of the ways I've learned to save money on necessities for baby. This review was made possible by iConnect and Luvs.  I was provided compensation to facilitate this post, but all opinions stated are 100% mine. Save Money on Necessities for Baby Diapering I spent the first few months with both of my babies trying out all the different diaper brands.  With both babies, I determined Luvs was our diaper of choice. In both cases, Luvs turned out to not only be less expensive, but also a very reliable brand.  I've been able to use properly fitted Luvs diapers for both babies in day and night situations without fail.  Even with both being 12 hour a night sleepers, Luvs passed the test without leaks.  And, just when I thought things couldn't get better with my, already favorite, brand, they came out with Luvs Ultra Leakguards with NightLock Plus™ which are more absorbent than regular Luvs. Did you know Luvs has a money back guarantee?  Not that I've ever had to make use of it, but isn't it nice to know that if you decide you didn't like them, you wouldn't technically lose anything?  Talk about saving money, right? Speaking of which, not only are Luvs not as expensive, but they're sharing the love this February!  You can get a $1.00 print-at-home coupon right now! Lastly, stock up when diapers are on sale or when you can get coupons (or both)!  You're going to be needing diapers for a long time, so you might as well have a few boxes in several sizes! [tweetthis]#ad Save money on @Luvs with a $1 coupon #SharetheLuv[/tweetthis] Clothing If you've ever had a baby, you know how many clothes you go through.  It doesn't make sense to get the best of the best, or the most expensive.  Give a newborn 2 weeks and they're grown out of the first round.  Between spit up, food, and an occasional blow out (it happens to them all), your baby's clothes will rarely make it out without incident and stains.  To save money on clothing, buy used and accept hand-me-downs.  If you feel like you must buy new, buy on sale and clearance. Entertaining Again, buy toys and books used, on sale, or accept hand-me-downs.  For used toys, be sure they can be easily cleaned and disinfected.  Don't buy a lot!  Start with a couple different teethers, rattles, etc and see what your baby is most interested in.  I can't tell you how many toys we had, and with little B, especially, he was drawn to one or two toys and the rest just sat around taking up space. How else do you save on necessities for baby? Click here for the $1 off coupon for Luvs diapers!   #### Baby Book Review -"Counting Kisses" by Karen Katz Reading books is one of Shelby's favorite things - often if she's gone off and gotten quiet, I know to look for her in her room amongst the pile of books she'll have pulled from her bookshelf.  I try to read quite a bit to her, but it's our ritual to read a book or two every night before bed.As is custom, I pick a book or two and read to Shelby, that is, until recently, she has started to become much more demanding about picking the book for me.  Tonight's pick was "Counting Kisses" by Karen Katz.This super cute book counts down from 10, so there's 10 different scenarios for kisses before baby goes to bed starting with 10 kisses on baby's toes.  It's quite hard to kiss a baby sitting in your lap, so I touch the areas each page describes and make kissing noises.  I think Shelby chose this book tonight because it gets her to giggle when I "kiss" her knees, belly button, and chin.I love it because those last few giggles help to get the rest of her energy out and makes me feel like she's more ready for bed.  When Shelby was much smaller, she didn't understand the concept, but I felt like it was a great book to help her begin understanding body parts and hopefully to grasp counting sooner.  That is left to be seen as she's still just 13 months.This is a very cute book, and certainly offers great bonding time when you can bring reading and kisses together as your little one giggles in your lap.I can say I'm so very glad I bought this book and it's one of my favorites to read to her at night.What is one of your favorite bed time books for a little one? Some posts may contain affiliate links, please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Baby Sleep Regression Guide: What It Is and What to Expect So, you and your baby have gotten into a consistent bedtime routine, but suddenly your baby's sleep has gotten out of whack.  It could be a sleep regression. But what is a baby sleep regression? We’ll talk about what this is, what to expect and how to get back on track. Becoming a parent is an exciting and fulfilling experience, but it's also a challenging one. One of the biggest challenges new parents face is helping their baby establish healthy sleep habits. Just when you think you've got a routine down, your baby may start waking up more frequently or have trouble falling asleep. This can be frustrating and exhausting for both you and your little one. As someone who has experienced this firsthand with my two children, I understand how tough sleep regression can be. In this article, we'll explore what sleep regression is, the signs to look for, the ages at which babies typically experience it, what triggers it, and most importantly, how to fix it. What is Baby Sleep Regression? Simply put, a sleep regression is a period when a baby's sleep patterns change. This can mean that your baby may wake up more frequently during the night, take shorter naps, or have a harder time falling asleep. Sleep regressions typically last anywhere from two to six weeks, but it can vary from baby to baby. The most common times for sleep regressions to occur are at four months, eight months, and twelve months. Signs of Sleep Regression One of the most obvious signs of sleep regression is a change in your baby's sleep patterns. If your little one was previously sleeping through the night but is now waking up frequently, it's likely that they're experiencing a sleep regression. Other signs can include: Increased fussiness or irritability Difficulty falling asleep Shorter naps Changes in appetite It's important to remember that every baby is different, and some may experience sleep regressions differently than others. Keep an eye out for any changes in your baby's behavior that may signal a sleep regression. Ages Babies Experience Sleep Regressions Sleep regressions can occur at any age, but they are most common at four months, eight months, and twelve months. Here's what you can expect during each of these periods: Four-month sleep regression: This is often the first sleep regression that parents experience. During this time, your baby may start waking up more frequently during the night, and naps may become shorter. This regression is often caused by developmental changes, such as increased awareness of the world around them. Eight-month sleep regression: This sleep regression is often caused by teething or separation anxiety. Your baby may wake up more frequently during the night and have a harder time falling asleep. Twelve-month sleep regression: Around their first birthday, your baby may experience another sleep regression. This can be caused by the transition from two naps a day to one nap or by developmental changes, such as walking. It's important to remember that every baby is different, and some may experience sleep regressions at different times or not at all. If you're unsure whether your little one is experiencing a sleep regression, talk to your pediatrician. What Triggers Sleep Regression? There are many factors that can trigger sleep regression in babies. Here are some of the most common: Developmental changes: As your baby grows and develops, their sleep patterns may change. This can include increased awareness of their surroundings or new skills, such as rolling over or crawling. Teething: Teething can be a painful process for babies, and it can disrupt their sleep patterns. Illness: If your baby is sick or has a cold, they may have a harder time sleeping. Changes in routine: If there have been any recent changes in your baby's routine, such as starting daycare or a new caregiver, it can disrupt their sleep patterns. Separation anxiety: As your baby gets older, they may experience separation anxiety, which can make it harder for them to fall asleep or stay asleep. How to Fix Sleep Regression in Babies While sleep regressions can be frustrating for parents, there are things you can do to help your little one get back to their regular sleep routine. Here are some tips to fix sleep regression in babies: Stick to a routine: Babies thrive on routine, so try to keep their schedule as consistent as possible. This means keeping the same bedtime, wake-up time, and nap times every day. Create a calming bedtime routine: Establishing a calming bedtime routine can help signal to your baby that it's time to sleep. This can include a bath, a story, or some quiet time before bed. Offer comfort: If your baby is waking up more frequently during the night, offer them comfort, such as a gentle pat on the back or a soothing voice. Avoid picking them up or feeding them unless they're genuinely hungry. Be patient: Sleep regressions can be tough but remember that they're temporary. It may take a few weeks, but your baby will eventually go back to their regular sleep routine. Don't create bad habits: It can be tempting to create bad habits, such as feeding your baby every time they wake up, but this can make it harder for them to sleep through the night. Stick to your routine, and your baby will eventually learn to self-soothe and fall back asleep on their own. Consider sleep training: If your baby is having a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep, sleep training may be an option. This involves gradually teaching your baby to fall asleep on their own without any external soothing. Remember that every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. If you're struggling with sleep regression, talk to your pediatrician or a sleep consultant for personalized advice. Sleep regressions are a normal part of a baby's development, and it's important for parents to be patient and understanding during this time. Recognizing the signs of sleep regression and taking steps to help your little one get back to their regular sleep routine can help make the process easier for everyone involved. Remember that every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. With a little patience and perseverance, your baby will eventually go back to their regular sleep routine. Continue reading our guide to sleep regressions: Sleep Regression: What is It and What to Expect (this post) 4 Signs of Sleep Regression to Watch For Sleep Regression Ages Why Does Sleep Regression Happen? How to Deal with Sleep Regression #### Baby's Due Date Has Passed: Induction? 5% of babies that arrived when she was due13 days past baby's due date and induction wasn't the answer.  Why?  Read on to find out why inducing could have been a real issue. In a few short months, my son turns 2.  It's a huge milestone, and I'm reminded of the story of his entry into this world.  And, I want to share it with you.  We hadn't simply gone past baby's due date ... we had been facing a potential slew of interventions, including induction. I was in complete awe that my first born baby had arrived on her due date.  She was one of the roughly 5% of babies that arrived when she was due.  You can't even imagine my relief because I'd been trying for about 2 weeks to naturally induce labor.  I was done!  But, she waited until it was her time.  I labored for 26 hours (that we counted) before she arrived, but her timeliness was amazing. After my daughter's promptness, I was certain that my second was going to be 1 day early.  Well, I had an attachment to a date that I wanted him to fulfill.  You see, my husband's birthday is October 26th.  My daughter was born August 26th.  Because of those two dates, I picked the number 26 for my Autocross racing.  My son was due November 27th and it only made sense that he be born on the 26th to make my race car number special for all 3 of my loves.  Silly, I know.  But I figured the chances were pretty good that he be early since big sis was on time.  Wasn't it? That's how second babies work, right? This story is about more than going past baby's due date.  It's about escaping the cascade of interventions.  And, knowing when something isn't right, but believing you have control even when no one else believes with you.  In my case, figuring out my son was stuck on a bone, preventing him from engaging and starting labor.  This story is to give mothers hope, that even when the odds seem stacked against her, there's still a chance. My Baby's Due Date had Passed Us By My baby's due date had arrived.  I was miserable.  It was a terrible pregnancy and I had wanted it to be over long before his due date. Then, the worst thing happened.  He was late. We missed baby's due date.  My misery was extended. I was experiencing terrible pains.  My doctor dismissed them saying "most second-time mothers feel more pressure."  I had a lot of follow up visits to check on the little guy.  We were all surprised that days kept passing without his arrival.  And, I continually had to decline scheduling medical induction. Here, I was 5 days past baby's due date Let me tell you this.  I also began to ignore phone calls and texts that were checking on annoying me about when they would get to meet the new baby. Something wasn't right.  Still, I had to fight my doctor on inducing me.  At the time, I knew ACOG's guidelines allowed me to wait for induction until the 42nd week and I made sure my doctor understood that, so long as baby and I were healthy, I wouldn't be persuaded to concede any sooner.  But, I had to finally schedule an induction for my 42nd week.  Not one day before that would I even entertain the idea. The days leading up to my induction, I was scared, confused and desperately seeking ways to cope with the disappointment of a late baby.  If I had gone into labor on my own with my first, and she arrived on time, why in the world did I go past baby's due date?  Why was I facing induction with my second?  It just didn't make sense. On occasion, I was having contractions.  There were pains like I'd never felt before.  But, nothing had ever come from them. I was making batches of freezer meals one night when I had a sudden sharp pain that had me hunched over the counter as I finished my work.  When I finished, I hobbled up the stairs, unable to stand straight, showered, and went to bed in tears.  I nearly had a panic attack thinking I was going to end up in the emergency room.  The pain wasn't like labor pain that I remembered.  And I felt similar pains like that sporadically through the following days. During contractions, it felt as though my right pubic bone was going to snap.  As I recall these memories, I can't believe I didn't realize what was happening. The Call that Saved My Birth Story 2 days before my scheduled induction, I was in a panic.  I called the instructor from our natural birth class we'd taken 5 years ago.  Desperate for answers, I told her everything I was experiencing.  I begged her for advice.  What was the best method of induction to keep me from spiraling down the cascade of interventions?  How could I keep from having a C-section?  This, my friends, was the thing I feared most.  I knew that delivering naturally with induction was going to be more difficult.  And, I knew that the more interventions I elected for, the stronger my chances of having a C-section were. What happened next was a revelation.  She asked me what it was I was feeling when I had contractions.  I explained they were strong contractions.  Each of them, especially if I was upright, felt as though my bones were going to break.  But, none of my contractions, no matter how strong, ever led to full blown labor.  Labor stalled every night when I went to bed. She told me it sounded as though my son had lodged his head on a bone in my pelvis.  No form of induction was going to work.  If I didn't get him moved, I was at risk of ending up with the exact thing I feared the most.  And she urged me to work as much as possible to get him moved off that bone. My baby was stuck on a bone, keeping me from going into labor on my own #pregnancy #labor #childbirth Share on X Getting baby into position for labor 2 days before induction date, I spent the entire day researching positions and movements (spinningbabies.com) to get my baby's head dislodged and then tried them.  A LOT of them!  That evening, exhausted as I was, I told my husband I was taking a very brisk walk ... "I'm going to run if I have to."  I was taking daily walks anyway, so this one would be my last ditch effort to get my son to move.  Then, I would come home, have dinner, and be done for the day. I had to dislodge my baby to escape medical intervention in labor #pregnancy #labor #childbirth Share on X Little did I know, I would actually have to run.  The traffic was terrible at the time I decided to take my very brisk walk.  I, no kidding, had to run across one of the intersections because I had very little time to pass before the next long wave of traffic.  There were so many cars, I had to take whatever small opportunity I could find.  So, I ran.  Then, I felt something.  I wasn't sure what I felt, but I was pretty sure the baby finally moved.  Not only could I not run, but I couldn't even walk at half the pace I started.  I waddled, slowly, the rest of the way home anxious, but not allowing myself to get excited.  Labor didn't start right away and I slept wonderfully. The very next morning, as I was heading down the stairs to prepare my daughter for a doctor's appointment, I had the strongest contraction I'd ever felt.  My husband sensed I was in labor.  Forgive me, but being 13 days overdue, I wasn't confident it was possible.  So, I labored to, during, and from my daughter's appointment.  And, turns out, I was glad my husband went with me because the drive home was excruciating.  We ate lunch at home and my husband packed all of our things for the long overdue trip to the hospital.  A few hours labor, my son was born. I narrowly escaped labor induction 13 days past baby's due date How I escaped #induction of labor 13 days past baby's #duedate #pregnancy Share on X I had narrowly escaped a medical induction and the cascade of interventions by less than 24 hours.  All of my worries about why had been eliminated.   Had I not sought assistance, I might not have known my son had lodged his head on that bone.  If I didn't try, I could have been induced, but my body wasn't going into labor because my son's head wasn't positioned correctly to place pressure on my cervix.  That's really important in this process. Things could have been worse A shocking reason induction may not be right for every #overdue #pregnancy #childbirth Share on X Had I been induced with my son improperly positioned, two things could have happened. If they broke my water to induce, there was a chance for umbilical cord prolapse (when the umbilical cord drops ahead of the baby). If they gave me Pitocin to induce labor, my body likely wouldn't have responded because my son wasn't in position. Either way, my story would have probably ended differently.  And, not different in a way that I was comfortable with. Being #induced could have resulted in unfavorable #labor or #birth conditions ... #pregnancy Share on X I can share my story in hopes that other moms believe in themselves.  When something doesn't seem right, seek answers!  I truly believe our bodies know what to do, but sometimes, like in my case, we need to give it some help.  Give yourself time.  Educate yourself.  If baby isn't in position, get him moved.  Don't put all your faith in your doctors.  Why?  Because, for the life of me, I can't figure out why, with all their fancy technology, THEY couldn't tell me my son's head was lodged on a bone.  Not once did the doctor even suggest the possibility.  But a phone call to a birth instructor, a woman who really listened, helped me figure out my problem. Regardless of what my doctor wanted me to believe, there wasn't something wrong with me or my son.  Something had gone awry and was (not so) easily managed with a bit of work on my part.  I saved myself and my son from a more intense and possibly disturbing story.  This mama refused to be another victim of unnecessary medical interventions. I believed in myself and stopped listening to everyone else.  Lord knows I heard plenty of useless statements like "induction isn't so bad" and "there's always C-Section."  What I knew in my heart was that my body knew how to go into labor and to deliver this baby without medical interventions... I just had to find a way to get that boy to move!  And I did it! Have you ever gone past your baby's due date? Baby B born 13 days late, just one day before scheduled induction #### Babywearing Did Not Create This Mama's Boy No, I didn't create a mama's boy by practicing babywearing!  It was the answer to a very high-need born mama's boy. I wear my son almost everywhere.  Recently I was asked by another mom "Don't you think you're making him a mama's boy wearing him all the time?"   My response was, and still is, a very enthusiastic "Oh no.  He came into this world a mama's boy."  I hadn't realized at the time, just how annoyed I was by this question.  But, the more I replayed it in my head, the more I realized how judgmental this question was.  Whether or not she meant it negatively, the simple question had the power to make any mama question what they're doing.  Luckily, I'm not easily swayed by other people's opinions.  I know what I'm doing is right for my family and asking me that question hadn't made me think any less of my babywearing. By babywearing, I hadn't created a mama's boy.  When my son was born, he immediately latched onto me.  He was a breastfed baby by instinct.  And, he only wanted his mama.  Truth be told, his dependence on me created a necessity for me to wear him.  In his first few weeks of life, the only way we could make it through the days with naps and some semblance of sanity was to wear him in a Moby Wrap.  I had to cook, clean, and walk him around everywhere. When he got a little bigger, we switched to a soft-structured carrier.  I still had to carry him while cooking, cleaning, and to get him to settle down for naps. By babywearing, I hadn't created this mama's boy. Share on X A post shared by Ivy | Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on May 18, 2016 at 1:47pm PDT Mama was the only capable person My son spent the first few months screaming if he wasn't being held.  He acted as though no one on the planet was capable of caring for him, but his mom.  My husband couldn't hold him without my son screaming.  And, he made it really hard on everyone else who tried to hold him. My son was a high-needs baby!  This was apparent as soon as he arrived Earth-side. He wasn't happy in his car seat.  He hated being set down on his play mat.  And he screamed in his swing.  On occasion I could set him in his Mama Roo with the noise really loud, but he was only content for about 2 minutes before needing me again.  When I desperately needed some peace, I popped him into a carrier knowing he would pass out almost immediately.  We began "lovingly" calling the Boba our STFU carrier. Babywearing was our coping mechanism to a born mama's boy Share on X Babywearing truly was a necessity.  It was our coping mechanism.  Without it, if you want to know the truth, I'm not certain I would have made it through the second super-fussy baby without anti-anxiety medications. Do you think babywearing creates clingy babies? #### Be Considerate of Stay at Home Mom Time Yes, I'm a stay at home mom.  No, I'm not simply laying around on the floor playing with my kid all day.  It's not a walk in the park and it's certainly not all fun and games.  I cannot always be ready for the unplanned at the drop of a hat.  And, I can't be expected to fill in to help you just because I'm a stay at home mom.  Sometimes I'm surprised at the treatment I receive as a stay at home parent.  Though I've fought long and hard NOT to write a post about differences between working and stay at home parents, recent events really made me think working parents really will never understand how different and yet similar we all are. Image source: stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net I've been bothered by the fact that sometimes I feel as though friends, family, and strangers just don't understand what my requirements are as stay at home parent.  Sometimes, I get the feeling that my time as a stay at home mom isn't viewed nearly as valuable as a parent who is working out of the home for money.  I want to shed some light on the subject and demand a bit more respect for all stay at home parents because we deserve more.  If you're lucky to have never experienced being disrespected as a stay at home parent, I offer a big pat on the back for you and your supporters! Here are a few things I think are overlooked (or under-appreciated) when working parents compare themselves to stay at home parents. Stay at home mom requirements   I have schedules, routines, and plans.  Some of the routines or schedules we keep help maintain the sanity for myself and my child.  While she doesn't nap, she and I both require her quiet time for different reasons.  My daughter needs the quiet time to recharge for her mood and I need it to have a short break, whether to work around the house or rest if I'm feeling the need. Regardless of your paid work status, don't you have more schedules and routines now that you have a kid? I am a housekeeper, cook, event coordinator, preschool teacher, chauffeur, and personal assistant, party planner, routine organizer.  You name it, it's probably a built in job duty and I'm multi-tasking with another human being incapable of grasping that they're not fully in control of their day yet.  I have simultaneous and completely contradictory jobs that don't always go hand in hand. I don't have the luxury of making quick meals.  Thanks to my health problems, I'm having to spend much more time in the kitchen cooking things from scratch. How long do you spend in the kitchen preparing meals? My bathroom breaks are rarely uninterrupted.  If my little one hasn't decided to simply come in and watch my every move, I'm bound to see her at least briefly.  Privacy is long gone once she became mobile. Do you get to go to the bathroom alone? If I'm starving and need to eat, but my kid has determined that she needs to use the bathroom or has fallen and needs a band-aid, I have to put aside my needs or desires to assist here.  It's like that for everything during the day.  I can't simply stop to do whatever it is I want or feel I need to do. Can you break away to take care of your needs when you're ready or are you at the mercy of someone else? Other breaks are limited and I spend them doing work that I can't get done while entertaining and/or educating the little one.  I can't really even "schedule" what needs to get done because ... well ... let's face it, kids really don't understand schedules.  I have a set schedule for lunch, quiet time, dinner, and bedtime.  Everything else is a general idea of what I want to accomplish for each day of the week and some of my work needs to be done in the quiet time/bedtime parts of the day or it doesn't get done.  I feel good if I can get to all of my chores on the days I hope to, but it's all dependent on moods, interruptions, and expectations within the family. Can you get your work done without a zillion interruptions during the day? Let's not forget that as a stay at home parent, I don't have days off and I don't get sick days.  If I feel unwell, I don't get to ship my kid off to a daycare center or babysitter... I typically have to trudge through and make it work.  If I'm really sick, I'd have to call my husband to leave work to relieve me.  Heck, I can't even have a mental health day on a whim.  I don't have backup childcare because we don't have the extra income. If you need a real day off in the middle of your work week, can you take your kiddo to the daycare or nanny and take care of yourself? I often start my day about the same time as my husband does to go to work and I'm working after he has come home from his paid job.  At the end of the day, I can't hide what I didn't finish in a desk or by closing an office door.  If I've cleaned the playroom and the kiddo goes back in to play, it probably looks as though I haven't cleaned up at all. Stay at Home Mom Time Deserves Consideration Being a stay at home mom is my job and it doesn't mean my time is less valuable or more easily interrupted than that of a working parent. True story:  My father-in-law was coming into town to spend time with my sister-in-law and her new baby.  He made it perfectly clear that he intended to spend most of the time with her to visit with the new baby.  The morning of his arrival, my husband and I were messaged 2 hours before his flight landed hoping (or assuming, as it really felt) that I could pick him from the airport.  The text message came from the sister with the new baby to only my husband and myself (knowing my husband was in class and unable to break away).  The text message didn't include the other sister or her husband.  Come to find out, the hubby of the sister with the new baby had gone off hunting instead of being around for his father-in-law who was coming to visit his new baby.  So, you can be the judge, but I certainly took it as the assumption that because I'm a stay at home mom, I had nothing better to do or that it couldn't possibly be an inconvenience.  I mean, what could I possibly be doing with my time? I'm a stay at home mom ... what could I be doing with my time? #sahm #momlife #sahmlife Share on X Let me tell you, my take is that this kind of assumption was rude and inconsiderate.  My daughter was coming down with a cold and I had spent 4 or 5 days prior keeping us busy while my husband was away.  I needed the day to stay home, catch up on housework and tend to my daughter's cold while trying to catch her up on her preschool work.  Not to mention, I really needed to swap out books at the library before I incurred late fees and missed out on the round of books I had on hold. This isn't the only time I've been expected to be inconvenienced and then questioned when we can't (or won't) comply.  There's a real issue with making plans ahead of time as it's not uncommon to be requested to come over for dinner the day of.  Seriously?  Occasionally is one thing, but I'm not planning my meals by the seat of my pants.  I have my meals planned out at least a week in advance (which makes grocery shopping easier) and normally my meat is thawing in the fridge during the day for dinner.  As you're reading this, my meal is probably planned and thawing because that's how we maintain routine and sanity in this house.  And, to be honest, both my daughter and I thrive on routines.  Even hubby has recognized how much more simple life is since we always know I'll have dinner ready early and the kiddo can be ready for bed at a decent hour.  It works for us and some occasional emergencies or spontaneity can be accounted for, but not regular inconsistencies and preferably not for inconsiderate requests or assumptions. Make No Assumptions About a Stay At Home Mom's Availability If you want my help, asking last minute is neither appropriate or appreciated.  I respect you have to do what you need to do with your time as a working parent, but your time isn't any more valuable than mine.  When you interrupt our schedules or plans on a whim for lack of planning or selfish reasons on your part, you aren't just affecting me, but my entire household.  If you cause a hiccup in our schedule, it effects me and the little ones.  Just because I'm not getting paid as a stay at home mom doesn't mean that I'm not working or that I don't have things that need to be done. Asking me for help is okay and I may happily oblige if it isn't dropped on me at the last minute.  I require planning and scheduling so that I can take care of the needs of my household as fits us. None of this is to be considered griping or whining about my life as a stay at home mom.  It's hard work and many times feels under-appreciated, but it's the decision my husband and I made because we felt it was the best for our family.  But that decision doesn't mean my time, resources, or schedules are any less valuable than yours as a working parent. Chime in folks. If you're a stay at home parent, do you feel like people take your time for granted? Did I miss anything you think I should add? For the working parents, do you think you've ever taken a stay at home parent's time for granted? #### Being a Mom: One Thing Your Husband Wants You To Know Caring for yourself, marriage, and babies are complicated tasks individually.  Put them all together, and you're bound to be out of balance quite a bit.  As if marriages weren't already a lot of work, adding babies just complicates things that much more.  It's so easy to lose focus on yourself and your husband, because it seems so unnatural not to be "momming" once you're a mom. I remember the first few months of my firstborn's life pretty well.  It was the roughest time of my life.  Being a mom was nothing like I thought it would be.  The demands of baby took over my world.  Her issues forced me to become a stay at home mom.  I struggled with nearly every aspect of our lives as I felt compelled to be everything to my daughter.  But, I couldn't make her happy and my need to keep trying was driving my husband away, while leaving me exhausted and alone. It's been over 5 years, and, though I'm still learning how to be a mom, I gained quite a bit of knowledge from that first experience.  Having open conversations with my husband has helped us move past all that.  And, I totally didn't make those same mistakes when baby number 2 came along! What your husband wants you to know about the kids They are NOT your entire world. Seriously. Being a mom is hard work and you certainly have very little time for yourself, but you are more than a mom.  You have to find balance between being a mom, being a wife, and being yourself. [tweetthis twitter_handles="@sahmplusblog"]The one thing your husband wants you to know about the kids...[/tweetthis] Being a mom Yes, it is technically your #1 job because those beautiful children aren't going to take care of themselves.  You need to care for their basic needs while also hoping to be more than just a caregiver, because you want to build lasting memories.  It's easy to want to be everything to your kids.  And, I know it feels like they are everything to you. Being a wife Your husband still needs you. Wants you.  He loves you.  He wants you to give him your time and attention.  Give your marriage the respect it deserves and your husband some time.  Date your husband and let him know that sometimes he is more important than the kids.  Prioritizing your marriage has it's benefits! Besides, if it weren't for your husband, you wouldn't have those kids Being yourself Finding the balance between parenting and being a spouse can easily take up much of your time.  You may find you are unable to recognize yourself.  Lost in the daily mundane tasks wondering who you are.  It shouldn't be that way.  You need to remind yourself who you are, give back to yourself, and keep giving your husband a reason to see you as more than the woman who gave him children. When you can't see past being a mom Speaking from experience, your entire family suffers from the overabundance of you being a mom and nothing more. Your husband loses his partner.  His emotional and ... um... physical needs aren't being met.  You're not committing yourself to your husband.  And what happens if you lose him? You suffer.  Sacrificing yourself means you're never building a reserve of energy.  You're not showing yourself the love you deserve or respecting that you have needs too. Surprisingly, the babies you're so involved with suffer.  When you have to be everything to them, you're depriving them of creating bonds with other people, like dad, who can love and care for them, too. When I tried to be super-mom I failed.  My husband was miserable.  I was miserable.  And, my daughter ... well, she was miserable regardless of what I was doing.  I felt like I almost lost my husband.  That was an eye opener.  If I lost him, I was going to have to pull off the super-mom gig I was failing at. The truth is, I was failing because I wasn't giving myself time to recharge. I was losing myself while also losing sight of how important my husband was to me and the family.  When I married him, I married my best friend.  We had a lot of fun together as a couple.  I was nearly 30 when we married.  Having waited so long to settle down, I was certain he was the only man I'd ever be married to. Initially, it didn't make sense that he wanted me to do other things and get away from the baby.  Once I did it, I realized how wrong I'd been about being a mom all along.  How wrong I had been to neglect myself and him, while not having much success in helping my daughter. When I finally began making time for myself and my husband, the pieces all started falling into place.  I was happier.  My husband was getting attention again.  And, my daughter was getting better without my constant obsessing. What I want for you is to not go through that. Ever.  If your husband suggests time for yourself or together, do it!  If you don't want to listen to your husband, will you listen to another mom? #### Being a Stay at Home Mom Is My Financial Contribution  I'm certain I'm one of those stay at home moms you would hate.  I complain about my kids regularly, how I don't have much time for myself, and how I shouldn't be spending money on this or that.  I'm exhausted.  Sometimes I just want to go back to work just so I can go to the restroom alone or have a semi-peaceful lunch.  Hate me if you like.  While I confess to my husband how demanding being a stay at home mom is, I also am reminded of how blessed I feel that we're able to pull it off. Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net Our decision to have me stay home with my children hasn't come without some raised eyebrows and judgement from some working parents.  We have to sacrifice some things in order to live a lifestyle that we jointly choose to live.  Sometimes it's at the cost of one of us or all of us.  We have choices to make, including how to handle presents, activities, the cars we drive, etc. My biggest pet peeve is hearing that someone believes I should go back to work so that we can afford things that aren't on our list of priorities.  I'm aware that some people believe the answer to our budget restraints is for me to simply return to the workforce. As nice as having my own money sounds, it really isn't that simple.  Returning to work means that we have to add more stress and rush to our schedules.  It doesn't just affect me, but the whole family.  My dietary restrictions regularly require me to spend much more time in the kitchen than the average family.  My daughter also seems to have an earlier bedtime than most children, but it works for us.  These things couldn't be achieved if I worked full-time.  And, it would mean that hubby would have to share extra duties around the house when he's off work. The most non-obvious problem we would encounter with my return to work is financial in nature.  It seems to make sense that an extra income would alleviate some budgetary concerns, but it just isn't the case here.  While I would be earning an income, I've never made much money.  After paying for day care, car maintenance, gas, etc, I'd be lucky to bring home enough money to pay for groceries for two weeks.  That calculation was based on life with only one child, and we'll be adding a newborn in the next few months, so technically, I'd probably be spending money to go to work.  Therefore, being a stay at home mom is my financial contribution to the household. [tweetthis twitter_handles="@sahmplusblog"]...being a stay at home mom IS my financial contribution[/tweetthis] The next time you think the simple answer for a family is for a stay at home parent to go to work, think outside the box.  Not everyone earns six figure incomes, in which case it actually might make sense for someone to return to work.  Child care isn't cheap and there are plenty of people out there that won't actually make a financial contribution by working, simply because of the expense of child care. What were the reasons for your decision to return to work or stay at home with your kids? #### Being a Stay at Home Mom is My Job I know this is a typical gripe among the SAHM demographic, but being a stay at home mom is a job. Mom doesn't have enough arms or time in the day.  I suspect, based on my own experiences, many stay at home moms don't exactly have the energy necessary to fulfill the expectations of mothers who stay home with their children. But, how often have these stressed out stay at home moms been able to convince their husbands they could use more help?  Even more so, how often are stay at home moms able to to convince others to be considerate of their time? I've expressed my being flattered that my dear husband thinks I'm Super Woman - and there are days I feel like it.  But I usually feel so drained after my day, the thought of starting a new one drains me more.  There have been several times that my dear husband has made a comment like 'I have to go to work' and quickly recovers by adding "I mean getting up and going to work". As if the physical act of driving to work makes his job away from home even more significant. Don't get me wrong.  I understand stay at home moms are blessed with the ability to stay home with their children.  Their husbands are providing the income that supports the family lifestyle. It's not as though this is something all families can afford to do, nor do all families believe in having a mom stay home is valuable. Anyway, I know my husband knows I work. But, sometimes I feel he doesn't quite grasp the magnitude of what a stay at home mom does and how many busy hours one actually puts in. Truth be told, being a stay at home mom isn't just one simple job.  It's a bunch of different jobs and it doesn't help that sometimes we feel there are unrealistic expectations to be super moms. Being a Stay at Home Mom is a Job (And More Than Just 1)! So what is it we SAHMs do?  What exactly makes being a stay at home mom hard work? Being a stay at home mom is a job because: Meeting Basic Needs From feeding and bathing, stay at home moms are the primary source of children's basic needs being met. And, let's be honest, wiping butts isn't exactly something any parent looks forward to!  Seriously .... that's a friggin' job! Providing Entertainment From the moment a baby is alert enough to be entertained, it's a stay at home mom's duty to provide it.  We also have to try to teach them to eventually entertain themselves, but with some little ones, this is a larger task than for others. Look, I know that fathers are more fun than moms, but when daddy's not around, we've got to pretend we're not tired or stressed.  We still have to provide appropriate entertainment for our children. Well ... at least try. Educating Hey, some of it is societal pressure to teach our children a broad range of subjects from the ABCs to childhood lessons at an early age. And while I was good at fulfilling this responsibility with my first child, doing home preschool with my second has been nearly impossible.  I totally feel as though I'm failing at these other expectations with him, but I know he's just not ready for the same kind of information delivery my first was. But beyond that, when the kids go to school, who is responsible for the majority of homework help?  Yep ... stay at home mom. And, if you have kids in school, you know what a task this can be! Socialization Opportunities One of the things I love about having two kids is that I can teach my son socially acceptable behaviors through interacting with his big sister.  Even still, I know he needs more opportunities to socialize with people he doesn't know, learn to make friends, and how to treat others outside of our family. Before him, raising my daughter as a stay at home mom meant scheduling and attending play dates or visiting the library story time for regular interactions with others. Cooking and Cleaning Having little ones at home means never ending piles of laundry.  Not to mention, regular trips to the kitchen for all those snacks. But, what you can't forget is that you've got to get cooking and cleaning done with a little one attached at the hip (and probably feel like you're failing him because you should be educating, entertaining, or socializing). Otherwise, you can do it when he's down for nap ... most likely when you're actually needing a few moments to recover from everything else you've accomplished to this point.  And, if you've got a baby at home, you know you're under-slept and really need the nap yourself. Managing Stock and Shopping There's an insane list of products and food to maintain a home, and having little ones at home just adds to it.  Mom's gotta keep track of the diapers, wipes, and clothing items in addition to all the regular household and food items. Then, if you're not using a grocery delivery service, add shopping to your to-do list. Stay at Home Moms are: activity planners managers of supplies and schedule maids childcare (because you know your kids are looking at you for their needs, even when daddy's home) cooks chauffeurs back and forth to school and after-school activities Why do I feel I'm missing things? A Few Reasons I Still Think Being a Stay at Home Mom is A Job Do you know why being a stay at home mom is a job? Despite organizing my family schedule, things aren't always on schedule! Your kids are gonna get sick. Your child's teacher is going to want a parent teacher meeting. Hubby's gonna call and need something done. Any number of things can happen unexpectedly and it's probably going to happen during an inopportune time and mess up your schedule.  And, you're likely to still feel as though you're required to complete your to-do list despite having an unexpected  interruption. Oh yeah, and let's not forget that your kid is feeling like you're no fun ... and you know you're certainly not having fun!  You're just getting stuff done. The simple act of a restroom break must either fall during a nap OR very quickly while your tot's hopefully entertaining herself with her toys (hoping she hasn't figured out how to get hold of your cold coffee on the counter). Eating doesn't always occur when mom needs food, rather when there's a free moment.  And you may have to learn to eat like a prisoner hoping someone doesn't steal your food before you get to eat. Although I love the opportunity I've been given to stay home with my children, being a stay at home mom is a job. This is what I asked for, but I still have to practice being grateful because parenting is hard work, even as a stay at home mom.  It's not a simple job because it's truly more than one. Being a stay at home mom isn't inherently enjoyable even if you did ask for this position.  It's a blessing and a luxury, but that doesn't mean it's a luxurious or fun job. Being a stay at home mom is a blessing and a luxury, but that doesn't mean it's a luxurious or fun job #momlife #sahm #motherhood Share on X The daily life of a stay at home mom is full of more duties than play.  You don't get to just enjoy being with your children because you're having to multi-task nearly every moment of the day. Frankly, I don't believe I could handle a traditional 8 hour job to come home to all these requirements either. Thankfully, my husband has come to a better understanding in these 7 years that my being a stay at home mom is a job ... and that I sometimes need a mom's night out too! Share Me: #### Being a Toddler Mom Makes Me Crazy Parenting a toddler? If you're tired, touched out, and can't make sense of your toddler's emotional outbursts you'll understand this.  I'm a toddler mom ... don't judge. I chopped off all my hair.  Because I have no time. I never wear makeup.  Because I have no time. I almost always look like a hobo.  Because I have no time. Most of the time I look a little crazy.  I may have bags under my eyes.  Or I just look completely emotionless. I'm touched out and emotionally drained.  I try hard and feel like I fail all day. Sometimes I allow too much screen time. I've been known to lock myself in the bathroom just to get a minute alone. And you might catch me playing games on my phone (a lot). Please don't judge me.  I'm a toddler mom. I spent half the day shoving snacks and milk in my toddler's face.  The other half of the day will be spent listening to him cry about the Mickey episode he had to watch even though it was the one he requested. I'm a toddler mom. Sometimes my toddler tells me what he wants for lunch.  After I make it, he'll shake his head and whine for something else.  And when I take away his plate, he'll whine for it.  If I have the audacity to give it back, he'll scream at me. I'm a toddler mom. Tonight marks the 150th night my toddler has gone to bed without dinner.  Not for my lack of trying, but he's become a picky eater.  If it's not bread, it's not worth eating, in his mind.  I can beg and plead.  I can load his plate up with barbecue sauce to entice him to at least eat some meat.  But, he licks the sauce and he's done. I'm a toddler mom. "Let's do a puzzle" I say enthusiastically.  He runs over and grabs a puzzle of his choice and sets it in front of me.  After I remove the pieces, he hands them back for me to do the puzzle.  If I try to coerce him to place the pieces, he'll try halfheartedly as he tries to force the piece wherever he chooses.  Then he gets angry and hands me the piece again as if to remind me it was my job in the first place. I'm a toddler mom. If I leave the room, my toddler will follow.  He's likely trailing behind crying uncontrollably.  He belts out "hold you! hold you!" with tears in his eyes.  At this juncture, mommy's the only person he wants.  And he totally disregards my need to cook dinner, pee, or just take a break. And if I hold him, it's not as if he's happy unless I do whatever it is he's set his mind on.  Another round of setting up the wrong Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episode, anyone?  And he wants me to just sit there with him. I'm a toddler mom. I rarely get to eat breakfast.  If I do, I have to share.  It doesn't matter if he had three breakfasts already.  Mom's food looks amazing,  That is, until it's on his plate. I don't get to pee alone ... I've always got a witness.  But I'd better not dare put him on the potty. I've resorted to leashing my toddler.  You know, because I'm certain to be the next mom to have her child fall into the gorilla cage if I don't. I can't cook a meal, much less eat one, in peace.  He doesn't want to be involved and he doesn't want to be left alone. The only way to shop, and keep a sense of sanity, is online after the kids go to bed or spend "my time" out at a store.  It's one of the reasons I use Shipt to have my groceries delivered. I rarely look put together.  I often look worn out.  And I feel some days I have no emotions left to give. Please don't judge me ... I'm a toddler mom! Are you a toddler mom? Tell people to reserve their judgments.  Share this post or get your own statement shirt to tell the world exactly why you look so disheveled.  You know ... because trailing behind the Tazmanian Devil toddler isn't enough. #### Best Books About a New Sibling to Help Your Child Adjust Thinking about having a baby or have one on the way?  Sometimes your first child needs some help accepting that his or her life is about to change, dramatically.  These are the best books about a new sibling to help him or her cope. I'm no expert on this, but I had finally gotten my daughter to agree to hug and kiss her new sibling.   It only took many months into my second pregnancy for her to accept that there would be a new baby in our lives. When I first found out I was pregnant, I asked her if she would hug, kiss, and help out with the new baby.  "No" she'd respond sternly. For as long as I can remember, she had never liked babies.  In fact, she'd always wanted to divert our attention from them and remind us SHE was the baby.  It wasn't until she was about 3 years old that she started to become more comfortable around babies as she's had a new baby cousin and lots of new babies in our playgroup. When I realized she needed a little help understanding what being a sibling was like, I knew I wasn't going to be offering much in the way of positive experiences to help her want to be a good big sister.  In my own upbringing, my family didn't do much in the way of making a new sibling a positive experience for me.  I'll spare you the details about my childhood experiences with a new baby brother.I only know I didn't want the same experience(s) for my daughter. I wanted her to want to be helpful and enjoy having a new baby in the house. I wanted it to be fun, but I also wanted her to know that she is just as important to us as she was when she was the only child in the house. And, I needed to remember that my choice to have another baby didn't mean that I should let her handle some of the dirty work when I wasn't wanting to get left out of something. That meant, in order to prepare her for being a good sister, I needed to prepare myself for trying to offer her a more positive experience as a big sister and first child.  So, I began borrowing books from the library so that we both could read up on bringing a new baby into our home, and what it means for all of us. I found the following books useful to help acclimate my daughter to the idea of having a new sibling.  And, I thought you might also like to purchase, or borrow from your local library, some of these! I have included affiliate links to show you the books, so if you make a purchase after clicking on them, I will earn a small commission.  This is not a comprehensive list and not in any particular order.   Books About a New Sibling I just had to share this wonderful book I stumbled upon during my own pregnancy journey – "Hello in There!: A Big Sister's Book of Waiting" by Jo Witek and Christine Roussey. It's a real treasure, especially for those of us who are eagerly anticipating the arrival of a new little one. This book is just so heartwarming and relatable. It tells the story of a little girl who's about to become a big sister, and she's bursting with excitement. The illustrations are absolutely charming, and there are these interactive flaps that kids adore. It's all about her singing to her soon-to-arrive sibling and sharing all the amazing things waiting for them in the big, wide world. I think we can all relate to that sense of wonder and anticipation. What I love is that it's part of the Growing Hearts series, which celebrates the emotional milestones in a toddler's life. It captures that special sibling bond perfectly. I have a feeling that, like me, you might end up reading this book to your little one every night before the baby arrives. It's just such a sweet way to prepare our older kids for the new addition to the family. "Hello in There!" is a heartfelt, beautifully illustrated story that I think you and your child will treasure during this exciting time. In this sweet board book, Daniel Tiger is embarking on a new adventure – he's becoming a big brother to Baby Margaret! As we all know, having a new baby in the house means lots of love and care, and in this story, Daniel is right there to lend a helping hand to Mom and Dad. It's a heartwarming tale that beautifully captures the joy and challenges of becoming a big brother. What I love about "Big Brother Daniel" is that it's not just a story; it's a way to start a conversation with your little one about their new role as a big sibling. The story is based on a very special episode of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, and it's perfect for those moments when you want to gently prepare your child for the changes that a new baby will bring. Plus, who can resist the charm of Daniel Tiger? It's a delightful read that I think you and your child will cherish as you navigate this exciting journey of expanding your family. This gem is perfect for getting your toddler ready to embrace the role of a big sister. It beautifully highlights all the wonderful things that come with this new journey, from smiles and hugs to the unique capabilities that big sisters have. It's an empowering and heartwarming read that will help your little one prepare for the arrival of their new sibling while boosting their confidence about their important role in the family. A must-have for this exciting transition! note: This book uses some mature language about body parts - just want you to be aware that this is a very informative and educational book that isn't dumbed down. This heartwarming picture book, narrated by a curious new older sibling, beautifully captures the joys and wonders of welcoming a new baby. Through simple, relatable text and adorable illustrations, children discover the special roles and responsibilities of being a big brother or sister, fostering excitement and understanding for this wonderful change. With an insightful author's note offering guidance and reassurance to big siblings, this book is a must-have for any family preparing for a new addition. Follow an older sister's journey as she learns to navigate her feelings about the new arrival. Children will discover how to manage jealousy and understand that even more love is possible within a growing family. Plus, get FREE expert tips from a Clinical Psychologist to ease the transition. I'm sure there were other books we've read, but pregnancy brain has gotten to me (and I didn't think to write a list every time we picked up a book).  Oops!   These were helpful and my daughter has come around more to the idea of having a new baby in the house.  I have also found that letting her know there are so many things she gets to teach the baby (like brushing up on our sign language and Spanish vocab) has her more excited.  And, when she finally got to see the baby move in the belly, her face lit up with pure joy.  I'm certain we still have quite a ride when the baby arrives, but I'm feeling more confident that it's not a huge disappointment for her. More Books for Big Sisters | More Books for Big Brothers Do you have any books you recommend for families to read with their children to help them prepare for a new sibling?  Please share!   This post Books About A New Sibling originally appeared July 2015 and has been updated. #### Best Books to Read to Your Uncertain Child Starting Kindergarten Going back to school and starting a new grade can be a stressful time in your child's life.  These are some of the best books about kindergarten you can read to help your uncertain child starting kindergarten. For my kiddo, starting Kindergarten after Preschool filled her with anxiety.  At first, she was really excited about going back to school.  That is, until it came up in conversation that she wouldn't be returning to her old school. You may think, having gone through preschool, your child is ready for Kindergarten. But the truth is, changing schools, even for a well-adjusted preschooler, can come with difficult emotions.  Just as they've become accustomed to their routines, friends, and teacher, they entered into summer. And then the harsh reality (for a new Kindergartner) is learning that things are going to change again. "Will my friends be there? Why can't I go to my old school?" My daughter was full of questions.  Emotions were all over the place. As is standard, I helped her find answers and comfort through books. We spent lots of time discussing that she would have a new teacher and make new friends.  And, of course, there was the possibility she'd see some of her friends from her old school. If your child is having some difficulty with the idea of changing schools, making new friends, or the idea of starting kindergarten, check out these books which may help ease some of those pre-Kindergarten jitters. These are some of the best books about Kindergarten I could find. Kindergarten Jitters?  Best Books about Kindergarten These are some of the best books for the child starting Kindergarten.  And, I'm not just blindly recommending some of these books ... I've used them with my own child and tried to include books that had good ratings. "MY SCHOOL STARTS in one week so—I have SEVEN DAYS to go. Mom says be patient, do not worry. But I can't wait! I'm in a hurry!"In this delightful book a little girl counts off the days by naming what she'll do in kindergarten. "I'll be ready, I'll be smart. I will get a running start. I'll say thank you, I'll say please. I will say my ABCs!" And deciding what to wear and what to take are all part of her preparation for that exciting first day. With bouncy read-aloud rhyme, bright, fun illustrations, and hidden objects to find on each page, Kindergarten Countdown gets children off on the right foot. "Told with gentle humor by Alison McGhee and brought to exuberant life by New Yorker cartoonist Harry Bliss, this lighthearted take on pre-kindergarten anxiety will bring a smile to the face of every child--and parent--having first-day jitters." "The first day of kindergarten is finally here, and Henry can't wait to paint pictures, sing songs, and practice counting. When he gets to school, though, he's not so sure he's ready for kindergarten. But before long Henry discovers that the only thing he's not ready for is how much fun he's going to have at school! This gently humorous, encouraging story will give children about to enter kindergarten an extra boost of confidence." "Join a whole bunch of excited kids as they begin a new adventure--kindergarten! Includes more than 75 stickers so little readers can act out getting ready for kindergarten and having fun on the first day of school." Do you have any books about kindergarten to add to this list? #### Best Outdoor Summer Toys Create a fantastic summer play space with these amazing outdoor toys for kids of all ages!  Go ahead and do your shopping to get ready for fun summer outdoor activities. I can't believe we're about a week away from our summer vacation.  How did that happen so quickly? Our schedules were packed and before I knew it, the last month of school crept up on me.  I barely had time to take the toddler out to do our own things as we hadn't even been on a one nap a day schedule for all that long. Sigh. But, here it is.  SUMMER! I don't know about you, but we only have 1 week planned to be in the mountains.  And, while I'm still compiling a summer bucket list, I know there are some days I'm just going to need to take it easy at home.  You know ... as easy as having two kids 6 and under will be ... The great news is, we have a ton of outdoor play toys to keep the kids busy, and some chairs for myself ... if I'm lucky enough to be able to sit. While we have some of these toys, others I would just really love to have. Best Outdoor Toys for a Dream Summer Play Space © Ivy www.sahmplus.com Don't forget to comment if you have or want any of these toys!  Did I miss any really good ones? Backyard Discovery Mount McKinley Swing Set Don't like this swing set? Check out small swing sets or these small to big backyard swing sets. Step2 Play and Store Sandbox with Cover Step2 Naturally Playful Sand & Water Activity Center Water Hopscotch! Kids Seesaw Inflatable Bounce House Water Slide Combo Little Tikes Picnic Table w/ Umbrella A summer play space isn't complete without a shady place to enjoy a snack or lunch outside! Sprinkler Toy It's like being at a small water park, but much more affordable. Inflatable Easel Even artists can partake in outdoor time this summer! How would you create an amazing summer play space for your kids? #### Best Reward Ideas for Good Behavior 28 awesome reward ideas for good behavior. Use these ideas as positive reinforcement and reward your child for filling their reward jar when you're using the consequence and reward jars for behavior. It's incredibly important to show your appreciation for a child's good behavior, especially if you're having issues with inappropriate behavior. Guys, I've written so much about my daughter's behavior.  It's been a problem for as long as I can remember.  She was a high need baby and became a very demanding toddler. Though she can be very sweet, many things, including her naturally persistent personality led way to some very undesirable behaviors.  Having read my fair share of books to help with child behavior and discipline, I was overwhelmed.  I was trying everything and getting nowhere.  Not one suggestion on its own worked effectively or for very long. I was at my wit's end when I finally decided to work on a consequence and reward system.  It was nearly life-changing (though it only works when I actually remember to consistently use the consequence jar).  And, I've written a bit about why rewarding the good behavior is so important. Anyway, sometimes I feel like we get stuck in a rut.  And, I totally forget that free and cheap options make the kiddo just as happy as more expensive options. I'm also generally against collecting more stuff, so I like to do activity rewards more than physical rewards. But, I'm going to list everything I can think of here to help you decide on appropriate rewards for your child as you work through discipline and positive reinforcement. If you haven't already, go learn everything you can about our consequence and reward jars. Tons of Reward Ideas for Filling the Reward Jar This is a nice list of reward ideas for good behavior.  These are fabulous reward suggestions, regardless of the system you use to reward good behavior. Still, if you haven't given it a look, I enthusiastically recommend our consequence and reward jar system. Family Activity Reward Ideas You know what I love most about this section?  Everyone benefits from your child's good behavior.  Your child will be receiving praise and appreciation for doing well.  And, the family gets to spend more time enjoying each other for it. Zoo Chuck E Cheese Adventure Landing Dave and Busters Aquarium Go skating (roller, ice) Movie night in/out Indoor Trampoline or Bounce House Park Museum Ice/Roller Skating Park Special dinner out Game night in Go out for a special treat - ice cream, yogurt, or cupcake Indoor Open Gym Go to a ball game/sports event Pottery paint session Canvas paint session Go swimming Have a beach day Visit a local water park or splash pad Physical Reward Ideas Book Toy Money Candy or other treats Other Reward Ideas Get to stay up XX minutes late - choose an appropriate additional amount of time for their age but pay attention to any signs they're not ready for being up late. An extra book or chapter before bed Extra time with electronics Spend the night with a friend I think the main thing to remember, when narrowing down reward ideas for good behavior is to NOT set yourself up for something you can't afford, or just becomes too costly, down the road. We took things like theme parks off the table.  Between the 2 hour drive down to the nearest theme park, hotel stays, and entrance alone, we decided visiting theme parks was not a valid option for a once a month reward. If you dole out reward more frequently than once a month, cost is definitely something you're going to want to factor into your list. Now it's your turn!  Do you have any other reward ideas? #### Beyond The Sandwich – Mix It Up With Different Lunch Foods When you think about packed school lunches, what comes to mind?  PB&J or ham and cheese sandwiches probably.  My daughter more often than not will ask for a PB&J when given a choice.  If I'm feeling lazy or need to pack an extra lunch for the week, I'm guaranteed a win with peanut butter and jelly. While sandwiches certainly make for an easy school lunch, they are not your only options.  And, eventually, your kids are likely to get tired of the same things.  Mix it up by whipping up something different for your kids as they head back to school.  But, don't forget to include your kid in some of the decision making to ensure you pack school lunches kids will actually eat! Sandwich Alternative Lunch Ideas for Kid's School Lunches Make It A Wrap A quick and easy sandwich alternative lunch idea is a wrap.  Replace your bread with tortillas and turn your child's favorite sandwich into a wrap!  If it happens to be a ham and cheese or turkey and cheese, boost the nutritional value by adding lettuce and shredded veggies. Wanting something vegetarian?  Hummus and cucumbers or salad ingredients make for a fun lunch option. When you’re finished adding your toppings, roll it up like a burrito.  If desired, cut the wrap in half or into pinwheels for smaller hands. The wrap is good as is, or you can pack a small serving of salad dressing to dip. If you don't include condiments in the wrap, pack a small serving of salad dressing for dipping.  Just make sure you pack any dipping sauces or dressing in a small airtight container to prevent leaks. Who Doesn’t Love Snack Food And Lunchables? What kid doesn't love Lunchables?  This, in my opinion, is one of the easiest sandwich alternative lunch ideas there are. Okay, truth be told, my child will ask for Lunchables but won't actually eat anything but the meat out of them.  Have you seen the prices of Lunchables in the store?  Especially the healthier ones?  Guys, there's no way I'm paying for those so my kid can eat highly processed meat and nothing else! Instead, make your own version with healthier ingredients.  Of course, you'll have an advantage because you know what foods your kids will eat. Start with sandwich meat and cheese.  Meat options include, but are not limited to, ham, turkey, salami, pepperoni, and chicken. You can cut these into bite sized pieces.  Although, if you're lazy, like me, simply slap a piece of cheese and a couple slices of meat into one of the containers in a bento box.  Add fresh, raw vegetables.  Our favorites are cucumbers and carrots.  Add fresh or dried fruits and berries for some extra healthy sides. In the morning, you could add a few crackers before sending the kids off to school. Of course, you could make an extra fun snack food packed lunch too.  Many of the foods your child likes to snack on can make great lunch additions.  Having a mix of crackers, popcorn, trail mix, cheese, fruits, and veggies would make a delicious and healthy lunch.  Simply grab a container with lots of little dividers (bento boxes are perfect).  My favorites are made my Yumbox which have small dividers and are leak proof. Healthy Salads For Lunch A.K.A. sandwich in a bowl.  Well, sort of, right?  I mean if your kiddo likes really loaded sandwiches, this may be a really awesome sandwich alternative lunch idea for them.  It's a lot of sandwich fillings in a bowl, plus maybe others they wouldn't normally eat on a sandwich. While salads probably aren't for everyone, they're a great lunch option for older children.  Get a container with a tight-fitting lid and throw in your child's favorite salad topping.  Save the dressing for a small air-tight container so as not to make the salad soggy before lunchtime. Start with a bed of lettuce greens, add raw veggies, croutons, bacon bits, nuts, and seeds or whatever your child likes.  Top the salad with plenty of protein like cheese, hard-boiled egg, ham or turkey, or even some grilled chicken. Pack dressing in a separate container along with a fork and napkin and lunch is done.  Assemble the salad the night before and store in the fridge, but make sure all the ingredients are very dry. You can assemble the salad the night before and store it in the fridge. The key is to make sure all your ingredients are very dry. If you’re washing your lettuce, use a salad spinner, or dry it on some paper towels before starting to pack it. Cutting everything into small bite-sized pieces will ensure that the lunch time salad is easy to eat. If you wash your lettuce, use a salad spinner or dry on paper towels before starting to pack the lunch.  Pre-cutting everything into small bite-sized pieces ensures your child doesn't encounter difficulty eating at lunchtime. Are you thinking about cool Fall days? Check out more ideas on how to pack hot school lunches for the first cool days of Fall! Want more school lunch ideas? Don't forget to sign up for my email list for instant access to a free resource library.  I've recently added a mini school lunch idea recipe booklet! #### Bishop Score Calculator: Know Your Score Before Inducing Labor What is a bishop score calculator and why is it important to know your score? Everything natural birth hopefuls need to know about a Bishop Score if a doctor recommends inducing labor. Sadly, many doctors won't tell you about the Bishop Score Calculator and the importance of a Bishop Score in determining the likelihood of a successful induction.   So, I want this to be my contribution to your pregnancy. As a natural birth hopeful the first time around, I was researching natural birth not because I was scared of labor, but because I was scared of needles. No joke, I was more afraid of needles and doctors than I was of the idea of having a baby accidentally on the side of the road.  Call me crazy, but I kept hoping for it because I didn't want to end up at the hospital surrounded by white coats and hooked up to machines. My research and subsequent natural birth preparation class solidified my fear of having unnecessary interventions in the birthing process.  The more I learned, the less my desire to have a natural birth was about the needles (though they still frightened me. Instead, I began to focus on my ability to birth my baby without fear and unnecessary drugs. One of the main things I learned is that one intervention increases your chances for subsequent interventions.  This, in turn, greatly increases your chances for your natural birth plans to end up in cesarean section. This was the epitome of hell in my mind.  So, I learned about all the ways to avoid medical interventions in my births, knowing I may not have full control, but I wasn't going to be talked into something that wasn't right. If you're hoping for a natural birth and are considering an induction, you need to know what a Bishop Score is and how to calculate it using a Bishop Score Calculator. Everything You Need to Know about a Bishop Score Calculator What is a Bishop Score? A Bishop Score rates your cervix for delivery.  A doctor may use a Bishop Score to determine if you need an induction or the likelihood of pre-term delivery. As a patient, you and your doctor can use the Bishop Score to determine if induction is likely to be effective.  A favorable score means induction will be less likely to end in C-section.  However, a not-so-favorable score can indicate your body is not ready for labor and delivery.  An induction under this circumstance can lead to more interventions and increase your likelihood of a cesarean section. What is a Bishop Score Calculator? In very simple terms, a Bishop score rates individual cervical factors, including: position consistency effacement dilation The Bishop score calculator will also rate the fetal station, or where your baby's head is. None of the rating factors, when used alone, can determine how close you are to going into labor.  Some moms have been told near their due date that they have not dilated, or dilated very little and should not expect to be in labor on their own any time soon.  In some cases, those moms spontaneously went into labor within days of their due dates. Related: Due Date Calculator As moms, eager to meet their new babies, it's easy for us to get wrapped up in our due dates and feel pressure to have an induction.  And, it's easy for doctors to use this information, if you're not informed, to help you have your baby on a schedule that suits them.  Or to keep you from being overdue. This is why I believe it's important to discuss your Bishop score and use your Bishop score calculator when having an examination! Having the knowledge about a bishop score near the end of your pregnancy allows you to feel more in control of your birth.  Knowing your Bishop score will help you determine whether or not induction is a viable option when you're past your due date. How To Calculate Bishop Score While you're having your examination at your doctor's office, request the assessment of each of the aspects.  Having your Bishop Score Calculator in hand lets your doctor know you wish to be as informed and in control as possible. P.S. - You can receive a free printable Bishop Score Calculator when you join my email list!  By signing up, you'll receive access to the calculator and all the other free parenting resources and printables in my member-only section! View the table above to get an idea of how to use your Bishop Score Calculator.  Give points in the TOTAL column for each aspect. Cerival Position Scoring: Posterior = 0pts Mid-Position = 1pt Anterior = 2pts Cervical Consistency Scoring: Firm = 0pts Medium = 1pt Soft = 2pts Cervical Effacement Scoring: 0 - 30% = 0pts 30 - 50% = 1pt 60 - 70% = 2 pts >80% = 3 pts Cervical Dilation Scoring: Closed = 0pts 1 - 2 cm = 1 pt 3 - 4 cm = 2 pts >5 cm = 3 pts Fetal Station Scoring: -3 = 0pts -2 = 1pt -1 = 2pts +1, +2 = 3pts Modifiers on the Bishop Score Calculator are something to discuss with your doctor if they are mentioned. Interactive Bishop Score Calculator What is a Good Bishop Score? Firstly, when I say "good" I'm thinking in terms of a natural birth hopeful! A Bishop score of 6 or less means an induction is not likely to be successful.  Proceeding with induction in this instance is likely to cause great stress on your body and baby, which are obviously not ready for labor and could result in more medical interventions and increase the likelihood of C-section. Moms planning to have a natural birth, even those who choose to have an induction should seek a Bishop score of 8 or higher for the best chances that labor happens on its own or that induction is successful. Although we don't always have control of our birthing situations, your best chance at achieving a natural birth is to educate yourself as much as possible.  Stay informed about every aspect of your pregnancy and let your doctor know you wish to be involved in all decisions about your labor and delivery.  This requires you to have knowledge of things that can sometimes seem trivial, like knowing your Bishop score and how to use a Bishop score calculator. Can my Bishop Score predict labor? Nope. Your medical provider can make educated guesses about your impending labor, but so many factors influence labor and sometimes, things go unnoticed that prevent labor (like my son getting lodged on a bone and delaying his due date by 13 days!) Instead, a Bishop Score is used to provide more insights into how successful an induction might be. BUT this isn't perfect - and I refer you back to the story I just mentioned about my son being late by 13 days. Our story could have resulted in a dangerous induction. PIN ME FAQs About Bishop Score and Bishop Score Calculators Q: What is the Bishop score calculator? A: The Bishop score calculator is a tool used by healthcare providers to assess the likelihood of a successful induction of labor for pregnant women. Q: What factors does the Bishop score calculator consider? A: The Bishop score calculator considers five factors: cervical dilation, cervical effacement, cervical consistency, cervical position, and fetal station. Q: How is the Bishop score calculated? A: Each factor is given a score of 0 to 3, and the scores are added together to get a total Bishop score. A higher Bishop score indicates a higher likelihood of a successful induction of labor. Q: What is a good Bishop score for induction of labor? A: A Bishop score of 8 or higher is considered favorable for induction of labor. Q: How is the Bishop score used in clinical practice? A: The Bishop score is used by healthcare providers to determine whether induction of labor is likely to be successful or not. It is also used to guide decisions about the best method for induction, such as the use of medications or mechanical devices. Q: Are there any limitations to using the Bishop score calculator? A: Yes, the Bishop score calculator is not perfect and cannot predict with certainty whether induction of labor will be successful or not. Other factors, such as maternal and fetal health, can also impact the necessity and/or success of induction. Q: Can women use the Bishop score calculator at home? A: Not really, but in using the Bishop score calculator in partnership with your medical provider's calculations, you can ensure you're given all the same information your provider has in order to more confidently make decisions with your provider about your treatment plan. #### Blogger Opp - Dino Lingo Giveaway I'm closing up a review of a children's language learning set from Dino Lingo.  The system is geared to children ages 1 - 8 years.  My daughter (2.5) loves dinosaurs and very much enjoyed learning with this set over the last few weeks.  Our entire family had a lot of fun with it and it's a product I'd be happy to recommend over and over again. My review will post live on Monday (5/5/14) morning and the giveaway will follow late that evening. I'd be delighted if you'd help me promote a giveaway for this sponsor!  They're allowing me to giveaway ONE 5 DVD set in the winner's choice of language (ARV $89.95).  By signing up, you will get 1 FREE link of choice (rules in the doc), with a couple paid options.  There are no announcement post requirements or social media following requirements.  However, the opp is limited to the first 20 family friendly blogs. Please sign up for the blog opp here. Entrants, this is NOT a live giveaway.  Please look out for the giveaway beginning 5/6/14 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Disclosure: To help support this blog and continue to bring you free content, Ivy's Variety posts may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. Connect with Ivy on Google+ #### Blogging & Social Media: January Income with IZEA I'm only just starting to get used to making any sort of "income" from my blogging efforts.  Generally, I don't get paid much, if anything from sponsored posts (I'm usually happy simply receiving free items to review) and I rarely get people to click affiliate links and make purchases.  I'm okay with that, but I do like to generate some sort of income, even if it's just to help us pay for some hobbies or buy a couple presents throughout the year. I found IZEA offered a bit of extra income while using my blog and well-set social media channels to make bids on available projects.  Mostly, I've been bidding on paid tweets, but Izea offers so much more!To make the most of Izea, you need to link as many social media (and blog) outlets as you have.  Once you're set up, you'll notice a list of available projects open for bidding in the "Sponsorship" area.  You place bids on open items and occasionally you may receive a direct offer, which doesn't count against your 3 bids for the month.  A basic (free) membership allows you to bid on 3 projects per month, but you have two paid options which give you unlimited bids every month.  Initially, I remained on the free plan, but once I accrued more than $12 in my account, I switched to the $1 per month plan.  This gives me unlimited bids, and lowers the payout threshold to $50 (versus $100 threshold on the free plan).Let me show you my January earnings, because I think seeing concrete numbers puts things into perspective, quickly.January twitter earnings using IZEARemember, I said I have only taken paid tweet opportunities at this point?  Let me give you some basic statistics to understand how you may wish to pitch your bids.On Twitter, I have over 4100 followers, so I was bidding $3.50 per tweet, but had bumped it up to $4.00 per tweet.  My increase did not stop advertisers from choosing me.  So, I guess I'm averaging roughly $1.00 per thousand followers on twitter.  I also did an experiment and bid $5.00 on a few tweets in February with my followers at about 4200, and advertisers still have not been swayed.  Here's a snapshot of my January IZEA earnings which have been paid to my account (not cash out).Understand, this isn't money in my pocket at this point.  My aim is to keep enough money in my account to pay the monthly fees for at least an entire year.  The fee will be deducted from my earnings on a monthly basis, and I'd prefer to keep it that way so that I'm not money on our credit card.At this point, having used the free basic account to accrue funds to pay for a paid membership, I've turned my hard work on building my social media accounts into a self-sustaining money maker, so long as they continue to post opportunities.Important to note: I haven't taken any blogging or other social media outlet opportunities thus far, so I cannot vouch for the income potential in those opportunities.  Click my referral link below to join IZEA and start working on your income potential too!  Please note, that by using my referral link, I may make a commission off of you, but it will not take away from your own earning potential!Join IZEA and start making money from your blog and social media outlets.Connect with Ivy on Google+ Liked this article? Sign up for FREE updates!* indicates requiredEmail Address * Email Format htmltext Disclosure: To help support this blog and continue to bring you free content, Ivy's Variety posts may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Blogging Help to Boost Your Blog's Performance In a few weeks, I'm going to post my first blogging tips piece since I've re-branded.  I'm really excited about the changes that have come with this new site.  And, while I feel I've elevated to a new level quickly, I haven't done it without a lot of blogging help! If you're starting a new blog or are struggling with your current one, let me help you!  I'm going to tell you about the things I'm using which is teaching me how to blog better. For starters, I want to send out a huge thank you to my friend at Gym Craft Laundry for talking me through the many changes that came with moving my blog to WordPress.  Within about a month of my switch, I began receiving sponsored post opportunities.  This was something I was struggling to obtain at my old blog, and I had anticipated it taking some time after I changed domains.  But, it didn't take as long as I'd anticipated! I need to stop before I let my excitement overwhelm me and forget to share what you're really here for... *Dislaimer: This post includes affiliate links.  Making purchases after clicking them may earn me a small commission, which helps cover costs of running this blog. Blogging Help One of the main things Herchel at Gym Craft Laundry did was to recommend the e-book Skyrocket Blog Pageviews Using Google Analytics from LearntoBlogHangouts.  At the time, I think I paid about $30 for the book.  It's helped me to understand and use Google Analytics to increase my pageviews significantly.  I doubled my average page views in 1 month, compared to the 3 years I was blogging using the blogger platform. Now, part of my increase may have something to do with totally re-naming my site, but I have to give a lot of credit to this book for helping me see who my visitors are, where they come from, and what they're really looking at!  And, of course, I wouldn't have learned about this gem without my friend. They've since updated the book, which I'm currently working through.  It's $59.99, but just from seeing results in 1 month, I can't recommend it enough. Dominate the Search Engines I'm also just beginning to work through this book after taking the free 5 day Dominate ecourse, which was a HUGE eye opener.  This book is helping me see the way to dominate search engines for better visibility.  Just like the Skyrocket book, the tasks are simple, bite-sized, and easy to implement. [tweetthis twitter_handles="@sahmplusblog"]Even hobbies cost something. Invest in your blog - be it time or money. [/tweetthis] Not ready to spend money? Okay, I get it.  If you're blogging as a hobby, it's hard to convince yourself to spend money on a blog that may not be earning you much, if any, income.  I have two pieces of advice for you. Kate at Secret Bloggers' Business said something along the lines of (and don't quote me, because I can't remember how she put it exactly) ... hobbies cost money.  Your blog is no different.  Whether it's your business or hobby, you must invest in it. Get your freebies.  Learn blogging techniques for free when you can get it. So, freebies?  I have some for you. The same people who bring the highly recommended Skyrocket book are offering a free 5 day course on search engines.  I'm joining it on Monday September 26th and I want you to join me to.  If you join, it might give you some insight on why you should grab their Skyrocket book.  Even if you don't, I'm certain the free course will be more than useful.  Let's learn to dominate the search engines together, shall we?  If you're busy, sign up any time ... this content is free and ready whenever you are. After you've signed up for the free 5-day email course to dominate search engines, come back and check out my simple blogging tips for beginners posts!  I have two, and they're super easy to implement right away. Find a Blogging Tribe! "Hey, you said 4." Wait, are you complaining?  I'm giving you a bonus 5th way to boost your blog's performance with extra blogging help.  Guys, when I first started blogging, it was solely for hobby purposes.  I didn't spend any time networking.  Now that I'm taking this blog thing seriously, I've realized just how essential finding a blog tribe is. As much as you want to go it alone, you need help.  And, you need to be willing to help others. My friend, who I mentioned at the beginning of this post, wrote an awesome book geared to helping you find your blog tribe.  You've seen everyone tell you to get one, but you're probably like me, wondering how to find your tribe.  Herchel answers that question in her book Let's Collab! #### Book Review - "My First Counting Book" Supposedly, one of my favorite books to have read to me as a tot was "My First Counting Book".  When I found out I was pregnant, I began making a list of all the things I needed to acquire for my baby.  Books were a priority, right up there with all the necessities!A list of books I wanted was formed and this one ranked high on that list.  It begins:"One little puppy.  A roly poly puppy alone as he could be.  Isn't there a boy or girl who wants to play with me?"Super sweet flowing rhymes for 10 animal encounters that also teaches concepts beyond counting (eggs to chicks, squirrel and his acorns, fish swimming past hooks, geese flying high in the sky, and more)Best of all, my daughter, now 17 months, is falling in love with this book too.  It's still one of the few books I enjoy reading over and over.Some posts may contain affiliate links, please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Book Review - meQuilibrium: 14 Days to Cooler, Calmer, and Happier Growing up, I've always been a pretty stressed out person with little patience and a bad temper when thing didn't go the way they should go.  Over time, some of my anger issues resolved, mostly through age and maturity. Once I became a mother, I learned to let go of a few more things, but having a child created it's own problems in my stress level.  As much as I didn't want it to, raising my daughter has me stressed out and angry over other things.  Constant whining, crying about silly things, arguing for the sake of arguing... I've been a big ball of stress day after day and I knew something had to give. Additionally, my doctor told me that part of dealing with my autoimmune disorder was to include stress relief (the book forward discusses the toxicity of stress to our bodies). So, I was extremely excited to receive a complimentary copy of meQuilibrium: 14 Days to Cooler, Calmer, and Happier by Jan Bruce, Andrew Shatte, and Adam Perman from Blogging for Books. *Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links Summary Category: Self-Help/Stress Management The book briefly mentions how stress is toxic to our minds and bodies, but the meQuilibrium program was designed to teach you that how you react to stress is the real problem.  We all have natural tendencies when dealing with stressful and emotional situations, and this book should teach you to recognize it and diffuse unwarranted moments of stress (or create calmer attitudes even if the stress is warranted). Ivy's Review of meQuilibrium As I said, I've been needing better tools to reduce stress for my health and to help change attitudes in the house.  While I know that my stress is compounded with my health condition, I also believe that I may be dealing with adrenal fatigue.  I know my natural tendency is to resort to anger, but this book shows me, on Day 1, how to recognize it and ask myself if my feelings are warranted. On day 2, you read about how sleep (and lack there-of) makes stress management nearly impossible.  Your quality of sleep is linked to health issues and learning/attention abilities, amongst many other things.  This section of the book was essentially labeled as a foundation to getting the entire program right. Day 3 helps you deal with your stressors in a more immediate manner, when you don't have the time to work on a full routine.  It  likens the strategy to a "bandaid" to stop the bleeding, but you'll need to go back at a more convenient time to analyze and correct the problems. As a person who has always been easily stressed, I found this book to offer many useful strategies for me.  I feel like I need to carry it around with me with little tabs throughout the book to refer to when I need reminders.  I found day 2 to be the easiest to implement into my life regularly and found that the more I slept, the better I was able to handle the following day.  My biggest problem was getting myself to sleep through my husband's nightly TV show watching (he usually watches one show and then passes out).  Once I trained myself to close my eyes and not pay attention to the TV, I was able to fall asleep more quickly. I'm looking forward to implementing more of the strategies into my life because dealing with autoimmunity and a 3.5 year old is VERY stressful! Could you benefit from learning some de-stressing techniques?  What's your motivation?  You can buy [easyazon_link identifier="0804138494" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" localize="y" popups="n"]meQuilibrium on Amazon[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="0804138494" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/41QRy5O22kL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="334"] #### Book Review: "Nyxia" by Scott Reintgen They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. But, secretly, we all do. It's one of the reasons physical books aren't dead yet, despite the reduced cost of going digital. As far as looks go, Nyxia would be the prom queen of 2017. This book is slick, shiny, and textured. It's downright sexy. I took it to my son's music lesson and three people asked me what it was about. We've been going there for six months and no one has ever talked to me before. Apparently, I've been socializing all wrong. Thankfully, Nyxia's insides didn't disappoint either. Although I received a copy of this book free through Blogging For Books to review, all opinions stated here are completely my own. Book Review: Nyxia by Scott Reintgen   Nyxia[easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" cloak="n" height="500" identifier="0399556796" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/519KabTtZYL-1.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="333"] by Scott Reintgen is everything that's great about young-adult dystopian novels. It's fast paced and gritty, with colorful characters that don't waste time on needless dialog. The main character is a young black man, something I rarely see in teen novels. Other reviewers have compared it to Maze Runner and Hunger Games. The only thing that unites those books, besides a common genre, is that they're all breakthrough novels of their time. Nyxia manages to be exciting without being formulaic - a common issue in today's growing YA market. The story takes place in space, aboard a ship headed to a distant planet nicknamed Eden. Eden contains a strange resource that Babel Communications, a powerful Earth corporation, would like to get their hands on. The only issue is, Eden also contains alien beings who are hostile to Babel's agenda. Emmett and nine other impoverished teens have been recruited to train and travel to the alien planet, romanced by the prospect of money and security for their loved ones back on Earth. But, things aren't what they seem - not the corporation that hired them, not what they'll be required to do to get there, and certainly not the substance they're being trained to mine. Not everyone will make it to Eden alive. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" cloak="n" height="500" identifier="0399556796" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/519KabTtZYL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="333"] Reintgen's sequel, Nyxia Unleased, comes out in July of 2018, and it's not soon enough! #### Book Review: "The Fifth Petal" by Brunonia Barry Callie Cahill has returned to Salem, 25 years after the triple homicide that claimed the life of her mother and left her an orphan. Her past is suddenly dredged up when a teenage boy mysteriously dies in a way that seems to connect him to the cold case. Townspeople are pointing their fingers at Rose Whelan, the second survivor of the 1989 slashing. Others claim it is the work of an evil entity that traces back to the original witch hangings of 1692. Either way, Callie is determined to get answers, or die trying. *Disclaimer: Cristen, resident book reviewer at SAHM, plus..., received this book free in exchange for this review.  Affiliate links are included in this post. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="1101905603" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51K5X1mHflL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="329"] I love fantasy and science fiction novels. Unfortunately, as I quickly realized with this book, I'm not quite as fond of paranormal themes. The moment I heard "banshee" my brain started conjuring up images of Scooby Doo. (Zoinks!) It was difficult for me to lose myself in the story. I kept waiting for the heroine to unmask the ghost and reveal that the villain was really Caretaker Joe (not a real character). But, I digress. Also, I’m aging myself. It's a good thing this is a large book. I started warming up to the subject halfway through and stopped assuming every character that spoke of ghosts was crazy or guilty. I blame my resistance on the fact that I live near a renowned ghost town where tourists can take pictures of dust motes for $15 a head. Regardless of my personal hang-ups, I feel this novel is one that would appeal to a wide audience. I love that Barry peppered her story with real bits of Salem history. It takes a skilled author to dupe her readers into learning something. It’s like when I sneak vegetables into my kids’ meatloaf. Only better, because this worked. The characters are colorful and fully fleshed, giving the reader the sense that their narratives began long before the start of this book. Which, they did, as it turns out. This is a sequel. Thankfully, not having read the first book didn't hinder following along with the second book. It did make me interested in picking up "The Lace Reader," though. Which is saying a lot, coming from this supernatural skeptic! As an aside, I was sure that Brunonia Barry was a pseudonym. So, I looked her up. She is very real. Her parents were probably just botanists. Brunonia and her husband are co-founders of SmartGames, the makers of my family’s favorite strategy games. Some of those games even feature ghosts. I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. [easyazon_link identifier="1101905603" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Buy "The Fifth Petal" on Amazon[/easyazon_link] #### Book Review: "The Fir Tree" by Hans Christian Andersen When I was eight, someone gifted me a copy of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid" because I loved the Disney version so much. This would be the equivalent of giving someone who loves animals a taxidermied bunny. For those who don't know, the mermaid DIES at the end. Oh, don't act like I spoiled it for you. That mermaid has been dead for 179 years. Hans Christian Andersen is an amazing storyteller. He's the Tim Burton of the 19th century. But, he is NOT a children's writer. Book Review: "The Fir Tree" by Hans Christian Andersen "The Fir Tree" is a short story about a tree who is never happy and always wants more. When it is small, it wants to be big. When it is big, it wants to be cut and to see where all the other cut trees go. In the end, the tree realizes that it should have enjoyed its life while it was living it, too late. It's a traditional the-grass-is-greener-on-the-other-side type story, with a morbid twist. It would make a great high school graduation gift. This edition, with illustrations by Sanna Annukka, especially, as it is beautifully bound in green fabric and gold leafing. It's also small enough to fit in a stocking. When I ordered this book, I thought it might be a nice story for my 4-year-old; because, I'm generally full of horrible ideas. Like that time we thought letting him watch Star Wars: Return of the Jedi was a good idea and then had to explain that they were burning Darth Vader's "suit" because he didn't need it anymore. Fortunately, level heads prevailed and I reconsidered the idea after reading "The Fir Tree" myself. Children are very literal. My son wouldn't understand the metaphor and would only see the violent death of a tree. Honestly, I would like to continue being able to buy Christmas trees each year.  As an adult, I enjoyed the story for what it is, a moral fable with beautiful illustrations that gave me pause in my crazy day to look beyond the milk stains and mess and enjoy my life. I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. Want more like this, sign up for the SAHM, plus ... email newsletter.  You'll get free printable house rules and consequence jar slips to help you implement a consequence and reward jar system to improve your child's behavior. #### Book Review: "The Sunlight Pilgrims" by Jenni Fagan When I originally read the synopsis of The Sunlight Pilgrims by Jenni Fagan, I was under the impression that it was set much further in the future. This was not the author's fault; it clearly says 2020. My brain just happens to believe that I still live in 2007. Maybe I'm secretly hoping they bring back low-rise jeans and velour tracksuits. Disclaimer: Although I received this book free from Blogging For Books, all opinions stated here are my own.  Books that take place in a specific year that aren't in the past, the distant future, or part of a weird alternate reality, irritate me. At some point, the actual year of the reader is going to surpass the fictional year of the story. I call this the Back to the Future effect. It's difficult to suspend disbelief when you're too busy pouting that you don't have a hoverboard yet. People in 2020 are going to read this book and (hopefully) say, "Gee, it's pretty warm for an ice age." Book Review: "The Sunlight Pilgrims" Let's talk about that ice age, anyway. Fagan's tale takes place in BFE, Scotland. Clachan Fells, to be exact. Temperatures are dropping at an alarming rate and there's an iceberg coming. At least, that's what Fagan wants you to believe this story is about. It's what is advertised on the back of the book, after all. The real story is about 12-year-old Stella, though, a transgender girl. And THAT narrative is amazing. I wish Fagan hadn't felt the need to wrap Stella's story in something more palatable for conventional audiences. Fagan does a wonderful job of narrating the familiar anxiety of a 12-year-old kid and marrying it with the more unfamiliar anxiety of being a transgender teen. You feel every moment of Stella's angst as she tries to navigate within an unyielding world. For me, someone who is not transgender and doesn't personally know someone who is transgender, this story was enlightening and thoughtfully written. "They asked if she might feel different in a few months, or if perhaps she would simply change for gym in the janitor's cupboard. She said she'd felt like this her whole life and no amount of praying was going to change it and she could use the janitor's cupboard to change, but she was a person, not a broom." - Jenni Fagan My other issue with The Sunlight Pilgrims is that it's not a full story. It's a slice of a story. It's the valley between two big mountains - the significant events that happened before you, the reader, were dropped in, and the major events you anticipate are about to happen. As a result, I never felt like I truly got to know the characters. What do you think of this review? Did you enjoy the book review of The Sunlight Pilgrims? Want to buy the book? Disclaimer: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. [easyazon_link identifier="0553418890" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="y" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]The Sunlight Pilgrims: A Novel[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" cloak="n" height="500" identifier="0553418890" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/516yEDnP9rL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="324"] #### Book Review: "The Year Santa Lost His List" by Jill Vanderwood #theyearsantalosthislist I just posted about getting into the Christmas spirit with a roundup of ways to help you during the holiday season.  One of my favorite ways to get into the spirit of the season, aside from listening to music, is to read books with my children.  My daughter could listen to Christmas music and read holiday books year-round.  What about your kids?  Christmas all the time? Or do they let it have its own time?  I like to reserve it for right around Thanksgiving to keep it special and fun. I was provided the book "The Year Santa Lost His List" by Jill Ammon Vanderwood in exchange for my honest review. The back cover of the book reads: With list in hand, Santa boarded his sleigh on Christmas Eve. Things were going well until a huge gush of wind blew the list right out of Santa’s hand. Santa still had gifts to deliver, but without his list, he had no idea which gift to deliver to which child. He brought ice skates to Julie, who always wanted to be an artist. Noah, whose only interest was baseball, received a guitar and microphone. Santa was worried that he may not have gotten the gifts delivered to the right children, but he didn’t need to worry. Children will discover, along with Santa the magic that took place, the year Santa lost his list! Though it's a children's book, I excitedly dove into it right after my daughter went to bed.  I was excited about the possibilities awaiting me.  I mean, what could have happened to make Santa lose his list?  It's unheard of!  And, the kids he's delivering presents to.  What kind of mix ups were going to happen? Unfortunately, the book didn't deliver the excitement I'd expected.  The author tries to appeal to the new generation through a short mention of electronic devices, insinuating that Santa uses things like a tablet and GPS these days.  Not that I could blame him, really.  But, the overall story was set in the days he still used paper for his list and reindeer to guide his sleigh.  Then, in 2 short paragraphs, Santa encountered the reason he lost his list.  A huge "gush" of wind. From there, the story continues to be rushed.  There's no grand excitement or to-do about the event.  He continues on delivering presents and was doing his best to give appropriate gifts.  Each page thereafter shows seemingly disappointed children who had aspirations or interest in one hobby, yet receiving a gift that was totally unrelated.    Each of the children were given one sentence to describe what they wanted and what they got. In another 2 brief paragraphs, you're catapulted into the adult lives of the children whose presents were mixed up that year.  Each of them had learned a new talent and found interest in their gifts.  And, each of them had made a new career based on them. I absolutely loved the concept, but I didn't feel the author was very enthusiastic about the subject.  It all felt forced.  And, by not creating a connection with any of the children, it was really hard to get very excited over the change the mix-up made in their lives. I believe there is a good lesson to be learned in this book, but I didn't feel the author put much thought into it.  It had much more potential to be more engaging and entertaining.  I got almost as much from the story itself as I could have from reading the back cover. The art was very appealing, in my opinion, though it was hard to see the emotion in the characters.  Still, not the book's biggest problem. If you're looking to teach your children a lesson about talents and making the best of things, this might be a helpful conversation starter. #### Book Review: 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know by Kari Kampakis Summary10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know was initially written in a blog post by Kari Kampakis, then expanded into book form after her post became wildly popular.  This is a nonfiction book geared toward teenage (or pre-teen) girls who can use someone else's experiences and stories to remind them how important it is to be kind, genuine, and confident.  The tips Ms. Kampakis gives are meant to help young girls make their way through life and find their purpose more confidently.I received a copy of this book from BookLookBloggers.com in exchange for my opinions of this book.  I received no monetary compensation for providing this review.  All opinions are my own.Ivy's Review of 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know by Kari KampakisAs a mother of a daughter, I thought it would be a good idea to read the "truths" my daughter is supposed to know.   Truth be told, I could probably use the knowledge for my own life.  Growing up, and still today, I'm not feminine and I can't say that I had many wonderful heart to hearts with my mother about how to grow up through my teenage years unscathed.  I don't get what it's like to be a girl since I don't do many "girl" things, and this book would have likely been of some use for me to celebrate my differences as a teenager, rather than struggle with them like I did.  I want to be better prepared for my daughter and I thought the book would give me more insight for the two of us.I enjoyed the book immensely.  Although founded in Christian beliefs, this book was an easy read and easy for me to apply it to our own lives, even though we're not big into religion.  Each chapter, or "truth", incorporated plenty of personal experiences and stories to explain in easy-to-understand terms.  The best part of the book was the discussion questions at the end of each chapter, which allows your daughter to think about the subjects more deeply.  I believe these would be good tools whether your daughter does these on her own, or you use them to promote discussion together.I feel, in a lot of ways, this book taught me a lot more about being a woman than I'd learned previously.  I'd venture to say that I actually felt sorry for my inner teenager.  Reading these things, I found myself wishing someone had explained to me then what I'm reading now.  Because of this book, I believe I may also be better equipped to help my daughter navigate her way to adulthood, hopefully with much less confusion than I experienced.Overall, I think this is a good read for moms and daughters.Connect with Ivy on Google+ Liked this article? Sign up for FREE updates!* indicates requiredEmail Address * Email Format htmltext Disclosure: To help support this blog and continue to bring you free content, Ivy's Variety posts may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Book Review: Go Ahead & Like It by Jacqueline Suskin Do you ever have a hard time looking at the positive side of life?  I know it's easy to get into a rut and go through the day-to-day without giving much thought to the things you like or enjoy about your day.  When I get aggravated, I find it hard to let it go and re-think the things that aren't aggravating or frustrating.  I was really looking forward to reading Go Ahead & Like It by Jacqueline Suskin, which I had received from Blogging for Books in exchange for my review.This book was meant to inspire you to write lists or things you like as a way to find the good in daily life, and to collect those memories.Ivy's Book ReviewI'm still plagued with the inability to sit down and write lists about things I liked at any given moment of the day.  While the book was a nice idea, I misunderstood the premise, taking "prompts" to mean that I might be provided spaces within the book to try practicing a "like" list at that moment.  I don't always have pieces of paper handy everywhere I read a book for me to be prompted to write a list.Some of the topics were rather inspiring, but I found a few of them to be rather odd and impractical.  For instance, one topic covered writing a "like" list in the midst of heavy stand-still traffic.  While I rarely face those instances, I took it to mean that I should write a list in one of my more stressful events of the day.  Let me tell you, I couldn't find it in myself to write lists while my toddler was throwing a random tantrum over things that we had no control over.   Don't get me wrong ... it's a great idea that would likely alleviate some stress and allow me to re-think my attitude, but sometimes it's impractical.   That's, generally, how I felt about the book for myself.  Impractical.  I don't find it easy to break away from our day-to-day to write lists of things I like in the moment.  As the book proclaims to be in the self-help genre, it didn't offer helpful ways to retrain your brain to allow yourself to take the minute or two to break away to write your lists.  I felt guilty thinking about wanting to give myself 5 minutes to write like lists when I had so many other things that needed to be done during the day.  We all know that cleaning house and cooking isn't the easiest of tasks when you also have to ensure that your toddler is well-cared for at the same time.  Plus, I have plenty of guilt that I'm not spending time with my toddler when I'm busy cleaning house.A self-help book might have considered that while also trying to inspire one to write such lists.  How, as the author, can I help this person to take that minute away, not just to help them learn to "like" things in the midst of a stressful or displeasing situation?  And, it would have been wonderful to have used some empty space in the pages to allow the reader to utilize the prompts in the event paper or sticky-notes weren't available at the time of reading. #### Book Review: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo I received the book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo from Blogging for Books in exchange for my review.  I received no further compensation for this review.  I was excited about receiving this book since one of my unspoken resolutions for this year was to get my house more organized.  I know I don't have all the necessary tools or the skills to tackle it alone, so a helpful book is much appreciated.  I had no idea how drastically different this book would approach tidying compared to conventional ideas on the subject.SummaryPublished by: Category: Self-Help - Motivation                 Philosophy - ZenISBN 978-1-60774-730-7Synopsis on RandomHouse.com:This New York Times best-selling guide to decluttering your home from Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo takes readers step-by-step through her revolutionary KonMari Method for simplifying, organizing, and storing.Ivy's ThoughtsI have stacks of paper everywhere ... it's a paper plague!  I can resolve to sit down once a month to clean it up, but I rarely get rid of enough to make my house look organized.  I'm actually quite embarrassed when people come to the house, because the stacks must surely be noticeable.  Plus, we have random items all through the house in rooms they technically don't belong in.  Racing parts, cameras, etc in the formal dining room.  Bills and such in the kitchen and living room table.  Toys in the playroom and scattered throughout the house.  Even our spare bedroom looks like a hurricane hit.  Who, in their right mind, wouldn't judge me as a stay at home parent?  Part of my job is to keep the house clean, right?  I swear it looks like I've failed miserably, regardless of the countless hours I spend on chores.  Disappointing.  The truth is, we have too much stuff and devote too little time to organizing or trashing (or giving away) things we really don't use.  Sometimes, our disorganization is from lack of proper tools or understanding of how to get it done.All that said, I was excited to see this book pop up on my feed of options to review!  The general theme of the book discredits the idea that tidying up a little every day will get the job done.  The sentence that hit home most was "If you tidy up in one shot, rather than little by little, you can dramatically change your mind-set."  The premise is to do a marathon cleaning of the house, which includes discarding things you don't need, use, or didn't even remember you had.  The author states that by changing your mind-set and doing the marathon cleaning, suggested in her book, that you won't have a rebound effect, but you will rebound if you still believe tidying a little every day is effective.  It's your mind-set that has to change before your house can truly be de-cluttered and organized.Since the gist is to do a cleaning marathon and strive for perfection from the start, the method isn't going to work for me at the time.  Since I'm the toddler's full-time caregiver right now, plus spending hours on end cooking in the kitchen, I'm in the "get through the day" mode of parenting and can't spend a day, or days on end, concentrating on completing full projects.  Otherwise, I believe the concepts offered in the book are exactly what I need and would be effective to getting the house in order the way I'd like to see.  I'm going to continue reading and keep the book on hand to revisit when my daughter starts preschool this year, when I'll be able to devote more time to perfection.I love the ideas in the book.  She gives you steps and you have to work through them whole-heartedly for the process to work.  She likens the experiences to meditation and if you can't feel good about doing this, you're not ready to move on to through the steps.  She then walks you through each step according to the things you wish to sort (not the areas).  You're supposed to focus on discarding things that don't bring you joy and things you have multiples of.  By tidying according to location, you may be tidying a certain category of thing again later, which is counterproductive.  She even gives a list of order in which to tackle your objects.I really believe this book will be of great use when I can devote my time to it.  I love that the ideas seem so drastically different than anything I've ever read in magazines or online about tidying.  After reading this, I can see the fault in the general idea of storing our belongings vs actually discarding this we don't need or that don't make us happy.  You can purchase The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up in several formats on Amazon.Connect with Ivy on Google+ Liked this article? Sign up for FREE updates!* indicates requiredEmail Address * Email Format htmltext Disclosure: To help support this blog and continue to bring you free content, Ivy's Variety posts may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Book Review: The Smart Playbook by Suzanne M. Wind Aside from learning abc's, writing, reading, and math, children need to learn all sorts of social skills and manners.  Today, there are many more things we need to be teaching our children that we didn't really have to worry about growing up.  It's hard to think of everything, so it's nice to have a guide to help you remember things you may otherwise forget.  That's why I was excited to get a chance to review The Smart Playbook: Game-changing life skills for a modern world by Suzanne M. Wind.  I was provided a copy of this book through Tomoson in exchange for my honest opinions. The Smart Playbook is so much more than a guide to life.  This book was written and organized in a wonderful family game style, putting parents in the "coach" role and children are the players.  Everything you need to teach your children is set up in game fashion as they get to earn ticket (tallying points) with some bonuses at the end of each chapter. You start by reading the introduction for the coach and player(s), then, complete "The Smart Contract "as a family, which includes deciding on a reward for your child(ren) after completing the entire playbook. There are 5 chapters, or Game Plans, as follows: 1. Social Skills 2. Mealtime Manners 3. Art of Conversation 4. Restaurant Behavior 5. Technology Talk I was impressed with the entire book, but I was thoroughly grateful for the technology section which covers private/personal information, selecting appropriate usernames and passwords, and avoiding spam or scams.  I loved the sections that were reminders of how to set a table in different ways and conversation and posture (in regards to confidence). Although the book is set up to cut out pages and write in others, my recommendation, especially for multiple children in the household is to copy pages that you wish to mark on.  There's a page with conversation cards.  I find it more useful to copy the questions onto individual, more sturdy note-cards.  Plus, it's great to add to the questions by thinking up some of your own that you can personalize for your family. This book isn't for the little ones (although I'm glad I have this on hand to prepare me).  There are crosswords, word-finds, and other writing assignments to complete the book.  Still, we had fun with some of the questions, learning to set the table, and role playing to learn our social skills. If you're interested in this book, you can get it on Amazon by using my affiliate link here: #### Books to Help With Child Behavior and Discipline Parenting can be so difficult when we're not equipped to handle negative or unwanted behaviors.  I can't tell you how many times I wondered why my child was so disobedient or wouldn't listen to me.  My husband kept trying to tell me that he'd heard of lots of moms and toddler daughters having the same issues as we were having.  A lot of it was that I was a stay at home mom and our daughter was tired of me. I get that.  It's hard being with the same person all day everyday.  We probably take each other for granted more often that I'd like to admit.  But, at the worst of it, I still couldn't help but feel like I was a failure.  My daughter wouldn't listen to me.  I was pretty sure she hated me. But, as is mommy's nature, I won't be beaten!  I read and employed every tactic I could find until something worked.  Something was bound to work!  It just had to!   This is what I read to help with her behavior and to help me discipline more effectively. Books to help with child behavior and discipline General Parenting Even though I have high needs kids, I found these general parenting books useful.  Getting your child to listen or to do what you ask isn't nearly as difficult if you have some strategies in place.  By far, my favorite parenting book was 1-2-3 Magic!  But, there are other great suggestions here too. This book was the most simple to employ when my daughter was a toddler.  And, though I now use a consequence and reward jar system, I still find TONS of use in counting to three to get my child to listen.  This tops the charts, in my opinion, when it comes to general books to get my kid to cooperate. We were fans of The Happiest Baby on the Block, so it made sense to try out the toddler version! If you're like me, scientific type explanations for your child's behavior may really hit home.  This book helped me make sense of the why when my daughter would behave a certain way.  Then, I was better equipped at how to handle the particular behavior. Parenting High-Needs Kids As a parent of not one high-needs baby, but TWO (lucky me), I can tell you there absolutely is a difference in babies.  You're not alone mama.  I know it's hard and I've borrowed plenty of books and employed many strategies I never thought I would have tried.  When you have high need kids, you're constantly tested and feel like your consistently failing.  What in the world are you doing wrong? NOTHING! But, you have to be willing to keep trying new things until you find something that works.  And something will, I promise!  For me, it's the consequence and reward jars. Until then, these are some of the things I've read (or listened to) that helped me make better sense of my children.  These books help: The Fussy Baby Book, was less about discipline, and more about learning how to handle high-needs babies! The baby phase isn't easy, and when you have high-needs babies, it feels as though you are failing as a new parent. Have you read other parenting books to help with child behavior and discipline?  What would you recommend? #### Break Up with Your Coffee Brewer - Try This One Instead Okay, I've had a Keurig K-Cup machine for several years, then transitioned to a Vue machine when I received a HouseParty.com Keurig Vue House Party Pack.  I loved the Vue brewer but I never loved the lack of options (sorry Keurig, but I must speak the truth). I began contemplating buying a new K-Cup brewer and was making the plans to do it soon.  Over the holidays I stumbled across the BUNN My Café brewer on sale at my local Lowe's store.  I was immediately intrigued.  I've been so Keurig-loyal, that I had never realized other brand coffee brewers existed that also fit the k-cups. *Diclaimer: Affiliate links are included in this post. I've waited this long to mention it, because I wanted to test it out a while.  The BUNNMy Café brewer is a single cup brewer that has FOUR different brewing options (4 trays).  1 k-cup tray, ground coffee tray, pod (or tea bag) tray, and water tray (when you just want to brew hot water). So far, I've tried the ground coffee tray and the k-cup tray and I have been SO very pleased. What are the benefits of the Bunn My Café brewer? * Variety!!  Do you like to collect free coffee samples??  Yeah, me too!  Now, I'm not limited to what samples I can request.  Or, if I find a spectacular deal on coffee or tea, I can get it, no matter what package it comes in (except Vue packs). * Pulse function. The "pulse" brewing function actually does make coffees taste better!  I tried a ground coffee one day and didn't use the pulse function and really disliked it.  The next day, I tried the pulse feature, and I surprisingly enjoyed the coffee.  Who knew what a difference it would make. * Small footprint.  This takes up far less space than either Keurig machine I've owned. * Variety of cup sizes.  The brewer will brew between 4 and 14 oz, depending on the amount of water you add. * Easy to set up and use.  Instructions are easy to understand and set up took just a couple minutes.  If you're not technologically inclined, this machine will not confuse you. What are the cons of the Bunn My Café brewer? *  No reservoir.  For every cup of coffee, I have to measure the amount of liquid.  Because there is no reservoir, there is no cup size selector, so it's all a manual process. * Small cup area.  I've found that even removing the drip tray when using the k-cup tray, the brewer doesn't easily accommodate a travel mug.  There is some tilting involved to get the travel mug seated under the k-cup tray.  When the drip tray is removed, much less tilting is required. * No on off button.  The machine is always on.  It's supposed to enter a "sleep" stage and will begin heating when you add water or put a brewing tray in its spot. While I don't really care for having to add water for every cup, I've been very happy with this machine.  I'm looking forward to the capabilities of having so many different varieties of coffees, teas, etc.  And, if I have visitors, they can bring their favorite coffees (in case I don't have something that fancies them). Update as of 11/7/16 - I love that this suits just about any need you have, so long as you don't need to make a large pot.  Still, the only thing I can say I'd really like is an automatic brew feature to have my coffee ready when i wake up.  Until I find something that functions this well and will automatically brew, I'm still sticking with this brewer!   #### Breastfeeding Comfort for Fall with Momzelle {Plus Giveaway} I have been provided a free top from Momzelle Breastfeeding Apparel in exchange for my review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.   We don't get much, but cooler weather is right around the corner for Florida.  I mean, we're probably going to get our cold weather for Thanksgiving.  Then, things will heat back up again for Christmas.  Regardless, it's time for me to start preparing for breastfeeding comfort in the cooler weather.  That means I need to up my game on my breastfeeding apparel wardrobe.  One of the worst parts of breastfeeding in cold weather is baring your stomach when lifting your shirt.  Seriously, what good does a sweater do if you're lifting it, exposing your stomach to the elements while feeding baby? So, I've teamed up with Momzelle again to review one of the new additions to their line of fabulous breastfeeding apparel.  I'd previously reviewed this versatile breastfeeding dress, so I was excited to be working with them again. Img source Momzelle Breastfeeding Comfort in the Juliette Top I chose the Juliette Nursing Top, in green.  I love my new addition  What you need to know is that I'm an abnormally small woman at about 92 lbs, so even the XS is a bit big on me.  Please don't compare sizing on me as an indication of how to size for yourself, generally. Ready for a cool Fall day in my green Juliette nursing top As I mentioned before, lifting sweaters and exposing my belly to feed the baby in cooler weather isn't comfortable.  What I love about this top is that it has openings on both sides that you can open with one hand.  This is perfect for quick access for a very hungry baby.  It's also perfect for nursing on-the-go in a carrier, if you've got that mastered.  I regularly need to nurse on the go, especially when visiting Disney, so this feature is essential for me. This nursing top is extremely soft and feels like it's made of durable fabric.  The elastic bottom will help hold your shirt in place. What I love about this shirt is that it's fairly lightweight, so it's great for throwing a sweater or jacket on to better adjust for the weather.  I have a tendency to get cold easily, so this will be great for even indoor events when I may usually carry a sweater to keep the chill off my arms. In my case, I could easily wear this top with my jeggings (as shown), with leggings, or with jeans.  If it were more fitted, I could see wearing it with a nice skirt. Now for the giveaway! Enter for your chance to win a Momzelle gift card to enhance your look and breastfeeding comfort Breastfeeding Comfort Momzelle Gift Card Giveaway Momzelle Breastfeeding Apparel Coupon Code Update: If you can't wait to find out if you've won, or want to get a start on your breastfeeding apparel wardrobe, Momzelle has is offering my readers an exclusive 15% discount off their orders.  Use code SAHMPlus15 now through 10/22/16 at Momzelle's website. Before You Leave, check out these other posts:     #### Build STEM Skills During Bath Time with BathBlocks My daughter has quite a few bath toys.  I've tried to keep the rubber duckies and other mold-harboring toys out of the bathroom.  I know I've failed a bit, but there were some things she was adamant about keeping, and I try my best to keep the toys clean.  I felt as though she may have actually become bored with her bath toys, and became more interested in the educational ones that we didn't keep in there all that much.  She was trying to build words with her bath letters recently, having fun making me read the off-the-wall "words" she would come up with. I was happy to have been chosen to review BathBlocks through Tomoson.com recently to add some extra fun to bath time.  I was provided a set of BathBlocks to facilitate my review.  The opinions expressed in this post are my own. Disclaimer: I've included affiliate links in this post.  Making purchases after clicking links may earn me a small commission, but will not cost you any more. To my surprise, my daughter is now requesting more regular baths so that she can play with her BathBlocks, as opposed to fighting me when I say it's bath time.  On the days she's not sure about taking a bath, I simply remind her about the blocks and she's convinced she needs a bath. The best part about these blocks is that they're another educational tool that she just finds fun.  She's able to create her own ball run and experiment with placement and buoyancy.  We also found it helpful to dump water into the top run to get the ball rolling. The only thing I have a gripe about is that, even after following special instructions, we couldn't get the blocks to stick to the walls as shown in the picture.  Maybe we didn't dip them into enough soap, but I didn't want to promote waste. BathBlocks are: * Educational * Engaging * Made from mildew resistant EVA * PVC and phthalate-free We've really enjoyed the BathBlocks, and I'm considering buying a few sets to give at Christmas. #### Cake Maternity and Nursing Bra Makes Mama Feel Happy  I have partnered with Cake Maternity to bring you this review, but all opinions are 100% my own.  You will find affiliate links in this post. In addition to all the things I wasn't prepared for in my 2nd pregnancy, going up a bra size hadn't crossed my mind.  That is, until I couldn't fit into my bra anymore.  With my first pregnancy, that didn't happen until after the baby arrived.  This time around, I was actually having to shop for maternity/nursing bras in my 5th month.  Then came the tedious task of trying on bras that I found comfortable, yet flattering, and I landed a couple that I liked, but sure didn't make me feel very attractive.  I purchased them because they were on sale, but I had really hoped to find a style that was both comfortable and attractive. Yes, I want to feel attractive because this pregnancy has already taken so much out of me.  It's the least I could ask for right? Cake Maternity is committed to offering pregnant ladies a wide range of maternity & nursing bras, lingerie, swimwear, and more.  I couldn't have been more excited when they agreed to have me review the nursing bra I had been eyeing. For my review, I chose the Sherbet Non-Wire Nursing Bra with matching brief.  I've haven't worn a bra with an underwire in years, and the last time I tried one on, I was instantly uncomfortable.  I decided that if I was going to achieve the feeling of attractiveness that I desired, being uncomfortable wasn't going to help me.  Additionally, this particular bra was feminine and decorative, unlike the set I had to buy when I was desperate to fit into something so unexpectedly. For starters, the set came very quickly (arrived within 3 days).  When I opened the basic UPS package, I was greeted by a beautiful box which made me feel as though I was receiving a gift tied by a ribbon.  The set was nicely wrapped in silver tissue paper and accompanied by a handy maternity bra booklet.   What happened after I opened the package rather surprised me.  My husband looked over and said something like "That's for maternity?  It looks like the reason maternity happened."  SCORE.  I picked a set that wouldn't make me feel frumpy and boring, while also getting a little extra attention from the hubby.  Trying it on for the first time, I felt so good in it, I forgot I was pregnant  (at least for one minute).     Cake Maternity Nursing Bra Sizing The website offers a handy Fitting Guide or Bra Size Calculator if you need help deciding on a bra size.  I had already had to purchase a nursing bra because my regular bras just didn't fit anymore, so I didn't need to use the guides to help me select my new size.  After playing around with the settings in both the guides, I didn't find the Bra Size Calculator to be accurate, though I admit I was having some difficulty measuring myself.  The Fitting Guide seemed much more accurate if you were to answer the questions accurately. I selected my new bra based on my recent purchase at another store and I feel like it was the right choice because I still have 4 loosening hooks before I grow out of it (and I doubt I'll get that far).  Plus, the bra cups still have some extra room for growth. Ivy's Overall Impression As stated previously, I found that there's still plenty of room for growth, which I know I'll need once the baby arrives.  Once, I adjusted the straps and back closure appropriately, I found the bra to be extremely comfortable. I'm quite fond of the appearance and overall feel of the materials used in the set.  These are quality pieces that don't make me think of maternity and nursing.  Enough so, that hubby even had a hard time believing the set was for maternity and nursing.  When I was feeling pretty low about this pregnancy, this set lifted my spirits and made me feel attractive again.  Plus, I have the bonus of being able to use it through my pregnancy and nursing so I'm not destined to be a frumpy housewife for the next year, like I ended up being with my first baby. The particular bra sells on their website for $65 and shipping is free if your order is over $70.  In my opinion, the materials used feel durable enough to warrant spending the money, especially since this will get you through both the maternity and nursing years.  It's just a bonus that they're actually attractive enough that you might even decide to wear them past the nursing years if you still fit in them!! Interested in Cake Maternity and Nursing Apparel? Check out the massive selection of [easyazon_link keywords="Cake Maternity " cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]Cake Maternity Lingerie on Amazon[/easyazon_link]. What's your favorite piece of maternity wear? #### Capturing Family History With Aging Relatives Do you miss some of your grandparents' stories or are you looking for a deeper connection through family history? Here's how to preserve family history with older relatives. How much do you know about your family tree ? What about the life stories of your loved ones? Probably not nearly as much as your grandparents, aunts, or uncles! Yet many of them may not be comfortable with computers or other technology, which are the easiest way to quickly document family history. As I write this, I'm thinking of my great-grandmother's story about dating in her day and finding her husband. Details I can't recall but wish I could hear again. Additionally, I can remember all the things my grandfather tried to teach me as a child and into my teen years. I'm bothered by the thoughts that of everything he tried to involve me in, I took it all for granted that I'd have the chance to learn it all over again when I was more mature or looking to broaden my horizons. And, I know there's parts of my grandfather's life that have only been mentioned, like being in the coast guard, but were never actually part of any conversation or story telling. My great grandmother and great grandfather on my mom's side of the family each made their way to the U.S. alone from Puerto Rico and Cuba. I never had the pleasure of meeting my great grandfather and I know little more about my great grandmother than that she left home as a teen, moved to NY and taught herself the English language by watching the news and reading newspapers. But the struggles of moving to a country alone, or even how she met my great grandfather ... all of these stories have never been told and are lost. My own mother passed away 4 days before my youngest child was born and my daughter was 4 years old. Needless to say, they know very little about their own Grandmother, other than the few things I or my dad might mention in passing. As I am confronted with my father's health issues, I'm aware that our time together is limited. And once again, I and my children will only be left with the memories we've made and few stories about his life without details but plenty of gaps. But it doesn't really have to be this way. There are things you can do to preserve life stories and family history, even as your loved ones age. But how? Here's where you come in: you can use your computer literacy or even just your video camera to capture their memories for the benefit of the entire family. By doing this, you'll leave a legacy for your children and their children so the memories live on. Try some of these ideas to document your family history: Explain what you want to do. Tell your aging relatives, in advance, what your goals are. Stress that you want to know about the family's history or details on their life stories. Let them know that you believe that they can shed light on various areas of the family's story. Share that you want to meet with them to film, audiotape, or conduct another sort of interview. Make use of what you know about the relative when you approach them. For example, if they love undivided attention and speaking about themselves, you should easily be able to get answers to your questions. If, on the other hand, the relative is shy, quiet and private, you're facing a bigger challenge to get them to open up to you. Perhaps they'd find it easier to start by talking about mundane details of everyday life before slowly progressing into more personal topics. Create Videos. Prepare a list of questions you want to know about your family and bring your video camera with you. Make up your list in advance, thoroughly considering specific questions you have about your family's history. Ask if it's okay for you to video your conversation. Since many people aren't very comfortable being on camera, place the camera as inconspicuously as possible to encourage them to focus on you. Having a complete interview on video is an enormous asset, since you can preserve it to pass down through generations. Make Audio Recordings If you don't have any way to record the interview but you have the capacity to make an audio recording, do so. Allow your relative plenty of time to answer the questions and elaborate in any way they want. Sometimes, something that's said in an interview will lead to new and fascinating family information. Plan ahead for this and have more than enough memory on your recording device just in case. Devise Written Interview Questions In the event you want to gather more info about historical family events or elements of the family tree, write down all of your questions. Depending on your relative's age and ability to express themselves through writing, furnish the relative with a copy of your questions and have them write out their own answers. This method will not work for everyone as some relatives will miss the value or specific content of what you're trying to gather. Decide the Best Method to Gather Historical Info from Aging Relatives Make an effort to determine, in advance, the best method to use to gain the knowledge you're looking for. You might have relatives who still hold family secrets. Thus, they might be less than appreciative about being asked questions about their family. Some relatives might even sabotage your efforts to gather information or at the very least, ignore your endeavors. Sometimes resistant relatives will come around if you persevere gently in your efforts and make it clear you plan to plod ahead with other relatives to gather the information you want. If You're Stumped, Contact Genealogy Experts In most communities, there are organizations that will help you hunt down your family history and advise you how to approach aging relatives with questions. You can also contact experienced genealogists online and ask for assistance or guidance with your processes. Options for Preserving Family History & Life Stories 1. DIYBook DIYBook offers two enticing membership programs, Life Story and Business Book, designed to empower your creative aspirations and entrepreneurial ambitions. Benefits of DIYBook include: Weekly Writing Prompts: Receive a weekly dose of inspiration with thought-provoking prompts delivered directly to your inbox. Kickstart your writing journey and overcome writer's block effortlessly. Your Personal Author Account: Seamlessly craft your stories and ideas within the confines of your very own Author Account. No more need for scattered notebooks or lost manuscripts – it's all at your fingertips. Professional Book Printing Services: When your masterpiece is complete, DIYBook offers book printing services that allow you to transform your digital creation into a tangible, beautifully bound book, delivered right to your doorstep. Achieve Your Dream in One Year: With a commitment to daily writing habits and our structured system, DIYBook empowers you to realize your dream of becoming a published author in as little as one year. 2. Storii Are you looking to capture the essence of your life and leave a lasting legacy for future generations? With Storii, it's not just a possibility; it's a seamless reality. Here's how Storii works, along with some key benefits: Life Story Questions - Find Diamonds in the Rough: Storii offers a treasure trove of over 1000 life story questions to choose from. Dive into your unique journey by selecting questions that resonate with you or even create your own, uncovering hidden gems from your life's narrative. Life Story Phone Calls: Storii makes it effortless to answer life story questions. Whether you prefer to receive scheduled phone calls or call in at your convenience, these sessions help you populate your life story effortlessly. What's more, Storii automatically transcribes and archives these recordings, ensuring your story is preserved accurately. Connect with Family and Build a Legacy: Storii is not just about your story; it's about sharing your experiences and wisdom with loved ones. Securely share your stories via email or links, allowing your family and friends to cherish and celebrate your journey. Plus, download your stories as beautifully crafted keepsake audiobooks, turning your memories into timeless treasures. 3. Family History Record Book Are you passionate about preserving your family's rich history and ancestry? Look no further than the Family History Record Book, your essential tool for genealogy research. With its user-friendly design and an array of invaluable features, this book offers a seamless way to document your ancestors' details and create a lasting record. Here are some key benefits: Comprehensive Family Tree Recording: The Family History Record Book provides ample, meticulously organized space to document up to eight generations of your family tree, accommodating an impressive total of 255 individuals. With dedicated sections for each generation, you can delve deep into your ancestry, preserving vital information and connections. Multiple Information Fields: Capture the essence of your ancestors' lives with up to 16 pieces of information for each individual, including essential details, dates, and sources used. This comprehensive approach ensures that your family's legacy is well-documented and supported by credible sources. Cousin Calculator and Timeline: Navigate family relationships effortlessly with the included cousin calculator chart, simplifying the often complex web of connections. Additionally, a unique timeline showcases over 100 types of records, making it an invaluable resource for researchers of English, Welsh, Scottish, and Irish family history. Choose between the convenience of paperback or the durability of hardback to tailor your Family History Record Book to your preferences. Preserve your heritage, connect with your roots, and create a valuable resource for future generations with this indispensable genealogy companion. Obtaining facts about your family's history and family tree can be a big adventure and an even bigger challenge. But if you persevere, there are huge rewards to learning your family history. And your efforts don't just benefit you; with recorded or written interviews, you'll leave a legacy for generations to come. #### Challenging the Epidural Narrative: What the Recent Study Didn’t Tell You As a mother who has experienced the beauty and power of natural birth twice, I've felt firsthand the benefits of giving birth without drugs. Recently, I came across a National Geographic article claiming that epidurals significantly lower the risk of serious complications during childbirth going so far as to using "... Can Save Lives" in the title. While this might sound reassuring at first, it's essential to review the facts more deeply and consider the potential downsides that the article glosses over. The Cascade of Interventions One critical aspect often overlooked in discussions about epidurals is the "cascade of interventions." This term describes a chain reaction where one medical intervention leads to another, increasing the likelihood of complications. For example, an epidural can slow down labor, which might necessitate the use of synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) to speed things up. This can result in more intense contractions, higher stress for both mother and baby, and a greater chance of ending up with a cesarean section. The Truth About Epidurals Let's examine some key points about epidurals and natural birth, backed by scientific research: Increased Risk of Cesarean Sections: Epidurals may carry a higher risk of cesarean delivery. A comprehensive study, Epidurals: Do They or Don’t They Increase Cesareans?, could not say that epidurals don't increase the likelihood of instrumental delivery and cesarean section due to fetal distress. Impact on Labor Progression: Epidurals can significantly slow the second stage of labor. Research published in BMC Anesthesiology demonstrated that epidurals can prolong labor's duration, increasing the need for interventions like forceps or vacuum extraction. Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes: While epidurals effectively relieve pain, they can lead to maternal fever, which can result in unnecessary antibiotic treatment for both the mother and newborn, as highlighted in a study in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Lower Apgar Scores and Increased NICU admissions: This study found that epidurals during labor increase the risk of low Apgar scores and NICU admissions for newborns, especially in full-term babies born without complications. This suggests the need for more research and greater awareness about the potential risks of epidurals. Despite these findings, the original article asserts that "having an epidural lowers the risk of serious complications in the weeks following childbirth—by as much as 35 percent." This claim is based on research from the University of Glasgow and the University of Bristol, which observed lower rates of complications such as blood clotting and sepsis among women who had epidurals. However, it's important to consider that the study focused exclusively on maternal complications and did not address potential impacts on newborns. Questionable Points in the Original Article The original article mentions that epidurals can provide "important physiologic protections to people with underlying and perhaps undiagnosed medical conditions" by lowering stress hormone levels, blood pressure, and heart rate. While this might be true for some women, it doesn't account for the broader implications of widespread epidural use. From experience, I can tell you that my stress increased the moment I arrived at the hospital and my labor slowed as a result. First time mothers, in general, are expected to have longer labors, spending upwards of approximately 18 hours in childbirth. And this doesn't account for the myriad of things that can slow labor, including an epidural. Considering many doctors want you to deliver within 24 hours of water breaking, first-time moms who tend to experience naturally longer labors are at a disadvantage when it comes to timing. Moreover, the article states, "In case of emergencies, epidurals also have the advantage of being localized and a safer alternative to general anesthesia—if the epidural was already in place when the emergency began." This point, while valid, doesn't address the fact that epidurals can lead to complications requiring emergency interventions in the first place. The article also highlights that "epidurals can provide an opportunity for mothers in especially long labors to rest and regain their strength to potentially avoid a cesarean section." However, it fails to mention that epidurals can prolong labor, increasing the likelihood of requiring additional interventions like forceps or vacuum extraction. And we circle back to the timing issue that can result in a c-section anyway. Promoting Informed Choices It's crucial for expectant mothers to have access to accurate, comprehensive information about all birth options. Natural birth without drugs offers numerous benefits, including a shorter recovery time, a more active role in the birthing process, and a lower risk of the cascade of interventions. However, it's important to note that every birth is unique, and while epidurals may be the right choice for some, they are not inherently safer for everyone. My concern with the original article is that it feels like another tactic to scare women away from natural birth, rather than empowering them with all the facts. Exploring Natural Birth Options For those interested in natural birth, there are several approaches to consider: Hypnobirthing: This technique uses self-hypnosis and relaxation techniques to help manage pain. Water Birth: Laboring in water can provide natural pain relief and a soothing environment. Continuous Labor Support: Having a midwife or doula can provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support during labor. These methods can help manage pain and reduce the need for medical interventions, promoting a more positive and empowered birthing experience. Respectful and Empowering It's essential to respect every woman's choice regarding her birthing experience. If you choose to have an epidural, that's your decision, and it should be supported. My goal is not to criticize but to provide a fuller picture so that women can make informed decisions based on all available information, not just the potential benefits. Conclusion Let's move beyond fear and focus on empowerment. Whether you opt for an epidural or choose a natural birth, what's most important is that you feel supported and informed in your decision. By understanding all the risks and benefits, we can work towards a birthing experience that is safe, fulfilling, and respectful of every mother's unique journey. #### ChatGPT Lacks Depth and Insights On What It Means to Be a Mother I asked AI what it means to be a mother and then held a ridiculous "interview" based on it's responses. Clearly I had too much time on my hands! Who doesn't love AI? I, for one, have used AI for writing prompts or to clear up writer's block. And there are so many new ways artificial intelligence emerges to improve our lives. It's going so far as to taking over jobs humans can do and many wonder if they'll be left jobless in the future. With all it's capabilities, I wonder if AI can someday be a legitimate resource for improving our parenting styles and skills, so I asked ChatGPT what it means to be a mother! So, I've "interviewed" ChatGPT (when it wasn't at capacity) about motherhood, which was quite interesting ... Don't worry ChatGPT, we, as mothers, totally get being overwhelmed. What It Means to Be a Mother, According to ChatGPT When I asked ChatGPT to explain what it means to be a mother, I got this boiled down response. Overly simplistic, but yeah. So, let's talk about those responsibilities... What Are My Key Responsibilities as a Mother? ChatGPT tells me that my responsibilities include: Providing physical care such as feeding, clothing, and shelter. Emotional support and nurturing. Education and guidance for the child's personal and intellectual development. Discipline and setting boundaries. Creating a safe and supportive environment for the child. Encouragement and motivation for the child's goals and aspirations. Modeling positive behavior and values. Supporting the child's physical and mental health. Providing financial support if needed. Preparing the child for independence and adulthood. While ChatGPT outlines basic responsibilities, effective parenting involves navigating the delicate balance of rewards and consequences. Still, we're getting somewhere. And in truth, I agree with most of these points... so maybe AI is capable of taking over some of my roles as a mother (I could stand to offload some responsibilities ... hehe). Let's find out what it thinks I should do to create a safe and supportive environment for my child... Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment Again, ChatGPT has provided me some very basic information, but it's lacking depth and insights. And point #8 - limit exposure to negativity and violence? Okay: Without being a helicopter mom Unneccessary Limit is a key word here - but kids are going to get exposed to it because it's going to happen when we're not looking. If you know me, you know I think talking to our kids about things we don't agree with is the best course of action. When my kids come home to tell me about something someone did to them or to a friend at school that was negative, hurtful or violent, we discuss how they can handle the situation - we like framing situations and offering solutions so that our children don't hold on to victim mentality and/or help them to understand how they can stick up for their friends in the event it's necessary. Of course, offering tactics for diffusing the situation or seeking help when appropriate are other things we discuss. All this because we can't be there to shield our children from everything. So, what if I want to know how to promote self-esteem in my children? As usual, ChatGPT is spewing out basic ideas without any concrete solutions. Guess I'm gonna have to rely on that mom's group for ideas. But I wonder if it can grasp any of the emotional stuff? What is the Biggest Joy of Being a Mother? Okay ChatGPT, what are the joys we experience in motherhood? Seriously, it's like you've experienced motherhood. Or is it? You didn't capture the emotions after clawing your way out of desperation when your baby won't sleep! But of course you wouldn't ... I guess you don't need sleep. But I sure did! And I'll tell you that some of the darkest times in motherhood are those when you aren't getting enough sleep. But then there's the sheer joy and achievement when you figure out not only how to get that baby to sleep, but help him or her sleep 12 hours a night. That's true of motherhood in general. Experiencing the trials and tribulations, figuring out what works for you and your family and achieving the seemingly impossible. These things include: sleep feeding issues hitting lying stealing Whatever it is moms struggle with and overcome (and there's a lot of things as the years add up) bring us joy in motherhood. Of course, you're not wrong about the normal stuff like the bond, giving and receiving love, and building all those great memories (in between all the shitty ones we can't wait to forget). What are the Qualities of a Good Mom? Okay, so what do you think it takes to be a good mom? You know, the more we talk, the more I realize you don't really know what it means to be a mother! You're killing me with #10. Selfless? Yeah, okay, technically mothers should be selfless, but this is a slippery slope that can actually get us into trouble if we take it too seriously. I can totally agree that being selfless is a good quality most of the time BUT that mom's can't forget to take into account their own needs. You know ... like when we're "at capacity" and we start failing our kids because we haven't taken care of ourselves? And by failing, I mean having no patience and lack appropriate communication skills. I, like plenty of other mothers, have experienced overwhelm and burnout as both a stay at home mom and a working mom and I can tell you that taking some time to "be selfish" was really the best for the whole family. I think recognizing and prioritizing needs when things need to be balanced is a good way to become a good mom. What It REALLY Means to Be a Mom What ChatGPT wasn't really able to capture was anything with depth or to provide experience or insights on what it means to be a mother. AI can't tell you how to be a good mother. It doesn't experience the emotional connections necessary to make highly complicated decisions according to our family's needs. AI can't tell you about the dreadful moments when you don't like being a mom and how to overcome those feelings. AI can't test it's theories on discipline. All AI can tell you about the meaning of motherhood are the regurgitated "facts" it can find online. But motherhood can't truly be summed up by these facts, can it? No! Being a mom is hard work trying to make sense of old school and new school "facts", determining what does and doesn't work through experimentation and educated guesses based on each child's personality. In today's overly-connected world, becoming a parent opens you up to the constant scrutiny of others (those with and without children) and feeling like you're always doing it wrong. Motherhood is a lifetime of ditching our prior ideals and visions (from before we had kids) for the practical applications in order to keep the kids alive when things are hard, change plans because someone's always messing up the original plan, trying to get everyone to sleep (so that you can get enough) and, in general, learning how to survive the next 18 or so years. But yes, motherhood also means raising those kiddos to become excellent adults and eating up those moments the kids choose to share their love and affection with you. I guess AI won't be replacing us any time soon! #### Children Cartoon TV Series iOS app Review This is a sponsored review of an iOS app: ChildrenCartoon TV Series - Ahmed T.Nabarawy.  All opinions expressed here are my own. Now, you can take your children's favorite cartoons on the road.  If you're planning a trip for the holidays, this might help you (and them) out.  Thousands of children's cartoons are at your fingertips on this app in several languages for FREE. To start, select the language you wish to watch your shows in.  At the top, cartoon show titles and photos can be scrolled left and right.  One of your selections is even Animated Movies which is perfect when you need to entertain the kids for a bit longer (think doctor and hair appointments).  Each title has episodes listed below the photo to select from.  I could have spent hours sorting through all the great selections in this app. My recommendation for using this app with younger children is to sort through and select an age appropriate show yourself.  I had stumbled on a cartoon called “Hook Ups” which was much more maturely themed than I, personally, would have been comfortable allowing my two year old to watch.  Aside from that, there are plenty of options for children of all ages with various interests. And, for those of us who remember the childhood cartoons we watched, there are cartoons like The Littles, Scooby Doo, and LooneyTunes.    All that said, this is an app for the whole family. You can get this, currently FREE app, in itunes, google play, or Amazon. #### Children Learning Reading Program Review Have you considered teaching your 2 or 3 year old to read?  Not sight words, but learning the fundamentals of reading?  Or, do you need to help your child read at his/her level?  According to this program, you may be able to and it might not be as stressful as you might think! I was given a copy of Children Learning Reading to read through, try, and review. Review of Children Learning Reading Program I'm initially fascinated by this book as it finds specific research and uses personal examples of how you may effectively teach even a young child to read at an early age.  The idea is to use Phonemic Awareness, not simply sight words. Phonemic Awareness, according to the book, is the ability to recognize that each letter makes a sound.  One of the methods suggested to bring phonics awareness is Oral blending, where you say each letter sound in a word.  Little did I know, we were already practicing this with our 25-month-old for words she had a harder time saying.  It's greatly improved her ability to speak and I'm so happy to have found a book that is backing up something we began doing naturally! Taking on one of the early concepts of the book, I started practicing during reading times by slowly sounding out short words at random.  What I've noticed is that my daughter will pay more attention to those words when I'm reading and then immediately tries to repeat what I've said (often without prompting).  Since it's grabbing her attention, she's starting to try to say some words that she didn't before. What do I like about this book? * Before starting the first lesson, you're given an approximate idea of how long you can plan to spend on lessons * Gives a general idea of how much time you need to commit to each lesson, how many times per day, and for how many days before moving on to the next lesson. * Explains what difficulties you may run into * Allows you to determine the pace to set for yourself and your child, but reminds you that it's essential that your child master the lesson before proceeding. * Reminds you that the process requires patience. If there's anything I didn't care for about this book, it's that getting to the first lessons took quite some time.  The introductions, experiences, conveying research, and explaining techniques was quite lengthy.  At times, I felt as though the author was a bit redundant. When I finally reached the lessons, I found them simple to understand as the author explained clearly the methods in which to follow.  Since we've been practicing letter sounds and blending orally for speaking purposes successfully, I'm pretty confident that this program will help to teach my daughter to read. If you're interested in the program, check the website at http://www.childrenlearningreading.org/. I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. #### Christine's Travel Blogging Mom Hobby Traveling sounds amazing.  Traveling with kids, not so much.  Blogging ... well, I love it, personally.  But, I have to admit that Travel Blogging as a hobby seems like a double-win in the fun department!  I'm excited to introduce you to my friend, Christine.  Her travel blogging mom hobby is pretty cool.  I really think you're going to enjoy learning about this cool hobby today.  In fact, it might inspire you to start traveling more (even with your children). Meet Christine Christine blogs at Tapped Out Travellers.  She's a stay at home mom of 2 children, a boy and a girl.  She says she had always thought she'd be a working mom, but life had other ideas for her, and is now a stay at home mom. Christine says she believes she's pretty much the parent she thought she would be.  She behaves and raises her children the way she expected.  But, instead of being sad when her children start school, the found herself happy when the school year comes around. Funny side of mom life Christine tells me about a time her son had contracted Hand Food Mouth and wasn't allowed in public.  Being stuck at home for 7 days, she was only able to leave once for groceries.  She enjoyed the trip to the store more than anything else the whole week.  She says "[i]t's not really funny ha-ha, but funny-sad lol." (I hear ya mama.  That stuff is no fun!) Travel Blogging Mom Hobby Travel blogging, for Christine, is her way of helping families take the worry and stress out of traveling as a family.  She started her blog to keep family and friends informed of her travels with living in Europe.  Then, it turned into a way to help educate other families how it is possible to travel with kids.  She uses her blog to counteract the popular opinion that traveling as a family is impossible.  Though she's been blogging for 2 years, she's taken it more seriously in the last few months. Christine believes it's easy for moms to lose their identities to housework and caring for her family.  She says that escaping "mom work" allows her to decompress and re-energize.  She finds time to blog "during transit, after the kids go to bed, or during nap time." Check out her post where she took day trips from Amsterdam by train with her two small children! She's always wanted to solo travel or adventure travel, so travel blogging seems to be a perfect fit for her. Follow Tapped Out Travellers on Instagram WOULD YOU LIKE TO ENCOURAGE MOMS TO FIND A HOBBY? I want to give you the opportunity to be featured.  Any mom hobby, no matter how mundane you believe it may be, can be an excellent source of inspiration for a mom struggling to maintain her sense of balance.  If you’d like to encourage another mom by sharing your mom hobby, click here to the mom hobby interview. Please follow the rules of the interview – mainly, encouraging moms to join or start a business IS NOT the focus and will NOT be featured.  It’s okay if you make money from your hobby, but NOT okay if you only started something to make money.  We’re trying to free mom from thinking about more obligations. If you have social media following, this is a good chance to get listed ? Take into account I will try to publish mom hobby interviews generally once a month unless interest warrants more frequent posts. #### Clarion Suites Maingate Orlando Hotel Review On a recent trip to Disney World in Orlando with my kiddo, I was on the hunt for an inexpensive, but close hotel to the Disney World parks.  Since the trip was only going to include my daughter and myself, I didn't want to get caught up with too long of travel or catching a bus and folding up our belongings too much, so I wanted to stay offsite and park at the parks using our annual passes which include free parking.  I learned a few things about tacking Disney World alone with my toddler along the way.  I just happened to stumble on a crazy deal at Clarion Suites Maingate Orlando, which was just a few minutes from the parks.  I was not compensated in any way for providing this review of the hotel. Source: ClarionHotel.com Cleanliness I arrived at the hotel in the dark, but, from what I could see, the hotel exterior appeared well-maintained.  The lobby was clean and inviting and there was a spectacular Christmas tree in the center as the area was preparing for Christmas. We had just arrived in our room. Our room was quite pleasant.  Though there appeared to be stains on the carpet in our room, I was pleasantly surprised by just about everything else in the room.  The bathroom was in better shape (and larger) than most hotel rooms we've stayed at for quite some time. Bathroom: counter wraps around to the right with coffee maker and glass mugs Location We were about 10 - 15 minutes from Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.  The location was on a main road with plenty of other hotels, stores, and restaurants.  The area was fairly quiet in the evening as well. Amenities I cannot speak to most of the amenities at this hotel as we did not need to use anything, other than the restaurant at breakfast. Restaurant - check out my review of the food in the next section. Store - small, but themed for the Disney World area as to be expected. Pool Laundry Facility Game Room Food Our hotel room included breakfast buffet for two in Jumbo's restaurant.  I couldn't get a response from the hotel management about Gluten Free dining options ahead of time, but at the rate we paid, even skipping our breakfast wouldn't have been a big deal so we took the chance. My daughter and I woke up a little early to head down to breakfast before our half-day adventure at Animal Kingdom.  When I inquired about what they offered for those needing gluten free options, the girl at the counter handed me an individual portion of gluten free honey chex and then, in hard to understand English, told me I could "look" at the items in the buffet.  That said, they are not gluten free friendly. Be Prepared They must be affiliated with a time share or vacation club of sorts.  I will forewarn you that after checking in at the front desk, you will be pushed across the room to pick up your parking pass (which is required) and you will get a sales pitch to check out breakfast at their other site down the road for a short presentation and some nights of stay for free for going to the presentation. The person I encountered was rather pleasant and really wasn't too pushy.  Thankfully, my daughter was in the lobby complaining of being tired since it was pretty well past bedtime, so I think he spared us.  If we hadn't been on a more strict time restraint for the following day, I actually would have liked to attend the breakfast presentation to receive some free nights.  If you've been roped into it, let me know how it went ... I can't remember how many free nights you get for participating and I'm wondering if it would have been worth it! Summary and overall thoughts The "suites" were relatively clean and quite spacious.  At approximately $120/night with the inclusion of 2 free breakfasts per night of stay, I feel this is a good value.  If you're avoiding gluten, you're not going to get a good idea of what is "safe" at your free breakfast, so I would opt to have breakfast elsewhere (which may mean the $120/night isn't as good a value).  If you can find a better deal on a room, I would still recommend this hotel for your family.  It's within a few minutes of the Disney parks so you could easily take their transportation or drive your own.  Plus, it's on a main strip around other restaurants and shopping. Connect with Ivy on Google+ Liked this article? Sign up for FREE updates! * indicates required Email Address * Email Format html text Disclosure: To help support this blog and continue to bring you free content, Ivy's Variety posts may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Cleaning battery corrosion Recently, we purchased a used toy kitchen for our daughter.  Amidst the move (yes, I've neglected the blog during a move that I'm still unpacking and wading through) we happened to set the kitchen off to the side for later cleaning.  Today I decided to take a break from the necessary to clean up the toy kitchen as a surprise after my daughter wakes from her nap.To my surprise, replacing batteries in the "burner" wasn't a simple job.  When I finally got the screws loose, I turned the burner over to find some mild corrosion on the batteries and coils.  I dumped the old batteries in the garbage can by prying them out with a screw driver, so as not to get the acid on my hands, then tapped the coils hoping to loosen the corrosion.  When I replaced the batteries, only 1 of 2 burner sounds worked.A quick internet search on cleaning corrosion lead me to learn that I would need a vinegar and water solution.  Of course, I don't have, or haven't located, everything from our move, so vinegar wasn't anywhere to be found.  Instead, I made a paste of baking soda and water, gloved my hands, and dipped a cotton swab into the mixture then cleaned the coils, battery compartments, and any other areas that looked chalky or discolored.  A quick wipe down with a paper towel to ensure the area was dry and replacement of batteries led to a clean and working burner.I can't wait for my daughter to wake up from her nap to discover the surprise.In the meantime, I need to make a mental note that future projects like this deserve quick snapshots in case I decide to write about them again.Some posts may contain affiliate links, please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Cleaning Tile Floors with Vinegar & Water: A Deep Clean Method Though I like to find the easiest ways to make my homemaking simpler, every now and again I have to put some effort in.  One of my favorite methods is cleaning tile floors with vinegar and water using a hand mopping technique. Several years ago, in our old house, I learned how to clean bathroom floor with vinegar.  I found that keeping our white tile looking good required a bit of extra work, especially because we had two small dogs and a tiny human dirtying up the place pretty frequently. Though I was a full time stay at home mom when I started doing this, it wasn't my first choice in cleaning methods when it came to my tile floors.  Granted, our bathrooms were much smaller in that house, but this method took a good deal of time.  Plus, it's a bit harder on your knees and back. I'm perfectly happy with my regular use of a steam mop, but I don't feel it's a great way to get all the nooks and crannies cleaned in the bathroom.  Mainly, I feel like there's no way it's cleaning grout, you know? So, occasionally I break out the vinegar and hand mop our tile floors. Deep Cleaning Tile Floors With Vinegar and Water For a deeper, more thorough clean, I choose to clean ceramic tile floors with a mixture of vinegar and water.   Plus, I usually go over the baseboards with the dampened sponge while I'm at it (so long as the walls and baseboards are painted with something that can be cleaned). For any other surface, please check with your manufacturer before using a vinegar and water solution to clean your floors. Supplies for Cleaning Tile Floors Sponge Bucket or large bowl Distilled White Vinegar Gloves Water - make it at hot as your hands can handle Make Your Mixture Make a mixture of about equal parts vinegar to water so as not to dilute too heavily the disinfectant properties of the vinegar. I can get away with about 1 Cup water and 1 Cup vinegar for each bathroom, because mine aren't really very big.  Additionally, it helps me to rinse out dust and those small hairs into the sink so I don't introduce them into the solution I'm cleaning with. How to Clean Tile Floors with Vinegar & Water 1. Wipe down surfaces I find that wiping down surface areas first is the best way to tackle a clean bathroom, prior to mopping.  This will prevent dust, dirt, or hairs from falling to the floor after it's been cleaned. 2. Remove objects from the room It's important to move anything that's on the floor out of the room so you can clean every inch of the floors.  This is when I take our trash can, stool, and floor rug out. 3.  Sweep or vacuum your bathroom floor I prefer to use our stick vac, which tends to get more hairs and tiny particles off the floor. 4. Time to mop Now it's time to sit on the floor and begin hand mopping. I usually dip my sponge into the vinegar and water solution, then squeeze out the water just a bit.  I prefer my sponge to be a little more than damp, but not dripping wet. Tackle the floors a small area at a time, dipping and wringing out your sponge when you notice it becoming too dry or when it's picked up some debris. Tell me: how do you clean your bathroom floors? Are you concerned about the smell of vinegar?  From my experience, the smell of the vinegar starts to dissipate in about an hour after cleaning.  Personally, I'd prefer to smell vinegar over inhaling harmful chemicals from cleaners, which is also why I use a steam mop for the everyday cleaning. PIN ME #### Confessions From a Mom Scared to Breastfeed Her 2nd Baby My first breastfeeding experience was riddled with trouble.  These are the confessions from a mom scared to breastfeed again. I consider myself intelligent and sufficiently educated.  I knew the laundry list of stated benefits of breastfeeding.  But, I didn't want to.  I was scared to breastfeed the second time around! After troubles with my first, I almost decided against breastfeeding my second. I wanted someone else to wake in the middle of the night. I didn't want to deal with the heartache I felt when breastfeeding didn't work the first time. I didn't want sore nipples. Ultimately, though, I gave my son the choice. Scared to Breastfeed Again: My Confessions I knew the laundry list of benefits of #breastfeeding. But, I didn't want to. #momlife Share on X With my first baby, it took me about 8 months to finally throw in the towel, begrudgingly.  In retrospect, I should have given up sooner.  Everything I had known and believed about breastfeeding hadn't prepared me for the fact that my daughter wasn't handling dairy or soy in my diet.  And we didn't figure that out right away.  The doctors kept blaming the crying and screaming on colic or reflux, but medicines and passing the 6 month mark never alleviated the hell we were living in.  At the time, I didn't have knowledge food intolerance or allergies.  I didn't realize I had food intolerances, so it never crossed my mind to suspect it for her. My stubbornness and her troubles wreaked havoc on our home.  My daughter wasn't happy.  I was insane.  My husband ... I can't speak on his behalf because I don't know what was going through his mind.  I feel like our marriage was failing.  All he saw was me staying at home hardly able to get food on the table, struggling to clean anything, and unable to be any semblance of the wife he had married. Once we switched her to Nutramigen, she began making progress with eating, weight gain, and sleep.  Quickly, we found some relief from completely terrible sleep and dealing with a baby who spent the majority of 24 hours crying and screaming. We're well past it now.  I recognize that being stubborn and not having tried formula sooner could have spared us a few months of the hell we endured. Other Things That Contributed to My Fear of Breastfeeding Aside from the dairy intolerance fiasco, other things made me nervous about breastfeeding, including: People just didn't get it - although I had some family and friends that breastfed their babies, there were plenty of others who acted as though formula was created for a reason. It was uncomfortable breastfeeding in public - Still not really "normalized", breastfeeding in public was odd.  Add a wailing, angry baby flinging her body around, and you never knew when you'd expose yourself to the world. I felt like a milk factory - when I wasn't breastfeeding, I spent a significant amount of time pumping and saving breast milk should my baby need it when I stepped away for a bit (had I known about the dairy sensitivity, I wouldn't have bothered). When we got pregnant with baby #2 in 2015, I began to realize I was still deeply affected by what we endured.  And, I didn't really want to breastfeed again. I didn't want a baby attached to my breasts half the day, while the other half of the day I'm hooked up to a machine pumping more so that I can have a stockpile of boob juice.  I didn't want to be a slave to milking.  I'm not cattle.  But I sure didn't feel human the first time around because all I did was nurse, pump, nurse, eat, nurse, pump, nurse.  Surely there was more to life ... No.  No there wasn't.  At least not that I can remember.  Wait ... yes ... doctor's appointments.  Okay, that's it.  And, I DID want someone else to get up for middle of the night feeds, because mama wants some sleep, dang it!  I'll say it ... I was feeling too old to pull all the night shifts again. But when I thought about all the reasons I should be nursing, I felt that old familiar mom guilt. And then I decided to attempt breastfeeding again A post shared by Ivy | Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Jul 20, 2016 at 3:47pm PDT Ultimately, I decided to attempt breastfeeding during the day because no one was home to help me anyway.  Though, I chose not to pump.  Like I said, I didn't want to be stuck in some milking fashion all day, feeling like I couldn't do anything more because something is hooked to my boob. At night, I wanted someone else to pop a bottle in that baby's mouth so my boobs could get some rest. I was hoping to break away from the baby to regain a snippet of my sanity sooner than later.  Still, I told myself to go straight to formula at the first sign of trouble. If I were talking to my pre-mama self, I'm sure I'd be stoning myself to death.  I used to be so adamant that nursing was the only way.  Now, the only way is the way that makes everyone happy. Although I was afraid to breastfeed again, I endured it because my son chose it and learned to breastfeed in a carrier so that I could more comfortably breastfeed in public. What encouragement can you offer another mama who is scared to breastfeed? FAQs About Scared of Breastfeeding Why is breastfeeding so hard mentally? The pressure, body changes, learning curve, and hormone shifts can pack a powerful emotional punch. Don't sweat it, mama, it's totally normal! How can I overcome my fear of breastfeeding? Talk to supportive folks, seek lactation help, and remember, fed is best! You've got this, even if it's formula. What happens if you decide not to breastfeed? You're not alone, and your baby will thrive either way! Choose guilt-free. Happy mama, happy baby, remember? #### Consequence and Reward Jar: A Simple System to Improve Behavior Are you tired of repeating yourself 100 times a day, only for your kids to ignore you? A consequence jar could be the solution! This simple discipline tool helps reinforce positive behavior—without yelling or nagging. Here's how we use a consequence and reward jar! I had hoped my daughter's behavior would improve with age, but I'm realizing I'm in for some trouble.  Instead, I needed to devise a way (or ways) to improve behavior. Turning 5 was bound to be especially difficult.  4 was enough to make me want to drink, pull my hair out, or just walk away.  We began to experience more arguments and tantrums unlike any we'd ever seen.  She'd forgotten her manners. I was seeing behaviors that reminded me of myself as a teenager. If I didn't do something about her behavior right away, things were going to get bad!  I was already considering boarding school.  Do they have those for Kindergartners? What Is a Consequence & Reward Jar? Though we tried a responsibility chart, I realized this didn't offer any behavior reinforcement, and certainly did nothing to help improve behavior. So, I scoured the internet for ideas to fill the gap.  I came across so many resources and advice to help improve our child's behavior.   The two systems I liked most included: The Consequence Jar.  This jar is filled with numerous consequences, which she receives for not following house rules. The Reward Jar.  The premise behind this system is that when your child does a good deed or says something nice, he or she receives a reward ball. How to Set Up a Consequence & Reward Jar (Step-by-Step) Hubby and I spent some time learning about each system individually.  We discussed what we did and didn't like about each system.  Then, we determined our plan of action, in hopes of improving her behavior.  We were combining the two systems to work hand-in-hand. Additionally, a list of house rules was essential to implement the system. If even one consequence was pulled from the jar, S would not be receive a reward puff for the day. Apart from receiving a reward ball for being on her best behavior for the day, we added a bonus.  She could earn one extra reward ball if she went above and beyond what was expected of her.  Being extra kind or on exceptionally good behavior on important errands could earn her an extra reward ball for the day. How to Implement the System Let me be clear that setting up a consequence and reward jar system isn't for the faint of heart or those who have the inability to follow through. Follow through is imperative. If you'd like, I suggest also reading about how to get the best results from a consequence jar.  That post will give you a more in-depth idea of how to make it work for you. Decide on house rules. Ensure you and your partner agree on the house rules.  You both need to be on the same page. Come up with a list of consequences. What chores or consequences do you want your children to have?  I compiled a few ideas from several bloggers.  My apologies to those who I borrowed from and didn't save to be able to link to. Examples of Consequences for Kids: Chores-Based Consequences: Sweep the kitchen, clean the baseboards, organize a bookshelf. Screen Time Penalties: No TV for a day, no tablet after school. Social Consequences: Apologize in writing, write down how their actions affected others. Extra Learning Consequences: Read a book and summarize it, practice handwriting. Physical Activity Consequences: Run three laps outside, do 20 jumping jacks. Decide what rewards you want to offer. Hubby and I determined that an activity out of the home (zoo, water park, Adventure Landing, etc) was preferable over purchasing toys.  She earns money with the responsibility chart to buy toys/games/books (and half is saved), so she's over-stocked on stuff. Our reward system is comprised of two jars - one with craft puffs to transfer into a reward jar.  When all reward balls (puffs, marbles, etc) have been emptied into the reward jar, it's time for your child to select their reward. Explain to your child(ren) what is expected of them.   Go over the house rules as a family.  Then, explain that broken rules = pulling a consequence.  In order to improve behavior, your children need to know what is expected of them. Be prepared to tweak the system. I ended up taking the warning consequences out of the jar.  Since no reward was given for the day if a consequence was pulled, I found it worked in my favor to give a verbal warning, instead.  This gave my daughter the chance to adjust her attitude without pulling a consequence and losing the reward for the day. Want an easy way to start? Download my FREE Consequence Jar Printable with 30+ ideas! This printable will save you time and help you create a behavior system that works. Just enter your email here to get it instantly! Consequence jar ideas slips Does a Consequence Jar Actually Work? Our Results Adjusting to the new system was challenging for a few days.  I had to remind myself to stay calm during problem moments, and immediately resort to the consequence jar.  She needed to learn, fast, that bad behavior was going to result in all sorts of consequences. Plus, I was hoping she'd pull one of the ones that required an extra chore around the house.  I mean, shouldn't I benefit from this, too? When it comes down to it, I believe this was just the system we needed to help improve behavior around here. Do you want to know what I learned from this experience in the first week? Click here to read my follow up post. #### Consequence Jar Ideas for an Effective Consequence and Reward Jar System If you want to start a consequence and reward jar system for your child's behavior, check out this consequence jar ideas list of consequences you may like. When I first decided to start a consequence and reward jar system, I was completely on edge.  My child's behavior was outrageous and I'd totally lost control.  Everything seemed impossible.  That is not a good place to be parenting. Yelling in our house was a regular occurrence.  I'm sad to admit it, but I have to tell the truth because I want you to understand how much this works. I'd seriously lost it.  And, I spent many days daydreaming about walking out.  My goodness, that was a rough time. I was parenting a high-need toddler who absolutely hated the idea she wasn't in charge.  This girl was Ms. Independent and I knew it from the beginning as a high-needs baby.  I shouldn't have been surprised because she's similar to someone else I know.  Or two someones.  Still, I was at a loss for words.  I felt completely incapable of raising my daughter.  And I didn't have the restraint not to yell about every little thing. Once we decided on and implemented the consequence and reward jar system, though, we found peace almost immediately.  At least as much as one can with a kid who was born knowing what she wants out of life.  What I learned from our consequence and reward jar system was pretty amazing, too. I scoured the internet looking for consequences that I could dole out to a, then, 4-year-old.  Some of them I straight ripped off from some other blogs because, at the time, I hadn't considered writing about the system.  That said, if you see your consequence jar ideas here, feel free to shoot me a nasty gram.  In all seriousness, message me and I can link back to your post. An Extensive List of Consequence Jar Ideas Let me start by saying, doling out consequences aren't the only way to good behavior.  I, also, strongly believe using a reward jar is as important as teaching consequences.  With my system, the entire family benefits when a child earns a reward, so we're constantly working on our family bonding! Consequences for a Consequence Jar to tackle bad behavior at home [mc4wp_form id="757"] Have your kids help with chores This section of consequence jar ideas takes tasks off your workload during times your child(ren) can't keep their crap together.  Excellent chore options include (but are not limited to): Clean windows (limit the consequence slip to specific rooms in the house, unless your children are older and won't take all day) Wipe off dining or coffee table (put both in the consequence jar) Clean mirrors Vacuum a room (make a consequence slip for each room you'd want your child to vacuum) Dust a room Vacuum the couch Scrub the toilet  (If you have several bathrooms, make a consequence slip for each of them) Wipe down doorknobs Sweep the kitchen Mop a room (have a consequence slip for each room available to mop) Takeaways Good consequences are often things one takes away.  Okay, this may end up hurting you a bit in the long run, but the kids will feel the real sting.  Taking away electronics is something they usually fear and remember. Take away electronics for the day.  If the consequence is pulled in the morning, using this on the same day is sufficient.  This includes no television, video game systems, tablets, etc.  If you wish to separate these individually, that's okay too. Take away a favorite toy.  Choose one of the most loved and used toys and select a reasonable time frame in which you will hold the toy hostage. Remove a check off the chore chart.  If a child does chores for rewards (monetary or otherwise), you're taking away their income or reward. (Side note: do you need a toddler chore chart?) No treat after dinner.  If you're like us, we encourage and reward our children for eating their meals by offering a small after-dinner treat.  If they pull this consequence, they are still expected to eat their meals. Take away awake time.  Decide on an amount of time that is appropriate for sending your children to bed early.  We chose 15 minutes early so as not to interfere with putting the youngest to bed. Timeout alternatives Other great consequence jar ideas include timeout alternatives.  These options offer children a timeout while giving them something else to focus their energy on. Have them trace/write their name a set amount of times. Draw a picture of you doing something nice for someone.  Have them reframe their mind by thinking nice thoughts and to diffuse whatever is going on at the time. Read alone for a set amount of time. Trace or write the alphabet. Trace or write a specific word or phrase. List of Funny Punishments for Kids Give the kiddo something that requires movement.  Check out how quickly your child's attitude is changed by the simplicity of these funny consequence jar ideas. Sing & dance "If you're happy and you know it". Do three laps around the backyard while yelling "Mommy (or Daddy) is the best!" (make a slip for each parent). The Invisible Rope: Have them pretend to pull an invisible rope for a set amount of time. Cling Wrap Challenge: Wrap one hand in cling wrap for an hour and try to do tasks. Redemption and Gratitude My husband wasn't fond of the "get out of jail free" slips.  Admittedly, I have a habit of giving a few warnings before I resort to (or remember) to use the consequence jar.  So, we removed the grace/redemption slips.  But, if you're more stern or remember to use the consequence more swiftly, you may still find the redemption slip appropriate.  The other suggestion is to help your child reframe their thinking.  Plus, it never hurts a parent's ego to hear a few nice words for all the things we do for our kids.  And yes, I'll happily accept forced appreciation because my daughter still has to think about what she appreciates. You are given a chance to redeem yourself Tell Mommy (or Daddy) three things she (or he) does that you appreciate (make a slip for each parent) When I remember the consequence jar, I significantly reduce my nagging.  And, using a consequence jar allows me the ability direct my children to the jar without a display of inappropriate emotions.  The more quickly I remember, the easier the process is for everyone. If you like these consequence jar ideas, I've created a free printable of them all for you.  When you sign up for my email list, you'll receive instant access to a free resource library, including the consequence jar ideas printable. Don't forget to check out these tips for getting the best results out of a your consequence and reward jar system. What are some of your consequence jar ideas? #### Copy-Kids Review and Giveaway If you've never heard about Copy-Kids, let me introduce you to them.    If you have heard of it, you can certainly scroll down to see my thoughts and enter the giveaway right away!  I was provided a copy of the Copy-Kids Eat Fruits and Vegetables in exchange for my honest review of the product.  All opinions expressed here are my own. In 2012, Copy-Kids launched a DVD called "Copy-Kids Eat Fruits and Veggies."  The concept is that, by watching other children eat their fruits and vegetables, your child will be more likely to try them too.  Broken down into sections, you can watch a single section dedicated to the fruit and vegetable of your choice.  It is recommended that you have on hand the fruit or vegetable that you're having your child watch so that he will be inclined to eat it as he watches other children.  The DVD has 12 fruits and vegetable sections to watch.  Included sections are: bell pepper bananas orangescarrotsstrawberriesavocadoraspberriestomatoesapplesbroccolicucumberblueberriesNow, for our thoughts on the DVD. I should first mention that we're not really big on eating raw fruits and vegetables in this house, so offering things like this as a snack isn't usual for me.  Baby girl rarely eats bananas anymore, so I stopped buying them, but her favorite is grapes.  Occasionally, she asks for apples, but because it's rare, I rarely buy them.  All that said, my opinion of the DVD will not be affected by our food choices, since I rarely have these things on hand to simply snack on. What I thought of the DVD. I started a section alone to get an idea of what I would be showing my daughter.  I have to say that I was distracted by the occasional introduction of children's names that would pop up the first time they showed a child.  When the name popped up on the screen, a little music would play.  When it disappeared, there was no music and very little noise.  I feel like even some quiet background music would have been good. It was interesting watching how each child ate and interacted with the food presented to them.  I can see where it would be of interest to a young child to watch another kid eat AND I have noticed that children pay more attention to shows that feature other children.  My daughter has watched other educational shows that use a similar format to drive a point and learned a good amount from them. What my 2 year old thought of the DVD. For the first try, I chose to purchase cucumbers.  I love cucumber, but baby girl hasn't ever seemed very interested in them, so I thought this would be a really useful test of the effectiveness of the DVD.  From the get-go, my daughter was intrigued watching the children eat their cucumbers and started to eat her own. After two bites, she set aside her cucumbers and then needed a little extra coaxing from me. "Look at those kids eating their cucumbers.  They want you to eat them too."  Two more bites, and she was over it and started to feed me her cucumbers.  I'm chalking it up to being like her daddy who doesn't like them either. Our second trial was carrots.  Silly girl was giggling her little head off at the kids eating carrots.  She took a few bites, herself, and was enthralled with the video.  Shortly after though, she wanted to keep the chewed carrot in her mouth, but not swallow it.  I'm not sure what she was hoping to accomplish, other than trying to compete for funniest kid?  Either way, the video got her to eat carrots. I purchased blueberries, but she ate those up before we could get to the DVD. My recommendation is to buy vegetables that you can cook up with dinner for the week so that you're not wasting food just in case.  Luckily, I had to buy carrots for a Thanksgiving side dish, so I just used one of the carrots for purposes of this review without being wasteful. ON TO THE GIVEAWAY If you can't wait to find out if you're the winner, the DVD with 12 chapters and 115 minutes of content and DVD extras can be purchased for $19.99 with FREE Shipping in the U.S. About the Giveaway: 1 winner will receive a copy of the Copy-Kids Eat Fruits and Vegetables DVD, shipping directly from Copy-Kids (sponsor).  The giveaway begins on 12/2/13 and ends on 12/16/13 at 12:00 a.m. EST.  Please review the rafflecopter rules for more details. a Rafflecopter giveaway I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. To help support this blog, posts from Ivy's Variety may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Coronavirus Outbreak: Social Distancing With Kids If you're concerned about the health of your family during the coronavirus outbreak, consider these helpful tips for social distancing. Regardless of your opinions about the Coronavirus outbreak, the world is cracking down on quarantine measures. Some include school closures, travel and event cancellations, and sending workers home all in the name of health and wellness. However you feel about the pandemic, it's time to face the facts about all the cancellations and closures. Disney, Legoland, and Universal have all closed through March. Even my planned trip in April to NYC had closures of Broadway shows through mid-April. And this was just the beginning. Our school district extended Spring Break for an additional week and is making plans for continuing educational activities via internet if the status of the Coronavirus outbreak doesn't improve. Even just over the course of a weekend, we had to cancel our plans to visit Legoland and spend a day stocking up on food and supplies in case we have a national order to quarantine. And let me tell you, that starts to have a negative impact on kids emotions pretty quickly! So, how can you settle in and make the most of being at home with your kids during this difficult time? Dealing With Being Home During Coronavirus Outbreak Please note that none of this should be construed as medical advice. The tips shared here are simply for helping you with your sanity while you're home during the Coronavirus Outbreak. Minimize Non-Essential Contact Okay, so you don't have Coronavirus, but the world is urging for quarantine and social distancing! You've surely realized that some countries are struggling with hospital space to care for the sick. And, certainly, you understand that's going to significantly impact the health and well-being of many people who may desperately need care, even if not for Coronavirus itself. So, maybe it's time to consider self-quarantine (as much as possible) and minimize non-essential contact. One way I can suggest minimizing contact is not to do your own shopping! Instacart is the perfect way to get groceries delivered! And, they're now offering the option to allow your shopper to leave groceries on your doorstep. Keep in mind, however, that shortages in food and supplies has been an issue. Additionally, delivery times have been known to be delayed. If you're up for cooking more at home but unsure what to make for dinner, why not try PlateJoy for meal planning help? Get Outside! Social distancing and self-quarantine doesn't mean you should be cooped up indoors. According to this article, fresh air and the sun are great for immune system building and as disinfectants. During the 1918 Influenza epidemic, patients who were treated with outdoor therapy experienced better recovery than those treated in confined indoor spaces. My kids and I are spending a significant amount of time outdoors during our extended spring break! Check out some ideas for screen-free activities in my previous post about screen-free week. Cleanliness The demands of daily life may be changing, especially if you're not used to having kids at home for much of the day. But, it's important to keep up with, if not increase, housekeeping measures and personal hygiene. During the Coronavirus Pandemic, it's not the time to slack off on cleanliness! Now is a great time to review proper hand-washing with your kids. Check out my friend's article about how to clean pretty much everything. Bring some of the outdoors inside by opening your windows to let in fresh air. This coincides with the previous section talking about how fresh air is good for your immune system. As I sat typing this in my office, I had the window open blowing a fresh, cool breeze on me! Try Not To Panic When possible, reduce anxiety and stress! Curl up with a good book or binge on streaming media. What are some of your favorite tips for keeping sane during social distancing or self quarantine during the Coronavirus Outbreak? #### Could You Live in a Tiny Home? Preparing for an overnight trip to visit The Florida Aquarium in Tampa, as well as my husband's work travel to Dallas, I spent 3 full days cleaning our large 2 story house of over 2000 square feet.  Let me tell you that I am in no way boasting about the size of our home because it's in many ways too large for us.  We're pack rats and our daughter has way too many toys.  I admit it.  I'm sometimes ashamed of it.  When I have to cram cleaning and laundry into three straight days, I'm downright exhausted and frustrated by the size of this house and the amount of stuff.  This time around, I began to fantasize about those spectacular tiny houses. Photo Courtesy: greenrealestateinvestingnews.com You see, I'm intrigued by the simplicity of life that is required to live in a tiny house.  To be honest, however, our family doesn't have what it takes to live that simple life.  I'm somewhat jealous of those who are capable of it.  I can't imagine how much time I'd save in cleaning or the amount of stuff we couldn't accumulate!  Everything we'd own would be necessity.  Unfortunately, at this moment, I consider our many luxuries more like necessities and I'm pretty sure my husband would agree. So, I'll leave it to fantasizing.  Perhaps I can convince hubby in our later years to convert once the kiddo is grown and moved off to college.  My pitch will be:  more land and money for a larger workshop with more cars and less house maintenance.  Then, I'll benefit by less housework. Could you live in a tiny home?  If so, what style would you like?  I can't decide if I'd want a modern structure or something classic. #### Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler - Review If the Cuisinart Griddler isn't on your Holiday Wishlist, you may want to think about adding it!  When I initially received mine (after being certain I needed it), we barely used it.  When I finally started pulling it out to use it, we've used it for so much more than I ever anticipated!  Here's why I think you should add this to your wishlist, PRONTO! We have used the Griddler now for:*Hamburgers/sliders*Grilled Cheese Sandwiches*Pancakes*Grilled chicken breasts* Waffles (requires separate purchase of Waffle Plates)Manufacturer's information about the Griddler:5-in-1countertop unit works as a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and half grill/half griddleBrushed stainless-steel housing; sturdy panini-style handle; floating cover to adjust to thickness of foodRemovable and reversible nonstick cooking plates drain grease for healthy cooking; integrated drip trayAdjustable temperature controls with indicator lights; gourmet recipes and scraping tool includedPlates, drip tray, and scraper are dishwasher-safe; 3-year limited warrantyMy favorite feature is that, when I'm finished with dinner, I pop the plates in the dishwasher and I'm done!  I haven't yet experienced stuck on food that required use of the accompanying scraper, but it and the drip pan are also dishwasher safe.The extra waffle plates have been a good investment too!  I love that they take up little extra space and use the same machine I already have for everything else. Currently, you can get an extra $10 off the Cuisinart Griddler at Amazon, making your Griddler $79.99 with FREE shipping. To "clip" your coupon, go to the Griddler product page on Amazon, scroll down to "Special Offers and Promotions", then click on the clip coupon link.  This will add your coupon.  Scroll back up and add the Griddler to your cart. To help support this blog, posts from Ivy's Variety may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Dancing with the Sun - Children's ebook review Because we were on vacation last week, week 6 of preschool is delayed.  But, I'm happy to have been given the chance to review Dancing With The Sun by Ally Nathaniel.  If you have a daughter aged 3+, you may find this book review to be of interest. Welcome back to Emma's world - this time, she's elegantly describing her love for dancing.  As we all have something we feel passionate about, Emma's art is dancing.  It makes her happy and melts her worries away. The cute rhyming verses transport you to this exciting world of dance for Emma as if you're dancing right along with her.  Ally does a great job explaining reasons that following your heart and doing what you love is so important, without "teaching" it.  This book feels natural and beautiful. The colorful illustrations are sure to captivate your young reader.  This is a book that I can confidently say you'll be happy to read to your little one. #### Dear Mommy, Take Care of Yourself Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net It doesn't matter how many children you have, you need to take care of yourself.  Moms experience burnout.  I know this because I have and do on the regular.  I preach about the importance of moms taking time for themselves, but I'm horrible at taking my own advice.  But, it's true.   We're so busy taking care of our children, husband, and house, we often forget that we have to take care of ourselves.  This leads to mommy burnout.  When you're there, it's important to find balance to work effectively. [tweetthis]We are so busy taking care of [others], we often forget that we have to take care of ourselves. [/tweetthis] That old saying "Happy wife, happy life" is surprisingly true.  If mommy isn't happy, she's exhausted, snippy, and probably running on autopilot.  Everyone feels the pain. And this is mommy burnout. Simple Ways to Take Care of Yourself I'd like to share some simple and inexpensive ways to take care of yourself.  Who knows, maybe doing one extra thing today just for you, might give you the feel good boost you needed!  These things don't take too much time, and you can usually accomplish at least one of them while the kids are in bed, or napping. Blow dry your hair.  It's so easy to take your shower and skip this part.  I know I struggle with it because "I have better things to do", but man do I appreciate when my hair isn't unruly when I take the time to do this step. Style your hair (curl, straighten, braid).  This is one I do regularly.  It's part of my day if I'm leaving the house.  When hubby asked why I bother, I told him it's the one thing I give myself that makes me feel like I'm not a total bum. Put on your makeup.  I struggle with this one, but want to slap myself for not doing it more often.  Even just a little bit to hide some of the exhaustion and make me look a little more put together ... I feel on top of the world. Paint your nails.  This may take a few extra minutes, but you'd be surprised how many people notice this one.  And a little extra attention or compliments goes a long way when you're usually doing your best just to stay afloat. Call a friend.  Spend 5 minutes (or 30) catching up, venting, laughing.  It's great to reconnect with people who are probably on some spectrum of burnout as well.  You can help yourself and probably make her day, too. Make or buy yourself a dessert.  How often are you baking something for the kids, or husband, without regard for what you want?  Tonight, run out and buy a cheesecake that no one else will eat.  Bonus points for making them watch you eat it, wishing they had something cooler than those store bought packaged chocolate chip cookies. Read a book. You can buy a book or borrow one from the library, but catching up on some reading sounds good, right?  And seriously, don't pick out another book on raising your spirited child ... read something solely for entertainment value. Journal.  I was doing this for a while, and I told myself to focus on the positives.  Most times, I was able to do it with ease, while others ... I can be honest here ... I failed.  Regardless, writing in a journal can be quick and help you get out feelings or focus on important things. Exercise.  This is not my strong suit.  In fact, I hate the idea, but I know plenty of moms who love it.  I did about a year at the gym doing yoga and I felt good, so every now and then, I think about picking it back up.  There's a wealth of exercise videos online, and of course, there's always "an app for that." Watch a show you want.  If you don't feel like fighting your husband for the remote, use your kid's nap time.  Or go to a different room.  Whatever!  Watch a show for your entertainment. Try to make it a daily habit of doing something for you, because it's important for you to take care of yourself.  Your family depends on you, so you need to make sure you're feeling emotionally balanced and not running on autopilot to make it through the day.  It's okay to make the laundry wait a few extra minutes or to leave those dishes to soak overnight just this once. I hope you found my tips helpful to maintain a sense of balance. Did I miss anything?  What simple things do you do to take care of yourself and find balance?   #### Destroy Your Marriage After Baby in 7 Easy Steps Bringing a baby into the world is a joyous event, but it can also have some dramatic effects on your marriage. If you're not paying enough attention, you can destroy your marriage after baby pretty easily! Taking care of babies and raising children is a difficult task, even when you have a spouse. But can you imagine how much more difficult parenthood can be if you don't have a partner to rely on? It's my personal belief that marriage is important and so is maintaining a strong, healthy marriage after baby, despite how hard it is to work on when you're sleep-deprived. And I want to share these tips in hopes that you nurture your relationship before it needs saving. But, don't despair, if your partner is still fighting for your attention, you can strengthen it before it's too late! You just have to act now. How To Sabotage A Marriage After Baby You can have a happy marriage with kids at home, but it takes work. Whether or not that's your thing, I'm sharing 7 things that will kill a marriage after baby! 1. Make The Kids Your Priority It sounds counter-intuitive, but the absolute best way to sabotage a marriage after baby is to put your kids before your spouse. Withhold from your spouse love and attention. Put their needs on the back burner or completely forget their needs. Above all else, forget about asking for their advice or opinions if you want to destroy your marriage. You might be surprised that the stronger your marriage is, the better you'll both parent your children. Your children need both parents. Your spouse needs you. Focusing on each other will have surprising benefits on the marriage and for the kids! 2. Never Take Time For Yourself Ready to kill your marriage after baby? Don't take time for yourself. Continue to believe that you're only a good parent or spouse if you're home tending to everyone else. The truth is, when you respect your need to take a break, recharge, and remember yourself as a human being with needs, you'll be a better parent and spouse. 3. Let the Kids Stay Up Late ... Every Night Go on, let the kids dominate the house all hours of the day and night! It won't have any impact on your marriage that the two of you never get any time alone. Please tell me you don't believe this! It's great for both of you to have time alone at night to reconnect. Whether you want to have adult conversations, make serious decisions, or reconnect physically, having kids barging in every second of the day isn't going to do your relationship any favors. 4. Avoid Regular Date Nights Eh, who needs a date night? Relationships thrive on lack of intimacy and togetherness, don't they? No! Just no! Don't forget to set a regular date night. It doesn't have to be anything extra special every week, but even 1 night a week dedicated to staying connected with your spouse will do wonders for your marriage after baby. The occasional movie night may not be a bad thing, but be sure to set aside time for fun. Play games, laugh, and enjoy each other's company. 5. Don't Make Your Spouse Feel Special Seriously, don't remind your spouse how special, amazing, good-looking, or smart he or she is. No one needs to hear words of affirmation to feel connected or loved, do they? If you'd rather improve your marriage after baby, don't forget to make your spouse feel special regularly. Write a short love note. Thank your spouse for something he or she did for you. Remind your spouse about their attractiveness. Give your spouse a small gift (handmade is cool). Just let your spouse know he or she is on your mind, even if you're busy. 6. Forget Communication A great way to sabotage a marriage after baby (or any relationship) is to stop communicating. Forget to mention important details about everything including finances and health. In fact, why not forget about the random, funny meme you thought up in your head when the baby was driving you crazy! For real though, you've got to keep your spouse in the loop. Your spouse should be one of your best friends, if not your true best friend. Let your spouse know what's going on in your day-to-day ... even the little things. 7. Do Things Your Way Make decisions about the house and parenting without consulting with your partner. Okay, while that may work for a spouse who is hands-off, this isn't the way to create a strong partnership. To have a strong marriage after baby, your spouse needs to be included in decision-making and parenting. A strong marriage is easier if you practice parenting teamwork! I know it's difficult to fill two major roles in your life when you're sleep-deprived and jumping at baby's every whimper. But, the care you take, now, to nurture and strengthen your marriage will benefit you and your new baby. FAQs About Marriage After Baby Why does marriage change after baby? From experience, a mother's focus shifts from her marriage to prioritizing her baby. It's easy to get sucked into the feeling that you have to be focused on your children and lose sight that your husband and marriage need regular maintenance too! How do you prioritize marriage after having a baby? Don't forget to take some date nights, reconnect in the evenings when the children are asleep and create habits/rituals that you both enjoy! Why do so many couples break up after having a baby? Feelings of neglect, different parenting styles, less time and intimacy all have negative effects on relationships. When not tended to, marriages fail just like any relationship. This post originally appeared on SAHM, plus... Aug 2020 and has been updated. #### Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango Body Wash Review and Giveaway #GetNoticed As a Purex Insider, I'm excited to have been given the opportunity to review the Dial Coconut Water Body Wash.  Purex sent me the refreshing mango scent to try for free (no other compensation was provided).  Check out my thoughts and then come back over to the blog later toAND enter the Dial Coconut Water coupon giveaway. This fresh body wash should have been made available in stores in July.  If you haven't experienced it yet, let me tell you, when I opened the bottle to sniff it, I felt as though I was on a tropical beach.  I love coconut and the mango was a nice, light, refreshing and tropical smell.  There are several touted health benefits to adding coconut to your diet, and with my health issues, I've actually been cooking with coconut oil more.  I wouldn't be surprised if there's some benefit of bathing with coconut water (I read somewhere that it could help repair skin's moisture barrier).  I have dry skin, so I was hoping there's some truth to it. After using the product, this would be a great hydrating body wash to have on hand if you're dreaming of a tropical vacation, but just can't make it!  Hop into the shower and use your imagination ;)  I love the smell and do feel like this is truly a nourishing body wash.  I loved how fresh I smelled after my shower too. Now, if you'd like to get started on your tropical staycation, be sure to enter the giveaway here!  You could be one of 3 winners of a coupon for a FREE Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango Body Wash.  Giveaway runs from 7/31/14 12 a.m. EST to 8/14/14 12 a.m. EST. GOOD LUCK! a Rafflecopter giveaway #### Dino Lingo Children's Language Learning 5 DVD Set Giveaway {Ended} Welcome to the Language Learning 5 DVD Set Giveaway.  This promotion is sponsored by Dino Lingo. Ivy's Variety received a full home learning kit in Spanish to conduct a comprehensive review of the product. Dino Lingo is a language learning system geared to children ages 1 - 8 years with over 40 languages to choose from.  In Ivy's review of the Spanish learning kit, she offers advice as to how your children may benefit from learning a second language.  She shares how her family participated in the learning experience which made the system enjoyable, entertaining, and rewarding.  Dino Lingo made it easy for everyone to participate and immerse themselves into learning a second language together. Ivy's daughter is two and a half and showed a great deal of interest in the kit.  She was drawn to the dinosaurs (the dinosaur plush was a huge bonus) and captivated by the colorful art.  Ivy believes you will find the parents' guide thorough and useful in tying to effectively implement language learning with your children.  Although, no language learning system replaces the interaction between parent and child, this system makes it fun and easy for the entire family. Be sure to check out Ivy's Dino Lingo review. Thank you to Dino Lingo (the sponsor) and wonderful bloggers that have made this giveaway possible! Giveaway Time Dino Lingo will be giving 1 lucky winner a 5 DVD set in the language of winner's choice.  The giveaway is open to the US ages 18+ and runs from 5/6/14 11:59 p.m. EST to 5/20/14 11:59 p.m. EST.   Entry-Form Ivy's Variety and all participating blogs are not responsible for prize fulfillment.  Please see terms and conditions in Giveaway Tools. Ivy's Variety received a full Spanish language learning kit from Dino Lingo in order to facilitate her review, no other compensation was received for the review.  A nominal payment was received by Ivy in order to administer the giveaway.  Products and compensation will never sway my opinion of a product or service being offered.  My opinions are my own. #### Dino Lingo Review: Children's Language Learning Program *Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post from Dino Lingo.  I have included affiliate links in this post to help you locate the product.  If you click on these links and make a purchase, I may earn a commission.  It will never cost you more to make a purchase this way. Dino Lingo is a language learning program for children ages 1 - 8 years.  They have provided me with a complete Spanish language learning set in exchange for my review of the product.  When I was approached to do a review, I was excited to find that they offered more than 40 languages to choose from, and plenty of ordering options.  Shelby loves dinosaurs (she eats Dinosaur Egg oatmeal for breakfast every morning) so I figured the dinosaur themed learning would go over really well with her. Hubby and I decided the Spanish lessons were best to work on, considering the push for Spanish language learning in schools.  Plus, since I have some experience with speaking Spanish, I would be better able to focus on the review and her ability to learn based on the product, without needing to focus on learning a whole new language. Dino Lingo Review Did you know there are real benefits to teaching young children a second language?  As you probably know, we spent a good deal of time learning sign language when Shelby was a baby.  Aside from the benefit that she could communicate before she could speak, there were other benefits.  According to ACTFL.org "[s]tudies have shown repeatedly that foreign language learning increases critical thinking skills, creativity, and flexibility of mind in young children."  They also suggest that children learning other languages test higher in verbal and math than students who are not learning another language.  These facts make helping my daughter to learn much more exciting to me. What came in our kit? We received a full kit to review, which came with the following: Parents' guide: tri-fold pamphlet explaining the entire kit with suggestions about how to best utilize it. 5 DVDs CD with children's songs in Spanish 2 sets of flashcards Progress chart w/ stickers and progress report 12 adorably illustrated vibrant posters Workbook with sets of pictures corresponding to the DVDs Coloring Book A cute dinosaur plush Shelby's Reactions As I suggested earlier, Shelby is very intrigued by dinosaurs.  As soon as she saw the package, she couldn't wait to see the dinosaur videos and promptly absconded with her plush.  She was very interested in the video, which held her attention for about 20 minutes for the first session.  Subsequent sessions of the same video were shorter, but we were also spending bits and pieces of the day trying to remember our Spanish words in everyday usage. I'm impressed with the set and am extremely happy with the dinosaurs because they grabbed Shelby's attention straight away, and held it.Ivy's Thoughts © Ivy www.sahmplus.com The first DVD touched on easier subjects like animals (including how to say dinosaur in Spanish), numbers, and colors ... everything my toddler is interested in!  I'd say that makes an easy transition to speaking a new language, except that at times she'd look at me like I was nuts when I was talking about our dog saying "Ella perro."  She'd remind me that Ella's a dog.  Explaining that I was using a Spanish word obviously wasn't registering any understanding.  But, after some time, she was at least aware of the idea of Spanish words ... I could ask what the Spanish word for cat or dog was, and she'd try to say it (after just one day).  At her age, I wasn't sure how to explain other languages to her, but that she started to pick up on gato and perro was pretty impressive, I think.The parent's guide had plenty of information to get me going to effectively use the system.  It was neither too short or too lengthy, which indicates the authors knew what they were trying to achieve when creating both the system and the guide.  The progress chart and stickers help to keep us both in check on our learning and remind me to quiz her on occasion. The posters are adorable!  I can think of several ways to post them that would be extremely helpful.  My thought would be to hang each poster in an area that relates to the poster.  For example, hanging the poster of the clothes next to the dresser or closet would be a good reminder of how to say different articles of clothes as you're dressing your child for the day.  Similarly, the food in the kitchen or dining room.  They're extra reminders to work on your vocabulary in the appropriate settings that you may not otherwise think. Since I have a designated playroom, the posters were not hung throughout the house, but stayed in the playroom and daughter's room. © Ivy www.sahmplus.com Application I found that showing my daughter that I was placing stickers on her reward chart was an excellent exercise in quizzing.  Her little face would light up when I placed a sticker under the word she knew without help.  The only problem I had is that she has a huge obsession with stickers and wanted to play with them, so, I had to hide them from her. After 1 week of using the system, baby girl learned gato, perro, and mono.  She became comfortable trying to speak many of the other words with me, but didn't commit any others to memory that I could tell.  The progress report suggests that her age group should be able to pick up on 4 - 6 words a week.  I'll admit that we didn't use the workbook or the flash cards the first week, but at the end of the week we visited the zoo and tried to use our Spanish words on and off throughout the journey.  I even had hubby participating with us, including counting and learning some of the animal words. Into week two, my daughter was beginning to count in Spanish fairly well.  While number recognition wasn't as easy, I was pretty impressed that when I'd begin counting in Spanish, she could finish counting to ten with little assistance.  Unfortunately, her second week wasn't as successful as I'd had a minor procedure that occupied my mind more than I would have liked.  I was able to get her to learn that bear in Spanish was oso, but I had to associate it with a cartoon agent bear ... I won't say it, but parents, you probably know who I'm speaking of. I played the Spanish CD on and off throughout the weeks while she was busy with coloring or playing with stickers.  The only thing I would have liked more about the CD was a lyrics sheet so that I knew what it was singing.  I understand that it's more of a subconscious learning experience to just have it playing in the background, but it would have been nice anyway. I found the flash cards and reward chart both useful in quizzing knowledge.  Of course, the flash cards and posters were helpful when you were stumped on the translation of an object that you know you should know, but it just doesn't come to you. © Ivy www.sahmplus.com Our full home education kit was valued at approximately $160.  You can get educational materials from them for as low as $60, and they seem to run some great promotions to help you save even more.  My recommendation is to spend the extra money and invest in the full kit, not just because it's what we received, but because it offers the most comprehensive learning reinforcement by enabling you and your child to use audio, video, and visual learning aides.Overall, the system was extremely useful and fun for the whole family.  My daughter now thinks that Dinosaurs speak Spanish and requests the "dinosaur music".  It'll be interesting to see her reaction when she comes in contact with a Spanish-speaking individual (my grandmother or a friend of ours).  The key thing to remember is that DVDs and CDs alone aren't going to teach your child, that you must focus on the system with your child.  If the whole family can get involved, it's an even better experience for everyone because you all reinforce the learning.  Dino Lingo just makes learning easier and more enjoyable. You can currently purchase the Dino Lingo full Spanish kit on Amazon. Come back to the blog on 5/6/14 at 11:59 PM EST and look for the #giveaway for a chance to #win a 5 DVD set in the language of your choice. What language would YOU like to learn with your little one? Studies have shown repeatedly that foreign language learning increases critical thinking skills, creativity, and flexibility of mind in young children. Students who are learning a foreign language out-score their non-foreign language learning peers in the verbal and, surprisingly to some, the math sections of standardized tests. - See more at: http://www.actfl.org/advocacy/discover-languages/for-parents/cognitive#sthash.a2ydXT5U.dpuf Studies have shown repeatedly that foreign language learning increases critical thinking skills, creativity, and flexibility of mind in young children. Students who are learning a foreign language out-score their non-foreign language learning peers in the verbal and, surprisingly to some, the math sections of standardized tests. - See more at: http://www.actfl.org/advocacy/discover-languages/for-parents/cognitive#sthash.a2ydXT5U.dpuf Studies have shown repeatedly that foreign language learning increases critical thinking skills, creativity, and flexibility of mind in young children. Students who are learning a foreign language out-score their non-foreign language learning peers in the verbal and, surprisingly to some, the math sections of standardized tests. - See more at: http://www.actfl.org/advocacy/discover-languages/for-parents/cognitive#sthash.a2ydXT5U.dpuf Studies have shown repeatedly that foreign language learning increases critical thinking skills, creativity, and flexibility of mind in young children. Students who are learning a foreign language out-score their non-foreign language learning peers in the verbal and, surprisingly to some, the math sections of standardized tests. - See more at: http://www.actfl.org/advocacy/discover-languages/for-parents/cognitive#sthash.a2ydXT5U.dpuf Studies have shown repeatedly that foreign language learning increases critical thinking skills, creativity, and flexibility of mind in young children. Students who are learning a foreign language out-score their non-foreign language learning peers in the verbal and, surprisingly to some, the math sections of standardized tests. - See more at: http://www.actfl.org/advocacy/discover-languages/for-parents/cognitive#sthash.a2ydXT5U.dpuf Studies have shown repeatedly that foreign language learning increases critical thinking skills, creativity, and flexibility of mind in young children. Students who are learning a foreign language out-score their non-foreign language learning peers in the verbal and, surprisingly to some, the math sections of standardized tests. - See more at: http://www.actfl.org/advocacy/discover-languages/for-parents/cognitive#sthash.a2ydXT5U.dpuf #### Disney Cruise with a Toddler: Is It Worth the Money? The real truth about taking a Disney Cruise with a toddler.  Are you ready to travel on DCL with your toddler, or should you wait it out?  Let's find out. In a previous post, I shared about everything we did to prepare for a Disney Cruise with our toddler.  While writing it, I found myself compelled to bring you more informative information about our experience with the cruise itself.  Eventually, the post became more like a mini-book.  The whole topic about preparing for and taking a Disney Cruise with a toddler encompassed more information than I felt fit comfortably in one post.  So, I chose to divide it up and offer a second post sharing our actual experience on a Disney Cruise with our toddler. I'll tell the good and the bad of cruising with a toddler.  Hopefully you'll have enough information to help you determine if taking a cruise with a toddler on the Disney Cruise Line is something you should consider. Once you've figured out what you're packing and taking with you, it's time to embark on your journey.  Spend a few minutes online pre-registering you and your family on Disney's Cruise website!  You will get all the boring and tedious contracts and waiver documents done online which will save you a lot of time in the line.  You can also schedule your arrival and boarding time in advance!  We chose the 2:00 - 2:30 arrival time and were processed rather quickly (aside from the wait in lines).  Since boarding opened at 1:30, we were able to immediately board the ship. Our Bahamian cruise was in early September on the Disney Dream for 4 nights from Port Canaveral, FL.  It was myself, hubby, and 2-year-old daughter in celebration of her 2nd Birthday and our 4 year wedding anniversary. What to Expect on a Disney Cruise with a Toddler Check out what we did to prepare for our family's Disney Cruise. Pricing I'm disappointed to find that we paid the same cruise fair for our two-year-old vs. children of other ages.  She wasn't eligible to participate in the free children's programming and was limited to the splash pad because she isn't potty trained.  If we wanted baby-free time, we had to utilize the nursery at $6 per hour. Pricing for the cruise, in general, was a little more than we wanted to pay, but the experience being geared to children made our minds up.  Plus, she was able to see Mickey and his friends more than we could have if we'd visited Disney (in my opinion)!! Book Your Shore Excursions and On-Board Activities DO THIS AS SOON AS THE SYSTEM ALLOWS!  We waited a while to register because we were waiting for my passport to arrive to be sure I was actually going to be able to cruise.  And, because we waited until 4 weeks before the cruise, when it came to booking our adult dinner and several other onboard activities, there were little to no availabilities for the things we wanted.  There were only a couple of dinner reservations available on the 1st night of the cruise and one or two slots in a virtual golf simulator for hubby to do on the full day of sea.  Private cabanas on Castaway Cay were all booked as well as many shore excursions for both Nassau and Castaway Cay.  Lesson: book your activities as early as the online system allows! Children's Activities On Board the Ship Children 3 and under can go into the nursery At the time I originally wrote this post, the charge per hour was $6 (with a discounted hourly rate for subsequent children in your party). When we began looking at cruises, we were disappointed that we had to pay for our 2-year-old to join us AND we would have to pay by the hour to use the Nursery as she wasn't eligible to use the other "clubs" (aka Children's Programming).  We did use the nursery one night and were happy to have a quiet adult-only dinner for one night.  The other thing to note is that, based on the length of the trip, we could only utilize 10 hours of nursery services for the entire 4-night cruise. If you're looking to put your child(ren) into the nursery, I'd recommend booking this at the time you're doing the rest of your bookings to ensure they can take your child(ren) when you need it. Swimming and Splash Pad Because our 2-year-old wasn't fully potty trained, she wasn't able to use ANY of the onboard swimming pools, which we hadn't realized at the time of booking. The Nemo's splash pad was the only on-board water activity available to her.  While it was adorable and had a cute water slide, baby girl kept asking to go to the pool.  I would love to see the addition of an UN-potty-trained toddler-friendly pool - this feature would have been a greatly appreciated amenity to my daughter. Children's programming Children aged 3 and older are eligible to participate in the children's programming that doesn't cost extra.  They still must be fully potty trained to use the swimming pools onboard the ship.  This leaves us at a huge disadvantage when taking a Disney Cruise with a toddler.  There were plenty of areas that the little one wanted to explore.  Plus, mom and dad would have liked a little more alone time to enjoy the pools or other activities together. Food/Dining I was pleasantly surprised by Disney's food in the main dining rooms.  Excellent quality food was served with a good amount of spices, though the portions were sometimes small.  The food was presented as an upscale restaurant would do, which isn't necessary, in my opinion.  I'd prefer an ample amount of food on my plate in lieu of making it look pretty. Prepare to rotate dining rooms throughout your time on the ship.  You'll receive your dining room assignments on tickets in your stateroom the day you board the ship. Additionally, you'll be assigned to a table with at least one other family who will dine with you throughout the cruise.  We were lucky enough to get a family with a daughter approximately the same age as baby girl.  The conversation was just enough to not be uncomfortable without also being overwhelming.  Definitely got lucky! Entertainment/Character Photos There were ample character greets and photo opportunities. If you've ever been to a Disney theme park, you know the lines for character greets can be nearly as bad as lines for rides.  This is one major benefit of a Disney Cruise with a toddler.  The lines to meet characters were never more than a few minutes, even if you weren't one of the lucky few in the front!  But, you know any wait for a toddler is overwhelming. The end result, however, is totally worth it when your toddler FINALLY gets to hug his/her favorite character. Shore Excursions Nassau For Nassau, we chose to pay $169 per person for the Atlantis Aquaventure.  Children under 3 were free (and the system will not allow you to select them for the excursion) and it included lunch for the two paying adults.  I have mixed feelings about the excursion.   Firstly, the park is HUGE!  We weren't prepared for how much walking was involved.  Honestly, I felt tired by the time we arrived to actually start playing in the pools because I'd walked a lot with a toddler in my arms. Since baby girl wasn't charged, they didn't supply us with a meal ticket for her - if she had wanted a lunch, we would have had to pay for her.  When we asked about her meal, the staff told us that we should have gotten a meal ticket from our cruise line.  I suggest contacting Disney directly if you book this excursion to make sure your child receives a meal ticket in this instance. Castaway Cay In general, for this particular trip, we chose to use ONLY Disney's site to book our excursions.  Castaway Cay is Disney's private island so we couldn't use a non-affiliated site to book anything for that day anyway.  You could potentially save money using another site for shore trips, not on their private islands, but you also assume the risk of not making it back to the ship should something happen.  I'm not against non-affiliated sites either though. The excursion we chose in Castaway Cay wasn't terribly expensive or long.  We decided a glass-bottom boat ride would be nice for the whole family.  Turns out, this isn't a typical glass-bottom boat and didn't end up being as exciting as I'd thought.  When I think of a glass-bottom boat, I think of one that has a full glass bottom with seats surrounding the floor so that you can just sit and enjoy the view.   Not the case.  In order to see out the glass bottom, you had to stand up and look over the railing down into a pit.  There wasn't as much sea life as I'd hoped to have seen and trying to feed the fish over the side of the boat was impossible for small children.  It seemed most of the children were bored with the ride. DISEMBARKING The night before disembarking a Disney Cruise with a toddler, you are posed with two options for your morning departure.  You can either a) have everything but carry on items packed and set out of the room by about 10:30 (maybe it was 11:30) p.m. with non-electronically coded tags if you want assistance or b) get off the ship a little earlier with no assistance with all of your baggage. Well, we chose to put our baggage out of the door the night before and go have our final breakfast in the dining room. Turns out, we didn't really gain any more from the option we chose, other than eating breakfast that we didn't have to pay for. Here's what we discovered: * Breakfast in the dining room was rushed and we didn't receive the same level of attention from our waitstaff * We were directed to luggage pickup.  You had to remember the color of your tags with what character in order to locate the luggage yourself.  One of our pieces couldn't be located easily because it was hidden behind a larger bag.  Because nothing was coded, there would have been no way to track your luggage. * If you wanted assistance with your luggage to the car, you had to pay someone.  That's fine and all, except that's not how it's presented. * There was still a waiting line to get through customs Truthfully, neither option seemed better than the other when it was all said and done.  Like I said, at least we received breakfast on the final day that technically we paid for in the cost of the cruise anyway. Overall Experience: The Reality of a Disney Cruise with a Toddler I had a great deal of fun and I bet it would be amazing to do this again in the future when S is out of diapers and can participate in the kid activities that are included in the price of the cruise.  At the time we went on this cruise, we didn't feel comfortable paying extra for daycare services. That said, our enjoyment of the cruise and inability to experience some of the activities at night made it nearly impossible for us to believe it was worth the price to take a Disney Cruise with a toddler again. We later priced a stay at Nassau for the same amount of nights, just to compare costs.  Booking a hotel that included unlimited access to Atlantis water park and factoring in flight costs, a trip would cost us nearly $1k less and we'd have to freedom to eat where we liked. Tough call.  Tons of fun and the little one loved seeing the characters.  Still, I believe we should have waited until she was older so she could stay up later (allowing us to catch shows/fireworks), enjoy the pools, and to let her enjoy the free children's activities. What do you think?  Is it worth going on a Disney Cruise with a toddler? If you've taken a Disney Cruise with a toddler, I'd like to know about your experience!  If not, do you think you want to, or are you waiting until the kids get older? #### DIY Felt Christmas Tree for Toddlers I love this DIY felt Christmas tree for toddlers and your tot will love it to.  The crafting possibilities are endless as to what you can do with this tree and gives your kiddo the opportunity to decorate and redecorate to their heart's content! For Christmas last year, we couldn't bear to put up a regular Christmas tree with the baby walking  - filled with anxiety by the potential for disaster.  I was searching for how to give a toddler a Christmas tree in our small home because I thought it was important she have a tree to admire for Christmas #2 and stumbled on the idea of a felt Christmas tree.  It was brilliant and I knew instantly that I needed to make one.   I dove in head-first to the project without a single idea about how to work with felt.  Then, my anal-retentive, almost perfectionist Aries trait kicked in, reminding me of why I don't do crafts.  I stared at the large felt piece before me blankly.  I couldn't just cut without a plan ... I'd have a crooked tree with branches that weren't even close to mirror image.  *sigh*  Yep, this is why arts and crafts aren't typically on my to do list.  I over think, over analyze, and totally take the fun out of it. I finally figured out my game plan and constructed the most wonderful toddler felt tree I'd ever seen (not that I'd seen many).  When finished, I was amazed at how much I loved this project, and even have plans for additions to this year's tree that I didn't have time to complete last year. What's the best part of this tree?  Baby girl was allowed to play with all the ornaments without fear of breakage and she was able to decorate her tree over and over again as she saw fit.  When Christmas was over, I was no longer bothered that she didn't have a real tree to put presents under :) Supplies you need for a toddler felt Christmas tree Green felt by the yard Really good fabric scissors Felt in various colors How to make a Toddler Felt Christmas Tree First, I put a large swatch of green felt, folded in half to make a tall rectangle on a table (I used my coffee table).  Then, I lay a bunch of paper down to sketch the outline of a tree.  I started with pencil to get the look I wanted.  Once I had it drawn to my liking, I went over the pencil markings with permanent marker. Once I had my sketch done, I cut through the paper and both side of the felt, because I like symmetry.  It's important to use extremely sharp scissors ... if you've used scissors for other paper crafts, your scissors will probably be too dull for this project.  Find a brand new sharp pair of scissors and save them for only felt and fabric crafts. This is what the tree looked like once cut. Once I was satisfied with the tree, I could work on various felt Christmas Tree ornaments for the kiddo to place and replace to her heart's content!  In order to create the various ornaments, I found that creating shapes out of paper first and pinning them to the felt helped me get nearly consistent shapes. This is what the entire tree looked like when I completed it.  I'm pretty happy with it and the toddler was too! If you're limited on craft time but desire a toddler felt Christmas Tree, contact me! I'd be happy to provide my services for a fee based on time and materials and save you the trouble of doing it yourself.  Tree and ornaments will be hand-cut, so no two sets will be alike. If you want to do this project yourself, why not grab this two page printable of starter ornaments for your toddler felt Christmas tree?  Just subscribe to my email newsletter to receive free access to my resource library full of fabulous resources for parents! How Do You Hang Felt on the Wall? Try using adhesive strips!  So as to keep the weight of the felt from pulling itself off the wall, use plenty of adhesive strips on the corners and press hard against the wall so that they attach to the felt. As the kids got older and could be trusted, we started using thumb tacks.  Don't use this method with little ones without supervision OR if you don't want holes in the walls. Related If you love this and want more Christmas crafts for your kids, check out my friend's post of 30 Christmas Tree Crafts for Kids Just looking for Felt Christmas Crafts?  Try this: How to Have a Felt Christmas Wonderland Everyone Will Love Or, How to Make a Felt Jack-O-Lantern That Will Delight Your Kids #### DIY Toddler Squishy Bag Activity Staying at home with your children has it's pros and cons.  One of the biggest struggles as a stay at home mom is keeping my kids active and not relying on the same things day in and day out.  But, I know how easy it is to get stuck in a rut.  So, it's important for me to seek ways to mix it up at home.  And, the only way I seem to be able to do that, with any luck, is when I settle on EASY things to do.  Today, I want to share a quick recipe for a toddler squishy bag ... the longest part of the whole do-it-yourself is waiting for the gel to cool! The best part is, you can start cooking this when your toddler lays down for a nap.  Depending on how long he naps, it might even be ready for play when he wakes up. Toddler Squishy Bag Recipe Supplies Needed for a Toddler Squishy Bag 1 gallon Ziploc storage bag Measuring cups Water Corn Starch Food Coloring Measuring spoon Pot and Spoon Free-standing food storage bag holder (I use Jokari Hands-Free Baggy Rack) Directions   Boil 3 cups water on the stove. While water is coming to a boil, mix about 6 Tbsp corn starch with cold water to make a thick liquid (it will look like runny glue).  Stir up and try to get as much of the chunks out as you can. When the water on the stove is boiling, turn heat down just a bit and begin slowly stirring in the corn starch mixture. Continue stirring the mixture at a low boil until it's thickened into a gel-like consistency. Remove pot to cool spot and mix in 8 - 12 drops of food coloring.  Let cool completely. Once the mixture is cooled, dump it into the storage bag and make sure to zip it up tight! Playing with the toddler squishy bag I found myself drawn to the bag and was really excited for my son to play with it after nap.  Unfortunately, he just wasn't having it.  He let me place his hands on the bag and squish it.  Then, he proceeded to slap it and pick it up to throw it.  "Ball?"  No son, it's not a ball.  Then, he pushed it away and screamed at me when I tried to give it back for him to play with. What a complete waste of time.  At least ... for him.  I found the bag therapeutic.  I caught myself playing with it every time I passed it by.  So, not a complete waste, right? I'm going to chalk the "failure" up to my son's age.  He was only 13 months when I did this with him Have you ever made a toddler squishy bag?  How did it go over? #### Do You Know the Types of Disasters to Prepare for as a Family? Part of parenting involves being ready to make difficult decisions in stressful situations, such as natural disasters.  Do you know the types of disasters to prepare for in your area?  Is your family ready? It's coming up on hurricane season in Florida and I'm reminded of the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane season. It was the first year I'd ever evacuated my residence, though not really by choice.  My husband forced me to take the kids out of state. Having been a Florida resident all my life, I've (unfortunately) learned all the fuss news broadcasters make over hurricanes is usually over the top.  Actually, I'd become complacent and hurricane threats seemed only idle threats. Admittedly, I'd been lucky enough to never have experienced much more than a week without power and water.  Plus, up until the last 8 years, I never had children to worry about. 2017, however, my husband made the call.  He wasn't comfortable with the idea of me and the children riding out one of the largest storms we were likely to have seen yet.  He'd watched as hurricane Irma demolished Puerto Rico then set its sights on The Keys, slowing making its way up Florida.  For the first time I'd ever seen, he wasn't certain staying home was in our best interest.  And, with two young children, we had to think beyond ourselves. To be honest, I wasn't prepared for the evacuation.  Not only that, if it weren't for my husband, I wouldn't have prepared much for the time we might have been without power.  Not a wise parenting decision, if we're being brutally honest.  2017 taught me a few lessons about how I need to approach our disaster preparedness for the family in the future. No matter where you live, your family may eventually face a disaster leaving you without power, water, or access to obtain either.  Some natural disasters come in seasons, while other disasters can be caused by humans.  They can cause power grid failures,  problems with water supply, or the inability to leave your home for days or weeks at a time. Either way, disasters can place a burden on your family to stay home without access to things we consider essentials!  Disasters of any kind can create tension within the family.  With children, their lack of understanding of the situation can also make things more stressful. Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing a series on emergency preparedness for families.  This is what you have to look forward to: Discussing the types of disasters to prepare for as a family (this post) How to Make an Emergency Preparedness Plan For Your Family Survival Food Storage Ideas for Families in a Disaster Must-Have Supplies for Your Family Disaster Survival Kit How to Stay Positive During an Evacuation Trip with Kids The first step in emergency preparedness is to know the types of disasters to prepare for as a family. Do You Know the Types of Disasters to Prepare for as a Family? To prepare for disasters as a family, it's important to take account of the disasters with the most likely potential for the area in which you live. Step 1 - Know the most likely natural disasters Review the types of disasters your area is prone to and particularly important for natural disaster preparedness. Those living on the South East coast of the US should prepare for hurricane season. Those in the North East should prepare for big, seasonal snow storms. Tornadoes are typically a worry for the Mid-West or South West. Earthquakes are generally a disaster the West Coast feels, especially in California. Step 2 - What are the potential man-made disasters for your area? Review the area around your residence.  What man-made disasters could possibly happen? Do you live near a dam?  You may need a plan for flooding. If you live near a nuclear plant, you'll need to think about quick escape routes. Generally, think about the things and places around that could potentially cause an emergency or disaster for which you need to prepare for.  Your emergency plan will depend on those variables. What next? Once you know the types of disasters to prepare for as a family, you can begin to consider whether or not you will stay home and ride it out.  Sometimes, however, that decision may not be within your control, such as in the event of a mandatory evacuation. Think about what makes the most sense for your family in each situation. By staying home during a disaster, you're able to tend to issues as they arise and attempt to prevent further damage.  For example, in Florida, during a hurricane, you can board up a busted window or throw a tarp over a roof if a tree falls on it. Other times, however, evacuating the home with your family may be a safer option for your family.  During this instance or when a mandatory evacuation is ordered, you'll need to know where you are going.  Do you have family or friends you can stay with? If friends or relatives aren't an option, look into an area where you may wish to travel to.  Get the numbers and addresses of a few hotels where you'd prefer to stay.  Have them in an emergency preparedness file so you're able to book quickly. When a natural or man-made disaster occurs, sometimes there's not much time to think clearly.  You don't want to waste precious time trying to make decisions, while potentially losing out on a comfortable place to stay with your family. Finally, though it's most likely not the most comfortable place to stay, know where local shelters are.  Save these as a last resort. Your turn! Do you know the types of disasters to prepare for in your area?  Have you discussed them with your family? Would you like more help with your family's disaster preparedness?  I would love to share my 14-page Family Emergency Preparedness Workbook with you.  Simply join my email newsletter to receive immediate access to a FREE resource library of printables for parents, including this workbook. #### Do You Like Being Pregnant? With my first pregnancy, I loved the majority of the nine months.  There were a few days that weren't quite pleasurable, but overall, I had a decent pregnancy.  I think the couple of times I didn't like it were the few days of morning sickness or inability to eat, and the hot summer months when I was at my largest.  And, as most mothers experience, the last couple of weeks were miserable as I was too large around my midsection to tie shoes or bend over to pick up anything I dropped.  I remember trying many of those home remedies to evict my little one early, but overall, I really liked being pregnant. The rest of my pregnancy, I was in generally good spirits, had plenty of energy (maybe not in the first trimester), enjoyed sex, and was lucky enough to feel movements early on.  We were in a good financial situation with little to stress about, and I had decent health insurance that made having a baby affordable. Skip ahead to now, as I'm due with baby #2 in November.  In general, I hate my pregnancy.  I don't think I felt good one day in my first trimester, and roughly 9 weeks of it I spent wishing I would throw up.  I also wore sea bands throughout the day to help assist with the dizziness and nausea.   Plus, most days I HAD to take a nap by noon or I couldn't survive the rest of the day with any sanity. Even into my second trimester, I don't have a lot of energy, though I don't require a nap every day.  Still, most days I'm cranky and have a hard time taking a joke. I'm not sure why such the difference, but I'm miserable this time around.  Is it because 1) I'm older? 2) I have health issues (Hashimoto's, Adrenal Stress)? 3) I'm staying home dealing with a really demanding 3.5 year old? Or is it simply because this is a different pregnancy? Whatever the reasons, I'm not enjoying it as much as I keep looking for something to enjoy!  The only things I've found to help me enjoy this pregnancy is a) to have a prenatal massage or b) spend a couple minutes a day in a silence rubbing my belly and hoping to feel the baby move.  And, my daughter finally got to see the baby move my belly the other day, which brought us some joy to watch and play together. Tell me:  Do You Like Being Pregnant? Connect with Ivy on Google+   Liked this article? Sign up for FREE updates! * indicates required Email Address * Email Format html text Disclosure: To help support this blog and continue to bring you free content, Ivy's Variety posts may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Do You Need to Adopt This Mom's 2018 Goals? Life is complicated, but this mom's 2018 goals are designed to help me fight the overwhelm and focus more on finding some peace.  Plus, it's time to get serious about organizing and planning. In November and December, I was suddenly overwhelmed.  Daily life with two kids (one being a toddler) is already pretty hectic.  Add holidays and said toddler's birthday, and I was on the verge of a breakdown. November starts the seasonal celebrations, but in our family, they're one too many.  My Mother- and Father-in-law are divorced, so we usually spend two Christmases between them.  Plus, there's Christmas with my dad and often a separate one when my husband's aunt can't make it to any of the other events.  That's just Christmas! In 2016, I began hosting Thanksgiving at our home, mainly because I was tired of attending holiday gatherings where I have to bring my own food since no one can figure out how to accommodate for my food allergies in the 4 years I've had them.  And, because my husband's family values Black Friday shopping over a Thanksgiving meal together, we end up having a second Thanksgiving event at the end of the weekend. Holidays are overwhelming.  Life is hectic.  And at the end of this year, I've finally realized I've got to make some changes to save my sanity.  I don't like to make New Year's Resolutions, but I do need to make some goals to lighten commitments that aren't as important and make room for things that are important AND  bring me joy.  This mom's 2018 goals need to include more time to reboot, take care of myself, and make our lives a little easier. This Mom's 2018 Goals Personal Schedule mommy time! I straight up am blocking off hours or entire days at least once a month and in advance.  I don't necessarily have a plan other than to get out of the house, away from the kids, and just not become seriously overdue for a mom's night out. I schedule and plan around everyone else's activities and this Mom's 2018 goals include penciling in my own activities.  And on occasion, if the family has to work around it, we all need to be okay with it.  I don't want to feel guilty for putting myself first on occasion.   A post shared by Ivy | Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Dec 13, 2017 at 7:49pm PST Feel less guilty about the days I take for myself. In a recent FULL day off, I caught myself wondering about the kids and feeling guilty that I wasn't at home doing "my job."  I do so much ... make breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  I put the toddler down for a nap.  When my daughter needs help with homework, I'm usually in charge of that.  I'm in charge of keeping routines, making appointments, and planning everything.  I hadn't been out for myself in a while, and I certainly never take a full day off.  So, why in the world should I feel guilty that I finally did it?  I shouldn't!  It's my goal to make a day off a regular occurrence. Spend a little money on myself every month.  I have holy shirts and *gasp* some holy undies.  That's so freaking embarrassing.  Usually, when I want something (or even need something), I throw it on my Amazon  wish list and wait for someone else to buy it for me.  And then, at the end of the year, when I haven't received it, I may get a little disappointed.  As a SAHM, I don't earn a regular income, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't be able to buy something when I need or really want something, within reason.  Or, if I want to pay to have my hair professionally straightened every quarter, why shouldn't I be able to show myself my desires are as important as the rest of my family? Keep up with a twice a day face routine to fight the signs of aging. This year, I really started to see a change in my face.  I haven't decided if it's from my autoimmune disease or the highly volatile toddler aging me, but I'm totally aging. I've never been into skin care, but at the end of 2017, I purchased a small set to get me started.  I'm notorious for starting a routine and then accidentally skipping a day... and then it turns into routinely skipping days. This year, I'm determined to keep on top of it.  Heck, I should just have said I want to to better about creating and keeping routines I set for myself, like keeping the aloe plant alive I received from my IKEA preview. A post shared by Ivy | Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Nov 10, 2017 at 5:14am PST Learn how to use my Cricut Maker! My husband bought me a Cricut Maker for Christmas.  While I don't consider myself "crafty," I have already found some creative ideas for using it.  In fact, the first weekend I had it, I created an uppercase felt alphabet that I was too lazy to cut by hand for the last 3 years.  And I want to do so much more! Marriage Put more effort into our date-nights-in A while back, my husband and I instilled a weekly date-night-in to continue focusing on our marriage.  We'd become fairly complacent in our nightly routine of getting the kids to bed, turning on the TV, and playing on our computers.  Sometimes it felt as though we were mainly roommates. That's awful! We knew getting out weekly for a date night wasn't going to be easy, so this was our answer.  Friday nights have been designated as Date-Night-In.  And it's been working, for the most part, but we lack any sense of planning ahead. Friday night rolls around and once the kids are in bed, we begin asking what movie we're watching or what game we're playing.  By the time we decide or download a new movie, we're in rush mode to get the movie to finish before we need to get to bed to tackle Saturdays. It's my hope to start putting in more effort to pre-planning.  At the very least, I want to start researching movies that sound good.  I specifically love movies that make us think and get us discussing our opinions on the subject. Find someone to babysit for a more regular date night out. We'd love to get out more than one weekend a month.  And our date-night-ins are cool, but it would be nice to get dressed in more than jeans and a holey t-shirt to spend time with my husband.  But, his mom watches two of our nephews for long house, so rarely has much time outside of her duties with them.  And, we don't want to start getting ready to leave the house at 8pm. From the alternate side, my dad lives close to an hour away, so having him watch the kids takes a bit of planning.  Much more than a couple hours out of the house is worth on a regular basis. I think it's time to admit that the cost of a babysitter once a month or so would be worth it just to have one date night that isn't in the house in our boring loungewear. Blogging Make a part-time income to help my family pay for home improvements. In 2017, I said this was my year.  Turned out, it wasn't.  I barely made anything.  This year, I want to be able to say I contributed to more than just a couple cheap gifts and paying for blogging expenses.  This mom's 2018 goals had to include actually bringing home an income.  On a personal level, I want to feel as though my time and effort spent writing, editing, and sharing are valuable monetarily.  I'd like to contribute to larger household expenses, but really, I want to sock away a little cash for some home improvements I'd like to see.  Basically, I just want to add a little bonus to our lives and invest in the home we've selected as our forever home. Get organized This mom's 2018 goals for blogging organization include scheduling topics by day of week and writing on more of the topics I had planned.  I'd gotten into a rut in 2017, mainly writing about parenting and natural birth, but that wasn't my intention for this blog. Yes, some of those topics are part of the blog, but I also wanted to remind parents that they're more than just those topics.  Specifically, there's more to life than being a mom.  I want to organize my thoughts around subjects outside of parenting, because I'm also a wife and an individual with my own needs and hopes for my future.  I want to inspire moms to think about themselves outside of their roles as parents. Get better with SEO It's important to me that my writing reach people.  I started blogging because I wanted to share information and I renamed my blog to SAHM, plus... because I wanted to help stay at home moms find balance in their lives.  It doesn't do much good if I can't get a handle on SEO to have people stumble on my work.  So, I need to really focus on getting my words out there for the general public in a more efficient way than hoping social media does the work. This mom's 2018 goals are mainly to become a better version of my current self, I just have to begin focusing again on things that make me happy.  I need to give my marriage more intentional attention.  And I need to organize and plan better to accommodate for the unrealistic demands to be super moms. I'd love to know if my thoughts resonate you!  Do you want to adopt any of this mom's 2018 goals, too? #### Does Almighty PHOTO live up to its name? iOS App Review I was recently given the opportunity to try out Almighty PHOTO for iPhone and iPod Touch.   Immediately, I was impressed with how smoothly the application worked and was easily navigable without the use of a drawn out tutorial.  Read on to learn about the app and find out my overall impression of it.When you first log into Almighty Photo, you're given a brief tutorial on how it is designed to work.  At the first screen following your introduction, it shows a photo and a count.  On the bottom bar, the button selections allow for viewing these photos by date, in camera roll style, in blocks of several pictures on one screen, by location, and the last one takes you to slide show options.  In slide show options, you're able to select the speed of play, whether or not it repeats, how photos transition, and if you'll be playing music.With this app, you can categorize photo(video) into albums by dates(by day, by month, by year), cameras, lenses, tags.  The app will not duplicate the items already on your phone, just helps you to better manage what's already on your device.Some of the more fun features of this app include:*Sharing via Wi-Fi as long as other devices are logged into your wifi*Photo filters that don't change your original photo (very cute options that you may find in other photo editing sites).*Animated GIFs from serial photos*Meta Data to show how the photo was takenThe app has worked smoothly and flawlessly for me every time.  I'm most impressed with how similar some features are to the standard camera roll, so you're "at home" with the app.The FULL VERSION is on sale for $0.99 (reg $2.99) until January 13, 2014. What part of my review piqued your interest in Almighty PHOTO? I was provided a code to download this application and a small fee to review and publish content about this product.  Sponsorship doesn't influence my opinions.  To help support this blog, posts from Ivy's Variety may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Earth Mama Angel Baby Pregnancy Essentials Bundle Review I'm loving the Pregnancy Essentials Bundle from Earth Mama!  Find out about this awesome organic set of products for pregnant mamas. I've learned through recent experience that we are asking our bodies to handle an over-abundance of toxic chemicals on a daily basis.  My struggle with health issues makes me much more aware of what I'm ingesting and putting on my body.  I'm even more aware of the kinds of things we're putting on our babies.  With this pregnancy, I'm much more cautious of chemicals I use and foods I ingest, because I truly want to give my unborn baby the best possible start in life.  If I can reduce the amount of toxins he's exposed to before birth, we should all be better off, right?  What mama wouldn't want that for their kids? I'm happy that Earth Mama Angel Baby Organics has been kind enough to provide me their wonderful Pregnancy Essentials Bundle for review.   This bundle is designed to help me maintain a more healthy pregnancy, while caring for myself and baby with fewer toxins. What Comes in the Pregnancy Essentials Bundle? Happy Mama Body Wash 5.3 fl. oz. Morning Wellness Spray 4 fl. oz. Mama-To-Be Tea Sampler 1 Box Natural Stretch Oil 4 fl. oz. Earth Mama Body Butter 4 fl. oz. Mint Herbal Lip Balm The first items I had to try were the Body Butter and Stretch Oils.  My growing belly and chest have been extremely itchy during this pregnancy, unlike anything I remember with my first.  I hardly ever get relief.  In the morning, I rubbed the body butter on my expanding tummy and I received instant relief from some mild itching I was experiencing.  The lotion was creamy, absorbed quickly, and smelled wonderful.  The stretch oil I found extremely useful at night before bed for long-lasting relief.  In fact, I didn't find myself waking in the middle of the night as I had previously due to the itching. Mama-To-Be Tea Sampler The tea sample has 4 teas with 4 bags each for you to enjoy. I started with the Peaceful Mama tea after a long day.  The flavor was mild and soothing and didn't need much sweetener.  I found this blend to be particularly useful in soothing me before bed, though I did use it once mid-afternoon to help relieve some tension.   The Morning Wellness blend is supposedly good for your first trimester nausea.  I found this to be a mild, but earthy flavored tea that also didn't need much in the way of sweetening.   I opted out of trying Heartburn Tea as I haven't experienced heartburn with either of my two pregnancies.  I'm also saving the Third Trimester Tea for my third trimester ... I'm uncertain of the effect it may have in my current trimester, so I thought I would be best to just hold off.  I am looking forward to trying this one though as the special herb blends are supposed to help your body prepare for having your new baby! Morning Wellness Aromatherapy Spray The Morning Wellness Spray is an amazing citrus scented aromatherapy spray.  There's a hint of ginger included to help with morning sickness.  I'm passed that point in my pregnancy, so I can't vouch for its effectiveness.  What I can say is that a simple spray and sniff of the citrus scent offered an immediate boost in my mood.  My only gripe about the spray is that the scent doesn't seem to linger as the mist quickly falls to the floor.  My suggestion is to have a handy (clean) rag or handkerchief available to spray the mist on to keep the smell around longer.  Perhaps if you're wearing a scarf, you could even spray some on that.  Even my young daughter enjoyed the scent of the spray and asked me to spray more for her.   Happy Mama Body Wash I really enjoyed this body wash.  The pump spits it out pre-foamed, which can be helpful if you don't have a body puff.  The smell is really light and refreshing.  The big bonus for me was that my lady parts didn't become aggravated by this soap.  That's an amazing feeling because my parts have become super sensitive to almost everything in the last couple years. Mint Herbal Lip Balm Another nausea assisting product that I couldn't test against nausea since I'm in my second trimester.  However, I loved the smell of the balm. Overall Pregnancy Essentials Bundle Review I'm extremely pleased with the quality of the products I tested, and happy to have found a wonderful organic brand.  I'll definitely be looking at postpartum and new baby products in the near future!  As a bonus, the teas are Non-GMO Project verified, which gives me more confidence that I'm making a healthier choice for myself and my unborn baby. I felt so pampered with the pregnancy essentials bundle from Earth Mama! I think it's a perfect gift for a mama-to-be, even if that happens to be yourself!  At the time of this writing, this bundle comes with everything shown above plus a mini organic tote for $59.95 shipped (plus any applicable taxes if they apply to your order).  If you're wondering what my top choices would be, if you didn't want to buy the whole bundle, I'd have to choose the stretch oil and body butter. Because I enjoyed the bundle so much, I added a few postpartum and baby bundles to my baby registry, to continue the healthy pampering when baby arrives! What do you think about this bundle?  Visit Earth Mama Organics and pick out something pampering for yourself or your new bundle of joy! Other posts you may enjoy 8 Smart Ways Mom-To-Be Should Prepare for Her New Baby I was afraid to breastfeed again Ways my pregnancies differed Don't take the epidural Housekeeping schedule for new moms #### Easy Chicken and Yellow Rice Recipe This is a ridiculously easy chicken and yellow rice recipe! Use your leftover chicken and whip up this hearty dinner of chicken and Vigo yellow rice one-pot meal for quicker cleanup. It's food your family will love. If you have shredded chicken leftover from that whole chicken you cooked, you may be like me and wondering what you do with it.  My family usually eats a decent amount of chicken, but I've found I usually pick out about 2 cups or so that I can't stand to waste.  Now, there's only so much chicken salad I can stomach.  And, I don't want to do it often.  Thankfully, my brother-in-law shared a version of this recipe with me ... leaving out some details (like actual amounts of liquid). After a few tries, I finally perfected this recipe and added my own spin.   And, because I don't like reading stories that have nothing to do with a recipe, I won't bore you either. All you need to know is this recipe has become a favorite in our household. The husband, who rarely expresses his feelings about food actually told me he really likes this dinner.  My kids like everything, so there you go.  Hubby and daughter like to throw some hot sauce in the mix, too, and you could even switch the chicken for freshly delivered lobster if that’s your thing - it’s just so flexible.  I love it because it's EASY (I don't have time for complicated recipes) and helps me use the leftover chicken (not a fan of waste)! Easy Chicken and Yellow Rice Recipe Disclaimer: This post likely contains affiliate links that may earn me commissions should you click through them and take certain actions. Firstly, it's important for me to remain on a Gluten-Free Diet.  So ... Is Vigo Yellow Rice Gluten-Free? As far as I can tell, Vigo Yellow Rice is Gluten-Free based on their ingredients, listed here: If you're wanting to verify, I always recommend contacting a manufacturer for clarification or verification of a product's allergen statements. Chicken and Vigo Yellow Rice Dinner Recipe Be sure to defrost your frozen homemade chicken broth for this easy chicken and yellow rice dinner!  This is an excellent way to use up the leftover shredded chicken from a whole roasted chicken that's often a Sunday meal.  When you're finished with this, don't forget to try out some other Vigo Yellow Rice recipes, too! Easy Chicken And Yellow Rice Recipe Quick and easy chicken and yellow rice dinner, perfect for using leftover chicken on a busy night. 5 Cups homemade chicken broth1 10 oz pkg Vigo Yellow Rice2 Cups Pulled/chopped chicken pieces1 - 1.5 Cup frozen peas Put 5 cups homemade chicken broth in a large pot and bring to a boil.Following the instructions on the Vigo rice bag - dump the rice in the boiling broth and stir for 1 minute on boil.Lower heat to simmer.  Dump in the chicken pieces and stir.  Cover and simmer for 20 - 25 minutes.Dump the frozen peas on the top, cover and cook for another 10 - 15 minutes. I usually cook initially for 25 minutes and another 10 minutes after I've added peas. Serve with a drop or two of hot sauce if you desire. (Not my deal). Main Course Relish in the ease of cooking dinner, using leftovers, and having only one pot to clean after cooking this Chicken and Yellow Rice recipe using Vigo Yellow Rice.   #### Easy Literacy Games You Can Do Indoors on a Rainy Day There is a form of magic in the quiet of a rainy day; the children's feet are restless, and there is a desire for something to be both fun and productive. One way to fill this desire is through indoor literacy games. These will create an atmosphere in the living room that supports growing attention, makes sense of new sounds, and encourages the development of the ability to connect words. Here are some simple ideas and ways to incorporate these literacy games, and how to use them, where to set them up, and ways to encourage engagement from your children without creating a school environment. 4 Easy Indoor Literacy Games for Rainy Days 1) Sound Hop in the Lounge What: Place 3-4 cushions on the floor, and put a letter card on each. How: Call out a sound (do not call out the letter name). Ask them to hop to the cushion that has the sound you called out. Switch the letters after several minutes. Where: Any open area of flooring in your home will work. When: A great activity to do as a quick pick-me-up of energy between meals and/or storytime. Why it helps: While engaging in movement, your child develops sound awareness; as a result, focus and fun can coexist. ​​2) Mystery Bag of Beginning Sounds What: Collect various household items like a spoon, pen, sock, peg, etc. and put them inside a large ziplock bag. How: They select an item from the bag, identify the sound of the item, and locate the corresponding letter card on the table. Where: At the kitchen table, or at a coffee table. When: Great to do during the process of making tea. Tip: Add a funny timer to your cell phone for added excitement. 3) Fridge Words Using Sticky Notes What: Write simple words on sticky notes and place them around the fridge or a door. How: Have your child read one note and stick it next to the matching picture on a page you drew earlier. Start with CVC Words like cat, pin, sun, mop, then add digraph words such as ship, chin, that, shed to grow awareness of letter teams. Where: Kitchen spaces are ideal since you can pair words with everyday objects. When: Before dinner, while food is in the oven. Growth idea: Let your child draw the pictures for tomorrow’s words. 4) Story Dice and Rainy Day Stories What: Create a simple dice using paper, or you can use building blocks. On three sides of the dice, draw a person, a place, and an object. How: Roll the dice, then tell a story about what was rolled. Speak first to model a sentence. Then ask your child to continue the story by adding another sentence. Where: On the carpet with a cozy blanket. When: Late in the afternoon, when energy levels drop. Why it helps: Telling stories orally increases vocabulary, builds sequence, and provides encouragement for speaking confidently. A Gentle Reminder For Parents Rainy days can seem long and boring for kids. It's perfectly normal if your child appears to be losing enthusiasm for an activity; this is completely fine. Limit the amount of time of each activity, give some positive feedback for what they are doing in order to help keep them motivated, and have them finish with a "high". The main goal of these activities is not to produce "perfect" work, but to spark interest and make tiny developmental strides. And if you're looking for even more ways to fill the afternoon, check out our favorite non-literacy rainy day fun. #### Easy Rudolph Clothespin Craft for Kids You'll love this easy and adorable Rudolph clothespin craft for kids using non-clamping wooden craft clothespins! There's nothing I like more than an easy craft for kids.  NOTHING.  Well, maybe Starbucks Lattes or a really good hamburger with fries.  Seriously, I have a weakness for hamburgers and fries! But, we're not talking about my unhealthy habits, are we? No.  See, we're talking about easy crafts for kids.  Because A) I don't really like work and B) I can't stand the mess. Dang ... maybe I'm not good at this mom thing.  Nah, I totally rock motherhood in my own ways, you know. Still, my daughter loves crafts.  Art and science seem to be her two things.  She's capable of and enjoys tons of stuff, but those two things really seem to get her excited.  So, you know, I feel kind of guilty that I don't do much with her! A couple of years ago, I wanted to help her do a craft, but I didn't want to spend a ton of time on it.  And, a huge mess was out of the question.  I adapted this "easy Rudolph craft" from an old book I purchased at the library book sale called Christmas Crafts: A Holiday Craft Book by Judith Hoffman Corwin. Let's just say, it wasn't as easy as it claimed to be until I got wise about the glue. Supplies for an Easy Rudolph Craft 3 non-clamping wooden craft clothespins Glue - I found success with Gorilla Glue Super Glue Cotton Ball or Small White Pom-Pom Black and Red Permanent Markers How to Make this Easy Rudolph Clothespin Craft Okay, I promise this is an easy Rudolph craft for kids if you heed my warning about the glue.  Learn from my mistakes, people! The book wasn't clear on what kind of glue to use, so I tried AND FAILED at two gluing sessions. If you don't want your child to lose interest in this craft (and you don't feel like cussing out Rudolph), do yourself a favor and use a trusted super glue and be done with it.  I tried two different kinds of glue to no avail.  My kid walked away and I was furious with Rudolph.  That said, gluing becomes your job unless you want your kid's fingers glued to themselves or the table. My adaptations were: Sharpies for drawing the face, a small white pom pom instead of a cotton ball for the tail, and Gorilla Glue Super Glue. Turn one of the clothespins with the "legs" of the clothespin upward like antlers, then draw on Rudolph's smiling face with his sweet red nose. The other two can be glued together legs down to The other two clothespins can be glued together legs down to make the body. Rudolph's head will be glued to his body and then tail to the back of the body. Be sure to allow for plenty of drying time if you're using super glue!  Enjoy your new Rudolph clothespin craft. Now, if you want the rest of the reindeer for Santa's sleigh, repeat the process except don't draw more red noses. Looking for more? We rounded up a few more Rudolph craft ideas here. #### Elf on the Shelf is an Epic Parenting Fail It's that time of year again.  Am I the only one that finds the Elf on the Shelf is an epic parenting fail?  I don't have the conviction to back up threatening no presents from Santa when dealing with difficult behaviors this time of year. I was sitting working on my blog and registering for sweepstakes one day during my daughter's quiet time.  It's time I get to use to be productive or have a break from the insanity.  One particular day, just a few days before Christmas, I was thinking of all the presents I still have left to wrap, and then I began to think about our Elf on the Shelf tradition. The idea behind Elf on the Shelf is that she's supposed to report the kiddo's behavior back to Santa every night.  We've told our daughter numerous times that Doodle (our elf's name when we started the tradition with S at 2 years) is watching her and she's going to report back to Santa.  More often than not, because my daughter had entered her threenager phase, we remind her that Doodle will be telling Santa she's being a bad girl and he doesn't give presents to bad children. As if there already isn't enough reasons to feel we suck at parenting, I'm struck with this thought ... The Elf on the Shelf is an Epic Parenting Fail I'm faced with the sad reality that we lack the conviction required to back up our threats. So what good is this Elf on the Shelf? Well, from my perspective, she sure makes a fool out of mom and dad!  Santa's brought a bike for Christmas in spite of all the times she has argued with me, yelled at me, and persistently did things I told her not to do.  She's told me "I need you to be quiet" when she's being nagged or tells me "but I have to" when she really wants to do something she's not supposed to.  Yet, I don't truly believe children shouldn't get presents from Santa.  I rationalize that she's not always bad and she certainly has been good in some ways, just terrible in others. So, let's add the idea that authors Laura Pinto and Selena Nemorin believe that parents who use Elf on the Shelf are setting their kids up for the idea that invasion of privacy is sort of the norm.  Yikes! Now I'm left with this tattle-tale spy of an elf who is obviously not going to report back to Santa to convey that my bad kid shouldn't get presents. Big thanks to Doodle for making me feel like I've failed as a parent, yet again.  Good thing I don't take all these supposed failures too personally when reading the latest articles on all the ways we're messing up with our kids. What do you think about Elf on the Shelf and the article I linked you to?  If you're really interested in better behavior from your child, you might try to implement this consequence and reward jar system. Anyway, I'm off to dust of Doodle and prepare her for another year of spying and lying. Do you think elf on the shelf is an epic parenting fail for you too, or is that just me?   #### Embracing Your Postpartum Body: Tips for New Moms The postpartum period is a whirlwind of emotions and changes. While it's a time to celebrate the new life you've brought into the world, it's also a period of adjusting to the physical and emotional changes in your own body. Like many moms, I’ve struggled with accepting my postpartum body, and I want to share some postpartum body positivity tips that have helped me along the way. 9 Postpartum Body Positivity Tips for New Moms 1. Acknowledge the Miracle First and foremost, your body has performed an incredible miracle. Growing and birthing a baby is no small feat, and it's essential to recognize and celebrate this achievement. Whenever I feel down about my body, I remind myself of the amazing work it has done. 2. Be Kind to Yourself It's easy to be your harshest critic, but try to practice self-compassion. Your body has changed, and that's okay. Treat yourself with kindness and patience, just as you would a dear friend. Whenever negative thoughts creep in, remind yourself of the strength and resilience your body has shown. Practicing self-care and positive self-talk can be difficult, but is made easier with practice. Try body and self-love affirmations to get you started. 3. Set Realistic Expectations Remember that your body won't bounce back overnight. In fact, your body may never be the same. Instead, set small, realistic goals for yourself, whether it’s a gentle exercise routine or simply taking time for self-care. Celebrate these small victories without fixating on an ideal body image. 4. Stay Active in Ways You Enjoy Staying active is important, but it doesn’t mean you have to hit the gym hard. Find activities that you enjoy and that make you feel good. Taking walks with their babies and doing light yoga have been favorite activities amongst my friends. Personally, I've found that lifting weights in the gym to be the most rewarding because I could put the kiddo in daycare and I stayed motivated by seeing results as I built muscle. 5. Focus on Nourishment, Not Dieting Shift your focus from dieting to nourishing your body. Eat balanced meals that give you energy and make you feel good. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your diet. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Listening to your body’s hunger and fullness cues can help you develop a healthier relationship with food. Like your sweets? I've found that by allowing myself a nightly treat, rather than trying to cut them out (reluctantly), I don't tend to engorge myself on sweets. My nutritionist agreed that this was a great approach, only because I have learned to incorporate more protein into my diet and have cut my snacking down significantly since doing so. 6. Connect with Other Moms You’re not alone in this journey. Joining a support group or an online community can provide encouragement and understanding. Sharing your experiences and hearing others’ stories can be incredibly comforting and empowering. 7. Appreciate Non-Scale Victories Weight isn’t the only measure of health or progress. Appreciate non-scale victories, such as feeling more energetic, getting better sleep, or simply feeling more at ease in your skin. These victories are just as significant. 8. Dress for Confidence Wear clothes that make you feel good about yourself. Dressing in comfortable, flattering outfits can boost your confidence and help you feel more positive about your body. 9. Seek Professional Help If Needed If you find yourself struggling significantly with body image issues, it might be helpful to talk to a professional. A therapist specializing in postpartum mental health can provide the support and tools you need to navigate these feelings. Loving your postpartum body can feel like a daunting task. By practicing self-compassion, setting realistic goals, staying active, and seeking support, you can begin to embrace the beautiful body that brought your baby into the world. Remember, you are not alone, and it’s okay to seek help and support along the way. #### Enbloc Explant Surgery: 1st Week & Full Of Gratitude I was feeling grateful for my enbloc explant experience just 1 week post op. A hard choice all in the name of better health. I explanted (had breast implants removed and not replaced) after spending 8 out of 16 years with implants struggling with health issues. I chose to enbloc explant because, after 7 years of taking the best care of myself in my life, I couldn't seem to get any healthier. I have battled chronic fatigue, hypothyroidism, and random ailments that sometimes have my doctor scratching his head. And everything has worn me out. Just one week after enbloc explant, I was full of gratitude! My Week After Enbloc Explant My husband is working from home for the month to assist me in every way possible. My dad will be here the better part of 4-6 weeks to help us with the kids and cooking, etc. My BII face, just hours before enbloc explant surgery 24 hours after surgery, I was allowed to shower but cried right before my husband saw my boobs. "I'm not ready for you to see them" I managed to get out after catching my breath. He was so kind and gentle with me, but also quickly reminded me he "has to see them sometime ... might as well see them now at their worst." As we removed the sports bra and padding, he said "they're not that bad. I expected worse and it'll only get better." Immediately I was comforted and it put me in the right mental state to handle my recovery positively. Since then, I have viewed my saggy, wrinkled, nearly flat breasts quite differently. "They're not that bad" was all I needed to know that he was accepting our new norm... something I feared for the longest prior to explant because my husband had never known me without my fake breasts. I had never seen just how tiny my natural "breasts" were. And, until about 2 months prior to explant, he wasn't quite convinced explant was going to help me improve my health. I have another woman's public explant story to thank for helping him to understand why I chose to explant. As with all we've done, our marriage continues to improve and overcome obstacles. My outlook on my "boobs" is better. And, aside from the sore lumps in my armpits, my recovery has been pretty smooth and without the need for heavy pain killers. It's hard to believe I was able to get through the first week with only ibuprofen, tylenol, and arnica. I'm grateful for all the women who have shared their enbloc explant stories before me. They gave me courage and hope. I'm grateful my body didn't give up under the knife. And I'm grateful for the support my family, and friends continue to show. Above all else, I'm grateful to my husband for being my rock. He has exceeded every expectation, practicing patience, love, and empathy during this very difficult journey. I know it's hard to take a leap of faith and believe that breast implants can cause illness when science, doctors, and the FDA won't readily admit it. possible symptoms of breast implant illness and reasons to think about enbloc explant It's hard to choose enbloc explant when vanity prevented you from loving your natural body fully, however many years ago. And, it's a hard choice when there's no guarantee you'll find better health after enbloc explant! But, there were a surprising number of people who supported this decision! And, despite not seeing an immediate indication of getting my life back, knowing I'm surrounding by the love and support I have been shown allows me to recover from surgery in the best mental state possible. Now if only I could get back to sleeping well at night ... because 4 weeks sleeping on my back in a recliner is not working as well for me! Who Our Body Image & Self Love Affirmations Are For: Those going through perimenopause Breast explantees New moms Any woman who needs to add positive self talk to their daily routine #### Entertaining Kids Over Summer Break, Plus a Free Summer Journal Printable It's hard to believe S has completed Kindergarten.  It feels like only yesterday we were reading books to prepare for preschool.  Just a moment later, she went to her first day of preschool and I was overcome with emotions I hadn't expected. So how in the world has she already finished Kindergarten? Her baby and toddler years seemed to drag on.  Yet, here we are in our post-Kindergarten summer.  The days are flying by and I feel like just 2 minutes ago we were in her classroom on the first day of Kindergarten, choking back tears.  My toddler son seems affected by the time warp even ... somehow we didn't get nearly as much time with him as a baby.  Though, to be honest, I'm kind of grateful for, because having a high-needs baby is exhausting and challenging. Now, I'd been a bit overwhelmed with the idea of having both kids home for several months straight.  If I thought I was experiencing any mommy burnout, I'm definitely going through it now. So, what's a mom to do when she doesn't know how to entertain two children 4 years apart? Guys, I've planned so many activities.  We have a vacation coming up and I want to take them on at least one trip on my own, despite my actual feelings about being alone with them.  Then, of course, I plan to do all the normal activities we have available around the city.  There's library story times, zoo, splash parks, and more. © Ivy www.sahmplus.com But, what about the days we have to sit at home?  There's going to be so many more days at home than the ones we'll leave the house.  Entertaining kids over summer break at home is more challenging because I often have to limit them to the playroom.  And they get bored of their toys easily!  Plus, entertaining the tot is much more of a challenge than entertaining an independent (almost) 6-year-old. The truth is, I can't be constantly entertaining kids over summer break.  I have things to do and little time to do them as it is. Though we have our summer bucket list created, I've decided I'm not exhausting myself or pretending to be Super Mom.  Some days just have to be regular days at home. Entertaining kids over summer break What I decided is that we'd make the most of our daughter's days with a journal.  When I started to create it, I hadn't really thought much about it, just throwing some things on a document.  What transpired from there was an awesome, engaging journal for budding writers and artists!  What I realized, as I was creating her journal was that I was giving her more than busy work!  I was giving her an opportunity to reflect on her day, helping her build her memory skills.  The book page allows us to continue working on reading comprehension.  And, overall, she'll be working on her reading and writing skills while also tapping into her creative side with the drawing sections. Then, it occurred to me that she can do this every summer and keep her summer journals as a fun keepsake.  One of the things I wish most is that I had a better memory ... there's so much of my childhood I can't remember.  I mean, I remember camping in the mountains nearly every year, but I don't remember too many details aside from a limited few that stand out in my mind.  She and I can appreciate this journaling as she gets older with the writing prompts.  When she's old enough, she can transition to a completely open-ended journal. © Ivy www.sahmplus.com To start, I gave her an introduction sheet detailing a little bit about herself. In lieu of a typical summer reading book log, I created a page her her to write and draw about a book or story she read. © Ivy www.sahmplus.com Then I created two separate activity/travel pages with writing and drawing prompts.  The first was an "I went to visit" page geared toward any trip we look, whether local or further away.  If we went to visit a relative, she could detail that on this sheet. The next was much more open-ended.  If I had no plans for a particular day, this sheet allows to her write about what she saw.  If she watched a particular movie, show, or saw something out on an impromptu walk, she could record it through writing and drawing. Finally, I created a Vacation sheet.  Here, she can give a brief overview of our family vacation and draw a picture of her favorite part. I loved what came of this so much I wanted to share it with you too!  I'm really excited about this and can't wait to see what my daughter comes up with this summer.  How about you? © Ivy www.sahmplus.com Free Summer Journal Printable Would you like your own Summer Journal?  Sign up for my email newsletter, then you'll receive a link to my resource library.  You'll be able to print your summer journal, just don't forget to save it so you can print extra pages as you need them. No matter how you're entertaining kids over summer break, you'll find this summer journal printable helpful!  You'll be helping your children with thinking skills, building memory, and providing them a keepsake.  At the very least, you can find a few peaceful moments as they're busy journaling! You may also like: How to Help Kids Unplug for Screen-Free Week #### Every Pregnancy is Different: Here's 16 Ways Mine Differed I had never realized just how different pregnancies could be, but I learned from my two that every pregnancy is different in drastic ways! I had always thought I'd be a mom and when the time came to start a family, I couldn't have been more excited.  When I got pregnant the first time, I boasted to my husband that I felt as though I could be pregnant for the rest of my life.  Then, we decided to have another baby and the second pregnancy differences were quite noticeable.  Let's go through the list of ways my pregnancies differed and see if you can relate. Image courtesy of patrisyu at FreeDigitalPhotos.net 1) Disorganized.  With our first, I had a notebook made up right away that separated documents, OB receipts, sonogram pictures, etc.  This time around, I had forgotten when I had ultrasounds, had to research payments, and even temporarily misplaced sonogram pictures. 2) More concerned about finances.  Our health insurance is decent when it comes to monthly premiums, but most services weren't covered until we reached our deductible.  I've had to go over all our bills and global maternity payments to catch when we've reached our deductible so that all bills thereafter fall under the 80/20 rule until we reach our out-of-pocket maximum.  The global maternity payments ate up nearly every bit of our deductible, which was a huge up-front expense to pay in 4 installments.  Not to mention the ridiculous cost of ultrasounds and Qnatal blood work. 3) Certain lady parts grew faster and bigger during pregnancy.  I had to buy new bras (and even had a chance to review a Cake Maternity and Nursing Bra) because said parts were practically falling out of my original bras.  And, I even had to start using stretch mark oil and cremes because I was already starting to see some.  Growth in that area didn't happen until after my first baby arrived ... not during the pregnancy. 4) Happened quickly.  There was an unexpected discussion about adding a new baby to the mix of our already crazy 3 person family.  I had expected my husband to say that he was leaving me because he had been so adamant about having only the 1 after the trouble we went through with the first.  Surprisingly he agreed, I had my IUD removed within the week, and we were pregnant a couple of weeks later.  Not at all like the first which took us roughly 8 months of really trying. 5) I loved being pregnant the first time.  Second time around?  I hardly had an enjoyable moment.  Between 1st trimester nausea and being busy with a cranky preschooler, I scooted through the halfway point without much excitement.  I didn't even receive the 2nd-trimester energy boost I needed.  So, I was tired and cranky all day, every day, which takes us to #6. 6) I never had energy.  I remember feeling like a superwoman pregnant with my first as I walked around Chicago for a full day with my huge belly.  This time?  I couldn't walk two feet without being exhausted.  If I worked for 20 minutes to an hour around the house, I could hardly function the rest of the day.  My daughter was regularly upset with me because I simply couldn't entertain her as much as she was used to. 7) I had back pain.  Add some other random aches and pains, but the back pains were pretty annoying because they became a daily occurrence through the 2nd trimester.  I was actually having to take Tylenol more regularly than I would like and bother the hubby for quick massages to help relieve some of the pain temporarily.  I couldn't even play games on the floor with the family for more than a few minutes before excusing myself.  And, I had to get myself one of those maternity belly bands to help me get through activities when I would be on my feet for a while. 8) I chose an OB I didn't like.  This one is HUGE.  This particular OB irritated me the first time I met him when I was pregnant with #1 and I refused to see him during the remainder of my pregnancy.  As luck would have it, he ended up being the doctor on duty when I was delivering my baby and we experienced a surprisingly wonderful delivery.  So, I put my dislike for him aside and chose him as my OB in hopes of similar results with #2. 9) I was afraid to breastfeed.  The first time around, I was gung-ho.  Breastfeeding was the only way to feed a baby properly.  This time?  Yeah, I blogged about it... I confessed I'm afraid to breastfeed.  I still know in my heart it's the right way, but the first time around didn't go as expected.  It was a nightmare.  I'm terrified of going through it again, and, I'd love someone else to help bear the burden of some sleep loss. Related: Helpful advice on how to breastfeed a baby 10) My breast pump was covered by insurance.  Thankfully, with baby #1, I was working when I was pregnant, so purchasing an expensive breast pump wasn't the end of the world.  I saved the stupid thing because I couldn't bear to part with such an expensive item after not being able to use it for a full year.  This time?  Now, these things are covered by insurance.  I get a new one for free anyway.  I know, I just told you I'm afraid of breastfeeding, but I'm going to try again ... no one else is home to pop a bottle in the baby's mouth and give me a break during the day anyway, so I might as well try again. Related: 8 smart ways mom-to-be should prepare for her new baby 11) Kick Counting.  Um, how did I not know about this?  My doctor sure never mentioned it with my first baby and I only read something about it online as I was nearing my 3rd trimester.  Thankfully, any of the guesswork on how to approach kick counting was handled through a special feature in Baby Bump's free app.  Planning to sit for 20 minutes to wait for 10 kicks sounded impossible, but I was happy to find that we reached ten kicks in under 10 minutes.  Now that I've done my research, I know that 10 kicks in 2 hours is a sign of a healthy baby, and by doing kick counts, we can know sooner if there are problems. 12) I just wanted it to be over.  Remember, I didn't like this pregnancy as much?  And, as much as I am about all-natural birthing, I got to a point with the second that I was telling my husband I was ready for them to cut the little guy out.  I know I'd have been terribly upset with myself over it later, but I was miserable.  The little guy was head down for such a long time, giving me lightning crotch, and some other horrible pains that I felt as though I couldn't take much more.  And, it sure didn't help that even nearly a week before he was due, I wasn't dilating.  It was as if my body wanted to stay pregnant, regardless of how ready he was. 13) I didn't buy much.  With my first, I went out regularly and purchased cute little outfits to help me stay excited about having a little girl.  I wasn't thrilled about the possibility of seeing a bunch of pink & frilly things, so I ensured we had a closet and dresser full of clothes I could tolerate looking at.  Baby #2, however, should have been much more exciting and I had always loved little boy clothes.  Unfortunately, between the miserable pregnancy symptoms and having a toddler with me most of the time, I rarely had a chance to shop for the little guy.  I think I had a handful of times I was able to concentrate on purchasing things I liked for him, but it wasn't as easy as it was without another kid in tow. 14) I went past my due date.  What a shock!  My first was born ON her due date, which is rare.  However, baby #2 decided he needed some extra time to bake.  Or, maybe my body wanted to get the most out of the last time it was going to be pregnant.  Either way, pile on the stress because I had to research my options extensively to try to have a natural birth again.  Thankfully, the little man decided to arrive on his own about 12 hours before our scheduled induction (the evening before 42 weeks). Related: How to handle the disappointment when baby is late 15) I asked for a membrane sweep.  I'm against any and all interventions, typically.  But at 40w 5d overdue, having contractions for 2 days that weren't going away but weren't really worthy of my attention, I requested a membrane sweep in hopes that it would help speed my body along in the process.  Both my doctor and husband were in shock that I requested it.  Oddly, neither sweep worked. 16) Had to schedule an induction.  Boy was that a hard one to take.  I hate the idea of medical inductions, but we actually had to discuss and schedule an induction.  I had wanted to wait to induce at the end of my 42nd week, to give myself and the baby a chance to get in gear, but when we began looking at the calendar, it put us too close to Christmas.  If we hadn't had a 4-year-old to ruin it for, it wouldn't have been a big deal, BUT, we didn't want to risk bringing baby brother into the world ruining Christmas for his big sister.  Talk about sibling rivalry from the get-go... and NO THANK YOU.  Again, thankful the little guy decided to show up before this happened!  (Would you like to know how we escaped medical induction even though he was 13 days late?) Related: Can I ask to be induced? Now, there were some ways that my pregnancies were the same.  Namely, having convinced myself I was in labor before I was actually in labor.  That makes the end that much more depressing.  I suppose we all get to the point at the end of the pregnancy that we're ready to get those babies out, regardless of how we've felt about being pregnant for the first 8.5 months.  Additionally, baby number two got the hint and decided to arrive on his own the day before induction day! Are you currently pregnant? Don't forget to create your Amazon Baby Registry! (Disclaimer: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.) Your turn: Share some stories about your pregnancy differences This post originally appeared on SAHM, plus... June 26, 2017 and has been updated. #### Everything Parents Must Know About The 4 Parenting Styles As a parent navigating the bewildering task of raising kids, the concept of parenting styles probably sounds familiar. But do we truly know and understand our parenting styles and how they affect our children? We all want the best for our little ones, but figuring out the right approach can sometimes feel like navigating a maze. So, let's chat about parenting styles – what they are, where they come from, and how they can shape how we raise our children.  We'll discuss 4 parenting styles and the pros and cons of each. But who even came up with these parenting styles, and what's the deal with them?  Who Came Up With Parenting Styles? The concept of parenting styles has evolved over time, shaped by the wisdom and insights of various experts in the field. While it is difficult to attribute the invention of parenting styles to a single individual, several pioneers have significantly contributed to its development. One influential figure in the history of parenting styles is Diana Baumrind, a developmental psychologist who conducted extensive research on child psychology in the 1960s. Her groundbreaking work led her to propose three primary parenting styles: authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive. Baumrind's research laid the foundation for understanding how different parental approaches can impact a child's development. Another notable contributor is Lev Vygotsky, a Soviet psychologist who emphasized the importance of social interaction and cultural context in shaping children's behavior.  It is important to acknowledge that parenting styles are not fixed or universal. Instead, cultural, historical, and individual factors shape parenting styles. Over time, researchers and experts from various disciplines have added their perspectives and insights into this complex topic. As we explore the history of parenting styles, we gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse range of approaches that parents have taken throughout different eras and cultures. By understanding their origins, we can continue to refine our own understanding of effective parenting practices while embracing new insights that emerge in our ever-evolving world. What Are the 4 Parenting Styles? Parenting is a journey filled with love, growth, and the opportunity to shape the lives of our children. As parents, we often wonder about the best approach to raising our little ones into confident and well-rounded individuals. That's where understanding different parenting styles becomes essential. Four main parenting styles have been widely recognized: authoritative authoritarian permissive, and uninvolved  Each style has its unique characteristics and impact on child development. Understanding these different approaches allows us to reflect on our own methods and make conscious choices about how we want to raise our children. Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach; what matters most is finding a balance that works for both you as a parent and your child's unique needs. By exploring these various parenting styles with an open mind, we can create an environment where our children thrive emotionally, socially, and intellectually. We can also commit to continuous growth for ourselves and our little ones. The Authoritative Parenting Style: Striking a Balance Between Love and Discipline Finding the right balance between love and discipline is essential as a parent. The authoritative parenting style offers a beautiful harmony between nurturing and setting boundaries, creating an environment where children can thrive. Unlike authoritarian or permissive approaches, authoritative parents: Understand the importance of love and warmth in fostering a strong parent-child bond. Provide emotional support and actively listen to their children's needs. Offer guidance with empathy, understanding, and patience. Recognize the significance of discipline in shaping a child's character. Set clear expectations and establish consistent rules. Promote responsibility, accountability, and respect through these rules. Create a secure foundation for their children to explore their world while understanding limits. This balanced approach allows children to develop self-discipline while feeling loved unconditionally. It cultivates independence, resilience, and critical thinking skills necessary for navigating life's challenges. Remember that being an authoritative parent is not about being perfect but rather striving for growth and improvement. It involves open communication, adapting strategies as your child grows, and embracing flexibility when needed.  By practicing authoritative parenting with compassion and understanding, we can raise confident individuals equipped to contribute positively to society. The Permissive Parenting Style: Embracing Freedom and Flexibility The permissive parenting style emphasizes freedom and flexibility. Rather than imposing strict rules and regulations, permissive parents embrace a more lenient approach. Permissive parents also tend to see themselves as their child's friend. Permissive parenting allows children to explore their own interests and make decisions for themselves. It encourages independence and fosters a sense of autonomy. By giving their children the freedom to express themselves and make choices, permissive parents create an environment that values individuality. Flexibility is another key aspect of permissive parenting. Instead of rigidly enforcing rules, these parents adapt to different situations and circumstances. They understand that every child is unique and may require different levels of guidance. While some may argue that this approach lacks structure or discipline, it is important to note that permissive parenting still provides boundaries and sets expectations. The focus, however, lies on open communication and understanding rather than authoritarian control. By embracing freedom and flexibility in their parenting style, permissive parents empower their children to develop crucial life skills such as decision-making, problem-solving, and self-regulation. This approach encourages creativity, self-expression, and resilience in children as they navigate through life's challenges. Ultimately, the permissive parenting style reminds us that allowing our children space to grow while providing support can lead to confident individuals who are capable of making informed choices in their own lives. Permissive parents generally have little to no rules or don't apply rules consistently and may not enforce consequences for bad behavior.  The Authoritarian Parenting Style: Strict Rules and High Expectations The authoritarian parenting style, characterized by strict rules and high expectations, has long been a topic of debate. While some may argue that it is too rigid and stifling, others believe that it instills discipline and fosters success. In this approach, parents set clear boundaries and enforce them with consistency. They have high expectations for their children's behavior and academic performance, often pushing them to excel. The obedience-focused approach emphasizes following rules without question. While this parenting style can create a structured environment, it is essential to strike a balance. It is crucial for parents to also provide emotional support, understanding, and open communication with their children. Remember that every child is unique and responds differently to various parenting styles. It's important to consider the individual needs of your child while maintaining a nurturing environment that encourages growth and independence. The Uninvolved Parenting Style: The Consequences of Neglectful Parenting Adopting an uninvolved parenting style can result in significant consequences for your children. Neglectful, or uninvolved, parents are those who exhibit a lack of involvement in their child's life and often fail to provide the emotional support and guidance that children need to thrive. This can lead to feelings of abandonment and low self-esteem in the child, impacting their overall well-being. The consequences of neglectful parenting extend beyond childhood. Children raised by uninvolved parents may struggle with forming healthy relationships and experience difficulties with trust and intimacy. They may also face challenges in managing emotions and making independent decisions. It is essential to recognize the impact of neglectful parenting and work towards creating an environment where children feel valued, supported, and loved. By actively engaging with your children and showing them that they matter, you can help nurture their growth into confident individuals capable of navigating life's challenges with resilience. Why Parenting Styles Are Important Parenting styles play a crucial role in shaping the future of your children. They are not just about how we discipline or nurture kids but also about the long-lasting impact they have on their development and overall well-being. Understanding the importance of parenting styles is the key to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for our children. Different parenting styles can have varying effects on child development, influencing their behavior, emotional intelligence, and social skills. Research has shown that authoritative parenting tends to promote positive outcomes in children. On the other hand, authoritarian or permissive parenting styles may lead to negative consequences such as low self-esteem or behavioral issues. By recognizing the significance of parenting styles and their impact on our children's lives, we can strive to become more intentional in our approach. Creating a balanced environment that fosters love, guidance, and respect can help shape confident and resilient individuals who thrive in all aspects of life. Remember that as parents or caregivers, we influence the future of our children through our nurturing presence and consistent support. Finding Your Path: Blending Different Parenting Styles to Suit Your Family's Needs Each family is unique, and finding a parenting style that suits your family's needs is vital to you and your child's success. Blending different parenting styles allows you to create a personalized approach that considers your child's individuality and family dynamics. Adapting to your child's needs is at the core of effective parenting. By combining elements from various parenting styles, you can tailor your approach to meet the specific requirements of your child. This flexibility allows you to provide them with the guidance, support, and discipline they need while nurturing their unique qualities. Agreeing on parenting styles can be challenging, as each parent brings personal beliefs and experiences to the table. However, open communication and mutual respect can help you to find common ground. Embrace compromise and focus on what works best for your child rather than getting caught up in differences. Remember that there is no right or wrong way to parent – it's about finding what works for you and your family. Trust yourself as a parent and have confidence in your ability to create a loving and supportive environment for your children.  Embracing the Diversity of Parenting Styles for Healthy Child Development Each parent brings a unique approach and perspective to raising their children, and it is vital to recognize and respect these differences. By embracing diverse parenting styles, we create an environment that allows children to thrive. It teaches them acceptance, empathy, and open-mindedness from an early age. Children exposed to different parenting styles also develop a broader understanding of the world around them and learn to appreciate different perspectives. Remember: there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. What works for one family may not work for another. Instead of judging or criticizing different parenting styles, let us celebrate the fact that there are various ways to raise happy and healthy children. With open communication, we create a supportive community where parents can learn from each other's experiences and grow together.  FAQs About Parenting Styles What is the most common parenting style? The most common parenting style can vary depending on cultural and societal factors, but one of the widely recognized parenting styles is Authoritative Parenting. This style combines warmth and responsiveness with clear boundaries and expectations. Authoritative parents are nurturing and supportive while also setting reasonable rules and consequences. Is there a perfect parenting style? There's no one-size-fits-all perfect parenting style. Parenting is a highly individualized journey, and what works best for one family might not work for another. What's important is to find a parenting style that aligns with your values, your child's personality, and your family's unique dynamics. Flexibility and adaptability are key in parenting. What are the 3 F's of positive parenting? The 3 F's of positive parenting are Firmness, Fairness, and Friendliness: Firmness: Setting clear boundaries and expectations for your child's behavior. It involves being consistent with rules and consequences. Fairness: Treating your child with fairness and equity. Avoid favoritism and strive to be just and objective in your parenting decisions. Friendliness: Building a warm and supportive relationship with your child. Show love, affection, and understanding to create a strong emotional connection. What parenting style most typically has the best outcome? Research suggests that Authoritative Parenting tends to have the best overall outcomes for children. This style promotes a healthy balance of independence, responsibility, and self-esteem. Children raised by authoritative parents often grow up to be self-confident, competent, and socially adept individuals. Which parenting style is considered the most damaging to child outcomes? The uninvolved parenting style is the most destructive. Children aren't given the means to develop appropriately with neglectful parents who show no to little love and have very low expectations of their children. Neglectful parents aren't building relationships or setting boundaries, which is a recipe for disaster. #### Experience Gift for Kids: The Crayola Experience Orlando One of our favorite things to give our kids is the gift of travel.  An experience gift for kids is a fun way to cut down on giving physical gifts and giving them memories and family bonding time! If you're like me, you probably feel like your kids have everything.  Too much, even? Around here, it's almost overwhelming how much our kiddo has.  And, we added another baby, making things that much worse!  A couple years ago I wrote a post listing wonderful non-toy gift ideas for toddlers and preschoolers.  Well, I need to add The Crayola Experience to that list.  But, it's not just for toddlers and preschoolers.  I teamed up with The Crayola Experience in Orlando who provided our family 2 passes for the day to facilitate this review. We spent the previous two days in two of the Disney Parks, exhausted and frustrated with a teething baby.  Sleep hadn't come easily for us between an odd night my husband spent sick and another night S kept bumping into the wall throughout the night.  Our plan was to visit The Crayola Experience for a few hours, then head home.  To tell the truth, I wanted to call it off and just hit the road.  But, we carried on as planned.  I promised a review and this happened to coincide with my daughter's reward for filling her reward jar.  It would have been wrong not to follow through with our commitment. Experience Gift Idea for Kids I'm all for giving experience gifts to the kids these days.  Again, too much stuff.  But, an adventure at The Crayola Experience is a perfect gift because the entire family can enjoy something.  Since my daughter is my little artist, this visit was especially exciting for her.  She can spend hours drawing and writing with no prompting.  Still, there was a little something for everyone. Check-in Purchasing tickets is a breeze.  If you plan ahead, you can purchase tickets at a discount online.  Our visit was on a Saturday, not long after they opened, and we were 3rd in line to make our purchase. Entry fee allows unlimited access to the building for the day.  Should you need to leave for any reason, you can get your hand stamped and return later that day.  The price of the ticket also includes two tokens to be used at two special attractions, which are otherwise, not included in admission. Fun at The Crayola Experience Orlando It is recommended that you give yourself 3 to 4 hours to enjoy everything.  Because this was our last stop on the way home from our mini-vacation, we spent about 3 hours, including some down time to have lunch in Café Crayola  We could have easily spent 4 hours without counting lunch, which could have definitely made this a full-day trip from Jacksonville to Orlando and back. When I say 4 hours, I mean 4 hours with very little wait.  For a Saturday (and the location at The Florida Mall), the place wasn't packed at all and we really only had to wait at 3 of the attractions, which was great. Here are the attractions we visited and our experiences with them: Wrap It Up! This attraction required a token (remember, you get two tokens when you purchase your pass).  Here, we created our own crayon color names.  There were about 4 colors to choose from.  Pick your color and give it a name and choose a symbol you want to be printed on the crayon label.  Once the label is printed, you head over to the wrapping station to complete the product.  It was a relatively simple process, though color selections were more limited than I had imagined. Be a Star This was a cute station, where you stand in front of a camera and it "draws" you into the coloring page of your choosing. Doodle in the Dark This was a dimly lit room with dark back-lit boards that your child draws on with the provided markers. Modeling Madness The other attraction that requires a token.  If you've used all your tokens, you can purchase more here as well.  Use your token to select one of about 6 colors of modeling clay.  Then, head over to one of the tables where markers and clay tools are set out for some creative fun.  While S was busily cutting, squishing, and drawing on her clay, B decided to taste test his.  Oops!  If you could have seen his face, you'd have known immediately the modeling clay was not a satisfying flavor. Art Alive Select an image on a tablet and begin coloring, stamping, writing, etc.  Once you've completed your image and selected some effects, tell the tablet to send it to the wall.  It was funny watching the kids chase their pictures on the wall. Toddler Town A small playground for the little ones.  B was still too young for the majority of the play area, but he enjoyed crawling around the statues and trying to eat the pegs at the light board.  S, on the other hand, was right at home here. Scribble Square This section ... let's just say, while it's CUTE, it might teach your kids a bad habit.  Markers and chalk are provided in buckets and nothing is off-limits for doodling on.  The walls, floor, a dog, a car, and a post office box all ready for your child's art.  I don't know about you, but this one made me nervous.  Just glad my littlest isn't old enough to doodle as he's the one I'd have to worry about the most. Drip Art This was one of my personal favorites to watch.  Each person chose 2 crayon colors and went to a special machine that melted the crayons down (individually) and spun them on a thick round paper.  You were able to control the spin speed to make more personalized art. Melt & Mold Each person picked one crayon color and the shape they wanted their crayon molded into.  These machines melted the crayon into the chosen shape.  My daughter chose a seahorse and my husband chose a car. Rainbow Rain There's a screen with several colors "raining" down the wall.  When you step under an area, it shows you on the screen being rained on and it reacts to your motions.  I saw one parent "catch" some rain in his arm.  It's a great interactive tool to help the little ones burn some more energy. Rockin' Paper This one was hilarious!  First, you color a fairy and then punch it out of the cardstock, assemble it into a 3D shape, and set it on the stage.  When the stages fill up, an attendant turns off the lights, lights up the stage, plays music, and your fairies dance. Eating at Café Crayola There is very little in the way of selection for anyone and MUCH less for someone with food allergies. Hot dogs, pizza, PB&J, and pre-made sandwiches. For me, I was able to get a gluten free pizza made in front of me and I asked for it to be made without cheese.  So I had a sauce and pepperoni pizza.  Word of caution - this is NOT the place to eat if you have Celiac or severe intolerance to gluten as they use the same equipment and tools.  In fact, I don't feel like all the employees were trained about gluten free.  I asked one person before we were ready to eat who seemed to know what I was talking about.  Then, when we came back, I ordered my gluten free pizza with another person and he wasn't sure what I was talking about. We splurged for the kiddo and got her the souvenir lunch box with souvenir cup.  I know, I know ... here I am telling you how to get away with giving "less stuff."  I don't even have an excuse, other than I thought it was cute. *doh* Final thoughts The Crayola Experience in Orlando is definitely a must-have experience gift for kids.  Your child will have plenty of activities to keep them busy for hours and they will have some really awesome personalized memories from the trip.  Unless you feel the need to get more modeling clay or extra personalized crayons, you'll spend very little for a pleasant experience that they'll remember for a long time! I'm really happy we stuck it out.  Even the cranky baby wasn't cranky on the way home. Check out The Crayola Experience. Related Reading: #### Fabulous Baby Food Jar Crafts to Reuse Baby Food Jars Are your baby food jars piling up?  I know the feeling. I kept telling myself I'd either use them or make my own food at home for baby.  As with many project I hope to do, I never got around to it. Instead, I just kept buying more food.  It's just easier. But, I couldn't bring myself to throw those adorable jars away.  For starters, they're not exactly, cheap!  And, glass jars come in handy quite a bit.  So, I decided to do a small roundup of baby food and glass jar crafts to inspire me to do something creative with them.  Less waste and up-cycling. I've found some amazing baby food jar crafts if you're wanting to reuse your baby food jars.  Some of these adorable crafts would make sweet gifts, too! Are you ready to see the baby food jar crafts? Autumn Spice Potpourri Jars from Thrifty Jinxy Beach-in-a-jar Seashell Keepsake Craft from Moms & Crafters DIY Shopkins Snow Globe from Must Have Mom! Baby Jar Heart Luminaries from Learning and Exploring Through Play Ladybug Jar from Creative Green Living Clay Christmas Scenes from The Parenting Patch DIY baby food jar candles from Mommy in Sports DIY Apple Jar from The 36th Avenue Baby Food Jar Pumpkins from SAHM, plus... Lemon Lime Facial Scrub recipe from Gym Craft Laundry. Princess Hair Tie Holder from Gym Craft Laundry. Make attractive luminaries from Inspired by Familia. Easy photo snow globe project from Design Mom. Baby food jars Snowmen from Stare if you Must. I really don't know what my favorite is!  I absolutely love the Apple Jar as a possible teacher's gift.  But the Baby Jar Heart Luminaries are so adorable! Tell me, which baby food jar crafts do you think you'll do? What other ways do you recycle glass baby food jars? This post, Baby Food Jar Crafts, was originally published on this site in 2017 and has been updated.  Want your baby food jar craft included in this post?  Feel free to shoot me an email! #### Fantastic Resources to Help You Parent as a Team It is oh so important to parent as a team! If you haven't already, I recommend you head over to the post to learn about the benefits of parenting teamwork, and how to begin the process. Your children reap benefits when their parents are working together instead of arguing over parenting tactics. Raising kids as a team benefits everyone involved. Once you're up to speed and ready to learn how to parent as a team, effectively, it's time to learn some parenting tactics and discuss ones you and your partner think you can work on together! So, I wanted to share some resources to help you dig deeper into parenting as a team.  I'm including some parenting resources I've found useful in sharing parenting responsibilities, including some general parenting books. Books to Help You Parent as a Team Parenting as a team isn't done well by happenstance! You and your partner need to know where each of you stand on all sorts of parenting issues! What do you each consider disciplinary problems that need to be dealt with? How do you feel about how to discipline your kids?  Do you agree or are there some things you need to find common ground on? As with marriage, parenting together means plenty of discussion and sometimes compromise.  If you can't find common ground and a way to work together, parenting is going to be a struggle for you both. Your kids will ultimately pay the price because they won't have a clear understanding of what is expected of them! Plus, when you can't parent together, you essentially leave it up to the kid to decide who is in charge! Raising Kids as a Team This book is written for stepfamilies and includes information to help you parent as a team Co-Parenting General Parenting Books I recommend some general parenting books that each parent read to help determine what each feels appropriate.  After you've both read up on parenting techniques, sit down and have a discussion.  Find some common ground in practices you can employ and use them to help you parent as a team. One of my favorite, and easiest to implement, strategies came from 1-2-3 Magic.  This one was by far the easiest for both my husband and myself to adopt together to help us parent as a team, especially while the kids are little. Considering your child's brain Adult logic doesn't tend to work with children while parenting.  I found this book to be a fascinating and useful approach to parenting and discipline, which helped me understand the workings of a child's brain.  And, that helped me to understand why certain techniques didn't always work. Consequence and Reward Jars As our daughter got older, we had to get a little more creative with our disciplining techniques.  My husband and I began working with consequence and reward jars.  And I still found it useful to use the 1-2-3 Magic technique.  The best part of using consequence and reward jars is that you can both come to an agreement on appropriate consequences and neither of you really have to be the bad guy.  This makes it easier to parent as a team. Check out the consequence and reward jar system. Do you have any other resources that will help parents work together? #### Fantastic Watermelon Activities For Children Looking for some screen-free entertainment and crafts for your kids this summer?  How about trying some of these awesome watermelon activities for kids to stay busy and even prevent the summer slide! It's summer!  One of my favorite parts of summer is that it means it's time to eat as much watermelon as I can.  Whether we're hitting the beach (on a rare occasion), playing outside, or simply looking for a sweet and refreshing snack, watermelon seems to hit the spot for me and the kids. And because many people associate summer with watermelons, I figured, why not share some of the best watermelon activities I could find on the internet?! Whether you're looking for screen-free activities or to prevent the summer slide through some learning activities, these watermelon activities and crafts are sure to please. 20 Sweet, Easy Watermelon Kids Crafts & Activities Though I don't plan to constantly entertain my children the entire summer break, I do have to set boundaries and incorporate plenty of screen-free time.  Plus, I'd like them to get some educational experiences in and the crafty activities are perfect for my artistically minded daughter. Watermelon Play Dough for Counting via Sugar Spice and Glitter Play and Learn Watermelon Activities via Fantastic Fun and Learning Watermelon Soap Foam Sensory Play via And Next Comes L Kids in the Kitchen - Watermelon Pops via B-inspired Mama Watermelon Oobleck via Gift of Curiosity Felt Watermelon Seed Counting Activity via SAHM, plus... Watermelon Seed Spitting Measurement Game via Schooling a Monkey Free Printable Watermelon Activity Sheets via Frugal Family Home Watermelon Tissue Paper Craft via School Time Snippets DIY Sweet Summer Watermelon Button Craft via A Cultivated Nest Watermelon Sensory Play via Little Bins for Little Hands Watermelon Sponge Painting via Fantastic Fun and Learning Puffy Paint Watermelon Craft for Kids via Crafty Morning Watermelon Wrapping Paper via Inner Child Fun Watermelon Counting Cards and Edible Watermelon Seeds via Toddler Approved Watermelon Counting and Fine Motor Activity via The Kindergarten Connection Watermelon Printables Pack via Gift of Curiosity Easy Watermelon Slime via The Littles and Me Hammering Tees into Watermelons via Fun Learning for Kids Watermelon Seed Sight Word Tracing Activity via The Letters of Literacy PIN ME What are some of your favorite summer activities? Looking for more? Check out these watermelon activities for preschoolers. #### February IZEA Income from Blogging and Social Media Once again, I want to share my income statement from IZEA.  If you haven't seen it, I previously posted my blogging and social media income for January using IZEA, as well as sharing some tips about the site. This month, I wanted to show you more than just my earnings.  If you read my first post, you'll remember that I currently have only taken twitter status update opportunities.  I've recently also bumped up bidding to $5.00 per tweet with 4254 twitter followers.  I've earned $21.00 in February, and most of these bids were done in January. To give you an idea of how this works, here are my bids for February that may or may not have been approved.  I hope to share my earnings from March to give you a better idea of how many bids were approved and paid from February. Now, if I've piqued your interested further, be sure to sign up for Izea with my referral link and begin making money with your blog or social media accounts.  Have any questions for me?  I'll be happy to answer them as best I can.   #### Felt Watermelon Seed Counting Activity for Preschoolers In an attempt to collect and make some fun felt board activities for my daughter I began gathering ideas.  I have a felt board book of stories that includes how to make the characters, I found things on Pinterest, etc, and there's even a website that includes printables for felt board activities (http://www.dltk-kids.com/type/felt_board.htm). I was bored by the printables on felt because they lacked dimension.  I love the storyboard book, though I was having difficulty locating a key component to create the characters. I'm not very crafty, understand very little about felt and pieces that work with it, and sales people at craft places don't seem versed in the things to use for a felt board either.  That left me pretty much on my own to figure out what I was going to do. So, after gathering some ideas from across the net, I made my first handmade felt board activity - a watermelon seed counting activity!  Because I was just figuring it out as I went, I didn't take pictures of the process, so my apologies for the lack of pics to follow. DIY Felt Watermelon Seed Counting Activity *Disclaimer: Affiliate links are included in this post Supplies Green Felt Red Felt Black Felt Aleene's Original Tacky Glue Making Felt Watermelons I took a large paper circle and rough cut red felt around the edge of the paper, then cut the circles in half.  I did this until I had 10 halves.  Next, I cut out green circles a hair larger than the red and cut those in half until I had 10 halves.  I, then, cut the edge off the green circles to make the watermelon rind. Glue the green rinds to the red watermelons using [easyazon_link identifier="B005Z463A2" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Aleene's Original Tacky Glue[/easyazon_link], just on top of the edges of the red watermelon pieces. Finally, I took a black piece of felt and cut little watermelon seeds, totally free hand, of various sizes and glued them on with the tacky glue.  Each watermelon piece has its own number of watermelon seeds, the first one with 1 seed, the last one with 10. Here's baby girl enjoying the final product (though still too young to grasp the full concept of counting). You could also use this activity to teach other math concepts like half and whole, or addition and subtraction.  And, what child doesn't love playing with felt? #### Finding Joy in Motherhood & Embracing the Madness Feeling like you're losing your mind dealing with the ups and downs of motherhood? I've been there and can tell you I haven't always liked being a mom. Sometimes I still don't. But I can also tell you I've learned the importance of finding joy in motherhood and can share some tips I've learned along the way. I encourage you to spend some time clarifying what you need as a person to find more joy in your journey too. Remember that morning when your coffee turned lukewarm halfway through your first sip, just as your toddler launched themselves like a human catapult into your cereal bowl? Or the time you spent an hour crafting the perfect playdough castle, only to have it demolished seconds later with a gleeful shriek? Yeah, me too. Motherhood is a beautiful, messy, heart-exploding, brain-melting adventure. There are days when you feel like you're winning at life, creating miniature masterpieces and fostering tiny geniuses. And then there are the days when you're covered in mashed banana, questioning your sanity while singing the Wheels on the Bus for the 1,000th time. Let me be honest: I haven't always loved being a mom. There were moments when the exhaustion felt like a tidal wave and the chaos threatened to consume me. But somewhere amidst the tantrums and bedtime battles, I discovered pockets of joy hiding in the everyday. It wasn't always sunshine and rainbows (nor is it now), but I learned to become more appreciative of the silly giggles during bath time, the quiet snuggles on the couch, and the unexpected burst of pride when my little one finally mastered that tricky zipper pull. As a mother of two young children, I know firsthand how challenging and rewarding motherhood can be. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, from joy and love to frustration and exhaustion. But despite the ups and downs, there are plenty of ways to find joy in the journey and stay positive along the way. In this blog post, I want to share some of my top tips for embracing the ups and downs of parenting, staying positive, and finding joy in the mundaneness (and madness). Grab a cup of (hopefully hot) coffee, and let's navigate this wild ride together! Mother Giving Daughter Ride On Back In Park How to Find Joy in Motherhood Parenting is HARD! While there are plenty of rewarding aspects of being a mom, it's a challenge to be on call and try to be at your best for your kids at any given moment. Trying to fit fun amongst all the responsibilities, if you're anything like me, you're a scatterbrain and feel like you're failing. And, if you feel as though the mundaneness of motherhood is terrifying, you're also in good company. But, I'm sure you're a good mom, you just need to find some joy to keep you going! Here are some strategies for finding joy in motherhood: Tip #1: Practice Gratitude and Focus on the Positives As a mother, I've learned that one of the most transformative practices is focusing on gratitude. It's not a panacea for all the challenges of motherhood, but it certainly casts a golden glow on the everyday moments. Amidst the whirlwind of parenting – the sleepless nights, the never-ending laundry, and the tantrums (both mine and theirs!) – pausing to appreciate the good can be a lifeline. I remember reading about the power of starting your day with a gratitude practice. Honestly, at first, I thought, "Who has time for that?" But, desperate for a shift in perspective, I gave it a try. Each morning, before the chaos ensues, I spend a few quiet moments in reflection. Sometimes, it's as simple as being thankful for the hot cup of coffee in my hands or the rare mornings when both kids sleep past 6 AM. It might seem trivial, but believe me, these moments add up. Throughout the day, especially when I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself to find something – anything – to be grateful for. It could be my daughter's impish smile, or how my son scrunches his nose when he's concentrating. Yes, it's not always easy, especially when the house is a mess, and everyone's cranky, but it's in these moments that gratitude feels like a small act of rebellion against the chaos. And it's not just about internal gratitude. Expressing it outwardly is equally important. A simple thank you to my partner for taking over bath time, a quick text to a friend who sent a supportive message, or even acknowledging a stranger's kindness in the supermarket. This practice of external gratitude doesn’t just shift my mood; it often brightens someone else's day too. Gratitude hasn't solved all my struggles with motherhood. There are days when I forget to practice it, and the gloom seems to settle in. But on days I do manage to focus on the positives, the world seems a little brighter, a little kinder, a little more manageable. So here are a few gratitude practices that have been helping me: Gratitude Journaling: I try to jot down three things I'm grateful for each morning. It sets a positive tone for the day. Gratitude Showers: These are moments, especially during mundane tasks, where I mentally list the things I'm thankful for. It's surprisingly refreshing. Expressing Gratitude: Saying thank you, not just as a reflex, but with genuine appreciation, has made my relationships more meaningful. Gratitude Jar: On good days, I write down something positive and put it in a jar. On tougher days, I pull out a note to remind myself of the good. Mindful Practices: Incorporating mindfulness and meditation helps me stay grounded and appreciate the present, even amidst chaos. Remember, it's okay if some days are harder than others. The journey of motherhood is not about perfection but about finding joy in the imperfections. Tip #2: Make Time for Self-Care and Prioritize Your Own Well-Being As mothers, we often hear the phrase, "You can't pour from an empty cup," yet how often do we neglect to refill our own? I've learned, sometimes the hard way, that self-care isn't selfish; it's essential. It took a while to realize that taking care of myself is not just beneficial for me, but for my entire family. I used to think self-care meant luxurious indulgences, like a weekend spa retreat. But now, I understand it's about the small, everyday acts of kindness towards myself. It's about finding those precious moments to recharge, even if it's just for a few minutes a day. For me, self-care has taken many forms, like regular gym visits to keep my body strong and my mind clear. Sometimes, it's as simple as declaring an impromptu dinner out so I don't have to cook or clean. But my absolute favorite form of self-care is indulging in my passion for motorsports with my husband. Sending the kids off to their grandparents for the weekend and hitting the racetrack is my ultimate recharge. There's something about sharing the adrenaline and excitement with my husband that makes me feel alive and connected, not just to him but to myself. Being out in nature is another simple yet powerful form of self-care. Whether it's a walk in the park or just sitting in my backyard, being outside helps me reset and regain perspective. It's amazing how a breath of fresh air and a bit of sun can clear the mind and lift the spirit. Prioritizing self-care has helps me to be more patient, present, and honestly, happier. It's crucial for us moms to recognize that taking care of our needs is not a luxury, but a necessity. Here are some self-care practices that have been a lifeline for me: Micro-Breaks: Stealing a few minutes for deep breathing or a cup of tea can be surprisingly restorative. Movement: Whether it's a gym session, a brisk walk, or dancing around the living room with the kids, movement is my mood lifter. Nutritious Eating: A balanced diet keeps my energy levels up. I've started my days with protein-rich smoothies, using Daily Harvest mixes blended with my favorite protein powder. It's a small step that makes a big difference. And hey, if you're interested, use my code RE-6GHG8B2 for a discount on your first box! Engage in Hobbies: Dedicating time to a hobby, be it painting, gardening, or anything that lets me zone out and relax. Nature Connection: Even a brief moment outside can be incredibly grounding and refreshing. Finding joy in motherhood also means finding joy in yourself. Your well-being is the foundation upon which your family's happiness is built. So, don't hesitate to take that time for yourself. It's not just okay; it's necessary. Tip #3: Building Your Village - The Power of a Supportive Community in Motherhood In the tapestry of motherhood, each thread represents a connection, a supportive touchpoint that makes the whole picture more resilient and colorful. I've learned, sometimes the hard way, that trying to be a one-woman show in parenting is not only exhausting but also unnecessary. Building a support network, your own 'village', is not just beneficial; it's vital. Joining a mom’s group initially felt intimidating. I worried about fitting in and being judged. But what I discovered was a circle of empathy, laughter, and shared experiences. These women became my go-to for everything from diaper brand debates to deep conversations about balancing motherhood and personal aspirations. Connecting with other parents at school functions or neighborhood gatherings added more threads to my village tapestry. These relationships have blossomed into more than just playdate coordinations; they've become sources of mutual support and understanding. In the digital age, the village also exists online. Social media groups and forums for moms have been like lighthouses in the foggy nights of parenting. Whether it's a 2 AM query about baby fevers or a place to share the wins of the day, these platforms have brought me closer to mothers across the globe. But here's a piece of hard-earned advice: curate your village. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, who share your values and parenting style. It's crucial to feel validated and understood, not judged or pressured. And when the going gets tough, as it inevitably does in parenting, lean on these connections. Whether it's for a heartfelt chat, some practical help, or just a moment to vent, your village is there. It's a two-way street; being there for others brings its own joy and fulfillment. My journey in building my village has taught me that motherhood was never meant to be a solo journey. It's a shared experience, filled with diverse voices, helping hands, and understanding hearts. So reach out, build your network, and cherish your village. It doesn't just change the way you parent; it changes the way you live and enjoy motherhood. Tip #4: Embrace the Imperfections and Appreciate the Journey Let's face it, motherhood is messy and imperfect. There will be days when the laundry piles up, the dishes are dirty, and you're just barely holding it together. But that's okay! Embracing the imperfections of motherhood can help you stay positive and appreciate the journey, rather than getting caught up in the chaos and stress of trying to be a perfect mom. I've learned to embrace the imperfections of motherhood and appreciate the journey, even when it's not perfect. Whether it's a messy house or a toddler tantrum, I try to take a step back and remind myself that this too shall pass. And in the grand scheme of things, these small imperfections are just a tiny part of the overall journey of motherhood. How to embrace imperfections: Transform messes into memories: Embrace the flour-dusted faces during baking, the paint-splattered masterpieces, or the fort constructed in the living room. These are temporary messes but create lasting memories. See the love in the tantrums: Remember, even tantrums stem from strong emotions and a desire for connection. Find calmness amidst the storm and offer empathy and understanding. Appreciate the chaos as a sign of life: A busy, noisy household is a vibrant one! Embrace the energy and liveliness that your children bring into your life. Tip #5: Find Ways to Inject Humor and Fun into Your Daily Routine Finally, one of the best ways to stay positive as a mom is to find ways to inject humor and fun into your daily routine. Whether it's silly dance parties with your kids or making up ridiculous songs, finding ways to laugh and have fun can help you stay positive and present in the moment. For me, this might mean taking a lighthearted approach to motherhood and not taking everything so seriously. Yes, there will be tough days and moments when you feel like you're at your wit's end. I know I have days I get off of work feeling completely incapable of further human interaction ... and then I pick up cranky kids from a long day at school. But finding ways to inject humor and fun into these moments can help you stay positive and keep pushing forward. How to inject humor into daily routines: Silly Song Time: Make up funny lyrics about mundane tasks like folding laundry, cleaning up spills, or getting ready for bed. Dance Parties: Blast upbeat music and have impromptu dance parties with your kids, no matter how goofy the moves! Exaggeration Games: Turn boring errands or chores into fun competitions by exaggerating your actions and reactions. Embrace Laughter Games: Play games that encourage laughter, like tickling tag, pillow fights (for older kids), or funny charades. Tip #6: Shift Your Perspective on Mundane Tasks As you fold the 4 billionth pile of laundry this week, view it as an opportunity to connect with your child. My kiddos don't love doing chores, but aside from the benefits they get from chores, this is a great time to chat with your children and learn something new. Feel like bedtime routines are just another chore? Having the same bedtime battles every night or reading the same 5 books on rotation can make any good mother feel like they're going to lose their minds. But, reminding yourself that this is the perfect time to snuggle and talk. And in just a few years, snuggling is going to be out of the question... Motherhood is a journey full of ups and downs. But by focusing on the positives, prioritizing your own well-being, cultivating a support network, embracing imperfection, and injecting humor and fun into your daily routine, you can stay positive and find joy in the journey. Remember, you're doing an amazing job, and you've got this! FAQs About Finding Joy in Motherhood How do I find joy in motherhood? Pick your battles, set out to have fun and laugh, and take a well-deserved break when you need to prioritize your own mental well-being. What brings you joy as a mother? This is different for everyone. For me, it can be as simple as laughing at my kids’ immature fart and poop jokes to more complex things like helping them learn to race karts. What is the greatest joy of motherhood? The love you give and receive, that you become a better person, and that you have a greater purpose in life, just to name a few things. What is depleted mother syndrome? This is the result of an imbalance in the increased demands on mom’s resources while her ability to keep up with these demands diminishes. This usually involves the mother becoming overwhelmed and sensitive. #### FireTrucks: 911 Rescue Educational iPad App Review This post has been sponsored by Thematica.  I was given a promotional code and received sponsorship to review their iPad app, FireTrucks:911 rescue (educational app for kids).  All opinions expressed in this post are my own.  Bear in mind my thoughts on this app are based largely on my 2 year olds experiences with the game. The features of this game, according to Thematica: •Stimulates kid’s creativity and problem-solving skills. •Makes the educational process about firetrucks unusual and interesting. •Has a colorful graphics and exciting sounds. •An unusual and interesting way to learn about different vehicles. •Fun to play again and again. •Exciting and realistic vehicle sound effects. In this cute app, your child has 5 Fire Trucks to choose from for game play.  Each truck has its own set of missions.  Each full length mission has several tasks to complete in order to successfully complete the entire mission.  There are picture prompts for each step to help your child complete the missions. Some of the tasks include: *shape sorting *putting things into an object *moving objects out of the way *putting out fires *rescuing mice in a situation *more. My daughter’s favorite mission is to pick up the dinosaur.  When she gets him, she doesn't seem to want to transport him to his location, rather keep him in the wagon and drive away. For our first try, I had a time figuring out how to make the vehicles move in either direction.  Upon further inspection, I couldn't find instructions.  If you're giving this to a small child, I recommend trying this alone first so you can help if he/she experiences any difficulty or frustration.  My two-year-old had a difficult time learning to hold her finger on the truck a few seconds to start it, then holding and dragging it forward or backward to keep it moving.  And, because of her age, she didn't understand that she was supposed to look at the pictures as the truck drove by to know what tasks to complete.  It meant that I needed to sit with her and explain the process.  Once I explained what to do, she understood and would complete the tasks again and again without assistance. If you're looking for a good app to help your child learn logical and critical thinking skills, this is a good one.  It will also help your child to understand rescue situations without boring them with talk ... they'll be experiencing it for themselves in this adorable app. Additionally, the in-app section for parents includes the information that the app isn't linked to social media sites and doesn't include inappropriate marketing because they support The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. My overall impression of FireTrucks:911 rescue is good.  It may be a bit advanced for my two-year-old in some aspects.  That only means this is a great app to allow us to play together for more bonding time. #### First attempt at Pre-K with an 18 month old! Okay, I'm a bit of a "follow plans and structure" type and I think this preschool stuff may drive me a little crazy at times, but I'm sure my daughter is going to pick up on things as we play. I am following along with a FREE lesson plan from Little Adventures Preschool.  The letter of the week is K and she planned for "Karate" but we used free tot printables with Kites instead!  Here is S with a completed puzzle and our kite patterns - she's quite young to completely grasp the concept, so the puzzle was completed by myself.  She enjoyed playing with the laminated pieces, viewing the completed pictures, and helping to find the colors. In addition, I read the K page out of the book "A Was Once An Apple Pie" - luckily the letter K in the book was for kite to help our theme :)   Pictured here is an image that does not match our book, but it's basically the same.  Note: The rhyming in this book does not use proper English, but it is a lot of fun to grab the interest of your little one.     Finally, we pulled out our Giant Pegboard (current product of the month at Discovery Toys) and some colored rubber bands to make a letter K on the back!  Super easy and little S thought it was kind of funny (if you do this activity, please watch your tot around the rubber bands - little S almost grabbed one of the bands, and I just envisioned her pulling it and snapping her in the eye EEEK!) Some posts may contain affiliate links, please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Forget Meal Planning: Try Healthy Organic Meal Delivery From Sun Basket I received this product for free from Moms Meet to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation was provided and this page contains affiliate links. Time ... something adults have very little of.  Parents?  Forget it.  I still wonder how I get as much done as I do ... and believe me, it's not that much.  I can preach the benefits time management for parents as much as I want, but the fact is, doing less is always my preferred method of coping with my duties as a stay at home mom. Often, when it comes to meal planning, doing less equates to less healthy options. When you think of freeing yourself from the meal time duties, what do you instantly think of?  Dining out or frozen foods, right?  And most of those options definitely aren't the healthiest.  Between sodium, processed foods, and lack of healthy fruits and vegetables, I can already feel an artery clogging.  Okay, maybe it's not that serious, but it truly isn't good for you. But, there are options. You can stop meal planning while still providing healthy organic meals for your family. I'm a big fan of non-GMO and organic foods after a run-in with Hashimoto's Disease.  Having to eat Paleo-ish also increases the workload in the kitchen... as if I suddenly had more time. NOT. Forget Meal Planning with Sun Basket Meal Delivery Sun Basket takes some of the work off my plate.  I can select the meals I want weekly that fit into our dietary requirements.  They're delivered to my door with fresh, organic, non-GMO ingredients.  And, it's less I have to plan or shop for. [tweetthis]Do you want 50% off @sunbasketmeals meal delivery? #ad #momsmeet [/tweetthis] Every ingredient is included in its meal-specific brown paper bag.  The recipe has already been decided.  And, it comes to me in convenient, recyclable packaging. So, I didn't have to scour the internet for a new recipe or go shopping.  I don't even have to worry about locating the right ingredients.  Can you sense how lazy I like to be? That's right, people.  If that's lazy, I'm all for it. My meals come fresh in a box of frozen ice packs to ensure their freshness.  Then, I just have to select a meal bag for the night, cut up the veggies, and cook. The tot couldn't wait to break into our Sun Basket meals Aside from time savings and organic meals, what are the benefits of Sun Basket Meal Delivery? For starters - less time spent on meal planning.  It's not simply about the time savings.  If you're like me, you get tired of having to decide what to cook every week.  And, you probably get bored of the same things in and out of the rotation in your meal plan.  I totally loathe meal planning for this reason. I can forget meal planning and let someone else do it for me. Sun Basket meals are fresh and easily made in about 30 minutes and designed for minimal cleanup.  Plus, they're pretty kid-friendly. For the eco-conscious family, know that the packaging is recyclable and meat and seafood are sustainably sourced, hormone-free, and come from the best farms. You have the chance to get adventurous without purchasing heaps of questionable fruits and vegetables.  Thankfully, you're provided just enough for the selected meal.  If you decide you don't like something, it's not a huge waste.  Bonus points if you try and like something new! What we tried from Sun Basket Shrimp lettuce cups with jicama-mango salad and rice noodles This was a surprisingly pleasant summery dish.  Though not very filling, my family enjoyed it.  Hubby skipped out on the jicama-mango salad but enjoyed the noodles and shrimp.  Because I knew he wouldn't eat the salad, I made a couple extra sides and bread.  I figured I'd have the extras as a backup for the kids if they weren't happy with the meal. Neither of the kids balked at the meal.  My son ate the jicama and enjoyed it.  My daughter ate everything and was asking for seconds of the noodles and shrimp. Argentinian grilled chicken and summer vegetables Half my cilantro was bad, so I only used part of what was called for in the recipe.  Honestly, I was grateful because we're not cilantro fans.  Still, next time, I wouldn't make the chimichurri sauce with any cilantro.  Otherwise, the meal was really good. My husband enjoyed how the jasmine rice turned out. This meal also took me about an hour to put together. A few honest words about Sun Basket I selected Paleo Friendly meals to suit my dietary needs.  Though this allows me to explore dishes I may not otherwise try on my own accord, time-saving isn't a huge benefit with this plan.  I found the dishes about as labor intensive as most of the Paleo meals I have to cook.  The only thing I saved was not having to go to the grocery store to look for produce or spices I know nothing about (jicama? I wouldn't have a clue). It does seem as the non-paleo versions aren't as labor-intensive. Also, the family-friendly meal kit plan is rather expensive.  At $9.99 per serving, a 2 meal a week plan costs roughly half what I normally spend on groceries a week.  Granted, I don't buy 100% organic and sustainable food.  If you're dedicated to completely organic, non-GMO products, the cost may not be as significant.  Unfortunately, raising a family of 4 on nothing but Organic isn't in the budget for us, so I have to practice balance.  I buy what I can in non-toxic food to hopefully counteract the not too desirable foods we buy.  It's just a fact of life for us. I wish I could dedicate myself to Sun Basket though!  I'd love to eat 100% organic non-GMO foods.  Plus, not having to meal plan or shop as often would be ideal.  But, it's just not worth half my grocery budget for 2 meals.  Which, by the way, barely leaves enough for leftovers when everyone enjoys the meal.  If my children were older (or my son wasn't a picky eater) there wouldn't be enough leftovers. My grocery budget allows for leftovers, breakfast, lunch, and snacks for the whole family.  Because of which, Sun Basket isn't an affordable or feasible for our family. My husband admitted that he enjoyed having Sun Basket meals delivered solely for having tried something completely different from our routine dishes.  I, too, enjoyed it!  I feel more inspired and adventurous with our meals. Your kit will include all the recipes for that were available for the week, so you can gather your own supplies and try something that you hadn't selected. Okay, I'm ready to save time and eat healthily!  Where do I sign up? At the Sun Basket website of course! Guess what?  Sun Basket is offering my readers a 50% discount to try out the Family Menu! 50 PERCENT!  HALF OFF! Get 50% OFF Family Menu Meals from Sun Basket! Fresh organic, non-GMO ingredients and kid-friendly recipes delivered! Guys, it's totally worth trying Sun Basket for half off!  You may find inspiration to expand your menu and perhaps find new foods your kids will eat. Do you want to be a fan of Sun Basket GREAT!  Follow them on all their social media channels! Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Instagram #### Fostering Exploration with National Geographic Kids, Plus Free Lion Word Search Printable How National Geographic Kids books help foster exploration of various subjects for children through educational books that are actually fun and entertaining!  Plus, get a free printable lion word search! Most times I sit down to read with my daughter, her book selections make me smile.  I'm almost certain she's going to be a Veterinarian or Paleontologist because she's fond of fact books about animals and dinosaurs. She always has been. Though she still chooses books that are just for fun, I feel as though it's a more regular occurrence that we sit down to factual books.  I'm, of course, proud of her either way because she's a fantastic reader! But, I love that National Geographic Kids offers books that are both fact and fiction!  And, these books help foster exploration and expand children's minds by touching on topics in a fun and engaging way. This is a sponsored conversation between myself, Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) and National Geographic Kids, however all opinions in this post are my own. We received the National Geographic Kids Almanac 2019 for the factual aspect of her reading adventures.  It's filled with fantastic photography we've all grown to know and love about National Geographic.  Best of all, the tidbits of information are concise and highly engaging to keep kids' attention! How National Geographic Kids Helps Foster Exploration of Various Subjects for Children No matter which of the National Geographic Kids books my daughter chooses, I know she's having her world opened up.  Nat Geo Kids does a great job at expanding her mind and encouraging further exploration of topics through these books, as well as the online experiences they offer. And, I learn a lot from them, too. Exploration Through National Geographic Kids Almanac 2019 There are extra activities and quizzes dispersed throughout the almanac as well as providing a huge variety of information on topics such as dinosaurs, pets, space, history, exploration and more. What's great about the Almanac is that, the tidbits of information provided in individual subjects can often lead to more questions.  So, when my daughter wants to learn more, we head online and do a bit more research on the subject. The education and excitement doesn't end with the Almanac!  Head over to the almanac website for a conservationist video, lion quiz, and enter the Lions Forever Almanac Challenge poster contest. My daughter loved the poster contest.  When she's not burying her nose in a book or catching lizards, she's drawing or creating some sort of craft, so this challenge was right up her alley. Want a little more fun?  Join my newsletter and you'll receive a FREE lion related word search, plus access to a lot more parenting resources! Exploration Through Fiction: Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret When your kids are ready for some fiction, pick up a copy of [easyazon_link identifier="1426331592" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret[/easyazon_link]. Unlike factual books, my daughter can learn a lot from reading fiction. This book from National Geographic Kids introduces characters based on real National Geographic Explorers in a fun and engaging way through code-breaking and puzzles.  It extends the intrigue past the narrative in doing so. Each book in the series features a Truth Behind the Fiction section and profiles real explorers and their work. If your child wants to get more interactive, have them visit exploreracademy.com to watch a cool book trailer, read sneak peeks about the characters or play a code-breaking game. Plus, adults (ages 18+) can enter to win an awesome free trip by entering a sweepstakes on the Explorer Academy Website! As an adult, I love these books myself because of the wealth of knowledge they offer to get one interested in various subjects. As a mom, I love that National Geographic Kids his helping to foster exploration of topics you might not otherwise think to discuss with your kids. PIN ME #### From Porsche to 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite Have you guys seen the new(ish) commercial showing off the 2018 Honda Odyssey? I have to admit, while I'm a car person, I don't pay attention to TV much so I'm often unphased by commercials.  But, this one grabbed my attention and hit home every time it came on. I was a Porsche owner.  WAS. Look how excited we were to own our Porsche Cayenne Turbo! Look, I'm not trying to brag or boast.  Hubby spoiled me with a used 2013 Porsche Cayenne Turbo back when we couldn't find a new mini-van that was right for us.  I was beyond blessed, and I recognize that. As much as I'd always been a Honda person, I was instantly transformed into a Porsche fanatic.  The truth is, I loved the amazingly fast SUV.  But, I have to equate the love to one of being in a relationship with the right person at the wrong time in your life. Dear Porsche Cayenne Turbo, I love you.  Unfortunately, the timing just isn't right.   We want and need different things in our lives right now.  I have a family.  You fit them in, and in our daily lives, it worked just fine.  But, you didn't offer much storage or comfort for two small children with all they need.  And, on family trips, I was completely uncomfortable if I needed to sit in the back with them.   Though I wish I could be selfish, my life isn't all about me.  I needed to think of my family.  Unfortunately, I must move on ... for now. All My Love,  Ivy As tears welled up during the transition, I knew going back to my Honda roots for the new Odyssey was the right thing to do.  For the better of the whole family - budget, space, and tech features - we traded the Cayenne in for a brand new Black 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite. How the 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite Won Me Over From the moment I saw the commercials, I was in love with the Magic Slide Second Row Seats and the new rear entertainment center. Making the decision about the trim level we wanted was easy.  Having been acclimated to the plushness of Porsche with tons of bells and whistles, there wasn't any chance I was taking anything less than the Elite. Let me tell you this:  in the switch, I haven't lost a single important tech or comfort feature, but gained many. With the Elite, I kept my heated and cooled front seats, as well as a heated steering wheel.  And just because Florida is hot nearly year-round doesn't mean I never use that heated steering wheel.  Trust me, the 3 weeks (+/- a week) a year it gets cold, that feature is greatly appreciated.  Plus, I have push button start, lane-keep assist, and parking sensors. What I gained in the tech department was a rear entertainment system (RES) for the kids to be able to watch movies or TV shows.  This means we don't have to bring along a tablet for entertainment.  And, unlike our old Odyssey, the parents can sit up front listening to whatever they want on CarPlay while the kids listen via wireless headphones.  Bonus: this model year allows the RES to play from a USB drive, so I now don't have to carry and switch out DVD after DVD.  I mean, who buys DVDs anymore, right? Then there's space.  My goodness, the space!  There's no more crowding in the back and I can now take my dad on vacation with us, without having to borrow his Pathfinder.  The kids have tons of room.  Of course, that means there's no more cockpit feel in the driver's seat either though.  Now, it's like driving a bus or having a steering wheel in my living room. The exterior styling is quite impressive too.  Honda managed to make the new Odyssey look significantly sportier than in past years, while also eliminating the rails for the sliding rear doors on the back panels.  Now, they've tucked them just under the windows, which makes the van, in my opinion, look more like a tall limo.  At least, that's how I feel about it in black. And, as if the Odyssey itself wasn't impressive enough on its own, we received a Lifetime Warranty (basically powertrain) from Grainger Honda in Georgia.  So, we've saved ourselves a significant amount of money on monthly payments, have a lifetime warranty to keep the car running, and our overall maintenance costs decrease. And when we decided to make this switch, we decided to make a goal to keep the van for 10 years.  So, hubby purchased the extended warranty which will cover more things like electronics and such for 10 years. BIG GOALS! Surprising Features of the 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite Wireless charging - if your phone is capable of this feature (I'll be switching off my old iPhone when the new Samsung comes out next year) Media play from USB (something that doesn't consistently work so I have to get this looked at) Separated listening when rear seats use wireless headphones (it's great listening to my music while the kids watch their shows and this was a huge complaint with the old Odysseys) Cabin Talk and Cabin Watch - keep an eye on the kids in the back and speak to them without yelling (I do enough yelling at home, thank you) Android and Apple CarPlay turns your car's touch screen into an extension of your phone (thank you for reading my text messages!) Wind-noise reduction with better windshields in certain higher model Odysseys (because who doesn't like a quieter ride with screaming kids in the back?!) Lane Keep Assist (the van can navigate around a corner on its own as long as it sees road lines.  It does well but it's still a little unsettling) Look, I know my mini-van isn't fast but it isn't exactly slow, either.  I'll probably surprise you at a stoplight if you're expecting a usual minivan driver at the wheel, so don't go trying to get around me. Believe it or not, the van drives about as smoothly as our Porsche did.  I know it's new and all, but it's a dang smooth and comfortable ride.  And that special windshield really has helped reduce road and wind noise on the highway. Truth be told, I don't know if I'm more thankful to Honda for really getting in the tech game or if I'm desperately pleading for Porsche to get crazy and build its sports car enthusiasts a minivan.  You know ... because sometimes we do want to have it all. Until then, I'm digging my minivan and treating it like my Porsche. #### Fun, Educational Activities To Do With the Play and Learn Shopping Basket Toy A play and learn shopping basket toy review in partnership with The Learning Journey and Tomoson.  Making an educational experience out of play. As you probably already know, it's important for children to engage in pretend play.  Generally, I try to stick to toys that educate as well as entertain vs fluff toys.  I want my children to have fun while gaining some sort of knowledge about the world we live in and how to interact.  The Play and Learn Shopping Basket Toy offers plenty of open-ended play from grocery shopping to cooking in the kitchen.  I also found that it was easy to boost the educational opportunities with this toy by creating a few activities that won't take more than a few minutes of your time. I received a Play and Learn Shopping Basket from The Learning Journey International and Tomoson in exchange for the following review.  No other compensation was provided and all opinions expressed in this post are my own.  The toy shopping basket is recommended for ages 3 and up, and is a great learning toy for your little ones. I'm excited to share this Play and Learn Shopping Basket Toy review with you! Play and Learn Shopping Basket Toy Review For starters, the Play and Learn Shopping Basket is suited for ages 3 and older.  The plastic shopping basket is neutral colored, which makes it perfect for all kids.  And, it comes with 24 cardboard and plastic food accessories to complete the educational shopping experience. Activities One activity we worked on was creating and following a list.  To help enhance my daughter's ability to follow instruction, I created a couple grocery shopping lists.  I simply found photos of items to shop for and printed them on paper.  If you love this idea, I've created a shopping list for your toddler too!! Another great activity we did was to grab a few items and discuss what "recipes" we might make with them.  This gave her the opportunity to think about what ingredients mommy uses in her meals.  Plus, she was able to be creative about what kinds of meals she could make. I'm fond of the large size and durable construction, compared to some other plastic shopping toys we've used.  This basket, plastic food, and cardboard items actually feel like they could stand up to more normal play. One thing that bothers me is the strange size proportions between the foods.  Am I the only one that thinks it's strange that a whole chicken is the size of 4 eggs?  Or that a hot dog is bigger than a carrot?   I know kids don't mind, but I wish there were a bit more even scaling system that didn't make things look so ridiculous. Aside from my dislike for the odd proportions, I was pleased that my daughter began using this set for nearly every food-related activity.  She was taking it upstairs during quiet time as well as playing with it regularly, and feeding her baby doll at picnics.  She seemed to really enjoy the toy. I feel like the basket itself was appropriately sized.  I also loved that it was gender neutral, because I see no reason in making shopping toys pink. You can purchase your The Learning Journey Play and Learn Shopping Basket on Amazon. Shopping Basket [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" cloak="n" height="500" identifier="B00TM0HY44" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51a31xYi4HL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] What did you think of the Play and Learn Shopping Basket Toy review? Do you have any questions about the toy? #### Fun, Simple Ways to Laugh as a Family I know, parenting isn't a joke.  But, we shouldn't take our roles as parents so seriously.  Sometimes we need to lighten the mood and just laugh as a family! Yesterday, I discussed why laughter is the best medicine.  And, I shared some tips for incorporating some laughter into your parenting routine.  If you're looking for some easy to implement techniques for building in time to laugh as a family, you've come to the right place. I've gathered some excellent resources to help bring laughter and joy to your family easily.  You don't have to scour the internet looking for fun (or funny) things to do, though you could if you want to, because this list only scrapes the tip of the iceberg on fun activities to help lighten everyone's moods. The more you incorporate fun and laughter, the happier and healthier your family will be.  Plus, laughing as a family will make bonding time easier.  Who doesn't like less work and more fun? Try to implement a funny activity at least once a day to boost everyone's moods! *Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and I will make a commission if you purchase after clicking these links.  It will cost you nothing more, but will help me continue to provide free content on this site. Easy Ways to Laugh as a Family Laughing as a family doesn't have to be difficult or expensive.  Nor does it need to be a time-consuming process.  Spending just a few minutes a day to laugh as a family can have amazing health benefits for everyone.  And, it will make your parenting more effective as you bond with your children and build healthy family relationships. Take your parenting teamwork to the next level as you both work to lighten up the mood. Joke Books for Kids Nothing makes people feel better quicker than a good joke!  Don't expect the first joke you read off to make the kids crack a smile.  They're tough to crack when they're in a bad mood ... but you knew that already.  Having joke books on hand will give you a lot of ammunition.  You will win! [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="0800723074" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51ssB0il0IL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="324"] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="499" identifier="1426309309" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/61xbz7ICp2L.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="1540619397" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/41IwrCjyCEL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="313"] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="1440506337" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/612RynrjcaL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="432"] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="0985056460" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51BZFrJekIL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="324"] Have Fun and Bond with Your Children I love Table Topics!  From thought starters to silly questions, these will give your family a jump start on having an entertaining conversation.  If you're lucky, laughter and silliness may ensue. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B000FFET52" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/414JJUi2LrL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B00178YX20" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/41ruBnChvpL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="366"] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B001L6FZI4" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51RrBCHQtLL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="368" identifier="B00D3L4ONC" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51KxOpY4DWL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="241" identifier="097585562X" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/31iJO4SqSpL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="320"] Mad Libs and Funny Word Games I can remember the good old days when I did Mad Libs as a kid.  Why in the world did we stop doing that?  Totally shouldn't have.  Now I can bring back the good times and share some silly stories with the kids.  Check out these Mad Libs and Funny Word Games for kids of all ages. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="0843108533" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/514rizcNGL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="360"] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="460" identifier="B01FST8A90" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51r8UGzbMwL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="499" identifier="B00D2HO1MG" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51XBZ0IvvL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="0843107588" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51MiCVrCCQL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="356"] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="0843100591" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51OFIUoLMOL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="307"] Other Ways to Have a Good Time or Laugh as a Family Get active outside.  Have really little ones? Try these backyard activities for toddlers. Read funny stories Watch funny movies together Play Games Sing and dance (make up funny songs or dances) Have a water fight (if seasonally appropriate) What other ways can you bond and laugh as a family? #### Furry Logic, 10th Anniversary Edition by Jane Seabrook {Book Review} I received the book Fury Logic, 10th Anniversary Edition by Jane Seabrook from Blogging for Books in exchange for my review.  I received no further compensation for this review. Summary Published by: Ten Speed Press Category: Humor-Animals ISBN 978-1-60774-716-1 Handling life's challenges is explained humorously with sentences and an accompanying animal.  Adorable pictures of expressive animals feature individual sayings on each set of pages. Synopsis Found on RandomHouse.com: The adorable and high-profile Furry Logic series celebrates its 10th anniversary with a menagerie of illustrated animals and hilarious sayings about life, love, and everything in between.       No one understands the ups and downs of life's little challenges better than the frisky critters of Furry Logic. The inspirational and tongue-in-cheek advice from series creator Jane Seabrook and her plucky animal characters will tickle the fancy and the funnybone of readers everywhere. Each intricately illustrated spread features a member of the animal kingdom with a unique take on life, from the adorably grumpy owl who advises "Smile first thing in the morning. Get it over with" to the fluffy hawk who admonishes, "If at first you do succeed, try not to look too astonished." So join the original flock of penguins, bears, frogs, and more in celebrating a decade of wit and wisdom with ten new illustrated spreads for fans looking for fresh inspiration. Ivy's Thoughts on the Book Furry Logic As an often stressed out parent of a 3 year old and dealing with some health issues, I found this to be a delightful addition to my book collection.  I rarely have time for myself and this book was a quick read that reminded me to take an occasional break and laugh.  I felt like the writer easily related to real life, so most of the sayings just made sense and lightened my mood! One of my favorite sayings was "If at first you do succeed, try not to look too astonished."  This one probably made me laugh the hardest. This is a small book perfect to set on your coffee table or night stand to peruse once a day or when you need to lighten your mood quickly. While she doesn't understand the adult humor, the illustrations caught my 3 year old daughter's attention.  It was enjoyable reading a book out loud that entertained her, yet was still delightful for me. I recommend this book for any adult needing to add a little humor to their lives and maybe don't have the time to sit and read full blown novels. You can purchase [easyazon_link identifier="1607747162" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Furry Logic[/easyazon_link] on Amazon. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="499" identifier="1607747162" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51uFbT64NeL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] #### Gadgets To Save Parents Time (and Money) Here's a short list of gadgets I have around the house that I really can't imagine living without. Admittedly, some of them are rather expensive, but their value is almost beyond measure.  My automatic trash cans may be a little much, but I enjoy them, and that's what matters, right?!  So, what are the top 5 gadgets I'd recommend for parents looking to save a little time and money?  Check them out here! Automatic Motion Sensing Trash Cans.  I received a set of two about a year ago and I have been in love with them ever since.  You'd think those step-to-open cans are enough, but when you get hold of these gems, those step on cans are more of a nuisance.  Now, I catch myself getting upset with my standard step-to-open cans for not opening when I wave my hand at it. iRobot Roomba 770.  I have the one for Pets and Allergies.  While I wasn't planning on getting it, I'm so glad I was surprised with it for Christmas!  This amazing gadget has saved my sanity by vacuuming my 1st floor for me on a daily basis.  With a fairly messy 2 year old running around the house and a shedding dog dragging in dirt, the Roomba is running daily downstairs, giving me more time to cook, clean, or have a few extra minutes of downtime if I'm feeling lazy. The cutest thing to me about the Roomba is when it completes it's cleaning and docks itself with a happy musical tone that reminds me of something you might hear when you've completed a mission in a video game.  I'm a sucker for gadgets that "sing" to me. iPhone.  Any smart phone, really, but I've become so accustomed to having an iPhone that I haven't even thought of replacing it with another device.  The apps are helpful in keeping with a schedule, reminders, events, and more. iPad.  This amazing device functions as my recipe keeper and viewer in the kitchen (thank you Pinterest!), and a music player or educational tool for the kiddo.  Heaven help me if our wi-fi ever fails in the middle of cooking! Nest Learning Thermostat.  Okay, I thought this one seemed extravagant, but hubby wanted our new-to-us house to be updated and more technologically advanced (since we're planning on being here a while).  I thought it was a ridiculous purchase, but I've grown to love this amazing thermostat!  Since Florida's weather is hot one day, cold the next in winter, I set the hot and cold temps so it'll come on appropriately.  It saves me from waking up in the morning freezing (or burning up) worrying about the little one.   Other nifty features include automatic "away" detection and compressor shut off to conserve energy.  The temp scheduling feature helps us to conserve energy when we don't need the a/c running.  The general consensus is that you'll save more in a year in energy than the thermostat cost to purchase. Scheduling appropriately saved us about $25 from one month to the next.  If it could save us that monthly, we'd essentially save $300 a year.  The savings alone would MORE than make up for the cost of the Nest itself.  The great energy report we receive from Nest is a super feature to tell us how energy is used and motivates us to continue doing our part to conserve. This post was updated on 4/26/14. To help support this blog, posts from Ivy's Variety may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Game Review: MATCH IT! - LISTEN & PLAY BINGO - ZOO #toys We've been playing games with the kiddo starting just before she turned 3.  I figured out early on that many games weren't rated for kids so young, but we all enjoyed spending our evenings playing and learning as a family, so we just got some games for the youngest kids we could find.  It all worked out and has become almost a nightly expectation.  She has a variety of games now that require different skills, but we've yet to play a game of Bingo!  I'm excited to share my review of Match It! Listen & Play Bingo - Zoo from The Learning Journey International.  I received the game at no cost to facilitate my review. Match It! Listen & Play Bingo - Zoo is geared for children ages 3 and up and is sold at $14.99 + tax & shipping on TLJI.COM. There are several ways to play this game, as the game boards and cards are double-sided.  One side has pictures and the other side has only words. The sounds are played 3 times on the electronic sound button, then a chime sounds to indicate it's the next player's turn.  Essentially, this isn't much like standard Bingo because players are taking turns and the object is to be first to fill your board. To be honest, I had a bit of trouble differentiating between the hyena and zebra sounds, which added a slight complication to the game play initially (as well as a bit of embarrassment). What I really liked: Game board and tiles were made of heavy cardboard.  I don't think I have to worry much about bent or torn pieces. Sound level wasn't extreme.  You can comfortably hear the sounds and not worry about it being too loud or too quiet. Different game play levels for skill needs.  I'll be able to use this board to help teach my daughter some sight words, and then later use only the word sides when she's reading better. Auditory and visual senses are covered in game play. The kiddo enjoyed the game play, and we all love that the game challenges can grow with her reading abilities.   Liked this article? Sign up for FREE updates! * indicates required Email Address * Email Format html text Disclosure: To help support this blog and continue to bring you free content, Ivy's Variety posts may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Geo World Deluxe for iPhone and iPad Review and Giveaway This is a fun app for those who love geography or for children who need to brush up on their states and countries. I know I, for one, was excited to be reviewing the app because I was definitely having trouble remember what I learned many years ago in Geography classes... and I remember loving geography as a high school student.  Without further ado, check out my review of Geo World Deluxe iOS app from Lifeware Solutions! This post was sponsored and I received a free download code in exchange for sharing my honest opinion of the app.  All opinions expressed here are my own.   Developers Notes about the app: One App With Seven Games: FALL-N-CATCH: Tap on the correct falling down country among colorful ones. LOCATIONS: Find the location of the selected country on the map. SHAPES: Stack the countries to build a pile. The taller it is, the more score you get. NEIGHBORS: Guess the country that borders with all countries on the screen. CAPITALS: Match countries with their capitals. EXPLORATION: Learn countries, their locations, shapes and flags. PLACES: Discover landmarks, match them to the locations on the map using Google Street View. Learn All About Countries and the USA States: * Flags * Capitals & Cities * Landmarks * State shapes * Bordering states * Location on the map Geo World Deluxe is a fun to play educational app for pre-school kids, students and adults! Ivy's Thoughts: I personally enjoyed this app.  I remember loving geography as a student, though I don't remember much of it these days.  I was pleased to find that each game had a way to choose difficulty level (I always started with EASY), and then if you answered enough correctly, you were bumped to the next level automatically.  When I answered correctly, I was greeted with a nice display of fireworks.  A bump in level showed a cute picture.  Both provided motivation and confidence building that younger kids may find attractive.  I can see myself using this app more regularly to pass some time and won't be a complete waste, as I'll be sharpening my brain, which is always a welcomed treat! I'll be the first to admit that I can barely remember anything I learned about cities, states, and other countries, but this is a fun way for me to brush up on it.  And, if I only have a couple minutes to spare, I can back out of a game at any time. The pictures in the app are great, and the fact that some games use Google Street View makes it even more interesting! Finally, I've enjoyed saying out loud the US states and Capitols to my 2 year old.  She also has begun trying to repeat the countries when they're called out during one of the games.  Who knows, maybe it'll start sinking into her brain and she'll be a whiz at geography some time down the road. GIVEAWAY 3 lucky readers will receive a download code for Geo World Deluxe!  If you can't wait to find out if you're a winner, the app is available for download for your iPhone or iPad in the iTunes app store for 99 cents. Giveaway runs from 1/20/14 12 a.m. EST to 1/28/14 12 a.m. EST. Please see the terms and conditions in the giveaway form for more information. a Rafflecopter giveaway This post was sponsored and I received a free download code in exchange for sharing my honest opinion of the app.  All opinions expressed here are my own.   #### Getting Into the Christmas Spirit I'm not normally one to start getting into the Christmas spirit before Thanksgiving.  I used to be.  But, I got tired of seeing Christmas decorations popping up immediately after Halloween.  Now, I feel like I see Christmas stuff even before it's officially Fall.  It's usually pretty annoying. My daughter, now 5, is a die-hard Christmas fan.  Everywhere we play Pandora radio, she's always asking for Christmas music.  Year-freaking-round.  I normally fend off the requests with "Mommy's phone doesn't play Christmas music before Thanksgiving."  On Halloween night, however, she made the request and I decided to concede.  My husband and son were both home sick, so I was getting a  Mommy-Daughter trick-or-treat night.  Time alone with my little girl is so rare, so I wanted to boost the positive vibes ... let her know what a special night it was for us (even though I sorely missed my boys).  And, I've been playing Christmas music in the car ever since.  Okay kid, you won this year! Since I'm ready to go shopping and get my Christmas decorating on, I want to share lots of things to help you get into the Christmas spirit too.  I've rounded up a bunch of holiday posts from a Facebook blogger group I'm part of called Mom Blog Tribe.  In this big holiday roundup, we're sharing gift ideas, shopping tips, and holiday stress management ideas.  Make sure to thank this lovely bunch of ladies for their hard work and, if you visited their post, let them know I sent you! Help for getting you into the Christmas spirit Gift Ideas for Christmas Let's start with The Choosy Mom's tips for smart Holiday shopping (and her gift guides). I seem to have serious difficulty with stocking stuffers.  Shann Eva shares some cool stocking stuffer ideas for everyone. Personally, I'm kind of over buying stuff.  Here, I offer non-toy gift ideas for toddlers and preschoolers. Image courtesy of sattva at FreeDigitalPhotos.net Major League Mommy shares educational gift ideas for young children. Growing Up Zee shares a nice list of top toys for toddlers under $50. If you're buying for several age groups, My Daily She shares a huge list of gift ideas for infants to teens. Looking for the best gift ideas for tweens?  One Small World has you covered with her gift guide. Toot's Mom is Tired shares a sweet list of gift ideas for Grandparents. Christmas Decorating and Traditions All Things Beautiful shares her Christmas decorating ideas. Taylor 411 discusses passing down family traditions. When getting into the Christmas spirit is overwhelming Theresa Reviews shares a good reminder for some "me time" especially at the holidays. If you're struggling with staying productive during the holiday season, check out Engineered Motherhood's recommendations. Saving my personal favorite for last, Short Sweet Mom gives some wonderful tips for saving your sanity at the holidays. #### Give Your Child a Chance to Respond Have you ever asked your small child a question and quickly followed it up with an answer because you felt like he/she wasn't following?  A lesson I've learned recently is to give your child some time to respond...We spent the day at the zoo and my two year old said "zoo" a few times, so I now know she comprehends the facility has a name.  Hooray!After being home a few hours, I asked her if she remembered what we did.  Her initial response was "horsey.  moo."  I stared at her wondering where she even would have seen a horse or a cow for that response to have fit, but I was lost.  Moments later she spits out "zoooooo".  And, I was thankful I didn't answer it for her to remind her ... apparently she didn't need reminding, she just needed the right amount of time to come up with the answer.A few minutes later, her daddy came home and I was telling her that she needed to go and tell him what she did today.  Wisely, she waited for him to walk into the room and immediately said "zoooo."So, the moral of the story is, if you want an answer to something, give your child a moment or two to respond.  Apparently, those little gears are working and they may just surprise you when they speak up just as you're thinking they didn't really understand the question. To help support this blog, posts from Ivy's Variety may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. Please see my disclaimer page for more info.Subscribe to Ivy's Variety - Baby, Saving, and Fun by Email #### Glad OdorShield(R) with Gain Review At any given moment, if you were to look in my pantry, you'd find that I always stock up on Glad trash bags for our house.  Our favorites are the Glad ForceFlex bags because they seem to hold up best to stuffing our garbage can.  So, when BzzAgent offered me a chance to try out Glad OdorShield® with Gain™ bags I was pretty excited.Additionally, BZZagent provided me a $25 gift card to purchase items at my local target that I felt make a house a home.  I bought the following:1) Digital meat thermometer2) Child's clockThe reason I purchased the meat thermometer was so that I could test a meat's temperature while still in the oven.  I don't enjoy pulling dinner out of the oven to make sure it's ready, and usually have to put it back for a while anyway.  To me, food make our house a home, and I spend an awful lot of time in the kitchen.As for the child's clock, we're remodeling the spare bedroom for my daughter's new "big girl" room. Part of moving her to the new room means that we'll be taking down her baby gate, which we've had up because her bedroom is upstairs.  I know that means she's going to be leaving her room more than we'd like, so we decided that a clock that "glows" to let her know it's okay to wake us up would be necessary.Glad OdorShield® with Gain Trash Bags ReviewThe first thing I noticed when my box of Glad with Gain came in was the fresh scent and was certain the scent was strong enough to hold up to a week's worth of trash.  On trash night, we replaced the bag with the samples.I was a little disappointed to find that the edge of the bag wasn't stretchy, so it just laid in the trash can, not very secure.  The upside is that my trash can comes with a handy insert to keep trash bags in place. Then, came the week's test.  I'm not certain if the bag scent failed miserably or if my newly pregnant senses were just so heightened that I could only smell the bad stuff.  Unfortunately for me, I wasn't overly impressed with my new bags in the house. On the upside, I've found them to fit and work their scent magic better in the laundry room trash can.  I have a relatively small room for laundry, wash bin, and storage for ... well ... I'm not even sure.  But, the scent seems to hold up to whatever we put in that can, including whatever small kitchen trash when I don't want to have a half filled trash can in the kitchen on garbage night.Connect with Ivy on Google+ Liked this article? Sign up for FREE updates!* indicates requiredEmail Address * Email Format htmltext Disclosure: To help support this blog and continue to bring you free content, Ivy's Variety posts may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Gluten Free Dairy Free Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Are you gluten-free but think Thanksgiving or Christmas isn't complete without Sweet Potato Casserole?  Try this gluten-free, dairy-free sweet potato casserole recipe that you make in a crockpot! I think one of the worst things about having dietary restrictions from food allergies and intolerances is the inability to partake in many holidays. I've always had a love affair with food. Then, I began to have some health issues and thyroid medication wasn't touching some of my thyroid symptoms.  After a while, and having done some research, I determined I needed to try going gluten-free.  Later, I learned I also needed to cut other foods out of my diet, and a major problem food was dairy. Dietary restrictions were like a death sentence when first making changes to the foods I was eating. Gradually, though, I found suitable gluten- and dairy-free replacements for most of my foods. Still, holiday foods weren't usually safe.  So, I end up making a plate of food for myself every holiday and rarely get to actually eat a real Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. That had to change!!! So, I hosted Thanksgiving and made sure everything I made was safe for my food allergies.  I decided I would eat like royalty and hopefully show friends and family, in the process, that eating gluten- and dairy-free wasn't as bad as anyone makes it out to be. The first year I host, I made a last-minute decision to search for a gluten-free and dairy-free sweet potato casserole recipe.  In my mind, holiday meals aren't complete without a humongous helping of sweet potato casserole.  If you don't agree, I'm not sure we can be friends ;) Suggested Supplies I have included affiliate links to help you find products I recommend.  Your support is greatly appreciated. The good news is, there are too many necessary supplies to make this fantastic gluten free dairy free sweet potato casserole recipe!  This is what I use: 6 Qt Crock-Pot/Slow Cooker - I use an older version of this Rival Crock Pot Potato Masher - something like the KitchenAid Gourmet Wire Masher Reynold's Slow Cooker Liners (because cleanup is SO much easier with these) GF DF Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Gluten and Dairy Free Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe I promise, no one will be the wiser that you're serving gluten free and dairy free sweet potato casserole.This recipe has been adapted from the cookbook "365 Favorite Brand Name Slow Cooker Recipes & More". 1 40 oz can Bruce's Sweet Potato in Syrup (drained and mashed)⅓ cup Earth Balance Soy Free Buttery Spread (GF & DF) (melted)2 Tbsp granulated sugar2 Tbsp brown sugar1 Tbsp orange juice (optional)2 eggs (beaten)½ cup rice milk (unsweetened, no added flavors)Topping Ingredients½ cup brown sugar½ cup pecans (chopped)3 Tbsp Bob's Red Mill GF 1 to 1 Baking Flour3 Tbsp Earth Balance Soy Free Buttery Spread (melted) Place Reynold's Slow Cooker Liner in slow cookerDrain sweet potatoes and mash. (I use a simple potato masher) and leave them to be slightly chunky.Mix sweet potatoes with 1/3 cup melted Earth Balance, granulated sugar, 2 tbsp brown sugar.Beat or whisk eggs.Mix eggs, orange juice, and rice milk into the sweet potato mixture.Poor sweet potato mixture into the slow cooker and spread evenly.ToppingMelt Earth Balance buttery spread, then combine with pecans, flour, and brown sugarUsing a spoon (or fork) sprinkle topping mixture evenly over casserole in slow cookerCover and cook on high 4 hours Feel free to experiment with your milk and sugar substitutions in this sweet potato casserole recipe too! I've made this gluten-free, dairy-free sweet potato casserole with coconut sugar instead of brown sugar.  Sometimes I'll use coconut milk (not canned) in place of the rice milk. That's what I like about this recipe! It's easily adaptable, just know that I've never tried to make this vegan by using Flax Eggs, so if you ever try it and it turns out, let me know! Now, take this bad boy to your next family gathering.  If your gluten eaters decide to be jackwagons and not try it because they won't be persuaded gluten-free is yummy.  Their loss and your gain ... which happens to be like 2 lbs in a day. I've been known to sit down and nearly make a meal out of this gluten-free, dairy-free sweet potato casserole. #### Gluten Free Quick Snacks That Actually Taste Good: Love Corn Snacks Review You've probably heard gluten free foods taste like cardboard. Although sometimes I have found this accurately describes some gluten free food, it's not as prevalent anymore. In fact, I've found many gluten free quick snacks that I rather enjoy. My bigger problem is finding gluten free and dairy free snacks that have flavor! Typically I'm limited to "boring" snacks like sea salt or unsalted chips. If I want something with more flavor, I usually reach for more sugary snacks, but what I often crave is something a bit more savory. Apparently, that's a tall order when you have to be both gluten and dairy free! But, Love Corn knows the problem, provides a solution, and so much more! I'm taking a break from my current series "Make Time for Your Kids" to share this product I received for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links. Compensation will not say my opinions! Be sure to read all the way to the bottom for a discount! Love Corn Gluten Free Quick Snacks Okay, so it's not all about me. Yes, I love gluten free quick snacks, but Love Corn offers so much more! My kids love trying out my "special" snack and I can feel comfortable that we're all sharing a healthier alternative snacking option to the standard snacks. Love Corn snacks are: Tasty vegan snacks. Non-GMO Project Verified. Perfect for road trips. Great in a kid's lunchbox. A fun, crunchy addition to a salad in place of croutons. Love Corn Snacks Review In truth, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect out of Love Corn snacks. I mean, I've been raised in the South. Corn is great as corn on the cob, off the cob, and creamed. And let's not forget how fantastic it is to have a movie night (or day) with the family, snuggled on the couch with a bowl of popcorn just out of the microwave! I can even get on board with corn salsa. Crunchy corn huh? Apparently, I needed to be reminded that this wasn't a new concept, although it was a healthier alternative! My Box Arrived I loved opening the sample box for this review as it was filled with samples of all the flavors in box 1.6 ounce resealable packages as well as the grab and go bags. Additionally, the contents included some Love Corn swag including stickers and a beanie! The 4 available flavors of Love Corn snacks are sea salt, smoked bbq, salt & vinegar and habanero chili. What We Thought Love Corn has delivered an unusual, yet fantastic snack. Best of all, it's both gluten free and vegan... and they still have flavor! Straight out of the box, we opened the Salt & Vinegar flavor because my husband and kids love salt and vinegar chips. I don't typically indulge because I have to look for a gluten free variety and I prefer my snacks to be non-gmo/organic as often as possible. The youngest enjoyed the salt & vinegar flavor, but my oldest wasn't a fan. The smoked bbq seems to be the family's favorite flavor! And for me, the habanero chili favor is spicy enough that a handful is satisfying enough so that I'm not engorging myself on snacks too close to bedtime! The sea salt variety is a perfect addition to more flavorful lunches that don't need an overpowering side! And I loved taking the Grab and Go packs with us to our recent trip to St. Augustine! I let the kids each pick the flavor they wanted with their lunch, which always makes them happy. Finally, I love having a resealable bag sitting at my desk for a quick gluten free snack while working when I don't want to head downstairs. These vegan and gluten free quick snacks are amazing to have around the house, for snacks at your desk (hello, online school), or taking off on an adventure. But don't just take my word for it! Check out what other people are saying about Love Corn Snacks at https://lovecorn.com/pages/kids Where to Buy Love Corn Snacks Grab your Love Corn snacks with 25% off when you shop online and use the code MOMSLOVE at checkout (discount valid through Oct 31, 2021). Want to pick up your tasty gluten free vegan snacks while you're already out and about? You can get these fun and fantastic vegan and gluten free quick snacks locally at: Whole Foods Market Target Sprouts Farmers Market Kroger Wegmans Walgreens CVS ShopRite more ... What flavor are you excited to try out? #### Great New Year Resolutions to Make Now It's a little late for New Year resolutions right?  Well, that's what I do ... I never think about the things I want to change in the new year, until I'm already in the new year.  New Year's Eve prompts me to start thinking about changes.  Generally, I just find that I'm too busy dealing with Holidays, family, and end of the year stuff to think about it before then.  So, here are 3 things I want to do this year: Mobile Photography As much as I'd like to learn how to better use my big, expensive camera, a new baby in the house doesn't lend me much time (or energy) to lug it around as much as I'd want.  So, I'd like to learn how to take more stunning photos using my smartphone.  I mean, I carry that thing around with me everywhere, and who doesn't use their smartphone to capture and share images regularly anyway?  Good thing Craftsy offers a Mobile Photography class to take online and in my spare time.  I included an affiliate link to this class.  If you click this link and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission, but it will cost you nothing more out of pocket than if you'd gone to the site yourself. Mobile Photography: Perfect Photos in Your Pocket - $49.99 from: Craftsy Self-Improvement I've written several times that one area I struggle with is thinking more positively.  I have health issues and two difficult kids (one is a new baby and we're getting re-acquainted with regular baby fussiness and lack of sleep), so making it routine to think positively has been hard on me.  I want to make an effort this year to stop focusing on the negative.  I'm planning to use my Instant Happy Journal this year and am currently looking into a smart phone app called Realifex to help me make positive changes in my life. Make More Me Time I need to remember to take some time for myself,  I wrote about why mom's need to take time for themselves, and then sold myself kind of short last year.  I need to read my own post and get motivated for more time to myself again!  Even if it's just an hour for a haircut without a kid in tow, I've got to focus on making myself happy again, more than just during my once a month, one day of racing, because, as much as I love it, it's not very relaxing. For the moms, I shared a short post with some simple tips to take care of yourself without big time or money investments. Did I inspire you to make any New Year Resolutions?  What did you make for 2016?     #### Guess Which Grocery Delivery Service I Think Is The Best? I've been having some one else do my grocery shopping for a couple years now.  Let's talk about Shipt VS Instacart and which I think is better. I've been a long time, loyal customer of Shipt.  Admittedly, it was the first and only grocery delivery service I have used and had been pretty darned happy with it. Recently, however, I noticed that there was far more support of Instacart.  Friends were using it and my fridge only included the Instacart app.  So, I wondered what I was missing out on. So, I set out on a mission to figure out why Instacart seemed more supported than my beloved Shipt.  And then I wrote why I might switch to Instacart for grocery delivery. If you've ever wondered which grocery delivery service was best, I'm going to go through my comparisons after having used Instacart now for two weeks. Shipt VS Instacart: Which is Better? First of all, I totally believe that all moms should be investing in a grocery delivery service.  Though there are plenty to choose from these days, I'm only comparing Shipt VS Instacart because a) these are 2 of a few available in my area, and b) I want the delivery to my home, not to go out to pick up my groceries like some services offer. I also have dietary restrictions, which make it very important for my groceries to be picked correctly, so I do take that part into account as well. [the_ad_group id="13349"] 1. Shop Time: Shipt VS Instacart While both services offer the same shopping times (at least that I've noticed using them to shop mainly at Publix), there is a difference in how time is allotted to shoppers.  According to one of my Shipt shoppers, I was told she liked working for Shipt because they weren't strict about shopping times.  Instacart, on the other hand is strict about having their shoppers complete an order in the 1 hour window. I'll discuss this further, but this begs to question how accurate can one be on a strict timeline, right? Well, Shipt shoppers have fallen short on a few of my items or replacements, regardless of how quickly or slowly they've shopped. Additionally, with Shipt, because of the lax timing, I've had several really slow shoppers arrive past my delivery schedule.  Though most times this isn't an issue, there have been times I've had something planned and needed to go but couldn't because my shopper arrived later than the delivery window. For me, Instacart's strict shopping hour policy is much more in line with my needs, although it also means a shopper won't spend as much time searching for a suitable replacement if they need to read labels to find an allergy friendly item.  I like knowing that my groceries will be delivered within the scheduled hour using Instacart, which can't always be said about Shipt shoppers. 2. Accuracy: Shipt VS Instacart Taking into account my gluten free requests, it's important that my items specifically marked as gluten free actually be what I need when I need it.  Or, if I want something organic, I'd like to receive organic unless it's out of stock. Shipt shoppers have fallen short on this on several occasions, though Shipt has always been good about offering a refund when I've needed it. Now, one of my new Instacart shoppers explained that she loves working for Instacart because she has to scan every item into her app while shopping.  This prevents her from placing an item into the cart that doesn't match the item ordered. What this means for me, as the customer, is that unless an item is out of stock, I'm definitely getting what I asked for. In the two shops I've had with Instacart, I haven't had issues with needing refunds once my items arrived at home.  In two years with Shipt, I've seen numerous refunds for items that weren't right. Because of the scanner feature in Instacart, I feel as though my items are more  likely to be right than wrong. 3. Chatting with Your Shopper: Shipt VS Instacart With Shipt, your shopper is available via text throughout their trip.  However, if the shopper doesn't  message you to let you know they've started shopping, I'm unsure how you're suppose to contact them. Occasionally I've needed to make last minute modifications or additions to my list, so having the ability to chat with my shopper is important.  Only once did I not have a Shipt shopper contact me until after she'd completed the shopping trip and was on the way.  Thankfully, I didn't need to make any changes to my list, however, she did pick up a few replacement items that weren't gluten free safe. Instacart offers chatting with your shopper directly in the app.  The handy button let's me start a chat while they're shopping if I don't hear from them first.  All the chat and replacements are completed in the app and can be approved or request a different replacement. Your shopper may also contact you via phone call if there are further clarifications needed.  Both delivery services allow this feature. I've been generally happy with both, but I like that I can initiate contact with my shopper through the Instacart app, which makes it better, in my opinion. 4. Price: Shipt VS Instacart Pricing for Shipt VS Instacart isn't as clear cut as you may think. When I first started my research, I thought Shipt was where it was at when it came to pricing.  Shipt was a mere $99 for an annual membership VS Instacart's $149 annual fee. Well, turns out there's a big difference in pricing, beyond the annual fee! For starters, both services increase the prices of individual items and I'm totally cool paying more to have someone else do my grocery shopping ... because there's a thousand other things this mom can do instead! Secondly, Instacart now charges a 5% mandatory service fee where Shipt doesn't.  And, if you're anything like I was, you're probably thinking Instacart has priced them out of the market.  But you've gotta see this! In the last few weeks, I've compared my shopping lists side by side with exactly the same products (aside from a couple differences based on either one not having something that I have to "special order".  Each time, even with the additional service fee, I've saved approximately 11% on my total grocery bill using Instacart instead of Shipt. When it comes down to it, Instacart wins on pricing because it takes me just a few regular deliveries to make up the difference on the annual fee, and then I just save that 11% for the remainder of the year. (Note: you are still spending more than if you would by shopping on your own.  But, that should be a given.) 5.  Sales and Coupons: Shipt VS Instacart Both apps have a sales tab, however, Shipt shows the "On Sale" tab very prominently on the first screen before scrolling.  Instacart, however, requires that you scroll down a bit before seeing "Weekly Sales". Instead, Instacart shows "Coupon Savings" front and center. As for Shipt, there is no coupon savings section, although I do remember receiving emails about special savings when you purchase certain items during the week.  Unfortunately, remembering those emails wasn't my strong suit. So, although both show a store's weekly sales, I prefer Instacart because of the additional in-app coupon savings section. Note: If you type something specific (say Heinz Ketchup), neither app will suggest a similar product simply because it's on sale. 6. Tipping Your Shopper: Shipt VS Instacart Both services offer the chance to tip your shopper (and it's something I recommend).  However, Instacart has a feature to include the tip with your initial order. Now, I'm on the fence about this for a few reasons: a) I don't know if the shopper is going to be any good or if they'll rate a higher than normal tip for excellent service b) I have forgotten to tip my shoppers through Shipt until nearly a week after the shop (hello mom brain!) Shipt requests a tip after the shopper has delivered groceries (which is mostly appropriate), but if I forget to go in and rate the shopping experience, I also forget to tip until much later.  Usually this is rectified when I start adding to items to my list for the following week. Instacart's feature actually saves me the time and hassle of remembering before a few days have passed.  Additionally, I'm able to change the tip amount after the transaction is completed, which is great if I feel a shopper warrants a different tip than I previously agreed to. There's no clear winner on the tipping function, but if you're more likely to forget to tip after a shop is complete (like me), Instacart may be the better solution. 7. Problems With Food: Shipt VS Instacart On occasion, I've had issues with food that goes bad before I'd expect it to.  Like recently, my avocados were purchased on Sunday and on Wednesday they were already growing mold before I got to eat them. With Shipt, you're able to go into your app and report a problem with your food by looking at your last order.  It's all done within the app by clicking buttons.  Then you'll receive an email about a credit. Unfortunately, here it was just 3 days after having my groceries delivered with Instacart, and I wasn't able to do an easy report of spoiled food through the app.  Instead, I had to send an email to explain that my avocados were already molding.  Thankfully, I received an almost immediate response that I would be credited for the avocados. In my opinion, Shipt is the clear winner solely based on the in-app reporting features.  However, both Shipt and Instacart respond quickly and don't give me any issues. 8. Do They Work With Meal Planning Services? If you're into meal planning you may be wondering if a grocery delivery service will work with any meal planning websites.  And, in "work with", I mainly just mean that they'll import your grocery list into your shopping cart. The answer is yes. The sad truth is, most of the meal planning websites I looked at work with Instacart, while very few work with Shipt.  It's part of the reason I made the switch to Instacart. Have you had groceries delivered before? When it comes to Shipt VS Instacart, which is your favorite?  Are their other grocery delivery services you have tried or currently use?  What do you like about them?  Did I answer all the questions you have to make your choice between Shipt VS Instacart?  If not, ask away and I'll see what answers I can find for you! Pin Me #### Handling Children's Fevers plus Children's Advil Review and Coupon You know that moment when your children are getting sick?  You know it's happening, and probably before they actually are sick.  With my kiddo, the tell-tale signs are usually extra whining and a little bit more cuddly than normal.  When an illness is full blown, my kiddo hardly functions on her own and needs to be held a lot.  I love the extra snuggles since she's not really a cuddly girl, but I also know that I'll be spending a lot of time sitting around wishing she felt better.  So, what are you to do when your children get sick and have fevers? Monitor your child's fever with a reliable thermometer.  Low-grade fevers may not require a fever reducer.  Did you know fever is the body's natural method of getting rid of infection? If your child's fever becomes high grade, you can do the following to try to bring the fever down.  These tips will be especially helpful if your child's doctor's office isn't open: 1) According to our pediatrician, you can give your child a cool bath.  Contrary to popular belief, do not place your child in a bathtub of cold water.  The body temperature water will help to bring down a fever without causing any kind of a shock to your child's system. 2) Introduce a fever reducer.  I typically alternate between ibuprofen and acetaminophen and schedule them so that the final dose at night is the ibuprofen.  I have found that Children's Advil is the most reliable and lasts longer, but I'll expand on this in a few moments. 3) Allow your child to rest as much as possible.  Fighting infection is hard work. 4) Be sure to offer plenty of clear liquids, especially water to keep them from becoming dehydrated. Please remember that I am not a doctor.  These are tips that I have found useful, but I am not qualified to offer medical advice or make a medical diagnosis.  If you are unsure about your child's treatment or fever, please seek medical advice.  This post was created in partnership with Smiley360 and Children's Advil.  I was provided a full-sized sample of Children's Advil Sugar-Free in exchange for my honest opinions of the product. Children's Advil Review As promised, here are my expanded thoughts on Children's Advil. I've always relied on Children's Advil products to reduce my kid's fevers.  To be honest, Advil & ibuprofen products have always been the most reliable and efficient when I've needed fever reduction or pain relief, even for myself.  As a mom, I love knowing what brand I can trust to take care of my own child. When I was selected to review the NEW Children's Advil Sugar Free, I was really excited.  Unfortunately, we made it through cold and flu season without needing the product, but just days after receiving the product, my daughter began fighting the sniffles.  She only had a slight fever, so we were able to make it through the day without medications, and saved Children's Advil for the last thing she took before bed.  As expected, her fever never came up and she slept well every night she took her Advil. The new Advil product is Sugar-Free and Dye-Free.  Because of the links between sugars and dyes and children's behavioral issues, I'm excited to see this new product being offered.  I like the idea of being able to limit my child's intake of sugars and dyes to treats.  I feel that feeding my kiddo sugar while she's sick is counterproductive to warding off an illness, so I love that this is one less worry.  The best part of all is that she didn't realize it didn't have sugar and took her medicine without issue. Even I tasted it, and it was quite sweet, which made me wonder, how is it sugar-free?  Sucrose is replaced with sucralose in this particular medication, so it's a sweetener.  While I'm not exactly sure how I feel about the use of sucralose,  I'm going to stick to the mindset everything in moderation because I know I don't often use artificial sweeteners with my child, so a few times when she needs medicine shouldn't be harmful. You know that moment when your child's medication kicked in?  I love knowing that when I give my child her dose of Children's Advil at night, we both will get a healthy, solid chunk of sleep. Get $1 off Children's Advil Sugar-Free Dye Free Do you like Children's Advil on Facebook?   Tell me: what are your go-to fever reducing methods?  Have you tried Children's Advil?   #### Happy New Year 2017 + Blog Challenge Firstly, I want to thank you for following my blog in 2016!  You don't know how much it means to me.  I'm grateful you're sticking around for another year.  And I wanted to wish you, my awesome readers, a Happy New Year! In a recent post, I shared some goals for 2017.  I'm preparing for a better year.  Not that 2016 was bad, but I want it to be better.  Why?  Stuff like this ... I totally forgot I signed up to participate in the Ultimate Blog Challenge.  It starts today!  The purpose is to write a blog post every day in January. One of my blogging goals for 2017 was to share at least 2 posts a week.  I'm happy to report that I've already pre-scheduled my 2 posts a week for January.  And, I have some bonus content planned, so I actually have a couple weeks with 3 posts.  This is exciting for me, and hopefully for you as well. Anyway, back to my "why" for a better New year.... Forgetting that I signed up for something has become pretty routine.  Being a busy SAHM of 2, and blogging in my "down time" keeps me ... well... over worked.  When I sign up for new courses, I either forget, or never finish.  I'm totally working on my organization this year.  I've gotten quite a bit figured out in the last few months, but I really need to buckle down and put things on my calendar to make them happen. From taking time to take care of myself, all the activities for my family, keeping up with the house, and blogging, I've got a lot on my mind.  Remembering it all isn't as easy, so I'm working on scheduling everything. The Ultimate Blog Challenge is just another example of how much I put on my already-full plate.  But, I'm also hoping it helps stir up some creative juices to start the New Year off on a more interesting note. Your Turn: What are your goals for this year?  And, what would you like to read more about? #### Having Little Partners in the Kitchen, plus No Bake Chocolatey Trail Mix Cereal Bars I was inspired by a friend's recent roundup of Cheerio Balls recipes.  But, when I searched through them, I found that most of them used honey as their sweetener. Don't get me wrong!  I'm all for purchasing and eating local honey for the health benefits.  However, because I have to share many snacks with my toddler, who isn't quite a year and a half old, honey isn't an option yet. Try as I might, I couldn't find a recipe that didn't have honey.  And, I needed to use certified gluten free products for my own dietary needs.  So, I came up with my own recipe. Now that my son is down to one nap a day, I'm also limited to the time I have available to do my own thing.  Having him in the kitchen with me can be downright painful!  But, it's a necessity more than ever because I have to get things done. Unfortunately, he's a wild man and can't be trusted to roam freely either.  Instances like turning the dog's water bowl into his own private splash pad have happened more often than I'd like to admit.  So, I normally set him up in his bouncer as he "watches" me from a distance.  This usually entails him crying because he a) thinks he needs to eat and b) gets bored in the seat. My attention is constantly divided in an effort to make him happy.  But, there's only so much I could do to keep him entertained without completely losing my train of thought on the task at hand. Enter Little Partners and the Original Learning Tower!  Now, I can have my kids right beside me, at the counter.  Food is there and I can get them involved in what I'm doing versus breaking away constantly.  And, many of my safety concerns are alleviated. *Disclaimer: I have received The Original Learning Tower from Little Partners in exchange for my honest opinions of this product.  No other compensation was received.  Affiliate links are included in this post. Having Little Partners in the Kitchen Getting my oldest in the kitchen to help has always been pretty easy.  S was eager to help mommy cook dinner or bake cookies with me as a toddler. My biggest problem was that safety was always a concern.  I'd put her on the counter or set her up on a chair with two measly side arms.  I knew the dangers of both scenarios, but I didn't know I had other options.  Maybe at the time there wasn't ... I couldn't tell you honestly.  But, I also trusted her ... she wasn't crazy and she was really good about sitting still.  So, it was a calculated risk I took with her, and thankfully panned out fine. My son, on the other hand ... well, no chance at all would I trust him to sit on the counter patiently.  He's too wild and busy!  If he can't be trusted to roam the kitchen or house, he certainly isn't capable of sitting on the counter.  I can picture him smashing food, trying to eat it, and trying to stand up and walk away on me. The Little Partners provides The Original Learning Tower which helps me keep my kids safely off the counters, but still right in the action! Now, I'm able to safely build in quality time with my children while I spend necessary time in the kitchen.  But, bonding over time spent making recipes together (especially the fun chocolatey ones) is a bonus experience.  And, they're getting to learn valuable lessons about cooking and measuring at a really early age! Image © J. Ivy Boyter www.sahmplus.com The Little Partners Original Learning Tower is designed to adjust for ages 18 months to 6 years.  This means I can raise or lower the platform for either of my little partners to help in the kitchen.  Plus, the tower will grow with my youngest.  What's great is that it has 4 railings on the sides to contain the wild ones and give them support as they maneuver around the large platform.  This gives me some peace of mind that the littlest won't go toppling off the side, unless he gets adventurous and tries to escape... because that's a toddler boy for ya. And, if I'm in a pinch, I can feel comfortable setting both kids in the tower, as it's rated for up to 500 pounds.  The wide platform would be great for this purpose, but also allows lots of moving around for an active tot. Of course, something to be warned about when including your little partners in the kitchen with The Original Learning Tower ... you'll need to account for more ingredients in your recipe for snacking! Image © J. Ivy Boyter www.sahmplus.com Finally, The Original Learning Tower is a beautifully constructed piece of furniture built with solid wood and available in several color options to fit most any home. No-Bake Chocolatey Trail Mix Cereal Bars Image © J. Ivy Boyter www.sahmplus.com So, this is a fun treat your children can get involved in making.  My suggestion for the younger tots is to gather your ingredients first.  Place them into plastic containers in anticipation of drops and spills.  Then, corral the crazy one into the Learning Tower. For the older, more patient kids, feel free to have them stand in the tower while you gather and help them measure and pour the ingredients. Either way, your little partners in the kitchen will be able to safely and easily work on this recipe with you. While you're heating up the nut butter and maple syrup, get your little partner to help you measure and dump the dry ingredients. Image © J. Ivy Boyter www.sahmplus.com No-Bake Chocolatey Trail Mix Cereal Bars (Gluten and Dairy Free) I was inspired by a recent batch of trail mix cookies and some cheerios bars recipes I'd come across.  When I searched for bars or bites, I noticed most recipes included honey as the sticky sweetener.  But, with a toddler who refuses to be left out of the treat share, I knew I needed to find a treat that he could eat too.  So, I got to work and came up with this chocolately trail mix cereal bar that is free of gluten, dairy, and honey, yet perfectly delicious for the whole family! 1.5 C O's cereal of choice (I use Nature's Path Gluten Free Whole O's)1/4 C dried cranberries1/4 C Sunflower seeds1/4 C chocolate chips (I use Enjoy Life semi-sweet chocolate chips mini-morsels)1/3 C Maple Syrup1/3 C Nut butter of choice (I prefer peanut butter for the extra flavor, but any will do)coconut flakes (Optional. Dried, unsweetened was my choice) Dump the first 4 ingredients in a bowlHeat maple syrup and nut butter over high heat and stir until it begins to bubbleTurn to low (or off if you want to use residual heat) and stir until well blended and nice and hotImmediately pour this into your bowl of dry ingredients and stir.  It will melt the chocolate morsels.Cut parchment paper at the corners to fit into an 8x8 baking panPour the mixture into the parchment-lined pan.Press the mixture with some pressure to completely cover the bottom of the pan.  I use a spoon, but you could use your hands if you don't mind getting them messy.Sprinkle the top with coconut flakes if desired.Place baking dish into freezer for at least 30 minutes (I usually leave it about an hour)Once chilled, I pull out the pan, removing the parchment paper and cereal bars, then cut into individual squares or rectangles.  I do about 1/2 inch to 1 inch squares.  The smaller the better for tiny tots.Place the food on the parchment paper back into the pan.  Keep in the refrigerator for storage. Final Thoughts on The Original Learning Tower by Little Partners The Original Learning Tower was easy to build.  I have almost zero engineering skills, but was able to follow the build instructions quickly and easily on my own.  Using some of my husbands better tools, I was able to put the tower together in just under an hour, by myself. You can purchase directly from the Little Partners website or from Amazon.  The Original Learning Tower comes in various finishes to suit most homes. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B00VINIDPW" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/41WdEcxM5aL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Finally, there are some playful add-ons for your Original Learning Tower!  You can choose from two Playhouse Kits, which each feature two different playhouses, depending on the side you're looking at.  They slip right over the learning tower. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B0096BM09S" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51m3bzwyHfL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="375"] OR [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B0096BPUHM" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51N16P4e5lL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="375"] #### Healing After Surgery In the weeks leading up to surgery, I spent hours researching all things related to enbloc explant surgery. What can I do to speed up healing after surgery? What did I need to buy? What to expect with explant. What were other's experiences with post-surgical pain? Where there natural treatments for pain? When would I be able to detox? Best Steps for Healing After Surgery I was ready to get my life back on track, even before I went through my procedure. Unfortunately, detoxing to fast track healing was out of the question. What could I do, instead, to promote whole-body healing after surgery? Eating Right Making sure healing after surgery goes well begins before surgery. I began to work toward a more whole food based diet prior to surgery and cut out or reduced junk. So less sugar, more fruit. Post surgery, I had pre-made dinners for my husband and dad to just warm up. Sometimes we had food delivered. And, sometimes food wasn't the healthiest because, well, leftovers and eating at home gets boring. I did, however, make sure to have fruits and vegetables on hand to make for easy lunches and healthy snacks. Plus, pineapples are said to reduce inflammation and bruising. 4 weeks after surgery, I am still not ready for a full blown detox, but I'm trying to prepare my body. Because I've been through detox previously, under the guidance of my primary care physician, I know that eating whole foods is important in assisting my body in detox. In preparation, I'm eating more whole foods and trying to eat plant based a couple days a week. This is a sponsored conversation between myself and Splendid Spoon, however all opinions in this post are my own. Using Splendid Spoon, I'm helping to prepare my body for detox! And the best part is, the smoothies, bowls, and soups are already prepared, gluten free, vegan, and non-GMO. Eating healthier, in conjunction with the doctor-prescribed detox shakes will also prevent me from having to fast. And, because I'm a busy work at home mom now, whatever I don't have to cook from scratch (especially during recovery and detox) is greatly appreciated! If that's not good enough reason, let me just say that Splendid Spoon provided me some of the most flavorful meals I've ever had from a pre-made delivery service. My suggestion is that if you're not able to pre-make enough foods prior to surgery, using Splendid Spoon is a wonderful way to get great nutrition while healing after surgery! And, you can get it down to $9 per meal when choosing the Breakfast + Lunch + Reset plan. Getting Moving While it's important to follow your doctor's orders and rest during recovery, it's just as important not to be ON bed rest. Gentle exercise like light walking for brief periods of time is important to keep blood circulating. At 4 weeks, I was given the all-clear to get back into routines but to start slow. I've decided that I'll head back to the gym to focus on gentle activities like the treadmill or stationary bikes. And, maybe I'll hit the weight machine to work on my glutes. In a couple more weeks, it'll be time to try out light weight lifting again, starting on the lightest settings to keep from injuring my chest muscles. Being In The Right Frame of Mind https://www.instagram.com/p/B8hG2Nmgama/ My explant surgery, though fairly easy as far as recovery goes, has had its fair share of questionable days where my mental well-being is concerned. Part of recovery has included being mindful of negative thoughts and reframing them to positive thoughts. Checking in on my thoughts and keeping them positive has been a vital part of my mental healing after surgery. Because removing implants was not a choice I would have made had it not been for the possibility that they were causing me illness, accepting my new chest can be difficult at times. I find it helpful to have a list of positive affirmations to help with staying positive. This has been a great way to accept and love my body through all its changes and healing. That's why I created Positive Affirmation Cards For Self Love and Body Image. Plus, I've made sure to document some of the positive effects from removing my implants, including increased energy. Focusing on and noting positive changes helps me find greater comfort in my physical body! Finally, buying and wearing a cute bralette did some wonders for my body image. Getting out of a sports bra (when cleared by the doctor) was a big day!! If you ask me, healing after surgery really just means respecting your body! To do this, you give your body the respect and love it needs. You nurture it. And you give it time to recover before putting more stress on it. This is all done through proper nutrition, gentle movement, and positive thoughts. These keys have made my post-explant recovery bearable! #### Healthy Kids with Rainbow Light Power Sours Multivitamin #RainbowLight #momsmeet Over the last few years, I've learned quite a bit about health, having to deal with my own health issues.  We expect our bodies to take care of us, but we're generally not giving our bodies everything they need to do their jobs properly.  As much as I try to prepare meals for healthy diets for the entire family, I know I fall short and we're not always getting the proper nutrients. Additionally, sending my daughter to VPK has been a little taxing on her body as she's exposed to more and more germs outside the home.  About 3 weeks into school, she got sick.  Luckily for us, that same week, Moms Meet provided us a wonderful sample box of Rainbow Light Power Sours® Multivitamin Gummies in exchange for my review.  As a Moms Meet blogger, I agreed to test out the product and share my experience with it.  My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product. What are Power Sours® Multivitamin Gummies? These are a great concept for providing children with essential nutrients, plus they provide support for those growing immune systems.  Power Sours are not for children under 4 years of age. Power Sours®: Support optimal growth and development Promote healthy bones, brain, and eyes, plus balanced energy And best of all, these little vitamins are additive and preservative free in yummy flavors: strawberry, pineapple, raspberry, and lemon. Our experience For starters, kiddo loved the fact that her Power Sours® were like fruit snacks.  She felt like she was getting a special treat in the morning with her breakfast.  Plus, the sugar coating was an extra special treat that she wouldn't otherwise get with her regular vitamin. I gave her the Power Sours® during the week that she was sick.  Shortly after, she began to improve, but she was also on an antibiotic about the same time we started using the product.  Even if they weren't the reason for the improvement in her health, I knew they were doing their job supporting her body in her time of need. As a mom, I am happy that: - The product is free of many allergens. - Uses natural and organic ingredients. - Comes in a box with handy individual serving pouches, perfect for travel. I began to question why I've been purchasing her other vitamins all this time.  I can only come up with the fact that I've been buying her current regimen based on price.  Yes, I'm cheap, and I can admit it.  But, when I compared the ingredients, I actually felt a sense of remorse.  I had been pumping her with a lot of artificial ingredients and dyes, and I had done so blindly. Rainbow Light Power Sour Multivitamin Gummies retail for approximately $17.99 on the Rainbow Light website. Follow Rainbow Light on Facebook   #### Hey Baby! An Adorable and Informative Book About Baby Animals Hey, Baby! from National Geographic Kids is an adorable and informative book about baby animals.  It offers beautiful imagery, poems, and short stories to hold the interest of even tiny readers. I remember when S was small and I began doing home preschool work with her to keep her big brain growing and active.  We'd visit the library once a week to pick new books and return the ones from the previous week.  Our children's department librarian told me to incorporate small non-fiction books with real pictures into our mix.  At the time, I hadn't realized how much of a difference this would make in our lives. She's always caught onto subjects easily.  I'm grateful for it, too.  But the addition of these realistic books helped me to show her that she was learning about real subjects.  And honestly, it was a nice change of pace from reading fiction and silly stories all the time. Now, B is getting to the age where I need to start thinking about incorporating some home preschool into our day.  And this time, I'm armed with the information to start our educational journey early with these non-fiction books too!  That's why I'm excited to have received Hey, Baby!: A Collection of Pictures, Poems, and Stories from Nature's Nursery in partnership with Moms Meet.  This is another adorable and informative book about baby animals from National Geographic Kids. Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) and includes affiliate links.  All opinions expressed in this post are my own. Why We Love This Adorable and Informative Book About Baby Animals There are 3 things we need to keep a kid's attention (especially toddlers): Great pictures Short text Fun Hey, Baby! delivers exactly what I need to interest my kids in educational material, without bogging them down.  I don't believe I ended up with a 1st grader who reads at nearly a 3rd grade level by accident.  We always made reading fun, even if it was educational in nature. That's what I love about this new National Geographic Kids book! Share on X Sure, this book includes facts.  Yes, my kids are learning something.  But NO, it isn't boring! The imagery is exactly what you'd expect of any National Geographic book ... beautiful, life-like, and immersive.  If you're anything like me, you (and the kids) will be ooh-ing and ahhh-ing over all the adorable babies.  I know I caught myself saying "I want a {insert adorable deadly animal name here}."  The beautiful and sometimes playful pictures of penguins, koala, tigers, cheetahs, bears, and more were enough to make me want nearly every single animal baby in the world. The stories and poems are short enough that you're almost certain to be able to read about at least one animal baby to even the tiniest listener without losing them.  Even the fact boxes are ridiculously short, delivering the baby name, where it grows up, and what they snack on. Finally, FUN!  The pictures are so engaging that I promise you and the kids will be wishing you had just about every animal in the book.  Everyone looks so cuddly and fun, you just won't be able to help yourself.  Well ... aside from the snakes and lizards.  Those won't ever get me oooh-ing .... more like ewwww-ing.  Still, because the images are so engaging and the stories, poems, or facts or so short, everyone can have fun learning tidbits of information. I never know what is going to excite my kids, but we always seem to be intrigued with baby animals.  Reading beautiful non-fiction, such as this adorable and informative book about baby animals really is one of my favorite ways to teach my kids.  The facts about baby animals around the world helps me introduce new vocabulary, geography, and animals to my children's memory banks.  And I'm, of course, excited to read along with them. Do your kids read? If your kids are early readers, don't forget to download your free baby animals names printable word search.  I've included 10 baby animal names in an easy word search to help you keep your kids busy.  All you have to do is sign up for my free email newsletter.  You'll receive immediate access to a private resource library of printables, just for subscribers, which includes this freebie! #### Holiday Gifts for Mom (She'll Actually Like) As a stay at mom of two, I can tell you, there are certain things I need.  Most of the time, I don't even care about what I want.  But, I don't spend much throughout the year, especially on myself.  I sacrifice a lot of what I need and want to the needs of my children and husband.  Aside from not wanting to spend the money, I also don't want to spend the time shopping with a cranky baby in tow.  After I'm done shopping for the kids, I don't have much left in me to shop for myself. My experience with receiving gifts, since becoming a mom, is significantly changed.  I've been lucky enough to be spoiled by my husband as well.  And, I can tell you that, while some people have told him his gift choices aren't "appropriate," they're SO wrong.  Let me share what a real mom of two actually needs, wants, and will truly appreciate. Holiday Gifts for Mom [tweetthis]Real moms want gifts to help them work less #momlife[/tweetthis] "Me Time" for Mommy Because mommy probably isn't very good about taking time out for herself, I highly recommend helping her with this one.  And, if mom likes wine, I selected these funny wine glasses for moms that will surely delight! Adult coloring books If you're a man reading this, get your head out of the gutter.  I mean, if she's into that sort of thing, go for it.  But, really I mean giving mommy something less juvenile to help her relax.  Adult coloring books are quite popular these days and won't break the bank.  "Splurge" a bit and spring for some colored pencils while you're at it so mom doesn't have to worry about sharing the crayons either. A day at the spa Understandably, she may not actually be able to break away for an entire day, but a gift card for spa services of her choosing is quite appropriate.  Moms have a hard time letting go of their obligations to divulge in some self care, so give her a little nudge.  And dads ... this should mean you're on daddy duty for the day. Household Items to help her work less A mom's work never ends.  Well, unless the kids sleep well at night.  But, while you're watching TV or playing X-Box, you're probably oblivious to the fact she's still in the kitchen cleaning up after dinner and preparing the kids' lunches for tomorrow.  Give her some tools to take the load off. iRobot Roomba At the touch of a button, or on schedule, this robot vacuum will save mom a lot of time.  Since owning one myself, I can honestly say I only find myself using the real vacuum about once a month, or for larger jobs that need to be taken care of right away.  The only downside is that she'll have to clean out the tray roughly every other day (my experience with 2 kids and a dog). KitchenAid Mixer and Accessories Does mom spend a lot of time in the kitchen?  One of the coolest things I've ever been given and cuts down on a lot of time spent on dinner prep, has been the accessories to my KitchenAid Mixer.  Slicing and shredding take little to no effort. Personal Development Give mom the gift of personal development.  Maybe she wants to learn yoga, take a parenting class, or even learn something more professional?  Perhaps she's mentioned starting a mom blog?  Udemy has tons of great courses she can take online, at her own pace.  I love Udemy for just this reason.  Mom can take courses on her computer or take them with her on her phone, too! Really, your aim this year should definitely be to give a mom something to allow her to focus on herself.  Heck, go ahead and hire a maid for the week! [tweetthis]Dear hubby, my wishlist: maid for a week + these other ideas[/tweetthis] #### Homeschooling Hacks to Teach Your Child Without Them Even Noticing Homeschooling doesn’t have to feel like sitting at a desk or arguing about schoolwork with your children. Kids these days learn best when they don’t even realize they’re learning, and that’s what makes homeschooling so flexible once you get it right. When their lessons are built into everyday life, learning becomes so much easier, smoother, and a lot more fun and enjoyable. The trick is to turn normal moments into chances to learn without making it feel like a lesson. There’s nothing worse for your kids than telling them bluntly that it’s study time. When your kids are curious and relaxed, they pick things up much faster and they tend to remember more. It’s about creating an environment where learning happens naturally. So in this post, we’ll be covering some homeschooling hacks to teach your child new things without them even noticing it. Source: Unsplash (CC0) Make learning part of everyday life Kids learn by doing things, so it helps to connect various lessons to daily activities that they already engage in or help with. Cooking, shopping, cleaning, or even going for a walk can all become learning moments if you know how to spin them. You can count steps, measure ingredients, or even read labels at the store to help with their language skills. Those small moments teach real skills without it feeling like school. You don’t always need a book or worksheet to learn. Talk about what you’re doing and why. Ask questions that make your child think and notice things. The more they see learning in daily life, the less they feel like they’re in a boring school lesson. Turn play time into learning time without them knowing Despite the name, play time is actually one of the best ways to teach your kids. Games, puzzles, and pretend play all help your child learn new ideas in ways that feel natural. If your child loves numbers, then games that use counting or matching can help with building number sense. It’s learning, but it feels like fun because they’re focusing on how to use their skills instead of just repeating things for the sake of memorization. Simple games like card matches or board games can also help with problem-solving and memory. You can even make up your own games that fit what your child is learning that week. When playtime feels fun, they’ll want to keep learning. Let them move and be active while they learn Kids aren’t meant to sit still for long periods of time, especially when they’re young and full of energy that they want to expend. Mixing movement with learning helps them focus better. You can spell words while jumping, solve math problems while tossing a ball, or take a learning walk outside and talk about what you see along the way. Movement keeps lessons interesting and gives your child a chance to burn off energy. You’ll both find that learning feels a lot easier when it’s active and doesn’t stay locked to one place. Of course, you don’t have to do this all the time since it can get a little tiring even for parents, but it’s a great way to mix in some movement and activity while encouraging your kids to learn and be more curious about their surroundings. Source: Unsplash (CC0) Try to follow along with their interests Homeschooling gives you the freedom to teach what your child is curious about. If they love animals, you can read about habitats or watch nature videos together. If they like building things, you can teach math and science through projects and even engage in practical activities like using building blocks. Following what they love makes learning feel exciting. When a child is curious, they’ll ask questions and explore on their own. That curiosity is what keeps them learning long after the lesson ends. Make reading a part of daily life Reading can happen anywhere, not just during lesson times. You can read recipes while cooking, road signs while driving, or short stories before bed. Try audiobooks if your child prefers listening. Anything that helps them hear and see new words is useful. Reading together is also a great bonding activity. Talk about what you read, ask them what they think, and encourage them to tell their own stories. When reading feels fun, it becomes something they enjoy rather than something they avoid. Try to end the homework fights early on Many parents deal with daily homework battles when lessons start to feel too hard or boring. When that happens, it helps to change the approach you take instead of forcing it on your kids. You can break tasks into smaller chunks, take breaks, or even switch to a different subject for a while to keep things fresh and interesting. Sometimes, learning in a new place, like outside or on the couch, can make a big difference in how they look at homework. Kids focus better when they don’t feel pressured, and mixing up their environments from time to time is a great way to relieve some of that study stress. Getting creative with different lesson plans Art, music, and storytelling can make almost any subject more fun. Drawing a science topic, acting out a story, or building a simple project can help your child understand ideas more clearly. Creativity keeps lessons fresh and interesting. When kids make things with their hands, they remember the lesson better. It also gives them pride in their work, which builds confidence and keeps them curious. Give them small choices so they can learn what they want Kids like feeling in control, so it helps to let them make simple choices about their day. They could choose what subject to start with or what book to read. These small decisions help them take control of their learning and it makes them feel more in control. When kids feel trusted, they become more motivated to learn on their own. That confidence grows over time and helps them develop independence, both in schoolwork and in life. By turning lessons into play, movement, and daily moments, you can help your child learn naturally. When learning feels easy and fun, kids stay curious, and that curiosity is what makes them grow into lifelong learners without even realizing they’re doing it. #### Homeschooling vs. traditional school? We're reaching a point in our lives where we're trying to find a house to settle into.  Whew ... I still look at my life and sometimes believe I'm just looking into someone else's.  I don't feel old enough to be a mom worrying about houses in a good school district... and then I realize I'm definitely old enough because I simply forgot that I was old enough to be all that LOL.So, having a hard time finding a house where we want, we're looking into staying in the same county but hoping to get into one of the few neighborhoods that are assigned some of the better schools in the county.  Regardless, it leads me to question how we're going to handle school and has made me think about the option of homeschooling.  I've got a few years to process, plan, and prepare for the appropriate decision, but I'm reaching out to find out what YOU might say about the subject.I'm looking for facts about homeschooling vs traditional schools.  Your experiences, things you wish you'd known or been told before making your decision, or research to help lead me on the journey to making my decision.Please refrain from negative and non-fact based comments on the subject.  Some posts may contain affiliate links, please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Housekeeping Schedule New Moms Can Live With Do you remember when you thought it was a bright idea to stay at home with your bundle of joy?  You were going to be an amazing mom, the house would be spotless, and everyone would be happy.  You could see yourself baking, cooking, cleaning, and having tons of time to spend doting on your new baby.  Yeah, I was conned into thinking that's how being a stay at home mom would be, too.  I don't know where we get these unrealistic images of what being a mom is going to be like, but it's terrible.  The truth is, it's hard to keep up with the house and kids, especially when you have a new baby.  It took having two to realize that I needed to devise a realistic housekeeping schedule for new moms that wouldn't leave me too exhausted to care for and enjoy my children. The truth is, new moms absolutely do not have the time to be the best at everything.  She can be a great housekeeper, but she's leaving the baby unattended much of the time.  Or, she's doting on the baby attending to her every whimper, only to neglect the house. What's a new mom to do?  Find balance! With my second baby, that's exactly what I had to do to maintain sanity and still be attentive to my children.  So, I came up with a realistic housekeeping schedule, which worked well for me with a new baby.  And, I sure wish I'd done this when I had my first baby, because I really didn't keep up with the house. In order to do this effectively, you must give yourself some leniency.  Remind yourself that it's okay if things aren't perfect.  And, tweak the schedule to your needs.  Just remember, this schedule worked for me.   I have 2 children, a dog, and a husband.  And, we're relatively busy, even without school.  You may have to adjust the schedule to fit your own needs. I'll share my routine and will include links to some products or tools that help me accomplish a new-mom-friendly cleaning schedule.  The following will include affiliate links.  If you click on them and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, but will cost you nothing more out of pocket. A new mom's realistic housekeeping schedule Sunday:  I wash all towels, washcloths, and small floor mats.  This ensures that we start the week fresh.  The items are a little more bulky and durable, and everything should be able to handle warm to hot water. Monday:  Wash sheets and clean master bathroom.  If you have older children, teach them to strip their sheets when they get up.  My daughter was helping me with this at 4 years old.  As much as I prefer more green cleaning, right now, I'm all about convenience.  For that reason, I purchase Lysol toilet bowl cleaner and Scrubbing Bubbles for the shower.  I can let those sit to work on their own while I'm preparing baby for a nap. Tuesday:  Deep clean kitchen and do 1 monthly chore.  I'll provide a monthly chore list shortly. Wednesday:  Clean out fridge and take out trash (because trash day here is Thursday).  Plus, I mop every other week on Wednesdays, unless things get really messy and need it sooner. Thursday:  Vacuum the house.  Now, since I have two stories, I have a roomba doing the vacuuming every weekday downstairs, and because we don't track much dirt upstairs, I vacuum every other Thursday.  I have a Dyson stick vac for anything that needs a quick pickup, too. Friday: Clean kid's bathroom and downstairs guest bathroom. As needed: I don't have a schedule for laundry.  I mean, it's hard to schedule around the mountains of baby laundry that needs to be done, thanks to spit up or blow outs.  I use Seventh Generation laundry detergent that the entire family can use, so I also don't have to worry about doing separate loads.  Also, vacuuming and mopping seem to be an as-needed type of chore. Monthly:  As I said, I add one monthly chore to my Tuesday routine.  These chores include dusting, cleaning light fixtures, cleaning windows, and cleaning the inside of the fridge. Tools and tips for a realistic housekeeping schedule for new moms Stay on track with a reminder app.  I use Due iOS app, which allows me to schedule anything with highly customize-able reminders. As previously mentioned, use a single laundry detergent so that you don't have to separate the baby's laundry.  I use Seventh Generation Free & Clear laundry detergent. Let robots do some of the work for you.  I love our old iRobot Roomba, which is capable of cleaning tile, wood, and carpet on schedule or by push of a button. Use a steam mop for regular mopping.  We purchased a Bissel steam mop and it's been running strong for over 3 years now.  Plus, it uses only distilled water and plugs in anywhere. Do a 15-minute challenge.  I try to do this at least once a week as a game.  This gives me 15 minutes when the kids are occupied to bust-butt and see how much I can accomplish. Get the kids involved.  If you have older kids, have them pitch in.  Even stripping their own sheets is a couple minutes you can spend on something else. Finally, here is your free housekeeping schedule for new moms.  I've made it so that you can customize the schedule any way you like (ie. when you find more time, you can do tasks more often).  If you're an app person, I highly recommend plugging your tasks into Due as it's the simplest and most customize-able reminder/task app I could find. Follow me on Instagram so you don't miss out on my next 15-minute challenge! So tell me:  How has your vision of keeping house and raising children changed since becoming a mom? Other posts you may enjoy: Being a SAHM is my financial contribution Take time for yourself 10 tips for getting baby to sleep through the night Autumn Anniversary Cash Giveaway #### How 1 Mom Survives as an Introverted Mom This guest post is filled with one mom's account of living life as an introverted mom.   She shares encouragement for moms in her story. Introverts and extroverts are very different. One of their main differences is how they like to interact with others. Extroverts like to be around a lot of people and tend to draw their own energy from the energy of others. They tend to get cabin fever pretty easily, and they love interacting and talking to other people. Introverts are another story. I am introverted (Like a lot. My Myers Briggs has me at about 90% introverted), and I have found that a lot of times that is misunderstood. I am not anti-social. I am not overly shy. I am not a blind follower who lets others push her around. But as an introvert, I feel rejuvenated and energized after quiet time by myself. I am completely capable of being in the fray of things, being a leader, or being energetic, but those things are draining for me. I need time to recuperate by just being alone. I feel the most energized and alert when I have had time to quietly reflect or work on something without being interrupted. I think introverts and extroverts need each other. We have different qualities that compliment each other and balance us out. I’m not going to get into all of the intricacies of all of that, but I did want to talk about something important. Parenting is Extroverted Work Being a mom is an extroverted job.   That does not mean that an introverted mom cannot be a good mom! It just means that we need to be aware and embrace our personalities. Related: How to Raise an Extroverted Child When You Are an Introvert I’m going to get personal for a minute. I have been trying to be an extroverted mom since my 4 year old was born. It has been awful. I kept thinking to myself, “Maybe I was not supposed to be a mom. Maybe I’m not cut out for this.” Then I read a book called [easyazon_link identifier="0307352153" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]“Quiet” by Susan Cain[/easyazon_link]. It has completely changed my life. I’m not trying to run from my introverted personality anymore, and have learned how to embrace it. Since it is making such a huge difference in my life, I wanted to share some things I am doing differently that are really helping me be my best self. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="n" cloak="n" height="500" identifier="0307352153" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51Bs3nWoAOL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="313"] Moms Don't Get Breaks Moms don’t get days off (or lunch breaks, or bathroom breaks, or time to sleep….you get it). We are on call all. the. time. And young kids demand a lot from us of our time, our energy, and our emotions. That is hard for everyone, but it is especially hard for us introverts who need to be alone occasionally to function properly. Related: No Work Life Balance for SAHMs Leonard Nimoy, best known for his acting role as Spock on the old Star Trek series, was a method actor. That means that he never broke character when they were filming. His character’s defining characteristic was that he didn’t show any emotion. So he didn’t show any emotion the entire day when they were filming. No breaks. After they were done filming for the day he would just break down and sob for a while because holding in all your emotions is hard work and your body needs to let them out. Does that sound familiar? I hope I’m not the only one, because I heard that story and said, “Yep, that is basically my life.”   I am a huge believer in Peaceful Parenting.  You can read more about it in my post The Truth Behind Peaceful Parenting.  The gist is that our interactions with our children are peaceful. There’s no yelling or spanking, and we use misbehaviors as opportunities for teaching correct principles. That is a lot of holding in of emotions to discuss calmly issues that make us want to stomp our own feet and yell a little. That goes up ten-fold when you have a child with special needs (like me) who demands more attention, has more behavioral issues, and who needs therapies and instruction at home. Find Small Moments Doing this is going to be hard no matter what you do (take a deep breath and say, “this too shall pass” with me), but in her book, Susan Cain talks about finding time for “restorative niches” during the day if you find yourself working in an extroverted job. Finding small moments during the day and claiming those for yourself will help you to get your little bursts of rejuvenation that will keep you sane. This is going to be trial and error, but find the things that make you feel calm and more like yourself instead of someone trying to be someone else. Maybe it is reading a book, maybe it is journaling, maybe it is sipping hot tea on your deck, maybe it is yoga, maybe meditation, maybe anything else that makes you happy and lowers your stress level. Then you have to make the time for those things. I know, I know, you are probably saying, “But there is so much that I need to get done! I can’t add one more thing to the list!” And you are right, we have so much that we need to get done. I am not going to even pretend I can list it all because that just seems like it would be exhausting and we all know. All of the things that we are in charge of are so important. But do you know what? So are you. Your mental health needs to be a priority, so treat it like one. You cannot draw from an empty well. If you stop refilling yourself with the things that you need, you are not going to be the best mom or wife (or anything really) that you can be. So it is not selfish to sit and read a book for a few minutes. It is not selfish to not multitask while you drink your tea, but just to sit and enjoy it. It is not selfish to take care of yourself. So the next time the kids are playing outside by themselves for 15 minutes? Claim that time for yourself and leave the dishes for later. Kids are glued to Paw Patrol? Claim that time for yourself and sweep up the cracker crumbs later. Have some work to get done after they are in bed, but you kind of feel like crying? Claim that time for yourself! And don’t beat yourself up for the things you didn’t get done during that time! The first step on being a healthy you is to embrace who you are. If you are an introvert, that means claiming those needs and recognizing them as valid. Don’t be ashamed by needing something different than someone else. And stop with the comparing yourself to extroverted moms and trying to be them. (And if you are a special needs mom struggling with this, please read my post on that subject). You have so much to add to this world and so many great strengths that extroverts don’t have. You will be amazed at the difference it makes when you love yourself for who you are and give yourself what you need.   Save this post for later: Author Bio Mary Winfield is the media manager and blog editor at SPED Homeschool and blogs about special needs parenting and homeschooling at www.growingastheygrow.com. She is the mom to 2 rambunctious toddlers who are more dirt than boys most of the time. She is an avid reader and loves to write all kinds of genres. She especially loves connecting to other moms so she can learn from them and maybe even offer a little help in return. You can follow Mary on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Related: #### How CoSchedule Helps Bloggers Be Everywhere If you blog, you know the importance of being on social media to drive traffic.  As fun as it can be, it's very difficult to keep up with all the social channels.  Let's not forget about keeping up with algorithms too. Until the last couple months, I'd been doing fine.  Then, I got caught up in doing all the things.  The need to be everywhere was stressing me out and I wanted to quit everything. How could I keep up at this pace?  How can anyone? Truth is, we can't. Bloggers have to be content creators, photographers, social media gurus, accountants, and networkers. We have to keep up with changing algorithms, legal stuff, and building our email lists. We're expected to create products, sell others, and market everything. As it turns out, we should be learning video and doing Facebook Lives. Simply publishing posts isn't enough. Too many hats!! And, you probably already know this, but to clarify, I have to do all this while being a work at home mom.  (This is the first time I've called myself a work at home mom.  Yeah, I'm definitely taking this blog seriously!) Guys, moms don't have much time as it is.  All these requirements for bloggers can be overwhelming. I like to be organized, but with all the places I have to organize, I get just so far before I burn out.  And I burn out on a regular basis when it comes to sharing on every social platform. I thought about hiring a VA, but at the hourly rate (or even flat fee), I wouldn't be able to afford much at this stage in my blog's career. Instead, I've decided to invest in CoSchedule. *Disclaimer: I'm writing a review of CoSchedule in exchange for a discounted 1 year membership.  Referral link is also included in this post.  No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own. Why I'm Trying CoSchedule CoSchedule from Garrett Moon on Vimeo. Guys, I need CoSchedule to bring some sanity and order to my day.  Watching this video was all I needed to convince me to give CoSchedule a try! YES! It's expensive and I went back and forth on whether or not it was worth it for a while.  To be honest, I'm still not sure. What I am sure of though is that CoSchedule will help be everywhere as a blogger! CoSchedule gives me a handy content calendar in my WordPress dashboard with drag and drop features.  I can connect all my social media channels, then schedule and move posts as needed. © Ivy www.sahmplus.com Guys, the in-post features amaze me.  This allows me to streamline my blogging processes!!  As I create new posts, I can see the CoSchedule Headline Analyzer at the bottom.  I no longer have to leave what I'm doing to tweak my headlines. © Ivy www.sahmplus.com Additionally, I can list my to-do tasks for the particular post and check them off as they're done. CoSchedule helps bloggers be everywhere Finally, when I'm ready to publish the post, I can go ahead and schedule my social media posts.  This is exactly what I need in my life.  It's so hard for me to remember to schedule all my posts to all the various social media channels.  But, as long as I put this in my task list and scroll down to the bottom of my WordPress dashboard, I'll always have the reminders to pre-schedule my posts. We may not be physically present the moment the posts are published, but CoSchedule helps bloggers be everywhere with this feature! Then, there's Re-Queue!  I can set it up to republish to social media at set intervals.  Because, you know, sharing posts once isn't a good marketing strategy!  Most of my posts are evergreen, so I should have them on regular rotations in my social media schedule. But, I usually won't remember to re-share as often as I should. I can see all of it in the handy app on my phone, which is awesome!  I can keep my work and home schedules separate and less cluttered. As far as worth, you can link your Google Analytics in CoSchedule.  If you're a see it by the numbers type, this will help you determine is the investment is worth it.  Here's the deal: you can link GA and bit.ly and you'll get fancy reports of how well your content is doing.  The social engagement report is only available for the upgraded (full version) not available during your free trial. © Ivy www.sahmplus.com Lastly, being present on social media isn't all about sharing my own content.  Many social media channels prefer you share more of others than your own.  That's not always easy, but CoSchedule has a Chrome Extension to help you out. This little tool allows me to share whatever and whenever I like.  Plus, like it does for my own stuff, I can have it scheduled for "best time", analyzed within the software.  Nothing more to do on my part unless I decide I need to move things around on my own. Should you get CoSchedule? Look, I know the price of CoSchedule can seem pretty cost-prohibitive.  However, if you calculate what you think you'll spend on a VA in a year to help publish content to your various social media channels, I'd be willing to bet this works out more favorably. Would you like to try CoSchedule with my referral link?  Get your free trail here. #### How I Get Healthy Family Meals On A Budget Are healthy family meals on a budget even possible?  Yes, and I'm sharing how The Dinner Daily helps not just with budget but easy meals that don't take forever to cook! As you're probably aware, I'm a big fan of meal planning websites.  I like food, but I wasn't liking cooking anymore. Well ... liking it less than I normally do. Last year, I became bored with our dinner routine and felt as though I was in a rut.  I think the whole family was becoming bored of the same things.  Not to mention, Taco Tuesday went out the door when S began gymnastics on Tuesdays. Taco Tuesday was the one night we enjoyed the rut. This year, I decided I wanted to start working through several meal planning websites for families to determine my favorites.  Plus, new sites would offer me a bunch of different recipes to explore with my family.  And, most of them are set up to help me find meals that fit my dietary restrictions. Well, recently I had the chance to try The Dinner Daily.  I was provided a short-term subscription to help facilitate this article. Healthy Family Meals On A Budget With The Dinner Daily The Dinner Daily was started by a mom who used to operate like many of us.  "Planning" meals on the fly going through the grocery store hoping to buy the right foods and enough to last for the week, but not really having a full-blown plan for that night, much less the rest of the week. She was determined to come up with a way to feed her family healthy meals while also making it affordable.  Because, like us, she also recognized how much more expensive eating healthier foods was. So, The Dinner Daily was born. 5 Reasons to Try The Dinner Daily 1. Food Preferences You select your food preferences down to how often you want to eat a certain type of protein.  I tolerate chicken, but more than 2 times a week and I'll begin to hate it.  Fish or shellfish?  I honestly would love to never eat it, but I settle for it about once a week at most. But, I can also tell the system I have food restrictions, so it doesn't populate meals in my weekly menu that I can't eat. 2. Budget Friendly One thing's for certain, eating healthier isn't always budget-friendly.  But, The Dinner Daily can help! Aside from planning your meals for you, the system is smart enough to put meals on your list based on your ingredients that are on sale at your store. You indicate the store you shop at and you'll receive your menu the day your store sales begin.  As for me, I'm mainly a Publix shopper, so I receive my new menu on Thursdays with the new sales. And, I have seen my grocery bill decrease since using The Dinner Daily. 3. Cost of Membership The cost of The Dinner Daily membership is pretty affordable, too. For starters, you can try 2 weeks for free.  Afterward, just choose your membership plan as follows: $24 for 3 months $36 for 6 months $58 for 1 year 4. Swap Meals If you're not feeling one (or more) of the recipes or side dishes selected for you, you can change them out pretty easily. Additionally, if the swapped recipe has ingredients on sale, you'll see SALE in the title.  This helps tremendously if you're trying to make healthy family meals on a budget! 5. Easy The truth is, even though I want to cook healthier meals for the family, I realized that Paleo dinners usually meant spending hours in the kitchen. As one who simply cooks for survival, spending hours in the kitchen has never and probably will never be enjoyable. So, The Dinner Daily provides us healthier meals without the requirement to be stuck in the kitchen for hours. In fact, the several weeks I've been using the service, I think there were only 2 nights I needed to be in the kitchen for 45 minutes. Most meals, however, have required 20 - 35 minutes, which is completely do-able!  So, this is a major bonus while also have healthy family meals on a budget! The Downsides of The Dinner Daily While there has been a significant savings in my grocery bills every week, there are still some things I don't love about The Dinner Daily. For starters, The Dinner Daily only offers 1-click ordering with Peapod.  As another grocery delivery service user, it's an extra step having to manually insert my grocery list into my account.  This is something I've gotten used to not doing with a previous meal planning website that automatically uploaded my grocery list for me. So, if we're being honest, I'm just upset I can't be extra lazy ;) Also, I feel as though seasoning and spices aren't bold enough, so I have to account for that and make some changes while I cook to boost the flavor in the dishes. Finally, while I've only been using the service for a couple weeks, I've already seen some of the same foods show up in my weekly plans.  I'm guessing, because of my dietary restrictions, the recipe options are limited.  Unfortunately, I cannot verify where or not this is the same for families who have no dietary restrictions. Overall, though, I've been pleased with The Dinner Daily.  It's helped me cook healthy family meals on a budget, saving me time in the kitchen, and has mixed up our weekly dinner routine. Give The Dinner Daily a try for FREE for 14 days and tell me what you think! #### How I Get My Kids to Eat Their Food, at least sometimes This is a parenting sanity saver for the mom who is tired of her kids not eating.  What to love (and maybe not) about FunBites food cutters for kids. Over the holidays, I ran a Holiday Gift Guide for Toddlers.  As part of the guide, I partnered with a few brands to share some amazing toddler products in exchange for a few of them.  One of the items we received (and gave away) were the FunBites food cutters for kids.  I held off on giving the kids their FunBites until Christmas and we've used them a few times since.  I wanted to share our experience after using them to help you decide if FunBites is something your family would love, too. Now, in our house, we have a tradition of allowing the kids to open a present from each other.  It was a tradition my parents started when I was a kid.  My brother and I would get to open our presents to each other on Christmas Eve.  I've always loved that memory and we decided to extend it to our children. I decided that the kids would give each other their FunBites on Christmas Eve.  My daughter was so eager to open her present that she ripped through it.  Unfortunately she wasn't nearly as pleased with the FunBites as I would have thought.  And my two year old just didn't care. I was worried they wouldn't like them, and I was extremely excited about making food cutting easier.  Plus, I was desperate to get my picky eater to start eating better.  My heart sank. But, a few days later, out of the blue, my daughter requested her sandwich be cut with her FunBites food cutter!  I jumped at the opportunity and made sure to cut my son's lunch too! What I didn't like about FunBites Food Cutters for Kids Let's cut to the chase and discuss the one thing I didn't care for about FunBites food cutters. When cutting a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, FunBites sort of mashed and tore the top layer of bread during the cut.  At first, I thought the whole sandwich was going to rip to shreds.  Thankfully the sandwich stayed together and didn't gush all over the place. Honestly though, that's about the only thing I can complain about.  I mean, the cutter doesn't cover the entire piece of bread, but you just cut the rest of the sandwich to reduce waste. What We Loved about FunBites Food Cutters for Kids Although there was the one thing I didn't like, there's so much more to love about FunBites. The way FunBites is made, when you cut through the sandwich, you can gently rock the cutter side to side to complete the cut easily.  The bottom layer of the sandwich is in nearly perfect condition making sharp and recognizable shapes.   My 6 year old daughter loved her bite-sized sandwich, smiling and talking about the shapes on her plate.  For not being excited about receiving her FunBites originally, she ended up really enjoying her cut sandwich. My 2 year old son actually ate about half his sandwich, which is pretty rare these days since he's hit the picky eating phase.  Additionally, the small pieces seemed to make him disinterested in opening up his sandwich and getting the filling all over the place. Finally, I found this to be a great tool to help me talk to my kids about shapes. Plus, it made it easier to get creative with their lunches instead of handing them another boring square, triangle, or rectangle cut sandwich.  Apparently, intricate shaped food is much more edible. Other Notes about FunBites I've heard some people complain about having difficulty cleaning their food cutters. From my perspective, these were relatively easy to clean.  For the thin crevices, I was able to slide my wash rag through them.  And, for anything other small areas that are difficult to get to, I found that our [easyazon_link identifier="B004QZBEBO" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="y"]OXO Tot Straw and Sippy Cup Top Cleaning Set[/easyazon_link] did the trick. We have the [easyazon_link identifier="B00CVWXHTG" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="y" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]FunBites Heart[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link identifier="B01M28PMT0" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="y" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Paw Patrol[/easyazon_link] cutters, but they come in a variety of options including basic shapes and even recently added Minions to the list of options! Get your [easyazon_link keywords="FunBites " cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]FunBites food cutters for kids on Amazon[/easyazon_link] or at Target or Walmart. #### How I Got Rid of My Toddler's Pacifier I hated my toddler's pacifier, so it had to go!  Do you want to know how to get rid of your toddler's pacifier?  Pacifier weaning didn't work for us, but this is what did ... From the moment hubby stuck a pacifier in our baby's mouth I was devastated, but it was the one thing we could almost certainly rely on to keep her quiet (you remember, she's the fussiest baby on the planet). I've been excited, and beyond nervous, about doing away with the paci.  She's almost two, and I want to be able to take loads of pictures of her without that hideous thing hiding her awesome smile!  So, I'll be documenting our "death to paci" journey and posting when it's over. I did not speak with her about Day 1 (June 15): A half-day - extenuating circumstances made me wait until a little after lunch to swap out her good paci for one that I snipped the end off of.  The first hour was nearly impossible, and I was trying so very hard not to break under the pressure (knowing I had a good spare made listening to the crying very hard to handle).  I pulled out a supply of snacks for the little one which satisfied her until I needed to turn on some Signing Time to distract her.  The moment that clipped pacifier was in her hand, she knew something was wrong with it.  She kept signing for "help" and began saying "uh oh" when she could catch her breath enough to speak.  She'd hand it to me, crying, saying uh oh, and was expecting me to fix her pacifier... I would hold it and act as though I couldn't understand what was wrong with it, suck on it, and she'd take it back, even more pissed. We had a few issues during the day and many times I just had to walk away from it.  Not long after dinner, she was asking for bed (nap was early due to the circumstances previously mentioned) and she wasn't making much fuss about the pacifier by now.  Against the recommendations, I allowed her to continue hanging on to the cut pacifier as she was allowed to do all day.  As tired as she was, she still found the energy to scream for nearly 40 minutes before finally accepting defeat and falling asleep. Day 2 (June 16): Baby girl woke once about an hour from falling asleep the night before and was easily soothed.  I lucked out as she never woke up again (that I heard).  When it was finally time to get up this morning, she was in her room playing and babbling ... pacifier in hand, but not upset.  The first half of the day she asked for her paci maybe three times. When I told her where she left it, she'd go in the dining room, look at it, say uh oh, and walk out back to her play.  At some point, I realized the pacifier wasn't where I thought it was, but even I couldn't find it for a while.  I was stunned that it had actually gone missing and she wasn't that concerned.  Nap and bedtime were fairly easy, with a scream or two before sleeping through the night ... surprisingly simple. Day 3 (June 17): I decided this was a wonderful day to celebrate such huge success and spent the day at the zoo with baby girl and a friend and her two young boys.  She handed off the pacifier when we got there at opening, and never asked for it again.  Aside from some meltdowns waiting for the train to move, she did an amazing job.  Those meltdowns made me wish I had brought an in-tact pacifier, but I was so glad I didn't have one when she got over things and quieted sooner than expected.  She even passed out on the trip home after only a couple of minutes of screaming - and I think most of that was from being over-tired since we'd missed her real nap time.  Another night of easy sleep! Day 4 (June 18): I had clipped the pacifier a little closer just to be sure she wasn't still getting some satisfaction from it.  While she had a little extra trouble sleeping for her nap today, she still didn't give me any trouble with the pacifier the entire day.  I think she only asked for it twice, more to walk with it like a security item. End Results: While I know it's a "no-no" to give a baby a clipped pacifier, I chose to do it anyway to give my daughter the comfort of still having her pacifier.  We didn't have nearly the fights or trouble as expected with weaning from the pacifier, though she still likes to have it in hand for nap and bedtime.  She runs around all day without it and seems to be generally happier ... it's as though she is finding other things to make her happy, so she's not so focused on the paci making her happy. In some ways, I wished we had followed the suggestions of talking to her prior to taking away the pacifier, but she had already begun hiding them knowing I kept taking them from her before.  I think talking about it may have made her hide them for good until she needed it. I was nervous to take it away, but the strength and courage to do it paid off.  I, in no way, would believe the experience would be so easy for everyone.  If you are going into this phase, my advice is to plan according to the needs and personalities of you and your family. #### How I Plan to Start School with Less Stress It's an exciting and stressful time as S is ready to start school.  She is beginning VPK (preschool) in September, which means new routines for our family to adjust to.  As it is, we roll out of bed when we want to and I try to take the morning easy.  Honestly, mornings are never easy as there are so many things that need to be accomplished before lunch.  Even though we're fairly early risers, the rush is still on in the mornings. Enter the extra stress of starting preschool.  We're going to need to wake up a little earlier to start our days, and I really want to do this without added rushing around.  Now we have to be out of the house by a certain time, ready to go, and maintaining as decent a mood for arriving to school as possible. I currently start S with pancakes as I prepare eggs and sometimes bacon every morning.  We get dressed when we feel like it and usually don't have play dates until 10 a.m. or later.  So, I know our routines are going to have to change for the 3 days a week she'll be going to school.  I've spent plenty of time trying to figure out how to enter school with less stress, and, so far, this is what I've come up with: *Affiliate Disclosure: I am grateful to be of service and bring you content free of charge. In order to do this, please note that when you click links and purchase items, in most (not all) cases I will receive a referral commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. Read books about Preschool. This point is for my daughter's anxiety.  I wrote an article listing great books to read about preschool, which may help your child entering preschool too. Spent the month ahead on Make Ahead/Freezer Breakfasts I've been considering make ahead meals for quite some time, but I think starting school routines is a great time to implement this practice.  My ultimate goal is to save myself some cooking time in the mornings.   I built a Pinterest board of breakfasts that sound like they'd be great for making ahead and re-heating in the morning, and I tried to take into consideration some of my food allergies so that I can partake in some of the breakfasts too. Some ideas include: Muffins Omelet muffins Breakfast burritos Various egg recipes in muffin tins and more. When my stash begins to run low, I'll spend one of the days she's in school whipping up more. Have a list of different lunch box ideas. S doesn't care for sandwiches much, and I know it's easy to get stuck in a rut of shipping off peanut butter and jelly.  I want to offer her more variety, so I relied on the internet to help me build up plenty of options and built a Pinterest board with lunch ideas. I love the idea of Bento Box lunches, and since she doesn't do many sandwiches, it seems like the perfect plan.  A variety of meats, fruits, and veggies with occasional yogurt, cookies, chips, etc. If you need some meal planning assistance, I've used the My Family Meal Planner (which is no longer in print).  They also used to offer the My Lunchbox Meal Planner. My Lunchbox Meal Planner. Image source myfamilymealplanner.com It appears an alternative that gets good reviews on Amazon is [easyazon_link identifier="1942934661" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]The Mix-and-Match Lunchbox: Over 27,000 Wholesome Combos to Make Lunch Go Yum![/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="n" cloak="n" height="500" identifier="1942934661" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51Wg7dOO2HL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="356"] Plan outfits the night before school. This goes for both of us.  Just get up in the morning and change into your pre-planned outfit. Do you have any tips to help prepare for a child who will start school?     #### How MommyCon Orlando 2017 Was a Momcation for Me For a small part of 2017, I became a MommyCon blogger.  To be honest, I didn't know much about the program, other than a friend of mine was approved to speak about how important it was for her husband to be her labor support in their natural birth plan at their local MommyCon. That, right there, was enough for me to know that MommyCon had some of the same values as I did. As the time neared for MommyCon in Orlando, I began considering going.  When I received a Media Pass, I knew I needed to make it happen. I asked friends if they'd go with me to have a ladies weekend.  Unfortunately, I don't know if we're so busy as moms we think we can't take a moment away, if money was a problem, or if no one wanted to spend their down time in a day long conference for parents.  Either way, MommyCon Orlando 2017 was a momcation all by myself. At first, I was disappointed I wasn't going to spend time with some friends.  But, it turned out to be a great thing!  I had time for myself, got to do what I wanted, when I wanted, and break free of any of the confinements I usually experience as a SAHM. I WAS FREE! (Excuse the yelling.) I was a little intimidated, at first, that I would know no one.  Especially since I had no idea what to expect as a first time MommyCon attendee. Let me say that it's possible I'm on the cusp of being too far into the mom-game to continue attending MommyCon.  It was highly geared toward families with babies and toddlers.  Though my son is nearly two, I didn't find too many vendors or sessions that were helpful for more than any moment we were in now.  Even the vendors were highly baby oriented, with very little for toddlers, much less older children. I'm kind of saddened by this though because I'll always consider myself a mommy.  So, I'd love to see MommyCon expand to fulfill the needs of moms of children of all ages. As a blogger, I took the opportunity to network with a few of the vendors either when a session didn't offer what I expected or during breaks.  My favorites were Boba - because without them, I wouldn't have been able to cope with my mama's boy. My absolute favorite part of the day ... speaking to this fun woman about @boba learning about their merge with Beco and totally crushing on their ? new carrier that includes a mesh panel ... because Florida toddler!!! ?. And you all know the thousands of pictures I have with my son in the carrier. This is my life ? #mommycon #mommyconorlando A post shared by Ivy | Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Sep 2, 2017 at 12:19pm PDT Birth in the Know - They created Down the Canal Board Game to help teach about birth options in a fun manner to help you make informed decisions. and Polyblox! This was the coolest toy I'd seen in a while because it's a very tactile alternative to alphabet blocks. I'm currently experiencing some remorse that I didn't purchase a set of Polybox while I was at MommyCon, too. I met some amazing people and had the chance to meet Alexandria, from Naturally Made with Love, in person after being Facebook blogging buddies for about a year or so. Most importantly, I took the time away from my family to focus on myself.  It was a perfect Momcation because I ate where I wanted and even had a chance one evening to venture out into town and visit a cousin I hadn't seen since I was a teenager! Lastly, I stayed onsite at the Caribe Royale.  I was apprehensive at first because I couldn't find any information about the availability of gluten free foods on site.  But, the low cost of such a large room meant it would be ridiculous to pay about the same for a smaller room and have to drive in for the conference. Turns out, staying on site was the right decision.  Even though nothing clearly stated gluten free, I was able to ask the staff at the two locations I ate at on my trip, and I was provided tons of options.  My favorite breakfast one morning was the buffet at Tropicale, which included a special order of gluten free French Toast! What's better is that I'm considering using Caribe Royale in the future for family trips to Orlando.  I found out they offer 2 BR Villas which are pretty affordable.  For the price, it's a nice resort with pool, kids' splash pad, and all the normal resort amenities like a spa, dining, and more. Top 3 things I enjoyed about my MommyCon Orlando 2017 Momcation None of the screaming kids were mine to deal with I had peaceful meals at my own pace No rushing for kids' schedules Do you want a Momcation? Guys, if you're anywhere near Atlanta, GA, you can still plan a momcation at MommyCon Atlanta 2017.  Of course, you don't even have to do a solo vacation.  If you can't get away without the family, there are TONS of things for everyone to do, including activity sessions for parents and kids throughout the day. You can still use my special code for $5 off admission to MommyCon Atlanta 2017 using code SAHMPLUS17.   I noticed that many of the vendors had event specials in the marketplace, so it's a good time to stock up on the things you're wanting, especially before Christmas! If you go (or went) to MommyCon, let me know about it! #### How Much Water Should Women Drink Per Day? You’re busy juggling a million things—kids, work, home, and everything in between. But let’s not forget to talk about one of the simplest self-care habits: drinking enough water. If you're tired as a mom and wife, you might be amazed at the simple power of hydration! Why Hydration Matters We’ve all heard that we should drink more water, but why is it so important? Staying hydrated isn’t just about quenching your thirst; it’s about keeping your body functioning at its best. Water helps with digestion, keeps your skin looking fresh, and even boosts your energy levels. And let's be real, what mom doesn't need more energy these days? How Much Water Do Women Really Need? You’ve probably heard the classic “eight glasses a day” rule, but the truth is, hydration needs vary from person to person. A general guideline is to aim for about 11.5 cups (92 ounces) of water a day for women. But before you start chugging, remember that your daily intake includes water from all beverages and foods you consume, not just plain water. What About Pregnant and Nursing Moms? If you’re pregnant or nursing, your water needs go up. Pregnant women should aim for 8 to 12 cups, or upwards of 96 ounces, of water daily, while nursing moms might need around 16 cups (128 ounces) to stay properly hydrated. Your body is doing some incredible work growing and feeding a tiny human, so give it the extra hydration it needs. Quick Tips to Stay Hydrated Start Your Day with Water: Keep a glass of water by your bed and drink it first thing in the morning. Carry a Water Bottle: Make it a habit to take a sip whenever you can. Infuse with Flavor: If plain water isn’t your thing, try adding a splash of lemon, cucumber, or mint for a little zest. Eat Water-Rich Foods: Foods like cucumbers, oranges, and watermelon can also help you stay hydrated. Listen to Your Body: Thirst is a sign that you’re already dehydrated, so try to drink regularly throughout the day. In my journey to feel better during perimenopause, I've discovered all these amazing tips from my nurse and nutritionist in a hormone support program. The way I stay on track is by filling a water-tracking water bottle. And while it looks intimidating, it's been an amazing help to remind me about my water intake! Additionally, when I feel like I need a little extra boost, I add my favorite electrolyte powder around mid-day. When I don't stay on track with my water intake, I feel soooo sluggish in the afternoons, and I fall into the bad habit of reaching for extra caffeine. A Little Reminder As with anything, too much of a good thing can be bad. So, while it’s important to stay hydrated, don’t go overboard. Listen to your body, and make adjustments based on your daily activities, climate, and personal needs. Staying hydrated is a simple yet powerful form of self-care. If you’re looking to improve your overall well-being, start by assessing your hydration habits with my Self-Care Worksheet. It’s designed to help you identify areas where you might need more focus, including your water intake. Then, use my Self-Care Planner to build healthy hydration habits and other self-care practices that nourish your body and mind. Remember, self-care starts with the basics, and staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to take care of yourself every day. Let these tools support you in making self-care a natural part of your daily routine. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ivy | SAHM Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) #### How My Breastfeeding Success Makes Me Feel Guilty I'm nearly 11 months into breastfeeding.  I spent a good deal of my 2nd pregnancy on the fence about breastfeeding.  When I was pregnant with my first, there was no doubt in my mind that it was the right choice.  Yet, when she was born, we went through absolute hell.  The thought of breastfeeding, since, was terrifying.  I was truly afraid of breastfeeding again and had seriously considered heading straight to the baby aisle at the store for formula. My son was born 13 days past his due date.  At the end of the pregnancy, I was faced with a few extra decisions, but I was still on the fence about breastfeeding.  In the end, I decided I'd give him the opportunity, but secretly hoped he wouldn't take to it.  The moment he was placed on my chest, he latched.  There was no turning back, whether I liked it or not.  So, 11 months into this gig, I'd say we've experienced breastfeeding success. We've overcome a few hurdles.  Many of them have been my own doing.  We had one run-in with thrush which was quickly remedied and never returned.  The others were completely due to my mental state.  I was looking for any reason to throw in the towel on breastfeeding.  The newborn stage was rough.  He would, literally, nurse for an hour or longer, give me about an hour break, and then we were back to it for another hour. I wanted to quit when ... I was tired. We got thrush. My nipples were raw. I couldn't get anything done. He was teething. Then, something amazing happened.  Several months in, I began to not hate breastfeeding. But, with our new found breastfeeding success, I also began to having feelings of remorse. I realized I was experiencing a bond with my son that I had longed for with my daughter.  Our breastfeeding story seemed doomed from the beginning.  She didn't want to latch at the hospital.  And, the rest of the breastfeeding story was riddled with pain, food intolerances, and eventual transition to formula by about the time she was 7 or 8 months.  We never could get it right.  And, we never had any moments during her breastfeeding time that I felt things were going right. It felt as though any moment I wasn't nursing her, I was pumping.  There's a chance I pumped more than I ever needed to because I thought I was going back to work.  But, when that didn't happen, I was on auto-pilot.  I had an ever-growing stash of breastmilk in the freezer and completely hated breastfeeding sessions.  I felt like my baby hated me.  And, not that I really did, but I felt like I hated her at times. So, here I am.  I get to sit with my son in peace.  I get to stare at his beautiful blue eyes.  He plays with my face or pulls my hair.  We find ways to laugh during nursing sessions.  Or, he finds ways to continue being a wiggle worm.  He even began downright refusing bottles or cups because he prefers the real thing.  Things just feel right.  And some days, I regret that I never had that with my daughter. Our breastfeeding success story makes me feel like I love my son more than my daughter.  I know I don't, really.  But it sure feels good that things are easier and I feel capable.  We have a good routine.  I'm comfortable nursing almost anywhere.  And, I'm making my son happy. I never ever felt that way nursing my daughter.  And, I wonder if our poor breastfeeding relationship negatively affected us for good.  So, I have moments that I'm ecstatic I overcame obstacles and successfully breastfed my second baby.  Then, I have moments I experience pangs of regret over that bond I never got to have with my daughter.  It hardly seems fair. Would you like to share a breastfeeding success (or disaster) story? Other posts you may enjoy Afraid to Breastfeed Again Things not to say to a woman whose baby is past due 10 tips to get baby to sleep #### How Not to Suck at Single Parenting When Your Husband is Away So, you're husband is about to go on a business trip, you say?  I bet you're wondering how you're going to survive!  In my opinion, the worst part of single parenting when you're not a single parent is not having this routine.  I mean, you don't realize just how much work your kids are until you're completely alone with them.  The days are longer and your patience is going to be tested. My husband had to travel a LOT during our daughter's first year.  My first year as a mom was such a huge struggle between handling a high-needs baby, being a stay at home mom unexpectedly, and then my husband's frequent traveling.  Since then, I've gone on to be a pro doing the single parenting thing, even with two kids.  By pro, I only mean temporarily.  I don't know what it's like to be without my husband for more than about a week.  Two at most.  If I had to pull this single parent stuff off longer than that, these tips might not actually cut it. Disclaimer: Affiliate links are included in this post.  Commissions are used for maintaining this blog. Strategies for Successful Single Parenting while Hubby is on Travel [tweetthis]Successful solo parenting (even temporary) takes strategy + wine[/tweetthis] Cook easy meals If you must cook, keep it simple.  Grilled cheese night, anyone?  Beanie Weenies and tater tots?  Your kids might love you for this., too  If you're a health nut who prefers rounded meals, remind yourself of this: "everything in moderation." Order dinner in or go out Pizza is sounding excellent.  Or how about a quick trip to Moe's?  If your kids are like mine, they do some crazy happy dance (and get a little loud) when they know we're going out to dinner.  The best part about dining out is that, not only did I not cook, I also don't have to clean!  If you get lucky and have a waitress who has kids, she's going to treat you really well... probably because she has pity on you, but you'll enjoy this. Prepare before he leaves If you know you're going to be eating out a lot, there's a chance you won't have much food in the house.  If you're planning to take my advice on eating out, you're probably not going to have much in the way of leftovers for lunch.  Think ahead and hit the store a few days before he leaves and buy anything you may want to eat during the day.  Make sure you don't have to hit the store with all the kids while he's gone. Stay on top of your family schedule, brush up on time management for parents, and check out my tips to help you beat the school morning rush. Stay busy! The days seem longer without your counter-part and you'll quickly be reminded of how much he pitches in.  The best thing to do is get out of the house as much as possible and keep everyone busy.  The reward is that your kids aren't home to destroy the house.  And, that means less nightly clean-up.  (Do you see a theme here? It's lazy mom time.) Put the kids to bed early You've been busy (or you should have been if you took my advice).  Since you don't have help, it's totally cool to give yourself some downtime to unwind before bed.  Get the kids to bed early.  While you're putting the younger one(s) to bed, have the older, more independent child(ren) start getting ready.  Still reading bedtime stories? Read to them at the same time if you can. Have wine. After you put the kids to bed, you're very likely going to need some assistance winding down.  Cue: wine.  Now, I don't know about you, but I never have figured out how to uncork a wine bottle myself.  Now is not the time to be caught without an open bottle.  Don't bother him to open the wine before you're ready for it.  Snag an automatic bottle opener! I got this [easyazon_link identifier="B002YENQ4M" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="y" localize="y"]Ozeri Electric Wine Opener[/easyazon_link] recently and man has it changed my life.  It's the first time in my life I've never had to ask for help opening a bottle of wine (aside from the screw top bottles).  And, it actually looks pretty cool in the kitchen. Remind Yourself It's Temporary Your mantra needs to be "I can do this, it's only temporary."  When things get tough or you get tired, repeat your mantra as you take a moment to breathe. You're doing great mama!  Before you know it, your husband's trip will be over and you're going to feel so much stronger and more capable.  With enough practice, you're going to be a pro at temporary single parenting!  But, if you do too good a job, the Mister will wonder why you need him all the time.  I guess my final tip would be to stay home on the day of his return and make sure the kids destroy the house.  While you're at it, mess up your hair and feign exhaustion.  But seriously, give yourself a bit ol' pat on the back! What other tips would you suggest for a mama about to experience single parenting while her husband is on travel?   #### How The Meaning of Christmas Has Changed Since I Had Kids What's the meaning of Christmas? I know the real answer and the sad truth. How the meaning of Christmas has changed since I had kids. As a kid, I lied to myself every year about what Christmas meant to me.  I'd been taught about Jesus' birth and there were a few years I requested setting up a manger scene instead of a tree.  My parents never did it, though.  The truth was, though, I really cared about the presents. All the cool presents. Mom was a penny pincher.  Dad was the spender.  Most years, dad way overspent, despite the fact they weren't always doing well financially. I still remember having a pile of presents nearly every year and thinking "man, is that all?!"  I'd sometimes hope they had something huge waiting for us outside.  I'd get a pang of disappointment when I realized there was nothing more to be opened.  Then, I'd put on a smile and thank my parents profusely. I'm kind of embarrassed to admit how ungrateful or insensitive to our family's financial struggles I was at the time. How The Meaning of Christmas Has Changed Since I Had Kids Fast forward to now.  My 6 year old has been showing her dissatisfaction with the quantity of gifts for a couple years.  And her attitude toward gift gifting events has completely changed the meaning of Christmas for me. We've been lucky to be financially blessed since my husband allowed me to become a stay at home mom.  It's as though the universe favored his sacrifice and sought to reward my husband in the job department.  Because of which, our children have been more than blessed. Add to that, grandparents love to spoil their grand-babies. So, the kids never need.  And, in my mind, certainly have nothing to desire. But, I'm apparently wrong. Last year, my daughter belted out "Is that all?  I want more" after opening all the gifts she received from her PaPaw.  My mouth dropped.  This was after she'd already grumbled about wanting more when she was done opening gifts from her parents.  And, we'd already had the discussion about being thankful for whatever it is we get and that we didn't want to hear anything about wanting more. Obviously, we have to work on her lack of tact and teaching her to be grateful. So, this year we decided to follow the 4 gift Christmas Challenge which goes as follows: Something they want Something they need Something to wear Something to read Now, we've already did this for her birthday, so it's nothing new.  And I actually found myself struggling more to restrict myself than she appeared to struggle with not having.  I sensed some disappointment, but I think it was a wake up call for her.  And this Christmas should be no different. I think I'll still struggle with wanting to do more, even though she'll have a large bag of clothes and a heavy box of books.  I'm trying to decide how I want to pitch the idea that Santa still needs to bring a nice gift.  And, I still want to request that we add an experience gift. Has the meaning of Christmas changed since I had kids? I think I'm realizing I'm still struggling with the meaning of Christmas.  Except that instead of wanting more for myself, I want more for my kids.  So, I wouldn't say the meaning of Christmas has "changed", rather shifted.  And I still have tons of work to do to teach an attitude of gratitude by modeling it! Hey, at least I'm honest about it, right?! Want help keeping the kids busy this Christmas? Sign up for my email newsletter and receive a free Christmas Word Search Printable!! #### How The Tuttle Twins Books Help In Raising a Conservative Child Can I get some help raising a conservative child?  Our conservative values can be taught in an easy to understand way through The Tuttle Twins books for children. This is a sponsored conversation between myself, The Tuttle Twins, and Dealspotr. There's a reason I give my children chores.  I believe in their ability to teach my children about personal responsibility and being a productive member of the family. Sure, there are others who believe giving children chores is child abuse.  But, I don't see it that way.  If you give children chores and teach them responsibility early, you're setting them up for being a productive member of society.  That's just one reason kids should have chores! Similarly, as is our conservative parenting style, we believe in hard work and perseverance to earn things we want.  We back up completed chores with a financial incentive.  We don't require our children to do all their chores.  They're certainly able to choose not to do them in most cases. However, that choice negatively affects their earnings. We're trying to drive the concept that if you don't work,  you don't earn money.  And mom and dad don't simply buy everything that isn't a basic necessity. Additionally, we aim to teach our children they have a responsibility to themselves to become better at things they hope to achieve. For instance, our daughter's first soccer team relied heavily on participation trophies and limiting competitiveness.  Though it was a great introduction to soccer, her skills never improved and she had no idea how to actually play soccer.  It wasn't until we moved her to a teach that didn't focus solely on having a good time that she began to desire to be better and work to improve her skills.  Why?  Because she was being encouraged to improve.  Her team-mates and opposing teams had the opportunity to show their skills.  The ball wasn't being handed to the losing team to "give them a chance". Our conservative parenting ways certainly have the potential to hurt our kids feelings.  I mean, what little kid doesn't just want things handed to them.  They're driven by impulsiveness.  But it's not my job as a parent to give in to their every impulsive desire.  It's my job to teach them to work for everything they want.  I have to teach them to try harder and learn new skills in order to achieve personal goals (like wanting to score a goal or help their team win a soccer match). For me, this is about teaching my children real-life values, expectations, and freedom.  I also understand my views are those of a conservative parent.  And, in a very liberal world, I understand my children are being taught in school and extracurricular activities many things we don't believe in. Though we try to practice tolerance, there are still some very conservative values that we hold dear and hope our children learn from us. Our Conservative Parenting Friend That's why I'm really excited about The Tuttle Twins books! These fun kids books help me to teach these conservative ideas to my kids.  You know, because I doubt my ability to explain them in terms my children are going to understand.  I mean, how is a 7 year old going to understand the potential negative effects of socialism when I explain a very adult topic in the adult terms I know? Not that I couldn't figure it out, but as with any hard conversation with kids, it takes time, careful choice of words, and lots of questions that often lead to misunderstanding and rewording. It's difficult.  But it's important we have these difficult discussions with our kids, because we want them to be responsible voters. So, The Tuttle Twins books introduce these hard topics in a more relatable way for kids to better understand.  They at least get the conversation going on a level that kids can better grasp, which opens the door for more discussion. The first book we read was The Tuttle Twins and The Road to Surfdom, which explained how central planning creates unintended consequences for people whether or not they supported the collective plan.  The book detailed an annual family beach trip to La Playa, and how a new road to Surfdom changed the traffic patters and almost turning La Playa into a ghost town.  People lost their homes and businesses were either forced to move to the new town or close their doors.  This book helped explain collectivism vs individualism to my daughter in a more relatable way. Their other books include: The Tuttle Twins Learn About the Law - Though laws are designed in an attempt to protect our life, liberty, and property, the twins learn that some laws (and loopholes) can actually hurt people and allow theft. The Tuttle Twins and the Miraculous Pencil - The Tuttle Twins learn about the free market! The Tuttle Twins and the Creature From Jekyll Island - The Tuttle Twins learn about the history and nature of banking, money, inflation, savings, and bartering. The Tuttle Twins and the Food Truck Fiasco - The Tuttle Twins learn about economics and how the government can harm it. The Tuttle Twins and the Golden Rule - The Tuttle Twins learn that, while many people disagree on many ideas, most can still agree on the "golden rule". The Tuttle Twins and the Search for Atlas - The Tuttle Twins learn how things can fall apart in a society when socialism creeps in. The Tuttle Twins and their Spectacular Show Business - The Tuttle Twins are learning about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and competition. Learning with The Tuttle Twins At the end of each book, a glossary and discussion questions are provided to help parents continue the discussion of the conservative ideas presented in the book.  Additionally, when you purchase the entire collection, you'll have access to the additional activity workbooks to really drive home the subject. What Age Are the Tuttle Twins Books For? Originally, The Tuttle Twins books were designed to teach conservative values and freedom to children between the ages of 5 & 11 years. They have since expanded and offer books for toddlers through teens. Are the Tuttle Twins Books Religious? We did not come across any religious views in the books we were provided although the first book was based on an essay written in 1850 that discussed God as the source of our rights which was a popular opinion at the time. Read what they have to say about this here. Pick up your copy of The Tuttle Twins series You can get your own set of The Tuttle Twins Books here and use code SAHMPLUSBLOG!  When you purchase the entire series, you'll get all of the activity workbooks for FREE, which is an additional $40 value. Additionally, you can always check for the latest The Tuttle Twins promotion codes on Dealspotr to make sure you're getting the best deal! Originally published Aug 9, 2018; updated on Jun 26, 2020 PIN ME #### How to Agree on Parenting Styles When Your Differences Hurt Your Marriage Are the differences in parenting styles ruining your marriage? Learn how to agree on parenting styles when they clash! Are you and your partner stuck in a never-ending battle over parenting styles? You know, those moments when you feel like you're speaking completely different languages when it comes to raising your little ones? Well, fret not! In this article, we're diving headfirst into the world of parenting dynamics and how they can either make or break your relationship. From understanding the challenges faced by couples with differing parenting styles to learning effective communication strategies and finding that elusive common ground, we're here to guide you on how to agree on parenting styles, despite your differences. But that's not all! We'll also be exploring the importance of seeking professional support, implementing consistent parenting strategies, and reigniting that spark in your relationship that might have gotten a little dim amidst the chaos of parenting.  By the end of this read, you'll be armed with the tools and insights you need to navigate the tricky terrain of differing parenting styles and emerge stronger, both as loving partners and as nurturing parents. Understanding Different Parenting Styles We all know that no two people are exactly alike, and that goes for parenting styles too. You might be more of a laid-back "let them explore" type while your partner is the "safety first" kind of parent. When parenting styles clash, it can feel like you're speaking different languages, right? Understanding each other's parenting styles is key. Take a moment to recognize that both of you want what's best for your little ones, even if you're taking different routes to get there. By appreciating the underlying intentions and values behind your approaches, you can start to bridge the gap and find a common ground that benefits both your marriage and your kids. Remember, it's all about teamwork and finding that sweet spot where your parenting styles can complement each other, creating a balanced and nurturing environment for your children. Can a Marriage Survive Different Parenting Styles? Alright, let's talk real talk. Given the importance of marriage, we encourage making the effort to work out your differences when parenting styles clash. You might wonder, "Can our marriage weather the storm of different parenting styles?" Well, here's the scoop: it's not always easy, but it's possible. Differences in parenting styles can sometimes feel like a whirlwind tearing through your relationship. But take heart! Many couples have navigated these choppy waters and come out stronger on the other side. The secret sauce? Communication and compromise. Yep, that's the magic combo. Open up those lines of communication, really listen to each other's perspectives, and be ready to meet in the middle. It's all about finding that sweet spot where you can blend your approaches and create a united front for the sake of your family. Remember, at the end of the day, your love for each other and your kids is what matters most. With patience, understanding, and a dash of flexibility, you can ride out the storm and come out stronger as a team. Challenges Faced By Couples With Different Parenting Styles So, you're not the only ones facing this challenge. When it comes to raising kids, mismatched parenting styles can sometimes feel like navigating a maze blindfolded. The struggles are real, and it's okay to acknowledge that. Here are some of the specific challenges you might be up against: The classic clash of values: Your partner might swear by structure and discipline, while you lean towards a more relaxed and easygoing approach. It's like trying to mix oil and water, right? The good old tug-of-war over decision-making: You want to encourage risk-taking, while your spouse is all about playing it safe. It's enough to make you feel like you're stuck in a never-ending game of "who's right." Pressure from the outside world: Cue the judgments from relatives, friends, or even the ever-present social media, all bombarding you with their "expert" opinions on what you should or shouldn't be doing. The toll it takes on your relationship: Constant disagreements and misunderstandings can chip away at the foundation of your marriage, leaving you both feeling frustrated and disconnected. But hey, take a deep breath. You're not alone in this. Understanding the challenges is the first step toward overcoming them, and trust me, there are ways to work through these hurdles and emerge even stronger as a couple and as parents. How to Deal With Different Parenting Styles in Marriage Alright, let's get down to business. Managing different parenting styles in your marriage might seem like a tall order, but fear not, there's light at the end of the tunnel. Here's how you can start bridging the gap and finding that sweet spot: 1. Communication Strategies for Resolving Parenting Conflicts: Sit down, grab a cup of coffee (or tea, if that's your jam), and have an honest heart-to-heart. Listen to each other without interruptions, and aim to understand rather than just waiting to defend your position. 2. Finding Common Ground in Parenting: It's all about compromise, folks. Identify areas where your parenting styles can intersect. Maybe you both value education, creativity, or simply making sure the little ones feel loved and secure. 3. Seeking Professional Support and Mediation: There's no shame in seeking a little outside help. A counselor or therapist can provide a neutral perspective and offer valuable insights on how to navigate your differences more effectively. 4. Implementing Consistent Parenting Strategies: Consistency is key, my friends. Once you've agreed on a certain approach, stick with it. Children thrive on predictability, and a consistent approach can help create a stable and nurturing environment for them. 5. Rebuilding and Strengthening Marital Bonds: Don't let the parenting struggles overshadow your love for each other. Make time for date nights, and heart-to-heart conversations that aren't about the kids, and remember why you fell in love in the first place. A strong marital bond can serve as the foundation for overcoming any parenting obstacles. Remember, it's a journey, not a race. By taking small steps every day, you can create a harmonious balance that benefits both your marriage and your kids. Communication Strategies for Resolving Parenting Conflicts Let's tackle those parenting conflicts head-on. Communication is the golden ticket here, but it's not just about talking. It's about listening, understanding, and finding that middle ground. Here are some nifty strategies to get those conversations flowing smoothly: 1. The Power of Active Listening: It's not just nodding and waiting for your turn to speak. Practice active listening by paraphrasing what your partner says and showing genuine interest in their perspective. Trust me, it works wonders. 2. Stay Calm, Stay Respectful: Yeah, we know it's not always easy, especially when you're knee-deep in a disagreement. But keeping your cool and showing respect, even when you disagree, sets a positive tone for the conversation. 3. Use "I" Statements: Avoid pointing fingers and placing blame. Express your feelings and concerns using "I" statements. For example, "I feel worried when..." or "I think we could try..." 4. Schedule Regular Check-Ins: Don't let the communication fall by the wayside. Set aside regular times to discuss your parenting approach, check how things are going, and make any necessary adjustments. Consistency is key, remember? 5. Acknowledge Each Other's Strengths: You both bring something valuable to the parenting table. Acknowledge and appreciate each other's strengths, and let that recognition be the foundation for your communication. Remember, it's not about winning the argument; it's about understanding each other's perspectives and finding solutions that work for your family as a whole. Finding Common Ground in Mismatched Parenting Styles There's a sunny patch ahead where you can find common ground and build a unified approach. Here's how to find that sweet spot: 1. Identify Shared Values: Take a moment to pinpoint the values that matter most to both of you. Whether it's instilling kindness, independence, or a love for learning, finding those shared values forms the basis of your common ground. 2. Focus on the Big Picture: Zoom out for a moment and look at the bigger picture. What kind of adults do you want your kids to become? Keeping this shared vision in mind can help guide your parenting decisions and bring your perspectives closer together. 3. Embrace Compromise: It's the magic ingredient, folks. Be ready to meet in the middle, blending your different styles to create a balanced approach. Compromise doesn't mean giving up your beliefs; it means finding a way to honor both your perspectives. 4. Celebrate Each Other's Strengths: You're a team, remember? Celebrate each other's strengths in parenting. Maybe one of you is great at nurturing emotional intelligence, while the other excels at fostering independence. Embrace these differences as complementary assets. 5. Learn From Each Other: Take this as an opportunity for growth. Be open to learning from each other's parenting styles. You might be surprised at how much you can broaden your approach by incorporating elements from your partner's style. Remember, finding common ground isn't about losing your identity as a parent; it's about creating a beautiful blend that enriches your children's lives and strengthens your bond as a couple. Seeking Professional Support and Mediation Sometimes, navigating the twists and turns of different parenting styles can feel like you need a superhero's guidance. That's where the professionals swoop in to save the day. Here's how seeking their support can be a game-changer: 1. Reach Out to a Family Therapist or Counselor: Don't be shy to seek guidance from a professional. A family therapist or counselor can offer a neutral perspective and provide you with effective strategies to navigate your parenting differences more smoothly. 2. Consider Parenting Workshops or Seminars: These workshops aren't just for new parents! They can be a goldmine of tips and insights on effective parenting strategies. Plus, attending them together can be a bonding experience in itself. 3. Connect with Support Groups: Knowing you're not alone in this can be a tremendous relief. Joining a support group of other parents who have faced similar challenges can provide you with a sense of community and valuable advice from those who've been there. 4. Embrace Mediation Services: When the going gets tough, a mediator can help facilitate productive discussions and guide you both toward finding common ground. They're like the referees of the parenting game, ensuring fair play and effective communication. 5. Keep an Open Mind: Remember, seeking professional support isn't a sign of weakness; it's a proactive step towards strengthening your family's dynamics. Approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow. Together, with the support of these professionals, you can navigate the challenging terrain of different parenting styles and emerge stronger and more united than ever. Implementing Consistent Parenting Strategies When it comes to raising little humans, consistency is your secret weapon. It might sound like a daunting task but fear not, with a bit of teamwork and some clever strategies, you can make it happen. Here's how: 1. Unified Front, Always: Present a united front to your kids. This means discussing your approach beforehand and agreeing on decisions together. When they see that you're on the same page, it can create a sense of stability and security for them. 2. Stick to the Plan: Consistency is key, folks. Once you've decided on a parenting approach, stick to it as much as possible. Of course, flexibility is important, but maintaining consistency in your expectations and consequences can help your kids understand boundaries and feel secure. 3. Communication is Key, Again: Keep those lines of communication open, not just between the two of you, but also with your kids. Explain the rules, their purpose, and the consequences of breaking them. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and confusion. 4. Lead by Example: Children are sponges, absorbing everything around them. Be the role model you want them to follow. If you expect them to be respectful, show them what respect looks like in your daily interactions. 5. Patience is a Virtue: Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither are consistent parenting habits. It takes time, patience, and plenty of practice. Don't be too hard on yourselves; every small step you take towards consistency counts. By implementing these consistent parenting strategies, you're not just providing your children with a stable environment, but also fostering their growth and development in a way that's nurturing and dependable. Rebuilding and Strengthening Marital Bonds Amidst the beautiful chaos of parenting, it's crucial not to lose sight of the foundation of it all - your relationship. Remember, you were partners before you became parents. Here's how you can keep that flame burning bright: 1. Carve Out Quality Couple Time: Yes, we know the schedule is jam-packed with soccer practices, playdates, and bedtime stories. But make it a point to carve out quality time for just the two of you. It could be a weekly date night, a morning coffee together, or even a simple walk in the park. These moments are the glue that keeps your bond strong. 2. Rediscover Each Other's Hobbies: Remember those hobbies you used to enjoy before the pitter-patter of little feet? Rediscover them together. Whether it's painting, hiking, or trying out a new recipe, reignite the spark by sharing these activities and creating new memories. 3. Open Up, Don't Bottle Up: Parenthood can be overwhelming, and it's easy to get lost in the whirlwind of responsibilities. Take the time to talk to each other about your feelings, your fears, and your joys. Keeping those lines of communication open can deepen your understanding of each other and strengthen your connection. 4. Appreciate Each Other's Efforts: Don't let the little things go unnoticed. Appreciate each other's efforts, whether it's a home-cooked meal, a heartfelt gesture, or simply being there when the other needs support. Expressing gratitude can go a long way in nurturing your bond. 5. Laugh Together, Often: Laughter truly is the best medicine, especially in the challenging world of parenting. Find humor in the chaos, share jokes, and don't be afraid to be silly. Laughing together can lighten the mood and remind you both of the joy that brought you together in the first place. By prioritizing your relationship and nurturing your bond, you create a strong foundation for your family and set a beautiful example for your children about what love and partnership truly mean. How to Agree on Parenting Styles So, you and your partner might not always see eye to eye when it comes to parenting. Guess what? You're not alone. Here are some strategies to help you find common ground and bridge the gap: 1. Acknowledge and Respect Differences: Recognize that both of you come from a place of love and care for your children. Respect each other's viewpoints and understand that diverse parenting styles can complement each other. 2. Focus on the End Goal: Keep your ultimate parenting goals in mind. Whether it's raising independent, kind, or resilient children, remembering these shared aspirations can guide your decision-making and bring you closer together. 3. Experiment and Evaluate Together: Try out different approaches and observe how they impact your children. Reflect on what works and what doesn't, and use these insights to shape a unified approach that incorporates the best of both your styles. 4. Compromise with Open Communication: Make room for compromise. Have open and honest conversations, expressing your concerns and priorities. Work towards finding solutions that combine elements of both your parenting styles. 5. Learn and Grow Together: Parenting is a journey of constant learning. Embrace this journey together, seeking out new information and adapting your parenting techniques as you go. Attend parenting workshops, read books, and consult trusted resources to broaden your understanding and reach a consensus. Remember, the beauty of parenting lies in its diversity. By respecting each other's perspectives, focusing on shared goals, and fostering open communication, you can navigate the parenting maze as a team, building a nurturing and loving environment for your little ones. Remember that parenting is a journey filled with twists and turns, but it's also a beautiful adventure that you and your partner are undertaking together. By understanding each other's perspectives, communicating openly, and embracing the art of compromise, you can create a harmonious balance that nurtures your kids and strengthens the bond between you and your significant other. And hey, if you're looking for some extra support on this exciting journey, here are a few resources worth checking out:  "The Whole-Brain Child" by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson is a fantastic read on cultivating a deeper connection with your child.  "Parenting from the Inside Out" by Daniel J. Siegel and Mary Hartzell offers valuable insights on understanding your parenting style. "Positive Parenting Program (Triple P)," an evidence-based program that provides practical strategies for navigating challenging parenting situations.  Remember, you're not alone on this adventure, and with the right tools and a lot of love, you've got this! #### How to Be a Better Mom (and a Stronger One, Too) - No Superpowers Required Real, relatable tips on how to be a better mom without losing your sanity. From ditching the ‘perfect mom’ myth to embracing self-care, these down-to-earth strategies will help you show up for your kids as your best, most authentic self. You know those moms who wake up at 5 a.m., do yoga, prepare organic breakfasts, and always seem to have it all together? I don't think I even know the Insta-famous kind I'm speaking of, TBH. I’m the mom who starts the day negotiating with my alarm clock, can't function without a cup of coffee, and considers "surviving until bedtime" a victory. If you’re anything like me, you’re not looking for a guide on how to be a perfect mom—you just want to be a better one without feeling like you have to become some Zen goddess in the process. In 2023, a survey of 2,000 moms indicated that, on average, we feel like "bad moms" about 156 times per year! We don’t need the guilt trips and impossible Pinterest expectations. We need to know how to be strong as a mother when the world feels like it's spinning out of control. And newsflash: being a 'strong mom' isn't about having muscles or never crying; it's about mental resilience. 11 Surprising Steps to Become a Better Mom “What it's like to be a parent: It's one of the hardest things you'll ever do but in exchange it teaches you the meaning of unconditional love.”― Nicholas Sparks, The Wedding 1. Let Go of the “Perfect Mom” Myth Let’s get this straight: that “perfect” mom you’re trying to emulate? She doesn’t exist. She’s like a unicorn—magical, mythical, and totally made-up. Maybe Instagram makes you feel like you should be baking gluten-free, vegan muffins while doing yoga in a spotless living room, but spoiler alert: it’s all staged. Real moms lose their cool, order takeout, and sometimes hide in the bathroom just to scroll their phones in peace. Action Tip: Write down what you think makes a good mom (or, just for fun, ask your kids)—not what Pinterest says. Tape it to your bathroom mirror and glance at it every time you feel less-than-perfect (which is usually after you’ve yelled for the umpteenth time because no one can put their shoes where they belong). 2. Reevaluate Your Expectations Remember those pre-kid visions of patient parenting, endless fun activities, and never raising your voice? Yeah, toss those right in the diaper bin. If you expected to be a mix of Mary Poppins and Supermom, it’s time for a reality check. Real life is more like a mash-up of Home Alone chaos and a coffee-fueled survival show. Lower the bar. Now lower it again! There’s beauty in the messy, chaotic moments when you’re just trying to get through the day. Action Tip: The next time you feel like you’re failing, ask yourself: “Would I expect this level of perfection from my best friend?” If the answer is no, it’s time to cut yourself some slack and go easy on the expectations. What Actually Makes a Strong Mom? When people ask "what makes a strong mom," they usually think of a woman who never breaks. But in the real world, strength looks a lot different. It’s about being "mentally tough" enough to handle the chaos without losing your core self. The 70/30 Rule of Strength: You don't have to be "on" 100% of the time. The 70/30 rule in parenting says that if you respond to your kids with love and consistency 70% of the time, you’re killing it. The other 30%? That’s where you’re allowed to be human, tired, and a little bit "over it." The 7-7-7 Connection: Strength is also about efficiency. Use the 7-7-7 rule of parenting: 7 minutes of undivided connection in the morning, 7 after school/work, and 7 before bed. That’s 21 minutes of being a "strong, present mom" that buys you the grace to be a "distracted, getting-stuff-done mom" the rest of the day. 3. Prioritize Connection Over Correction If your days are filled with a soundtrack of “Stop that!” “Don’t touch!” and “Put that down!” you’re not alone. It’s easy to get caught up in correcting everything. But here’s a thought: what if you spent more time just connecting? Building a relationship based on trust and love will last longer than all the time-outs and lectures combined. Plus, kids are more likely to listen to you when they actually, you know, like you. Action Tip: Try implementing 10 minutes of “yes time” every day (because a "Yes Day" sounds scary as fuuuuuu****). Just 10 minutes where you say yes to whatever they want to do—whether it’s playing pretend or watching them jump off the couch for the millionth time. It’s harder than it sounds, but it works wonders. 4. Embrace Your “Enoughness” You know that nagging voice that tells you that you’re not doing enough? The one that says you should be planning more playdates, cooking better dinners, and reading more books to your kids? Yeah, it’s lying. You are enough, just as you are. Showing up, loving your kids, and trying your best (even if that best looks like frozen waffles for dinner) is more than enough. Action Tip: When the guilt creeps in, stop and jot down three things you did today that showed your kids love. They probably won’t be elaborate things, and that’s exactly the point. 5. Give Yourself Permission to Dislike Motherhood Sometimes Some days, motherhood sucks. There, I said it. It’s okay to admit that you’re not loving every moment, because guess what? No one does! The repetitive routines, the constant demands, the never-ending messes...it’s a lot! You can love your kids and sometimes want to lock yourself in a room just to breathe. Both things can be true. Action Tip: Create a venting system. Whether it’s ranting to a friend, journaling, or using the voice memo app on your phone to say all the things you can’t say out loud—get it out. You’re allowed to feel all the feelings. 6. Let Your Kids See Your Mistakes (And Laugh About It) You don’t have to be a flawless role model. Actually, being a flawed one is way better. The next time you accidentally drop an f-bomb in front of the kids, or burn the toast again, use it as a teachable moment. Let them see that mistakes happen, and more importantly, how to handle them with grace (and maybe a few laughs). Action Tip: The next time you mess up, say it out loud: “Whoops, that didn’t go as planned. Guess what? Moms mess up too!” Trust me, your kids will learn way more from seeing you handle a mess-up than from anything you tell them about not being perfect. 7. Stop Trying to Be the “Fun Mom” Every Day Trying to be the “fun” mom 24/7 is a one-way ticket to burnout. You don’t need to plan elaborate scavenger hunts or throw Pinterest-perfect birthday parties every weekend. Kids just want your presence (although they think they need your entertainment). Some of the best moments come from the boring, everyday stuff—like eating cereal together or chatting about nothing on the way to school. Action Tip: Schedule some “boring time” this week. Yep, just sit on the floor, play with their toys, and let them lead the way. No big plans, no agenda—just be there. You’d be surprised how much “boring” can turn into bonding. 8. Practice Self-Compassion (Seriously, You Deserve It) Why is it so easy to be kind to everyone but ourselves? When we mess up, we beat ourselves up for days, but when our kids mess up, we say, “It’s okay, honey, try again.” Next time you’re tempted to pile on the self-criticism, think of yourself as one of your kids. You’re learning and growing, too. Action Tip: Start each day with a self-compassion mantra like, “I’m doing the best I can,” or “Today, I will show myself the same kindness I show others.” Then go forth and believe it. (Bonus points if you stick it on a sticky note where you’ll see it often.) Being a mentally strong mom means having the strength to forgive yourself. You can't lead your family if you're constantly beating yourself up in the rearview mirror. 9. Redefine “Productivity” (Because You’re Rocking It, Trust Me) If “productive” to you means completing 1,027 tasks in a day, then no wonder you’re feeling overwhelmed. Raising kids is the definition of productive—it just doesn’t look like neatly checked-off boxes on a to-do list. You’re shaping tiny humans here! Give yourself credit for the stuff that really matters: keeping them fed, safe, and occasionally brushing their hair. Action Tip: Create a daily “Mom Wins” list. Write down everything you did, from “hugged the toddler” to “didn’t lose my cool when the baby threw food on the floor.” You’ll be surprised at just how much you accomplish every single day. Because honestly, moms are superheroes—you just don’t wear a cape. 10. Make Self-Care Non-Negotiable (Because “You Time” Isn’t Selfish) I know, I know—you’ve heard it a million times: “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” But when exactly are you supposed to refill that cup when tiny humans are glued to you 24/7? The truth is, if you don’t take time for yourself, you’re headed straight for burnout-ville (population: one... unless you end up with multiple personalities). Self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant. It’s not just bubble baths and spa days. Self care is personal, whether it’s a 10-minute walk alone, hiding in your car to read in peace, or blasting music that doesn’t include Baby Shark for once. It’s about recharging your battery so you have something left to give. Remember, prioritizing yourself isn't just 'care'—it's how you stay strong as a mother. You wouldn't expect a car to run without gas; don't expect your soul to run without a break. Action Tip: Schedule one tiny thing you love every day—whether it’s a quick workout, a 10-minute journal session, or simply locking yourself in the bathroom to breathe. Treat it like a meeting with your boss (because happy mom = happier family). Keep it simple and make it happen. You deserve it. Motherhood is a crazy, messy, exhausting ride. But don’t let the chaos trick you into thinking you’re not doing an amazing job. You’re showing up every day, trying your best, and loving your kids the best way you know how. That’s what makes you a better mom—imperfections and all. 11. Stop Comparing Yourself to “Perfect” Moms on Instagram (They’re Faking It) Scrolling through social media, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only mom barely holding it together while everyone else has clean houses, smiling kids, and somehow always looks showered. If you haven't figured it out yet, it’s all filters and good angles. No one’s posting their kid’s epic meltdown or that pile of dishes they’re avoiding (although if we all did, perhaps we could end the mommy wars!). That same survey I mentioned in the beginning? Social media usage contributed increased negative feelings about being a bad parent! You’re comparing your messy reality to someone else’s highlight reel—and that’s a losing game. Action Tip: Mute or unfollow accounts that make you feel like crap, then take a second to appreciate your real life wins—like getting through an entire day without stepping on a LEGO. Now that’s impressive. Ivy’s Pro-Tip: If you feel like you’ve moved past 'tired' and into a place where you're constantly irritable and numb, you might be dealing with Depleted Mother Syndrome. This isn't a character flaw; it’s a physiological response to being the 'Default Parent' for too long. A strong mother knows when to raise her hand and say, 'I'm empty, and I need a real break.' Being a “better” mom isn’t about mastering every parenting hack, making gourmet meals, or keeping your house spotless (ha, as if!). It’s about showing up for your kids, even when you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and running on cold coffee and crumbs. It’s about loving them through the chaos and forgiving yourself when things don’t go as planned. If you’re trying your best—even if your “best” sometimes looks like bribing with screen time or serving cereal for dinner—you’re already doing an incredible job. So, cut yourself some slack, embrace the mess. Your kids don’t need a perfect mom; they just need you—the real, messy, loveable, trying-her-best you. Keep being awesome, one imperfect day at a time. So, how do you be a strong mother? You do it by showing up, even when you're scared. By apologizing when you're wrong. And by realizing that your strength isn't measured by a clean house, but by the fact that you keep going, one messy, beautiful day at a time. #### How To Be A Successful Stay At Home Mom Maybe I can't tell you exactly how to be a successful stay at home mom.  But, I can certainly give you 4 things you must do on your way to your own version of SAHM success. I'm not sure how you define "success" as a stay at home mom. I mean, at one time, I thought being a successful stay at home mom meant I was taking care of the kid, house, and husband and finding time to work some kind of work at home job.  That's partly why I started my stay at home mom blog.  Making a little extra income couldn't hurt right? Well, in the last couple years, I've realized the income is no where near as important as my job as a stay at home mom.  I was putting a lot of time and effort into finding ways to earn an extra income, and it was unnecessary. But truth be told, it was taking me from my family more and more. I'm not the best housekeeper in the first place, but more work meant less time working around the house.  Not to mention, trying to meet deadlines kind of stressed me out when the kids didn't want to work with me. And, I'm not insinuating that you're not a successful stay at home mom if you work from home.  And maybe you need to earn extra income in order to be at home with your family. It's just that, for me and my family, the extra income wasn't a necessity.  It just became a huge focal point that made me less successful at things that were more important to my family. If you were given the opportunity to define it, what would your how to be a successful stay at home mom tips be? Regardless of opinions of success, I think there are several things you must do if you want to be successful as a stay at home mom. How to Be a Successful Stay at Home Mom Prioritize In order to be a successful stay at home mom, you first need to figure our your priorities.  But, not just yours!  Discuss with your spouse what he believes to be priorities for your family. Have a discussion about what you both envision to be important to benefit the family as a whole.  If there are any disagreements, come to compromises. In our case, I thought earning income was a priority, but after some discussion, found out that it was a burden I had put upon myself.  My husband simply wanted me to take care of the home and family.  He wanted me to raise the kids with the values we both believe in, educate them, and take them out for experiences. If I was able to be a good wife and mother and still find the time and energy to work from home, that would be a bonus, but never was it a priority for him. Routine No matter your work status, staying at home successfully really takes a fairly consistent routine. For starters, children do best on routines.  Just one good reason why kids need routine is so they can get on a schedule.  This helps them fall asleep better at night.  But, knowing what to expect and teach them to look forward to things, just as examples. But, kids aren't the only ones who benefit from routines.  As a stay at home parent, being in a routine helps you stay consistent with cleaning, cooking, and getting the kids to and from school.  After factoring in all your daily requirements, you can build in fun with the family, practicing a little self care, and even when you can chill with the hubby. Want to work at home, too?  Not going to be easy if you don't have a relatively consistent schedule mapped out. Related: How to Effectively Keep Up With Your Family Schedule Delegate If there's one thing I've learned over the last 7 years as a stay at home mom, it's that I have to delegate tasks that others can handle. I'm a firm believer in doling out age appropriate chores to my children to teach them they have a responsibility to be productive members of the family.  The earlier they learn and build upon skills to become self-sufficient, the better they'll adjust when it's time to move out of the house. Just because I'm a stay at home mom, doesn't mean I'm a full time maid for children who are capable of helping around the house.  And, I never want them to get comfortable with me doing everything, because eventually, I want them to move out and not need me. Look, stay at home moms wear a lot of hats, so I wholeheartedly believe in delegating when you have too much on your plate. Take Time Off That one time I called sipping Starbucks while the kids took a bath "a break" Everyone who has a job gets some kind of time off, don't they?  A day or two a week is pretty much everyone's expectation and I know in recent years there's been a huge shift in those seeking more work-life balance. But, stay at home moms don't get work life balance, really.  Our days start early and can run pretty late.  Not to mention, our nights can be interrupted at any time with kids crying in the middle of the night. That's why it's extremely important to get your schedule in order and designate some downtime.  Pick a hobby and designate time once a day or once a week to give yourself something to look forward to. This is a great time to pick up a new hobby, expand on a current one, or simply visit a salon to get your hair done or have a massage. This year, I've made Saturdays my mandatory mom's day out.  I don't have a specific thing I do every Saturday, so it depends on what I feel like.  If I'm due for a hair cut, I'll do it.  If I just want to go out and shop, I will.  But, there were plenty of days I'd sit down at a restaurant working on the blog or hiding in corner of the library to work. Related: 7 Ways I Prioritized Myself and Ditched The Guilt When it's all said and done, I can't tell you how to be a successful stay at home mom 100% guaranteed.  Mainly because I don't know what you consider success. Is your measure of success having more fun with your family or do you need to get more cleaning done? Do you want to strictly be a stay at home mom, or are you actually going to work from home? The only thing I can tell you is this: You have to know your priorities, set a schedule, delegate what you can, and take some time off.  But these are just my tips on how to be a successful stay at home mom ... Or, at least get on track for stay at home mom success. Do you have any other suggestions on how to be a successful stay at home mom? #### How to Be More Careful About Offering Parenting Advice I’ve spent a good deal of time considering how to write this post.  I could have posted it from so many angles.  I began a long post blasting people for criticizing my parenting.  I started, yet another, explaining the reasons we don't need to apologize for how we raise our child.  There was a wealth of parenting advice (or judgement) thrown at me, whether I was seeking it, or not. I hadn't realized, when deciding to have children, that I was entering some sick, dog-eat-dog world of parenting.  I’ve been disturbed by some of the judgment my husband and I have received regarding the way we parent our child.  We’ve been questioned about how we handle even silly things (like "Why do you still give her a sippy cup?" when kiddo was two and we didn't want her walking around the house spilling drinks) and have been openly called “strict” parents.  We've been threatened with “she’s going to feel like she can’t talk to you.”  All this from parents we believe are far too lenient and have, seemingly, no expectations of their children.  I'm even more bothered that the worst of it comes from people closest to us. My husband and I both agree on our parenting and discipline styles, and we discuss (sometimes argue ... if we're telling the truth) when we don’t necessarily agree or wonder if we’re doing something wrong.  But, we’re happy with how our daughter is turning out and we both consider ourselves partners in raising our daughter to become a healthy, happy, confident, and productive member of society. I really wanted to post my dissatisfaction and disgust with being judged as a parent by parents who, in my eyes, weren’t doing it right either.  That made me realize I was guilty of judging just as much as they were.  While I wasn’t coming out saying the thoughts running through my head, I was still as guilty of judging them.  I was only slightly better, in my mind, because I wasn't giving a mother a reason to question her decisions with her kid. So, instead, I decided to make this a learning experience and social experiment, and took the opportunity to attempt to correct the problem, one step at a time.  I began to think of all the ways I’d been just as unfair and really started to feel bad. The first thing I had to do was to apologize to my brother-in-law for calling him out on empty threats to the kids' inappropriate behaviors in his own home.  I originally defended my outburst with the very real excuse that my pregnancy had made me extra cranky (bitchy, if you will).  And while, I was overly irritated with the empty threats, it was no excuse for being impolite to the man in his own home.  So, I finally messaged him with an apology. It was an awkward feeling, especially knowing it didn’t affect him, but it felt good to clear my conscience.  It felt good doing what was right instead of simply letting it go and continuing to justify my actions for whatever excuses I had.  And, it made me feel good knowing I did something I wish others would do. [tweetthis twitter_handles="@sahmplusblog"]4 questions to ask before offering unsolicited parenting advice[/tweetthis] 4 questions to ask yourself before sharing unsolicited parenting advice Am I perfect? Are my children perfect? Did this person ask for my input? Does this instance have a chance of negatively impacting me, my family, or my personal belongings? I add #4 - not as a way to allow yourself to offer parenting advice, but as a way to allow yourself to say something when your family or your house (car, dog, etc) is being disrespected.  #4 is your right to protect your family, not your right to correct someone's parenting. I’m human.  I understand thoughts are going to cross our minds.  That doesn’t mean we need to speak them.  We don’t need to disrespect, or undermine, another parent’s authority.  We shouldn't be creating doubt in the minds of mothers and fathers who are doing their best to maintain a level of sanity they can handle in their homes. My personal opinion is that we’re all screwing up our children in our own ways, so mind your own business.  As parents, we should be supporting each other, and that’s not achieved by disrespecting, questioning, and tearing each other down.  Let's not make the already hard job of parenting even more difficult by being against each other.  We all share a common goal, and that’s to raise our children the best way we know how … maybe we can even do so with a little sanity left.  Did you slip up and question or criticize someone's parenting?   Apologize!  I don't care if you offer up your excuses to try to justify yourself, or tell me that you realized you criticized me for something you did similarly later on.  I can't tell you how much it would mean to me if you'd just own up to being rude or inconsiderate. When parenting styles are drastically different There are some people who are raising their children very differently than we do our own.  Remembering it's not okay to judge someone's parenting doesn't mean it's okay to subject yourself or your child to inappropriate behaviors.  I've struggled with how to handle them and found two ways that work for our family. 1) Reduce contact and visitation with those families - less time with them means less time they have to leave a lasting negative impact on my child's upbringing. 2) Don't invite them into my home - destructive behaviors, poor discipline, and general lack of respect or concern for other's belongings means you're not invited into my home, or at least not very often. By following these rules, I've saved myself quite a bit of stress.  I don't have to worry about certain kids breaking our house rules or mistreating our belongings.  And, negative impacts can happen outside our home, where I can easily explain that different families accept different behaviors and live by different rules. #### How To Be More Comfortable Breastfeeding in Public Don't think you can breastfeed in public comfortably?  I've got a few tips to help you overcome uneasy feelings when breastfeeding in public. No matter your schedule, you'll likely find that your newborn is very portable and easy to comfort wherever you go.  A breastfed baby can be even easier, in my opinion.  There are no bottles and formula to carry when it's time for your baby to eat. Unfortunately, many women worry about breastfeeding in public.  This worry about nursing publicly is often worse than the actual breastfeeding experience, in general.  Typically, however, you'll find that the only people who notice you feeding your baby are other mothers who are doing the same thing, or have been in your shoes. The alternative is to stay home around your baby's breastfeeding schedule or to lock yourself in a bathroom to hide.  But, as a mother of two children, I can attest that your baby's schedule isn't always predictable, staying home that often means you become a recluse, and a public bathroom usually isn't the most comfortable space. If you're not sure you can comfortably breastfeed in public, but do want to breastfeed, here are a few things you can consider. It is Possible to Breastfeed in Public Comfortably First thing first, you need to know how to breastfeed your baby.  It will be difficult to nurse publicly if you're struggling to get your baby to latch, so get the breastfeeding help you need.  Practice breastfeeding at home as much as possible the first week.  Establishing a good breastfeeding routine and working on an appropriate latch will go a long way in helping you to become more confident in your skills to breastfeed in public. Ask a friend to shield you You can ask your spouse or friend to stand in front of you to shield your body from roaming eyes.  As you lift your shirt from the waist to get your baby latched, your friend can stand or sit in front of you to keep anyone from accidentally seeing you. At this point, lift your baby close to your body and then lift your shirt from the waist, to minimize exposing yourself to the world.  Once your baby is latched, you can pull your shirt down close to her face.  Your baby's body will cover most of your exposed skin. I found that wearing a snap-down nursing tank, like these from Undercover Mama, under a regular t-shirt helped prevent tons of exposed skin and reduced the chances of accidentally exposing more of myself than I'd like. Cover Up I never really became totally comfortable with breastfeeding in public unless I was covered.  If you're still not comfortable, find a lightweight blanket or nursing cover to help cover your baby and body while nursing. This is a fabulous way to nurse away from home if your baby allows you to cover up.  Additionally, a cover can prevent your baby from becoming distracted while nursing. Learn to breastfeed in a carrier A post shared by Ivy | Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Jan 25, 2017 at 9:40am PST After an instance with a family member who tried to shuttle me into a room away from everyone to breastfeed, I quickly learned to breastfeed in a carrier.  This was  one of the reasons I feel made my second breastfeeding experience better. Once you choose the perfect carrier and become comfortable with it, you can experiment with different carry positions and learn to breastfeed in one.  When your baby is ready to nurse, simply place her in your carrier and adjust so she doesn't have to work too hard to nurse.  My favorite carrier was the Boba 4G, which I found comfortable in all carry positions, including breastfeeding in public. Turn Away If you haven't mastered the other skills, you could turn away from people when your baby first latches.  Once you and your baby are comfortable, you can turn back around or cover up first before facing people. Still Want More Privacy for Breastfeeding in Public? If you're still wanting more privacy, it's okay to excuse yourself to nurse in an empty room if you're at someone else's house. Another alternative is to breastfeed in your car, however, I never found this very comfortable and still sometimes worried about wondering eyes.  But, in a pinch, moms do what needs to be done. Finally, you can still choose a public restroom.  I never really recommend this, however many public restrooms are becoming much more family friendly.  Most offer a changing table and sometimes a chair.  Shopping malls and other public places are starting to offer mother's rooms for breastfeeding or pumping moms.  These are great options for sensitive babies who are too easily distracted to nurse well in public. An Alternative to Public Breastfeeding If you just can't get comfortable with breastfeeding in public, there's an alternative.  You can offer your baby expressed or pumped breast milk in a bottle.  Just remember that offering artificial nipples in the first few weeks of your baby's life can possibly contribute to nipple confusion.  This can interfere with the breastfeeding relationship between you and baby. As in any parenting situation, you should always do what works best for you and your baby.  Breastfeeding in public may take a few weeks to get used to as you and baby both will have to learn together.  However, the more you practice, the more confident you'll become in your ability to comfortably nurse in public. It should also be noted that if you don't feel comfortable breastfeeding in a certain location, don't force yourself.  Remind yourself that your baby can sense when you're uneasy and will react accordingly.  If you're feeling confident and comfortable, your baby will be also. With these tips, I'm sure you'll be comfortable to breastfeed in public in no time. This post originally appeared on this site March 2018 and has been updated. #### How to Blow Blog Traffic Goals Out of the Water December was an overwhelmingly exciting month in blogging for me.  Well, underwhelming in some ways, honestly.  I didn't score any sponsored blogging opportunities for the month of December.  Income during the month was measly ... I might be able to buy a couple lattes at Starbucks.  But, the time I've spent educating myself since I re-branded this blog has been paying off. In the nearly 6 months since I've been blogging under SAHM, plus... December was the biggest month for me in the way of blog traffic.  Like, over 20% increase in page views versus any month ever in the 5 or so years I've been blogging.  So, I thought I would share what I've learned and done differently. The thing is, I wrote a list of goals for 2017, and at the end of December 2016, I had already blown my blog traffic goals out of the water.  I wanted to see 5,000 or more page views in a month.  Toward the end of December, I'd already reached over 7,500.  I know this is still small-time for some (and likely big-time for others), but I'm ecstatic that I can update my goal list for 2017 with a success BEFORE we'd even reached 2017!  Of course, that just meant I needed to update my goals list  to a much larger goal to reach by the end of 2017. What did I do to exceed my blog traffic goals so quickly? For starters, I invested a decent amount of time going through the Learn to Blog Hangouts courses I purchased.  (I became an affiliate for Learn to Blog Hangouts after seeing results.  And, the wealth of knowledge I've received from these courses.  I've included my affiliate links here!)  In one month using Skyrocket Blog Pageviews using Google Analytics, I doubled my regular traffic.  Since then, I'd also began using Dominate the Search Engines Using Google Analytics.  I'm not sure whether or not that particular book as helped yet, or how much of it has increased my traffic.  But, it's definitely given me some important tips for SEO. I also watched my blog traffic explode in other ways.  I've been networking and researching.  And, I employed a few strategies, both good and bad, to help me with my blog traffic goals.  For 2016, I simply wanted to see a slow rise.  In November, I had reached over 3,200 page views and, as I said before, end of December reached over 7,500.  Networking and learning about social media really had a major impact in my traffic. Top Blog Traffic Stats from Pinterest Pinterest has been my top traffic referring social media channel in December.  Not by just a little bit.  It drummed up over 60% of my referrals to my site.  I know it's not good to have all my eggs in one basket (and that's sort of what it feels like happened).  Still, there are some things to note about the change. What changed with Pinterest? For starters, nothing, that I know of changed with Pinterest itself.  I told myself I was going to spend 6 months working to improve my Instagram knowledge.  Instead, I somehow got caught up on Pinterest.  Learning more than I ever really thought I could learn.  And there's probably still more I could do!  Sorry Instagram, but the inability to post direct links doesn't help me much right now. The changes I made to using Pinterest were: Creating optimally sized Pinterest images in my posts.  I have personally found that 735 px x 1102 px has worked for me.  This sizing was recommended on this Pinterest pin and have, generally, stuck with it.  And, I plan to experiment with other sizing in the future, mainly sticking with the taller than wider format, which seems to be preferred. Became more deliberate about descriptions.  Aside from (hopefully) well worded titles, it's been extremely important to remember to include a thorough description using keywords before pinning to any board.  I find that more detailed descriptions allow me to use more searchable key words. Pinned to a main blog board, then re-pinned.  One thing I learned in a blogging group is that you should first pin your content to one board.  I choose to start with the single pin to my SAHM, plus posts Pinterest board.  Then, I re-pin that pin to several different (relevant) boards. Stopped just re-pinning my images.  Now, I use Tailwind scheduling.  Tailwind allows me to schedule my (and other bloggers') pins at optimal times throughout the day.  A quick 15 minute session can yield as many as 40 scheduled pins. Promoted pins through Tailwind Tribes.  I'm part of several tribes and have started my own Mommy Bloggers Tribe on Tailwind.  The purpose is to help each other gain more exposure to pins.  This helps me pin more relevant content that my followers might enjoy, other than my own.  And, it helps me to consistently fill up my scheduling que. Would you like to increase your Pinterest Traffic? This is your invitation to join my Tailwind Tribe, Mommy Bloggers Tribe!  As your admin, I try to re-pin each pin once to two different relevant Pinterest boards.  As a member, I only require that you re-pin 1 for every pin you leave. Joining my Tailwind Tribe is free.  If, however, you enjoy scheduling your pins for the best traffic reach, you can get a FREE month of Tailwind Plus using my referral link.  If you sign up for Plus after using my referral link, it will give me a $15 credit toward my existing Plus plan! Second Best Traffic Referral StumbleUpon has come in second place for the month of December, bringing in nearly 14% of my traffic.  It dropped from my first place traffic referral source in November.  Why? I was stumbling my own posts and hadn't really participated in any other stumbling as I was just learning about the site.  So, my posts weren't seeing as much traffic. As soon as I learned not to stumble my own posts, I began seeing an immediate spike in traffic again.  Too little too late though.  Now that I know better, I'm hoping StumbleUpon helps me to meet my new 2017 blog traffic goals!  I just have to figure out what that new number will be. Tied For Third Place Referral Facebook and Twitter, within roughly half a percent, are my third best social referral networks bringing little more than 12%, each.  Not surprisingly, these two are my least active communities.  I love Facebook for the ease of use ... because who isn't on Facebook?!?!  But, Facebook just isn't nice about allowing my content to reach many of my fans.  Eventually, I might figure it out. What tactics do you use to meet or exceed your blog traffic goals? #### How to Build Artistic Interests in Toddlers with a Simple Craft Get ready to expand artistic interests in toddlers with this simple homemade salt dough recipe.  A guest post by Thena of Hodgepodge Hippie. Life of a toddler can be simple, right?  They seem to know what they want, when they want it and have no trouble effectively vocalizing that.  My toddler? Every day.  All day.  24/7.  She just wants art projects.    ANYTHING  dealing with art.  Does it involve paint?  Awesome.  Glitter?  The best! (for her...not me necessarily. ;-))  Can she craft, mold and design something unique?  She's game.  The artistic interests of my toddler never cease to amaze me. We have done so many amazing crafts in our home.  We spent countless hours creating anything that we can add our "special" touch to.  As she has grown, her coloring skills have advanced and she has moved on to wanting to use things other than colors such as gel pens and colored pencils.  The joy she gets out of discovering new art supplies brings a smile to my face as well.  Who doesn't love a nicely sharpened, unused colored pencil?? Recently, we discovered one of the coolest, funnest and easiest art projects to date.  Homemade salt dough.  Seriously, though...this craft project is beyond simple. First off, it's literally only 3 ingredients.  Salt, water and flour.  Staples in most people's houses, right?   And the options are endless on what to do with this amazing artistic mold.  Ornaments?  Sure!  Figures?  Absolutely.  Hand print molds?  You betcha.  Our favorite?  Making the mold base, then grabbing cookie cutters, making shapes and painting away. We LOVE to make homemade gifts with this.  We have given birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, you name it.  Who doesn't love something homemade and from the heart? Best part?  You are enhancing, supporting and engaging artistic interests in toddlers by opening up new avenues to different crafts.  So, what are you waiting for?  The recipe for this awesome craft?  Check it out below! Homemade Salt Dough Recipe 4 cups flour 1 1/2 cups water 1 cup salt (Yep, you read that right...that's the only 3 ingredients!!) Preheat the oven to 300.  Mix the ingredients together until well combined. Make sure to place on a lightly floured surface once complete and start having fun!!! Encourage artistic interests in toddlers by allowing creative freedom Grab the [easyazon_link identifier="B001D1FJ2E" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="y" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]cookie cutters[/easyazon_link], the paint, the glitter....We cut the shapes out and have actually painted before and after the baking.  Both worked fine either way! Once done decorating, pop 'em in the oven for 30 minutes or until dried out and hardened. Remind your toddler that they will be fragile and hot once removing from the oven. And again, have fun with this.  Allowing your toddler to express their artistic interests is so important in the growth of their curiosity in art.  Have fun, pull up a chair next to them and have a sporadic art class at home.  You will love it as much as them! Bio:   I'm a lover of all things life.  My family is my priority and exploring the beautiful chaos of life together is a journey that we love to tackle every day.  I currently spend my time blogging on my own personal blog, Hodgepodge Hippie, while sipping coffee and trying to read every good book ever written.  You can also find me on Pinterest as well pinning away at all things food, frugal living and family.  <3                 Related Kids Who Love Art Will Really Want These 13 Gifts 4 Tools to Engage Early Writing and Artistic Interests #### How To Catch a Lizard In The House Would you think you need to know how to catch a lizard in the house as part of your homemaking duties?  Well, when no one else is home, it's up to you! I don't know about you, but I'm seriously not cool with lizards.   Well, at least not in the house.  And not near me. I mean, it's not like I hate them.  I have a healthy enough respect for them and wouldn't like to hurt or kill one, you know?  Not intentionally, anyway. But, in the heat of the moment, when I'm surprised by a lizard in the house, I won't be held responsible for my actions.  Sometimes logic isn't my strong suit depending on how I've been surprised. So, the other day, I was busy with my housekeeping and moved my trash can to hand-wash the tile floor.  I noticed a strange spot on the back of the trashcan that looked like the black plastic had been cut and peeled up.  You know how plastic looks when it's been cut, right? When I bent over to inspect the area, the lizard ran. I jumped. My heart was racing. Oh my god.  How do I catch this lizard in my house? My expert lizard catcher (Shelby, our seven year old daughter) wasn't home.  And, I wasn't planning on touching him.  So, I had to remember how to catch a lizard in the house on my own! Wanna know my secret to catching a lizard without touching it? How to Catch a Lizard in the House Now this is just one of several methods of catching a lizard inside.  It's the only method I've ever used because I've always needed to catch a lizard quickly to get him out of the house fast! Supplies Needed to Catch a Lizard Gloves (if you don't want to touch the lizard) Paper plate (something sturdy like these) Clear plastic bowl or cup (choose something with straight edges to ensure a good seal on a flat surface)  I typically use old Rubbermaid containers to catch a lizard in the house! Scissors (to cut the lip off  your plate to make a flat edge) Instructions This is how I catch a lizard in the house, especially because I don't have to touch it! If at all possible, keep an eye on the location of your lizard.  This method is only useful if you actually know where your lizard is! Cut the rounded edge off the paper plate so that there's enough room to slide it under your bowl or cup. Now, gather your plate and bowl (or cup). First, trap your lizard by placing the bowl or cup over him.  Make no mistake ... you must be fast to catch a lizard in the house. Next, slide the paper plate under the bowl.  You'll need to do it slowly so that the lizard tries to step onto the plate.  Be sure to slide it completely under the bowl, so there's no path of escape for the lizard. Keep one hand over the bowl and the other hand under the plate. Walk it over to the door and set it down gently. Open the door. Carefully grab the bowl and plate so as not to create a gap, walk it outside, then open the side away from you toward the area you want the lizard to go to. Congratulations!  You now know how to catch a lizard in the house and remove him without touching him. How to catch a lizard in the house without touching it originally appeared on Sept 12, 2018. Update:  My lizard loving daughter asked us to let her have a pet lizard. At first, I wondered "if I'm teaching people how to catch a lizard in the house without touching it, how am I going to handle having a lizard as a pet?" Well, she and my husband were rather convincing and we got a pet lizard.  And, I learned to not only touch, but hold her!  Watch my daughter's first video about her new pet! #### How to Celebrate American Heart Month As a parent (and wife) with health issues, it's important to me that I do things to help me stick around longer for my family.  So I'm sharing tips to help you celebrate American Heart Month! Hello February! This is the time of year you're thinking about love, roses, and candy.  If you're into Valentine's Day, that is. Though I'm not anti-Valentine's Day, I'm not all giddy about it either.  A day dedicated to help people remember to show love to one another just seems so commercial.  I'll take my flowers any random day of the year, thank you.  Plus, it's not like it's exciting going out to dinner with longer wait times as the rest of the world goes out to eat, too. But, if we're going to talk about matters of the heart, it makes sense that American Hearth Month is in February, doesn't it? Did you know over 600,000 people in the U.S. die of heart disease every year? So, let's talk about our hearts and why we should celebrate American Heart Month! Why aren't we taking better care of ourselves and doing what we can to protect against heart disease?  Why wouldn't we do this not only to practice self-love, but also to make sure we're sticking around longer for our families? How can you celebrate American Heart Month and practice some self-love?  Let's see .... 5 Ways to Celebrate American Heart Month As a mom who suffers with autoimmunity (Hashimoto's Disease) and prior history of risk of heart disease, this subject hits home for me significantly.  Health is at the forefront of many of my decisions on living a healthy lifestyle for my family. After being diagnosed with Hashimoto's, I fell head first into a health nut world like I'd never have imagined I'd get into.  Over the last few years, I've made dietary and overall lifestyle changes in an effort to improve my quality of life, with a relatively good amount of success. Exercise Physical activity lowers your risk for certain heart disease.  If it's been a while since you've been active, start slow.  My favorite way to get started with exercise is taking a gentle yoga class at the gym.  You could also ask a coach or your physician what kind of exercises are recommended when you're just starting out. Not all forms of exercise have to feel like torture, either.  Taking a stroll in the neighborhood or swimming can be gentle and fun. Heck, those dance parties you have in the kitchen with the kids ... that counts, too.  And yes, I've convinced myself I'm not the only one that dances like a doofus in the kitchen... and my kids are young enough that it's still fun for them. Know Your Risk Factors Aging and your sex have plenty to do with heart disease risk factors.  Knowing your risks can help you to understand steps you may need to take to lower your chances of developing or exacerbating heart problems. Get a Check Up Celebrate American Heart Month by scheduling a check up with your doctor.  Most doctors require an annual exam for insurances reasons anyway, but if it's been a while, consider having lab work and a physical exam done. Now is the perfect time to ask your doctor what kind of physical activity routine he/she would suggest if you're just getting started. Eat Healthily Lowering your intake of fat, salt, sugar and cholesterol are standard suggestions for reducing risks of cardiovascular disease. Want to know an extremely easy way to reduce your intake of ALL those bad things at once?  Cook at home more often for a healthier diet. Though I can't locate information to prove this, from personal experience, after having gone Gluten and Dairy Free, my lipid panels have been in range for a few years.  I no longer have doctors telling me I need to be on statin drugs to lower my cholesterol.  And, if we're being honest, I don't have much willpower when it comes to junk food and sweets.  And yeah, I eat burgers a lot! But, at the same time, we cook at home (and little to know boxed or pre-made foods) about 5 nights a week, so there is that.  One of my favorite ways to eat healthier was discussed in my PlateJoy Review! Reduce Stress What does stress and heart health have to to with one another? Well, stress is toxic to our bodies.  But, stress can increase blood pressure directly.  Indirectly, stress can lead to unhealthy habits like making poor food choices, smoking, physical inactivity, and/or overeating. By reducing stress, you can reduce your cardiovascular disease risk factors, and it doesn't take a whole lot. Did you know that 6 minutes of reading a day can reduce stress by 68 percent? Other ways to reduce stress can include exercising, finding a healthy hobby, reducing caffeine intake, getting more sleep, and letting go of unimportant items on a to-do list. Want a good way to reduce stress?  Visit a spa for a massage or other relaxing service.  Right now, Save 12% off on Spa & Wellness Gift Cards by Spa Week valued at $25+ Use Code:HeartHealth12 #### How To Cope When Baby Is Late 4 things you need to know when your baby is late.  Plus, 5 ways to cope with the depression of an overdue pregnancy. Here you are, past your due date.  Or maybe you're approaching your due date without a single sign of labor.  Your doctor is beginning to discuss induction or you're wondering "Can I ask to be induced?" Family and friends are all asking questions.  More than likely, you've reached that point in the pregnancy that we all get to.  At the end, you're just done.  No matter how much you may (or may not) have enjoyed your pregnancy to this point, it just needs to be over.  The anticipation is beginning to get the best of everyone.  They're all excited to meet your new baby.  The end is hard for all pregnant women.  But, what if your pregnancy is nearing the end?  Even worse, what if the baby is late? Stay calm!  Learn how to cope when your baby is overdue! As a mom whose second baby was 13 days past due, I can sympathize with you.  My experience with a late baby, while extremely trying, gives me the chance to tell you what you should actually be doing during this really frustrating time. What to do when your baby is late 4 things to know if baby is late #pregnancy #baby #overdue Share on X If your baby is late, there are four things you need to know first.  Then, I'll share five tips for dealing with disappointment.  And, if you're looking for more, I'll offer you a free printable with 27 things to do to help take your mind off things when you're overdue! Familiarize yourself with what is actually late Share on X Let's start with the fact that whatever due date you were given was an estimate.  Your due date is not an exact date of expected delivery.  The human body doesn't follow a schedule as set by your doctor.  According to this article, only about 5% of babies actually arrive on their due date. At the time that I gave birth to my son, ACOG standards allowed for me to hold off on medical induction of labor until 42 weeks.  That's when they consider your pregnancy to be overdue.  Of course, there isn't much they can do to force you into induction if you're still not ready, and confident everything is okay. You may agree to extra monitoring When this happened to me, I agreed to have an extra ultrasound.  I'd refused them in the last months after we did the anatomy scan.  But, once we became very late, I didn't mind checking to make sure everything was going well.  The baby was still growing, his heartbeat was fine, and the fluids were all perfect.   Be careful to not make rash decisions based on results without thinking them over and consulting with someone else if you're feeling unsure about the results of the tests. Facing induction? Hoping for a natural birth? Know your Bishop Score before agreeing to an induction! #naturalbirth #childbirth #pregnancy Share on X Before agreeing on an induction make sure you're actually considered late- or post-term.  If there is any miscalculation in the due date, your baby may not truly be ready.   Additionally, be sure to get your Bishop score to determine the chance of successful induction.  Your doctor will do an examination and discuss his/her findings to calculate the score.  Know that, if you're hoping for a vaginal delivery, your Bishop score needs to be 8 or greater.  A score of 6 or less means you're less likely to succeed at vaginal delivery if you are induced. Can I asked to be induced? 7 Things to consider first! Plus free printable Bishop Score Calculator. Get baby in position If your baby hasn't turned head down, assuming you have time, get him turned.  If the baby is already head down, be sure your posture allows the baby to get into position for labor.  According to Spinning Babies, head down is not enough. Image Source: SpinningBabies.com But aside from the not-fun part of being overdue, let's talk about how to cope with the depression you may experience if your baby is late. How to maintain sanity when your pregnancy is overdue Share on X So, how do you cope when you're overdue? As I said previously, my second baby was 13 days late.  I'd love for you to read about why he was late and how I escaped medical induction.  I PROMISE it's worth the read! Anyway, 13 days late is an awful lot of time when you're tired of being pregnant.  It's also overwhelming when people are constantly saying or doing things to make you think about how late he is.  Since I'm all about natural childbirth, dealing with the Doctor really pushing for induction was beyond stressful.  After being about a week late, everything was irritating me, making me more miserable, and I was really on edge.  I had to find sanity and a better mental place than I had been in.  These are my tips for when you need to beat the stress of your overdue pregnancy. If you like my suggestions, don't forget to join my newsletter to receive a free printable of 27 recommended ways to cope when you're overdue and your baby is late. How to Cope When You're Overdue [mc4wp_form id="757"] Rest and relax Oh my gosh, this one is hard.  But, when you can, just rest or take a nap.  Really soon, you're going to be sleep-deprived, so take any chance you can get to work in some naps! Finish prep Clean clothes, put linens on the bed, organize the nursery ... whatever you haven't done yet, slowly try to finish.  If you're preparing freezer meals, keep at it as much as possible.  When you're done with a task, take another nap ... hehe.   Pamper yourself Get a prenatal massage (of course, with someone who specializes in such a thing).  Or get a manicure or haircut. Spend quiet time with your family This was so special to me!  I was at a breaking point and I needed to take my mind off everything to do with my pregnancy.  I demanded a movie night with my husband and daughter.  As soon as hubby got off work, we rushed out for a quick dinner at Five Guys.  Then, we had our first in-theater movie night with our 4-year-old.  It was one of the best nights I'd had in months and I didn't once think about my really late baby.  Just do something you can all enjoy and try not to think about the pregnancy. Stop responding to questions If the constant barrage of texts, emails, or phone calls is really getting to you, stop answering them.  I put out an urgent message on Facebook for all my friends and family.  In it, I let them know that I was taking a leave of absence from social media and from my phone.  When my baby arrived, I promised to let everyone know, but until then, I needed peace and quiet.  Maintaining (or rebuilding) a positive attitude was more important than the temporary upset I was creating by not answering their calls.  I promise, they'll forget all about how upset they were with you once they receive word that the baby has arrived! Tell me: If you've ever been there, can you offer more advice for a woman whose baby is late?  What are more stress-relieving ideas when baby is overdue? #### How to Create the Perfect Dinosaur Themed Bathroom for Little Kids When your kids are obsessed with dinosaurs, you begin to look into creating the perfect dinosaur themed bathroom for little kids. Over 10 suggestions to start your search for dinosaur bathroom stuff! I'm getting tired of the kids' bathroom!  It's been blue and silver for several years.  Too many years to even remember how long because we moved all the stuff from the old house to this one.  And we've been here 4 years.  It's really kind of embarrassing to admit that in public. So, what do you consider doing when you have two kids who love dinosaurs?  Start picking out dinosaur themed bathroom stuff, of course! Over 10 Ideas to Create a Dinosaur Themed Bathroom for Little Kids Dinosaur Shower Curtains To create a new look for a bathroom, I always start with selecting a shower curtain!  If you want the perfect dinosaur themed bathroom for kids, start with a dinosaur shower curtain and get accessories to accentuate it. I'm undecided on the shower curtains ... Tell me: Which of these would help me start the best dinosaur themed bathroom for little kids? Poedist 4 Pc Dinosaur Shower Curtain Set I like this one because it's a cute start for the younger kids who love dinosaurs, but maybe aren't quite ready for the realistic looking ones. Riyidecor Dinosaurs Shower Curtain In my opinion this is the perfect dinosaur shower curtain for toddlers and preschoolers.  Even elementary school aged kids may like it. Dinosaur Shower Curtain by Ambesonne I'm undecided between this and the previous set for my kids, to be honest.  This one reminds me of the cartoon movie The Land Before Time.  I used to love it as a kid. Dinosaurs in Space Shower Curtain If you have a space-loving kid who also happens to love dinoaurs, try out this mixed-theme shower curtain!  Honestly, I'm diggin' it! Dinosaur Themed Bathroom Accessories Iron Dinosaur Paper Towel Holder I like this, though I read that it's not extremely functional because it doesn't hold much.  But, I think it's an adorable addition to a dinosaur themed bathroom if you have some extra space. Funny Dinosaur Bath Mat A realistic dinosaur wearing a shower cap and a shower puff hanging from his mouth is peaking out of the shower curtain in this comical bath mat. Dinosaur Quick Dry Bath Math A brightly colored, yet still simple dinosaur bath mat and it's quick dry!  What could be better for a kid's bathroom? Personalized Dinosaur Print Waste Basket If you only have one little kid, having a personalized dinosaur wastebasket could be a great addition to your dinosaur themed bathroom! Dinosaur Bath Towels and Robes for Little Kids A dinosaur themed bathroom for little kids isn't complete without the perfect accessory.  Don't forget the towels that turn your children into dinosaurs themselves, of course! Baby Aspen, Splash-a-Saurus Dinosaur Hooded Bath Robe This hooded bathrobe is an adorable baby accessory to add to the dinosaur themed bathroom for little kids.   This is available for babies 0-9 months. Premium Hooded Dinosaur Towel for Kids This hooded towel is more for the 1 - 6 year old dinosaur loving crowd. Dinosaur Themed Bathroom Toys Dinosaur Bathtub Water Squirt Toys Okay, I know we're all afraid of molding bath squirt toys.  My recommendation is to buy these cute little squirt toys to add to the dinosaur fun in the tub and use them a few times, then toss them when you're concerned about mold build up. Magic Creations Bath Play Set, Dinosaurs We have a similar set of bath toys in sea life.  These things stick to the wall or the tub once they're wet.  And, they have a handy mesh bag for storage that you could hang on the shower wall with a set of suction cup hangers. Your kids will love creating their own jurassic scenes in the tub of their newly designed dinosaur themed bathroom. What do you think of this dinosaur bathroom stuff? Tell me: what are your favorites in this collection of ideas to create a dinosaur themed bathroom for little kids? #### How to Deal with Sleep Regression Want to know how to deal with sleep regression? We've got the tips you need to get your baby's sleep back on track and to get the rest you need. As a parent, it can be incredibly frustrating when your baby suddenly starts waking up more frequently at night or having difficulty falling asleep. This phenomenon is known as sleep regression, and it can happen at various ages. It's important to understand that sleep regression is a normal part of your baby's development, and it usually passes on its own. But in the meantime, you may be wondering how to deal with it. In this article, we'll explore how to deal with sleep regression and what not to do during this period. How Long Does a Sleep Regression Last? One of the most common questions parents have about sleep regression is how long it will last. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. Sleep regression can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the cause and severity of the regression. Some babies may experience multiple regressions, while others may only experience one. The good news is that sleep regression usually passes on its own, and with a little patience and consistency, you and your baby will soon be back to getting the restful sleep you both need. How to Deal with Sleep Regressions While sleep regression can be a frustrating experience, there are steps you can take to help your baby through it. Here are some tips for dealing with sleep regression: Stick to a Consistent Routine Babies thrive on routine, so it's important to stick to a consistent schedule as much as possible during a sleep regression. This means maintaining regular wake-up and bedtime routines, as well as nap times. Keeping a consistent routine can help your baby feel more secure and comfortable during this period of change. Be Patient Sleep regression can be a trying time for both you and your baby, but it's important to remain patient and understanding. Remember that this is a normal part of your baby's development, and that they will eventually return to their regular sleep patterns. In the meantime, try to be as supportive and comforting as possible. Offer Comfort During sleep regression, your baby may wake up more frequently or have difficulty falling asleep. Offering comfort can help soothe your baby and make them feel more secure. This can include cuddling, singing, or even just holding their hand. Remember that your baby is going through a period of change and needs your support. Create a Soothing Environment Creating a soothing environment can also help your baby through sleep regression. This can include using a sound machine or white noise to create a calming atmosphere, using a nightlight to provide a soft glow, or even just making sure your baby's room is at a comfortable temperature. A soothing environment can help your baby relax and feel more comfortable during this period of change. What Not to Do During Sleep Regression While there are things you can do to help your baby through sleep regression, there are also things you should avoid. Here are some things that you should not do during sleep regression: Don't introduce new sleep habits: It's important to stick to your baby's regular sleep routine as much as possible during sleep regression. Don't introduce new sleep habits or change your baby's routine, as this can make sleep regression worse. Don't overstimulate your baby: It's important to avoid overstimulating your baby, especially during bedtime. This means avoiding bright lights, loud noises, and lots of activity before bedtime. Stick to a calm and quiet routine to help your baby wind down. Don't let your baby cry it out: While it may be tempting to let your baby cry it out during sleep regression, this can make things worse. Your baby needs your comfort and reassurance during this time, so make sure to respond to their needs and provide them with the support they need to get through this phase. Don't compare your baby to others: Every baby is different, and there is no "right" way for babies to sleep. Don't compare your baby's sleep patterns to others, and don't put pressure on yourself or your baby to meet certain sleep expectations. Don't abandon your baby's routine: While it can be tempting to abandon routines during your baby's sleep regression, this can make the problem worse. Babies thrive on routine, so maintaining an consistent schedule is key to helping them feel secure and comfortable during this period of change. Don't give up: Sleep regressions can be frustrating experiences, but it's important to remember that it's temporary. Don't give up on helping your baby through this period of change. With patience, consistency and support, you and your baby will soon be back to getting the rest you both need. Remember, sleep regression is a normal part of your baby's development, and it will eventually pass. By being patient, consistent, and supportive, you can help your baby through this phase and get back to restful nights of sleep. Dealing with sleep regression can be a challenging experience for both babies and parents. But with patience, consistency, and support, you can help your baby through this phase and get back to restful nights of sleep. Remember to stick to your baby's regular sleep routine, offer comfort and reassurance, and avoid overstimulation and pressure. And if you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician or a sleep specialist for additional support and guidance. With the right approach, you and your baby will soon be sleeping peacefully through the night again. Continue reading our guide to sleep regressions: Sleep Regression: What is It and What to Expect 4 Signs of Sleep Regression to Watch For Sleep Regression Ages Why Does Sleep Regression Happen? How to Deal with Sleep Regression (this post) #### How to Do Weekly Grocery Shopping for Your Family Here's some advice for homemaking success.  Tips for saving yourself time doing weekly grocery shopping for your family!! Have you ever been the person who decides what you're having for dinner tonight sometime during the day?  Maybe you still are that person.  What happens on those days?  You think a lot about what you want to cook and then you have to run to the store to buy everything you need.  The grocery trip alone, once you factor in drive time, is going to take at least 30 minutes from your day.  It may not seem like a lot, but if you do this every day of the week (not counting for the 1 day minimum you go out to eat), you waste approximately 3 hours every week (assuming you're cooking at home 6 out of 7 days). If you've been following along this month, I taught you how to meal plan for your family.  Next, in the series of organizing your life, I want to briefly discuss shopping habits and give you some tips for weekly grocery shopping.  Now that you have the tools you need to get started on meal planning, your grocery shopping will be simpler! I want you to begin grocery shopping no more than once a week.  If you can plan two weeks in advance, you're really rocking it.  Everything you do to plan ahead will save you time in the long run.  You're buying time for the future. Think about this.  On average, if I shop once a week for my groceries, I spend 45 minutes to an hour out of the house.  Compared to the 3 hours you spend doing daily grocery shopping, you'd save approximately 2 hours a week. What can you do with an extra 2 hours per week by doing weekly grocery shopping?  Spend some extra time with the family and get caught up on another load of laundry! If you're also buying some things on sale and bulking up, the stash you're building saves you some time on the next grocery run.  So, the more you buy now, the less time you'll have to spend later in the store.  Now, when I do two or three week runs, I find that I have to do a short weekly fill-in on the perishable items like fruits, veggies, and sometimes dairy.  But, it's usually a quick thirty minute trip instead of an hour. Weekly Grocery Shopping Tips to Save Time Okay, so I've helped you buy a little more time.  My next suggestions are to: 1. Shop online Anything you can purchase online (assuming it saves you money) should totally be done.  I use Amazon Subscribe & Save for items I want delivered as often as monthly, so I can set it and forget it!  Plus, I use Jet.com on larger bulk items (including diapers) because it saves me money over buying from the grocery store.  And, since I no longer have my wholesale club membership, this sort of fills that gap for me. P.S. - Amazon has this awesome service called the Dash Button.  I'm amazed at these tiny buttons that you stick around the house.  Like, when you notice you're down to one roll of toilet paper or you're using the next to last garbage bag, you press the dash button and an order is placed.  A confirmation is sent to your phone so you can cancel if you need.  And, they have tons of them for everything from laundry, bath, trash bags, sodas, and coffee.  You're charged $4.99 for the button, but then you receive a $4.99 credit when you place your first order with the button. 2. Use a grocery delivery service This may not be affordable for everyone, but if you can swing it, it saves you even more time!  Like I suggested in my meal planning tips, instead of making a grocery list, you put your grocery needs in a cart like that of Shipt.  When you're done making your list and ready to schedule a delivery, you're done.  I love not having to step into a grocery store.  And, it gives me an extra 45 minutes to an hour in my day, which I usually spend doing laundry or some other house chore that would otherwise have to wait (if it gets done at all). Another good service is Instacart! 3. Get only what you are sure you'll eat Grocery shopping for a whole week (or two) increases the likelihood of food spoilage.  Be sure to only purchase items you have planned to eat for the week.  That is, unless it can be frozen or is a canned item that's not likely to spoil in the next few days or weeks.  If you're not sure you'll eat the bananas you're eyeing, get only one or two. 4. Eat before grocery shopping On any trip, especially larger grocery trips, always go on a full stomach.  If you're hungry, you'll increase the chances of more impulse purchases that you may or may not get around to eating. Did you catch my first two posts in this series?  This is the 3rd post in a 4 week series to help you nail down your schedule and manage your time.  It was originally mean to be a 5 week series, but I decided to do something special!  Instead, I've created an ebook to complete the series! I saved my favorite content for the book!  Plus, I include a few free resources that you can't get here from my posts to supplement some of the stuff I discuss. If you're a parent (especially stay at home moms) struggling with time management, you're going to want this book.  Go ahead and sign up to receive my newsletter and I'll notify you when the book is available for free or on discount! Tell me: Do you do weekly grocery shopping?  Or more or less often?   #### How to Easily Ditch Toxic Toothpaste That Can Make You Sick #momsmeet #ad The truth about fluoride. And how to easily ditch toxic toothpaste for fluoride free himalaya botanique complete care toothpaste. This is the perfect alternative to your conventional toothpaste. Look, I know I'm not eating my toothpaste, but apparently, my body considers fluoride a major toxin.  I also don't detox well naturally thanks to a MTHFR gene defect, so I figured I needed to eliminate fluoride from my repertoire.  So, I began to search for a new and unconventional toothpaste. It's been nearly 4 years since I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease.  Since then, I've been through a wide range of tests and changed my lifestyle dramatically.  To tell you that my life had been turned upside down may still be an understatement. With those tests I mentioned, I took a food and chemical sensitivity test.  I found out so much about the foods and substances I was ingesting.  Part of the drastic changes came in learning to cook and eat foods unlike many of those I'd grown up with.  The other part, though, came with the shocking discovery that I was highly intolerant of fluoride. "Flouride?!" you ask. If you're like me, you probably didn't know fluoride isn't as safe and wonderful as you've been lead to believe.  Believe me when I say that I'd still be clueless if I hadn't begun struggling with my health.  And in some ways, I wish I'd never taken this test.  Ignorance was bliss in a way ... but now it feels everything is out to get me. This post was created in partnership with Moms Meet. I was provided compensation and free product in exchange for this post. All opinions expressed within are my own and not swayed by compensation.  This post contains affiliate links. But what's the deal with fluoride anyway? Had I never run into these health issues and that one test, I'd never have thought to question the use of fluoride.  But, alas, here I am!  And studies have shown that fluoride is a chemical neurotoxin capable of some serious damage to our bodies!  If you're interested in learning more about the fluoride controversy, you can visit this article by Mercola. Geez, when you think about it, it makes more sense why they make toddler's toothpaste fluoride-free.  And, I still make my  (almost) 6-year-old daughter use fluoride free toothpaste!  If it's bad for mom, I'm not taking my chances with the kids. Anyway, my search for toothpaste I felt comfortable with began and I needed to settle on one under the following conditions.  It needed to: Be Gluten Free   Be Fluoride Free   And, I preferred my toothpaste to be free of SLS and Carrageenan because of the controversy about their safety as well. Mom's Meet provided me with an opportunity to try 7 varieties of Himalaya Botanique Complete Care Toothpaste.  All 7 varieties offered the freedom from the things I was concerned about. © Ivy www.sahmplus.com Using toothpaste with herbal properties When I began my search for a new toothpaste, I had a difficult time finding one that helped me transition easily.  At first, I found gluten and fluoride free varieties, but they'd have carrageenan and/or SLS.  I think I settled on one once with SLS until I found one without.  What I also found in my trials was that most of them weren't nearly as sweet as your conventional toothpaste.  That took quite a bit of getting used to. Himalaya Botanique Complete Care Toothpaste, however, seems to fit the bill for anyone transitioning to something more unconventional.  I found that these have Xylitol (which is a tooth-friendly sweetener) and Stevia.  This would have been perfect when I first began my search.  To be honest though, because I've been using a brand without the Stevia, I found Himalaya Botanique too sweet for me ... as much as I do when I travel and end up using conventional toothpaste.  That's why I say it's perfect for someone transitioning.  And, if you don't want to get used to a less-sweet variety, I feel as though this brand is perfect. Himalaya has formulated their toothpaste line with a variety of tooth- and gum-friendly herbal cleaners, even in their whitening variety. What I like about Himalaya Botanique Complete Care Toothpaste Though it's extra sweet, in my opinion, I really have enjoyed using Himalaya Botanique.  My teeth feel extremely clean and my breath is pleasantly fresh. Now, I'm going to apologize for my mug shots here, but I wanted to show you untouched images of me before (and after) I started using the Himalaya Whitening Complete Care Toothpaste.  It seems to me in the couple weeks I've been using it, my teeth have had a minor improvement in how white they are.  Is it just me?  (Left is before, Right is after) More About Buying Himalaya Botanique Their toothpaste retails for about $5.99 and can be found on Amazon.com or himalayatoothpaste.com.  Plus, if you buy on Amazon, I have a coupon code for 25% off one tube of Himalaya Botanique! Use code J8RF6QZB. For offline shoppers, you can pick up Himalaya Botanique at Whole Foods, Sprouts, Natural Grocers Vitamin Cottage and many other small independent health food stores. Not ready to make the switch on your own?  Himalaya is offering a free sample. #### How to Effectively Increase Blog Traffic with Pinterest Last week, I told you about the major increase in traffic to my blog.  This hasn't always been the case.  In fact, traffic to my blog has always been really low.  Implementing quite a few new strategies in a bunch of areas over the course of a couple months helped dramatically.  But, I saw the biggest gains from Pinterest from doing very little more than I had been previously.  A few minor tweaks, and Pinterest was my top referring traffic source by far.  In my previous post, I shared a few of the ways I changed how I was using Pinterest.  Today though, I wanted to give you a more detailed crash course, if you will, on the best ways to increase blog traffic with Pinterest. Set aside some time today to start your Pinterest account, or update it, according to the information you find in this article.  As always, if you run into an issue or are unsure about a step, don't hesitate to comment or contact me directly!  I'm here to help :) A Crash Course to Increase Blog Traffic with Pinterest Set Up Your Pinterest Account I choose to use one Pinterest Account for my personal and blogging needs.  It seems appropriate because my blog is all about family, parenting, and kids.  All my personal pins will fit my target audience. From my understanding, you will need a Business Account in order to complete some of the activities toward the end of this post.  A Pinterest Business Account is free and offers analytics.  For those reasons, I recommend this. As you set up your account, consider key words.  My Pinterest name shows up as Ivy B / Mom Blogger / SAHM, plus... and my description includes key words that I feel my target audience might search for.  Since my blog name is SAHM, plus ... it already hosts a key word for me :) When you're finished naming and describing your Pinterest account, it's time to verify or confirm your website.  Follow the instructions from Pinterest (found here) to verify your website. Now, begin creating some relevant boards!  Create as many different boards as you can, giving each appropriate descriptions filled with key words, and place them into categories.  I find it important to have several boards that can host similar content.  For example, I have 2 boards for parents and have them named Parenting and Parents.  Then I have two other boards called Encouragement for Moms and Encourage Your Kids.  All 4 of these can host some similar content.  This will be useful for re-pinning later! [tweetthis]Ready to rock Pinterest & increase blog traffic? You need these tips![/tweetthis] Making Pins to Increase Blog Traffic with Pinterest Using images (or several) may help to tell a visual story to explain your blog post.  If you don't have your own images, consider stock photos (there are tons of places you can get free images).  If you're making an infographic, images may not be necessary. Using Canva, PicMonkey, or other photo editing software, it's time to make a pinnable image.  Keep in mind the following: Your images need to be taller than they are wide.  Two recommendations are 725 px X 1102 px OR 750 px X 1500 px.  Basically, make your Pinterest images taller than they are wide.  I've generally been using 725 x 1102 with success, but I continue to experiment with sizing. Include a title and your blog name or address.  Making sure to include a title and blog name/address on your image will ensure that a) your readers want to know more about the subject and b) where to find it. Image file name must be descriptive.  Include a key word or the blog post title in the filename of the image.  Using a generic filename like dc1002.img does not help with SEO, search, or description for anyone who stumbles on the image.  For this post, I would use something like effective-pinterest-marketing.jpg or optimized-pinterest-images.png.  If you have multiple pinnable images, name them differently using different key words.  For any image, be sure the filename is mostly descriptive of the image itself.  You get the point ... Save the image to your workspace. Save Pinterest Image for Web This part applies to all images you save for your blog.  It's important you condense your images for web.  This: Is important for the speed of your website. Is important for SEO. Saves space on your website. Is not resizing the image itself. Saving an image for the web is simple.  I use an older version of Photoshop Elements, but I can show you how to do that here.  I apologize as this is the only software I've used thus far.  I aim to get the file size just below 100kb.  But, I'm probably going to aim to keep them below 200kb for better quality. [tweetthis]Pinterest & blog traffic: how to save an image for Web[/tweetthis] Now that you're done, it's time to upload your image to your blog post in WordPress.  But, you're still not done.  I've begun using a free WordPress plug-in called Smush, which helps condense the image further.  If you already have it installed, you can upload your image like normal.  Then, on the far right you'll see a "smush" button.  Now you can insert the very web friendly image into your post!  And, it doesn't look any different than when you created it. What I love about this plug-in is that you can use it to bulk-smush other images on your site.  Of course, if your images were too large to begin with, you'll need to go back to those and save them for the web, just like you did for this exercise. Include descriptive text Now that you've uploaded your Pinterest image, it's time to give it more descriptive text.  During the upload of your pinnable (and all other images), be sure to include the alt text (or alternative text) and a longer description in the description box (see the example above where I'm talking about the Smush plug-in.  Try to use a couple different ways to describe each image, which opens the possibility of more searchable key words.  Giving your images different descriptions will allow Pinterest (and search engines) to pick up data for different sections of your pin. Skipping any of the descriptive text areas reduces the chances your images are ever found.  Plus, if you don't include descriptions in your Pinterest images, most people won't take the time to fill in a great description for you.  And, you lose valuable re-pins ... because who the heck knows what your pin is about. Set up Rich Pins! Oh, were you ready to start re-pinning? I swear we're almost there! It's important that you've had your website verified with Pinterest.  If you didn't do that, you need to go back to that step.  Rich pins are going to fill in much more data than a standard pin.  It's going to have a bold title, more descriptive text, and author data.  If you have recipes, it will include ingredients on the pin data.  They look much nicer and include more data for your followers or pinners to have a better idea about what they're pinning.  That is, of course, if you've set up all your meta-data and included descriptive text in all the fields we've discussed. Now, I don't want to recreate the wheel here, so I'm going to send you to Socially Sorted, who tells you how to set up Rich Pins in 5 minutes. Don't forget to come back here so I can help you with pinning and re-pinning your posts. Time to Pin Your Posts to Increase Blog Traffic with Pinterest! Whew!  Have you received the all clear that your pins are now Rich Pins?  I think I got the approval a couple hours after I applied. After all that work, it's time for a little bit of fun!  Not all the fun, but we're so close.  Let's start pinning your posts. Pick one post right now that you have already optimized your images for.  Pin one of your Pinterest images from the post to ONE of your boards.  Just one, though!  At this point, I prefer to pin my first one to my main blog board with just MY posts.  Don't jump the gun and go re-pinning everywhere. If you want, you can go through all your posts and pin each image to your main blog post board (if you've already optimized the images).  Just don't go and re-pin anything to other boards yet PLEASE!  It's almost time!!! Time to Re-Pin This is what you've been waiting for.  I know how anxious I've made you, but I promise, it will be worth it!  Let me start by saying that re-pinning from an existing pin is the best way to build your Pinterest numbers.  Once I stopped pinning from the image in my post and re-pinning the pin in one of my boards, my numbers began increasing.  Best decision ever!  Well ... second best, right after my pin scheduler! Best Advice - a Pinterest Pin Scheduler I use Tailwind, though there are other Pinterest Pin schedulers out there.  If you want to re-pin your pins (this really shouldn't be a question), the best way to do this is through a Pinterest scheduler.  Tailwind will automatically select optimal times for rescheduling your pins.  This is much nicer than bulk loading your pins to boards.  Plus, a scheduler allows you to share relevant pins to your boards to give your readers a lot of content they'll enjoy. You can start with Tailwind for free, and if you choose to stick with it, you can pay for the service either monthly or annually.  Using my referral link, if you join, you'll receive a free month of Tailwind.  I'll earn a $15 credit toward my existing account, which is certainly greatly appreciated. If you choose not to use a scheduler, manually re-pinning your content is going to be a little challenging.  Unless, of course, you just want to re-pin the same content all right now.  But, that's not likely going to allow people to see your content any easier.  If you have followers already, they're not going to want to see that you re-pinned all the same content within the last 20 minutes.  Heck, that's even if they're online checking their notifications. So, you'll have to remember what content you have and haven't re-pinned and try to go back at various times to do them individually.  Talk about time consuming needing to track your progress and hoping you remember.  Plus, hoping you decided to sit down at optimal times for your stuff to be seen.  Plus, scanning through and deciding on other blogger's content and determining how and when to re-pin. Bleh.  It's up to you, but I wouldn't recommend it. Join Pinterest Group Boards or Tailwind Tribes to Increase Blog Traffic with Pinterest *Disclaimer: I am a Tailwind Affiliate, but also an avid Tailwind fan! If you join Tailwind with my links, I may earn commission or referral credit, which helps me continue running this site for free! Some of the best help you're going to get is to join shared boards or Tailwind Tribes. Of course, my favorite is Tailwind Tribes, because there is an accountability factor involved.  I personally run a Tailwind Tribe, which has a simple 1-to-1 share ratio and if people are leaving pins but not re-pinning, they can be removed.  Having been part of a couple collaborative Pinterest boards, I haven't found that people share quite as often. Can you guess what else I love about Tailwind Tribes?!?! I can see who shares my pins and I get to choose the pins that fit best with my brand!  Plus, I can schedule straight through the tribe without leaving what I'm doing.  I can spend about 20 minutes scheduling enough pins to post automatically for about 2 days (I have tons of time slots in my scheduler, so it takes quite a bit to fill my que).  It tracks whose pins I've shared, how many times mine were shared, and how many times my shared pins got re-pin outside of the group. If you can't tell, I'm really excited about Tailwind. [tweetthis]Are you a mommy blogger? You can join my tribe...[/tweetthis] I would love if you would consider joining my Mommy Blogger Tribe on Tailwind.  As the admin, it's my aim to share posts two at least two different relevant Pinterest boards, but I only ever ask that you share one pin for every pin you leave.  Bonus points for sharing more!  (I'd have to think about what to give out for bonus points ...)  Joining my Tailwind Tribe is FREE!  All you have to do is click the image below!  If you decide to sign up for a paid account, you'll receive a free month of Tailwind and I'll get a $15 credit toward my existing account.  That means I can keep the Tailwind scheduling love going longer!!! Not a mommy blogger?  There are Tailwind Tribes for you.  Just join Tailwind here. Regardless, Tailwind is the perfect scheduler to help you schedule pins at best times.  Since I can't be everywhere as a blogger, scheduling pins is vital to my Pinterest growth and traffic goals. Questions or comments about optimizing images or anything about my pinning instructions?  Hit me up in the comments or shoot me an email.  I'd love to help! #### How to Effectively Keep Up With Your Family Schedule Parenting shouldn't mean constantly reminding everyone what's on the family schedule.  Help everyone stay informed using your phone and chalkboard vinyl, everyone will know what's going on. How easy is it to get lost in schedules?  For me, I need to keep up with my daughter's school, hubby's events, Girl Scouts, autocross, house work, and blogging.  My schedule is insanely busy.  I used to love paper calendars, but I can't get hubby on board with keeping one of those updated, so I've had to devise a way to keep the whole family organized.  I do this multiple ways, but I do have a central location for the family schedule to try to keep a calendar free from conflicts. Between the girl scout meetings, birthday parties, and a hobby my husband and I share, our weekends are usually booked months in advance.  Planning ahead to beat the school morning rush has been a small stepping stone in remaining sane.  Week days have become much more busy than I had ever thought they would.  I have to cram everything into just a few hours after I drop my daughter off at school.  Even without Girl Scouts, after I pick my daughter up from school, afternoons are a blur of homework, settling baby in for a nap, and preparing dinner. How I organize my family schedule Keeping everyone organized is the key to running smoothly during the week.   Having a shared family calendar allows me to meal plan appropriately.  There's nothing worse than spending half a day on a doctor's appointment, to have to come home and work on a labor-intensive meal.  My organizational plan lets me see those busy days so I can choose more simple meals like my quick and easy chicken and yellow rice.  When there are fewer tasks, I can plan more time consuming meals.  Being organized helps the whole family stay on track and keeps us from missing appointments and events. Family Schedule App For starters, I mentioned I couldn't get my husband to agree to writing on a paper schedule.  Honestly, it's probably a good thing he didn't.  If I have to sort through one more piece of paper in the afternoon, I might scream (thank you Kindergarten homework).  I downloaded a calendar app called Awesome Cal.  This app has been the ONE thing that saves us from total chaos! I was able to create a family calendar in the app and share it electronically with my husband.  We can both include events and reminders in the same calendar.  On my iPhone app, I have these color coded in light blue to indicate the event is shared with the family.  This is where I have doctor's appointments, hair cuts, birthday parties, school breaks and early release days, etc.  My husband includes outings and events which might mean he's coming home late, or any travel plans for work. I have a personal calendar on this app, coded in green.  This is more for my home schedule and includes information that isn't necessarily worthy of sharing with my husband.  This is the calendar I use to do my menu planning (mostly).  When I sit down to menu plan, I insert the meal I'm planning for a night into the app and make my electronic grocery list at the same time. Finally, I just started using the app for my blogging efforts.  All blog related activities are coded in pink to let me know what posts are going live.  I'll also use this to schedule reminders for meetings, webinars, or networking that needs to be done. Family Schedule Board Last year, we stuck chalkboard contact paper on our pantry door and wrote the days of the week on it.  Every Sunday, I wipe off the board and write the current week's happenings (including dinner plans) on the days they're planned.  This gives the whole family a visual of what the week looks like. Just below the end of the week, I include a notes section.  We use this section to list events to remember in the coming weeks, things we need to discuss, etc. One of the major improvements using this visual calendar is that I don't have to hear "What's for dinner?" nearly as often as I used it.  And, my husband can check it on the way out to try to keep from eating a similar lunch to what I had planned for dinner.  This is actually a bad habit (or amazing skill) of his. Let's get your family schedule organized Being organized doesn't just happen.  It's work.  If you're busy like us, it takes a lot of effort to remember everything.  Before kids, it wasn't that difficult, but remembering events for hubby, myself, 2 kids, and the zillions of birthday parties ... forget it.  Then there's planning to feed the family dinner, which isn't a random event.  Whether you are a SAHM or you work, planning is crucial to maintaining sanity and actually remembering events. Download a custom calendar app.  I highly recommend the previously mentioned "Awesome Cal."  I've purchased and used this app for about 4 years.  Sharing and color coding calendars is simple.  It offers seemingly total control over your app, including event reminders.  I despise paying for apps, but this one has totally been worth it! Create a family calendar in-app and share (via email) with family members you want to be able to view and add events. Each family member does not need this app for themselves, as it will share to their preferred calendar. Color-code this calendar to your liking. Add any and all events that effect your family's schedules!  School holidays, extracurricular activities, doctor's appointments, birthday parties, travel dates, etc. Create a separate calendar for personal or things that don't necessarily need to be shared with the family. Color-code to your liking. Use this for daily menu planning and any other appointments which the rest of the family won't likely be affected by. Create a third calendar for business (if you have one). Color code to your liking. Insert business meetings, blog posts, or whatever it is that only you need to know for your business. Install or hang a a board for your weekly schedule.  This will be your weekly schedule.  Highly visible for the entire family, and redundancy for memory. Choose how you want to see your family schedule for the week.  I chose the chalkboard contact paper but another great idea is a white board. Make this a single week schedule for ease of viewing. Include a notes section for questions, things to remember, and list of upcoming events. Include your menu plan for the week and and current events (parties, special days at school, extracurricular activities). At the end of the week, wipe clean and list everything for the upcoming week. How do you keep up with your family schedule? Can I share some exciting news with you?  This is the 1st in a 4 week series to help you nail down your schedule and manage your time.  It was 5 weeks, but I decided to do something special! At the end of the 4 weeks, I'm launching a new e-book which will include the 5th topic (and my favorite).  Plus, I'm going to include a few free resources that you can't get here from my posts to supplement some of the stuff I discuss.  To celebrate the launch of the e-book, I'm going to give it to my email subscribers for FREE.  This will be a temporary freebie until I launch it on Amazon.  So, you'll have first hand experience with the e-book before anyone else does. If you're a parent (especially stay at home moms) struggling with time management, you're going to want this book.  But, why pay for it if you can get it free for a limited time?  So, go ahead and sign up to receive my newsletter and I'll notify you when the book is ready for download.  Until then, you'll be sure not to miss the next three posts in this series, so you'll have a head start when the e-book is released! #### How to End Mommy Wars: Accept and Celebrate Differences Navigating the world of parenting can be challenging, and disagreements among mothers can sometimes feel divisive. No matter your stance on anything parenting, mommy wars seem to be rampant!  Here's what I really think it takes to end mommy wars. What if it were you jumping to conclusions and allowing people to offend you?  What if it were you, closing the lines of communication? Are mommy wars all in your head? At every turn, moms everywhere are faced with judgment.  Well, at least it seems that way.  Forums, blog posts, and Facebook comments are often littered with negativity from moms against other moms.   Why are women at such odds with each other during the time when we need the most support?  I mean, it's bad enough we're constantly questioning ourselves.  "Am I a good mom?" is a regular thought that runs through my mind. What about you? Being a mom is hard and I can't figure out why we're making it harder on each other. What if the way to stop mommy wars, though, was as simple as working on your reactions?  Now, I don't mean that you are the single power to end mommy wars.  I'm also not insinuating that this is an overnight process.  But, the movement needs to start within your own mind. What I've come to realize is that many of the parenting arguments don't start out as such. Sometimes, misunderstandings, differing values, and strong emotions can lead to disagreements and hurt feelings even when there's no intention to offend. Here's why: someone takes personal offense to a comment or opinion, and they believe this person thinks less of them. Yes, I'm telling you that many of these parenting arguments are caused by assumptions.  Unless someone has come out and told you to your face that you're a bad mommy or directly stated that she believes you're doing such-and-such wrong for such-and-such reason, you're probably making an assumption.  And, you know what they say about assumptions... What are Mommy Wars? Just like any war, mommy wars are founded on a group of moms who strongly believe in "their way" of parenting.  Just like religious zealots who militantly oppose another religion (or lack of religion), moms can be pretty friggin' fanatical about their beliefs in the "right way" to parent children. Moms tend to argue about: How to birth babies What to feed babies Whether or not to wear their babies Whether or not being a stay at home mom or working mom is harder How to discipline Sleep training And sure, I've probably contributed to a few of these heated debates.  I think we all kind of get sucked into them, until we learn better. How to End Mommy Wars Whatever your, maybe now ex-, friend said to you probably wasn't meant to hurt your feelings or piss you off.  The all-organic, everything whole food bitch at the grocery store probably isn't looking in your cart to see what you're feeding your baby.  She probably couldn't give a shit.  Maybe you're reading between the lines when there wasn't anything to read. As an example, a few years ago, as I handed my daughter a sippy cup, my sister-in-law asked "why are you giving her a sippy cup if she knows how to use a regular cup?" At the time, I got offended.  "Why was she questioning my choices in parenting, and in front of my kid?" Looking back, however, I can't help but wonder if she genuinely wanted to know if there was a benefit or some parenting rule she needed to know about as her son was a bit younger. I could have easily taken the opportunity to explain our house rules.  One of which was "no open cups allowed through the house" as my young daughter toddled around.  At the time, she was allowed to carry her milk in a sippy so she didn't have to go back for it whenever she needed a drink.  It saved me from cleaning messes and gave her some freedom to roam with her milk. Can you think of a time a friend or family member made a comment that you were offended by?  Maybe you're a buy-nothing-new mommy because the babies don't use anything long enough to be worth it.  That's what makes you feel good.   But, your friend remarks how she has to have all the latest and greatest baby gear, because nothing else will do.  And that's her choice.  Did you feel perturbed?  Maybe you felt like you weren't as good a mom or you didn't care as much about your baby. It's understandable to feel hurt or attacked if you interpret someone's words negatively. However, sometimes it's helpful to consider other perspectives and possibilities before assuming the worst.  And, if you continue allowing things like that to offend you, you continue the mommy wars.  It's self-inflicted. Stopping Mommy Wars Starts With You Maybe mommy wars are all in your head #mommywars #momlife #ponderthis Share on X Stopping mommy wars isn't on other people to keep their mouths shut.  It's up to you to handle what's said, or done, in a mature fashion.  Don't LET someone offend you. When you give someone's words the power to offend you, you begin to sever relationships.  By becoming offended, you've allowed someone to make you feel inferior or imperfect.  When you partake in offending others because you wrongly assumed they were out to hurt you, you add fuel to the fire. Instead, use someone's opinions or statements to start discussions.  Ask questions to better understand their point.  Stop trying to fight that your point is right.  I mean, your opinion is right for you.  But that doesn't mean you shit on the other person's opinion in the process. Disagreements about parenting can be an opportunity to learn and grow. By approaching these situations with curiosity and respect, we can gain valuable insights from others, even if we don't agree with them.  It can be a wonderful opportunity to understand someone on a deeper level.  But YOU have to make that happen by allowing other people to have their opinions.  That means allowing them to voice their opinions without bashing them.  And, you should remind yourself that someone else's opinions or beliefs have no bearing on yours. Of course, we should also be mindful of not offering unsolicited parenting advice. End mommy wars by accepting and celebrating differences, not silencing them #momlife #mommywars #acceptance Share on X A mom sharing her personal opinion on parenting doesn't mean she doesn't like you or thinks of herself as being better than you.  I know plenty of people who don't share the same parenting values as me and I don't think any less of them for it.  Just because I don't agree with them doesn't mean I should fight with them.  Sharing our opinions is our way of opening up discussions and learning more about each other.  We should be able to respect and love each other for our differences. I do things differently than you because it's what works for me and my family.  You do things differently for the same reasons. Why can't we open our hearts and our minds to willingly accept and respect people for their differences?  Why can't one mom express her opinion openly without worry about being bashed, as she listens to you complain about needing your opinion heard?  When we give each other the respect we need for our opinions and beliefs, and learn to celebrate our differences, we create more unity and potentially end the mommy wars. Final Tips to Help End the Mommy Wars Practice empathy and assume good intentions: Before reacting defensively, consider the other person's perspective and try to understand their experiences. Remember, most parents are doing their best. Focus on respectful communication: Use "I" statements, actively listen, and avoid personal attacks or generalizations. Aim for understanding rather than proving who's "right." Celebrate differences and find common ground: Recognize that there are various paths to successful parenting, and value diverse perspectives. Find shared experiences and goals to connect on, even if you disagree on specifics. Challenge harmful stereotypes and assumptions: Be mindful of internal biases and avoid judging others based on limited information. Encourage others to question assumptions and stereotypes about different approaches to parenting. Advocate for change together: Join forces with other mothers to advocate for policies and solutions that support all families, regardless of their choices. This could include access to affordable childcare, paid parental leave, and flexible work options. Be mindful of online spaces: Choose platforms and engage in communities that encourage respectful dialogue and avoid negativity. Report and challenge harmful or judgmental online behavior. Spread kindness and support: Offer encouragement and positivity to other mothers, both online and offline. Celebrate each other's successes and offer help when needed. Remember, we're all in this together. Those are my thoughts on stopping mommy wars ... What do you think?  I'd love to hear your thoughts! This post originally appeared on SAHM, plus... January 30, 2017 and has been updated. #### How to Find Wholeness After Having Kids (No Matter Where You Are in the Journey) When my first child was born, I remember sitting in the quiet of the hospital room, thinking I had everything under control. Then we got home, and reality hit me like a ton of bricks. I wasn't prepared for the nonstop sleepless nights or how much I'd miss simple things like showering uninterrupted. Fast forward to now, with one child entering the teenage years and the other almost nine, I’ve come to accept that motherhood is a series of constant adjustments. Each phase feels like a new life lesson. It’s tempting to think that having kids won’t change who you are. Sure, you’ll be more tired, maybe a bit stressed—but deep down, you’ll still be ‘you,’ right? Spoiler alert: Parenthood changes everything. You don’t just go back to who you were before—no one does. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a new, better version of yourself as time goes on. Table of ContentsThe Reality of Change8 Ways to Feel Whole Again as a Mom1. Acknowledge the Ongoing Transformation2. Reconnect with Your Body and Mind—Regularly3. Let Go of Perfectionism at Every Stage4. Delegate as a Form of Self-Care5. Reconnect With Your Inner Child6. Unplug to Reset7. Embrace the New Version of Yourself8. Rediscover Wholeness Again and Again The Reality of Change When you first have a baby, the changes are obvious. Sleepless nights, constant feedings, and a completely new daily routine. The shift is instant and overwhelming, and you might find yourself questioning who you are outside of being a mom. But what doesn’t get talked about enough is how that shift continues long after the newborn phase ends. Motherhood is not a one-time transformation—it’s an ongoing evolution. From the moment you hold your baby for the first time to the day you watch them graduate high school (and beyond), you will continue to change. The things that make you feel lost or overwhelmed as a new mom won’t be the same as when your kids hit their teenage years or when they start their own families. But that sense of feeling disconnected from yourself can happen at any stage. Every phase of motherhood brings its own set of challenges, and it’s easy to lose sight of yourself along the way. Whether you’re struggling with the chaos of toddlerhood, navigating the emotional rollercoaster of raising teenagers, or adjusting to an empty nest, the need to find wholeness never truly goes away. The encouraging news? You can find it again. Over and over. 8 Ways to Feel Whole Again as a Mom 1. Acknowledge the Ongoing Transformation It’s okay to mourn your old self or miss certain aspects of your pre-motherhood life. Feeling conflicted about who you are now doesn’t make you a bad mom—it just makes you human. When my youngest started school, I thought I’d finally have time to catch up on everything I’d been putting off—exercise, work projects, maybe even a hobby or two. But what actually happened was that the quiet house left me feeling a little empty (and perhaps a little paralyzed deciding what to do since I didn't have a tiny dictator barking orders at me any longer). I didn’t realize how much my identity had been wrapped up in taking care of the kids 24/7, and I suddenly felt lost in a way I hadn’t before. It took time, but I began to find myself again by slowly embracing the new rhythms of life without little ones constantly at my feet. It’s important to recognize that motherhood changes you, not just in the early days but throughout your entire life. Each stage—whether you’re dealing with diapers, homework, or college applications—demands something different from you. And each stage has the potential to leave you feeling a little out of balance. Instead of fighting these changes, embrace them. Accept that the person you are today won’t be the same as the person you were before kids, and that’s okay. This evolution isn’t something to fear—it’s something to lean into. Tip: Give yourself permission to evolve. You may not be able to do everything you once loved, but you’ll find new passions and joys as your children grow and your role as a mother shifts. 2. Reconnect with Your Body and Mind—Regularly Just like the newborn phase requires you to take care of your body after giving birth, every phase of motherhood calls for regular self-check-ins. Your body and mind are constantly being taxed by the emotional and physical demands of parenting, and if you don’t make time to care for yourself, burnout is inevitable. Whether your kids are small or grown, prioritize your well-being. The more balanced you feel in your body and mind, the more grounded you’ll feel as you face the ever-changing challenges of motherhood. Tip: Build self-care into your routine at every stage. This doesn’t have to be elaborate—sometimes, it’s as simple as taking a walk, meditating for five minutes, or giving yourself space to just be. 3. Let Go of Perfectionism at Every Stage When your kids are small, there’s pressure to be the “perfect” mom—perfect meals, perfect routines, perfect everything. As they grow, that pressure doesn’t necessarily go away—it just changes. You might feel like you need to be the perfect role model for your teens, the perfect listener for your adult children, or the perfect grandparent someday. It’s easy to fall into the comparison trap, especially when you see other moms seemingly doing it all. But remember, social media only shows the highlights, not the whole story. Your journey is your own, and you’re doing enough. Perfection is an illusion, and chasing it will only leave you feeling more disconnected from yourself. Tip: Give yourself grace. Let go of the idea that you need to have it all together. Whether you’re raising toddlers or supporting grown children, the most important thing is to show up as your authentic self—flaws and all. 4. Delegate as a Form of Self-Care It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you have to do everything yourself. From managing the household to handling work and caring for the kids, the pressure to juggle it all can feel overwhelming. But here’s a truth that often goes unspoken: delegation is a powerful form of self-care. Learning to ask for help or share responsibilities can free up valuable mental and emotional energy. Whether it’s letting your partner take over bedtime duties, asking a friend to help with errands, or even involving your kids in simple tasks, delegating allows you to focus on what truly matters—and it gives you the space to breathe. Tip: Start small. If it feels overwhelming to let go of control, begin by delegating one task that doesn’t need to be done by you. It could be something as simple as asking someone else to fold the laundry or prepare a meal. The goal is to give yourself permission to focus on what brings you joy or peace. 5. Reconnect With Your Inner Child Motherhood can make it easy to forget who you were before kids, but there’s something magical about reconnecting with the activities that brought you joy as a child. Whether it’s drawing, playing outside, dancing to your favorite song, or indulging in an old hobby, taking time to engage with your inner child can reignite creativity and playfulness—two things that often get lost in the daily grind of parenting. This isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about reminding yourself that you’re more than the roles you play. You are still someone who deserves fun, excitement, and a little adventure. Tip: Set aside time each week to do something just for you. Maybe it’s picking up a paintbrush again or playing a childhood video game. Even if it feels silly, letting yourself play can bring unexpected joy and a much-needed sense of lightness. 6. Unplug to Reset Life can get noisy—between social media, work, family, and daily to-do lists, the constant barrage of information and responsibility can feel overwhelming. Sometimes, what you need most is a “Soul Reset”—a day (or even a few hours) to completely unplug from everything and focus on quieting your mind. Turn off your phone, step away from social media, and let go of the urge to be constantly productive. Whether you spend that time in nature, reading, or simply resting, the key is to give your brain and body the chance to unwind from the noise. Tip: Plan ahead to make your Soul Reset possible. Set boundaries with family or friends, and let them know you’ll be unavailable for a while. This is your time to fully disconnect and focus on recharging your inner self. 7. Embrace the New Version of Yourself As your kids grow, so do you. The things you once prioritized may change, and that’s okay. It’s normal to shift your focus from your kids to yourself as they become more independent. In fact, it’s healthy. Whether you’re rediscovering old hobbies, starting new ones, or finding joy in something completely unexpected, this is your time to embrace the person you’ve become—and the person you’re still becoming. Tip: Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if they feel out of character. Motherhood stretches you in ways you never imagined, and that includes opening you up to new experiences and opportunities. 8. Rediscover Wholeness Again and Again Just when I thought I had it all under control, the teenage years hit, and suddenly, I felt like I was learning how to parent all over again. My oldest began to get more emotional and moody, and my patience was stretched thin. There were moments when I’d find myself feeling like I was back at square one, questioning if I was doing anything right. But each time, I remind myself that these feelings are temporary, and I find little ways to reconnect—whether it’s sneaking in a few minutes to read or just sitting quietly with my chickens in the middle of the day. Finding wholeness isn’t a one-time achievement—it’s something you’ll need to revisit throughout your life. Whether you’re in the trenches of the early years or navigating the complexities of raising older kids, you’ll have moments where you feel lost. That’s normal. The key is to recognize when you’re feeling disconnected and take steps to find your center again. This may look different at various points in your journey. Maybe in the early years, wholeness was about getting a nap in when you could. Later on, it might be about taking a solo trip or pursuing a long-abandoned passion. Tip: Check in with yourself regularly. Ask yourself what’s missing, what you need, and how you can give that to yourself. Sometimes, finding wholeness should be as simple as allowing yourself to pursue joy and to feed your soul. Embrace Your Evolution! Motherhood doesn’t stop changing you once the baby stage is over. It keeps reshaping you through every milestone, every hard day, every triumph. And through it all, the one thing that remains constant is your ability to find wholeness in every phase of motherhood. No matter where you are in your journey—whether you’re feeling lost with a newborn, frustrated with a teenager, or wondering what’s next as an empty nester—remember that you’re not alone. The journey to wholeness isn’t about finding the old you. It’s about discovering the new, evolving you. And that, more than anything, is what makes the experience of motherhood—and life itself—so extraordinary. #### How To Get an Overtired Baby to Sleep Do you want to know how to get an overtired baby to sleep? Learn the reasons your baby may be fighting sleep, the signs of an overtired baby and how to getting them to settle in for some rest anyway. Remember that blissful newborn era? The one where soft sighs drifted from the bassinet and sleep danced effortlessly through the night? Ah, those fleeting moments can vanish fast when an overtired tornado erupts at bedtime. We've all been there, mama, clinging to sanity by a thread as our precious bundles morph into tiny, squirming cyclones of frustration. But fear not, weary warrior! Tonight, we turn the tide on bedtime battles and reclaim your nights (and your sanity) with a tactical guide teaching you how to get an overtired baby to sleep. Table of ContentsWhy Is My Baby Fighting Sleep?5 Signs Your Baby is OvertiredWill an Overtired Baby Eventually Sleep?How to Get an Overtired Baby to SleepLearn Your Baby’s Tiredness Cues Before They Become Overtired Why Is My Baby Fighting Sleep? Before we unleash our arsenal of calming techniques, let's decipher the enemy's code. Babies fight sleep for countless reasons – from sensory overload to teething terrors. Overstimulation can turn their tiny brains into pinball machines, bouncing with agitation from flashing lights to boisterous play. Schedule shifts and separation anxiety can disrupt their internal rhythms, while hidden monsters like teething pains lurk beneath the surface, fueling the nighttime drama. Remembering back when my big kids were babes, bedtime, for me, was the most stressful part of the day. Not only was I exhausted, but I knew that bedtime would bring tears, for both of us. We had a bedtime routine that we steadily followed each night. It consisted of a warm, lavender bath, massage, dry diaper/clean pajamas, and a bedtime feeding in a dimly lit bedroom. Yet, there were still tears of resistance anytime we tried to lay our baby down, awake or half-asleep. And one of the hardest things for me as a mama was trying to figure out why my overtired baby was fighting their sleep. Here are some common reasons why: Overstimulated Babies can be overstimulated through excessive play, through an environment where loud noises and bright lights are present, and through a high level of human communication and interaction, beyond what they are used to. Change in Schedule/Overtired Have you recently changed baby’s nap schedule? As your baby adjusts to a new normal, this may disrupt their body’s natural sleep schedule. Separation anxiety Mama, you are your baby’s favorite person in the whole wide world! Babies commonly go through phases (and even sleep regressions) where they will just want to be with and near you. Teething In an article by Colleen de Bellefonds at What to Expect, babies generally begin teething around 6 months old. Some symptoms (drooling, crying, and irritability, to name a few) begin a few months before your baby’s pearly whites poke through! Hunger Your baby may be experiencing a growth spurt that requires more frequent feedings. (Which is great for them – more food! But most likely a little disheartening for you – less sleep.) 5 Signs Your Baby is Overtired Your mama’s intuition may have clued you in already that your baby is overtired. But if it hasn’t – because lack of sleep fatigue is a real thing – here are five signs that your baby is overtired: Fussiness: Your babe is cranky, and not even their favorite toy, pacifier, or even their favorite person (you!) can soothe them. Rubbing Eyes, Ears, and Head: Baby’s little hands are rubbing their eyes, ears, and head – and while these things can melt our hearts, it is a sign that he is VERY tired. Lack of Interest: The things that previously kept your baby engaged – a toy, a song, or a game – are not keeping her attention. She may look away or fall asleep. Clinginess: Your baby may not want to play on the floor, be in a bouncy seat, or be held by anyone else. It is common for overtired babies to cling to their caregiver. Smaller Naps During the Day: You may notice that your baby is taking smaller cat naps outside of their normal nap times. These naps can occur anywhere – in the stroller, feeding chair, or in mid-play. Will an Overtired Baby Eventually Sleep? Sleep Tight Consultants share that when your little one is overtired, it is harder for them to transition into their normal sleep cycles, and it is common for them to have trouble staying asleep. The good news is that ultimately, your baby will fall asleep. (It may just take a little bit of time, grit, and tears.) You see that your baby is showing signs that they are exhausted. So, let’s look at some ways of how to get an overtired baby to sleep. How to Get an Overtired Baby to Sleep While there is no exact formula or blueprint to assure that your baby falls asleep right away, these are four common ways to help get your baby to sleep: 1. Breastfeed or Give a Bottle Sometimes snuggling up for a warm bottle or a breastfeeding session is the perfect way to soothe an overtired baby.Over at Kelly Mom in their article about Comfort Nursing, they explain "[s]ucking releases the hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) in both mother and baby, which results in a sleepy feeling (Uvnäs-Moberg et al, 1993)." 2. Swaddling Babies feel safe and comforted when they are swaddled because it reminds them of the time spent in your womb, a place of safety. Because all babies have the startle reflex, make sure you prevent loose arms and legs from waking him by swaddling with a blanket or a swaddle sack. 3. Keep a Routine Bedtime routines such as bath time, massage, and bedtime feeding remind baby that it is almost time to settle down for sleep. Your routine should be consistent and in an order that works for you and your baby! 4. Create a Calm Bedtime Environment Bedtime environments with dimmed lights and white noise promote a calming atmosphere when laying your little one down. As a part of your bedtime routine, it will remind your babe that it is almost time for sleep! 5. Gentle Movement Rocking, bouncing, and swaying can help calm your overtired baby who is fighting sleep. Rhythmic motions can help to settle an overstimulated baby. Learn Your Baby’s Tiredness Cues Before They Become Overtired I would encourage you to keep a journal of the times when your baby displays signs of being overtired. With this information, you can re-create nap schedules and bedtime routines. If your babe is showing signs of being overtired, consider laying them down for a nap or early bedtime. The night battles with an overtired baby can feel endless. But remember, you're not alone in this fight! We've all been there, battling binky throws and deciphering bedtime cries. The good news? Sleep isn't a lost cause. Here's a quick reminder of your secret weapons for winning the battle with or preventing an overtired baby: Routine: It's your bedtime bestie! Consistency is key. Bath, book, lullaby – create a calming ritual that signals sleep time to your little one's body and mind. Early to bed, early to rise: This might sound counterintuitive, but an early bedtime can prevent overtiredness and meltdowns. Think of it as an investment in future peaceful nights. Listen to your baby: Watch for those tired cues – the eye rubbing, the fussiness, the sudden clinginess. Don't push bedtime when they're at their peak. Embrace the snuggles: Sometimes, all they need is your warmth and love to melt away the day's exhaustion. Savor those precious moments, even if they come with a few grumbles. Remember, mama, even the bravest warriors need rest. So be kind to yourself. Take a nap when you can, share the load with your partner, and don't hesitate to ask for help. And when the sun peeks through your window, know that you've conquered the night, and a fresh day awaits, filled with the endless possibilities of motherhood. #### How to Get Kids Interested in Entrepreneurship This is a guest post about cultivating an interest in entrepreneurship in kids. "What do you want to be when you grow up?" is a question that is asked of children over and over and over.  Do you remember the answers that you gave to adults?  Did you become one of the things you thought you would, or did you veer off the path to something else entirely?   How far from those days we are now.  Looking back to your own experience, what was the purpose of this question, do you think? Do we really want or expect our kids to decide what they want to be ten years from now? If they don’t become this, does that then mean they failed? To me, that sounds like way too much pressure to put on children before they even understand what a career is, or that their choice may change over time. As parents, we cannot help but worry about what's going to happen to our kids when we are no longer a part of their daily lives. So, we try to ‘arm’ them as best we can by imparting as much knowledge as possible in ways that they will understand.  For example, by playing Monopoly we teach our kids the value of money and using what we have wisely.  By leaving the game when we catch a child cheating, we teach them the value of honesty and ethical behavior.  By stirring up batches of lemonade to be sold at the end of the driveway by enterprising children, we teach our kids the value of bringing their own product to market and the joys of earning their very own money. Of all these lessons, it’s the last that I would like to focus on today. If you were to search the internet, you would find thousands of articles discussing how entrepreneurship is an opportunity for people who want to create their own success.  You will probably find just as many articles telling you how to go about trying to achieve this success.   Success in entrepreneurship is heavily reliant on the person who starts a business and how they navigate the problems they encounter. This drive and flexibility is exactly the kind of skill set people need to learn when they are young for this is when the brain is the most open to curiosity and learning.  Young people have a natural urge to explore to learn and understand the world around them. This is what we need to tap into to introduce the entrepreneurial spirit and mindset. So how do you, as a parent, help lead your child(ren) to developing the mindset and skills needed for entrepreneurship, and for life? Cultivating an Interest in Entrepreneurship Photo by Katerina Holmes from Pexels Lead by curiosity: The first step is to engage them and get their attention. The best way to do this would be by turning a question or problem into an opportunity for exploration. For example, return their question with a leading question that will encourage them to work out the answer. Kids love to stretch their brains looking for clues and feel incredible accomplishment when they’ve completed the task.   The best way for youth to learn about entrepreneurship is by experiencing this world firsthand. This means they need encouragement from a very young age to think of themselves as entrepreneurs rather than employees.  This is a subtle shift in mindset that will be made possible, in part, by what is learned by watching adults.  Teaching our kids how to find or create value in any situation. will help train their brains to stay focused on growth throughout life. Allow them to make mistakes: There is no better way to learn than by making mistakes. Mistakes make us stronger and smarter because they teach us perseverance.  They teach us that we are brave to try and that we have the courage to try again. Unfortunately, society at large has come round to the notion that to be successful, everything must be done perfectly, and done this way the first time.  Nothing could be further than the truth.  One of the most important lessons I teach my kids is that failure is simply an opportunity to try again - which they see me do all the time.  It’s an opportunity to learn from what didn’t work the first time and to apply a new solution.  And sometimes, just sometimes, the most amazing discoveries are found by mistake!  Without mistakes, for example, we would not have penicillin, chocolate chip cookies, silly putty, or the microwave oven – to name but a few.   Youth who make mistakes are not failures, rather they are explorers and entrepreneurs trying to find the right way. We need to encourage them to ask questions and explore their ideas with those who can help open up their minds about what is possible in this world. Imagination is a key ingredient for entrepreneurial success. The more time we spend fostering that growth the more ingrained it will become. Make risk-taking a habit: When we create a culture of entrepreneurial risk-taking, innovation follows suit as people are willing to explore new ideas rather than doing the same old thing.  In the case of youth, we can help them see that the status quo is not always the best option by asking them leading questions as to what they would do to solve a problem that they see.  Then together, try out their solutions until finding one that works. When we nurture and encourage young people this way, we are setting into their subconscious a practice that they will carry through life. They will grow up feeling empowered by their own imagination and spirit rather than limited by what society tells them is possible.  We have the opportunity to create life-long entrepreneurs when we show youth how their curiosity and willingness to try can lead to innumerable opportunities to learn in the quest for success. To aid my own young daughter with her online business I have finally put a personal life-long dream into action by creating URLYstart – a youth entrepreneurship program. How URLYstart can help youth create their own success story: I have always been convinced of the importance and value of entrepreneurship as a way to enjoy more freedom. My goal is to help as many people as possible experience the positive effects that an entrepreneurial lifestyle brings both to individuals and to families. Starting your own business is a daunting prospect with challenges along the way that you don’t even realize exist - never mind the sheer amount of time and money it can take. At URLYstart, my team and I have simplified the process by reducing start-up risks with our proven business-building methods and our ‘copy us to success’ click-by-click format. To ensure that the entrepreneurial spirit is passed onto the next generation, we want everyone, especially youth, to have the chance to create something new and to experience results firsthand. URLYstart is an innovative program where students, with the help of their teachers, parents, or peers, will start their own online business.  We have Gamified virtually every aspect to help keep students engaged while they learn new concepts that otherwise may have had them bored to tears.  Students will be able to win awards, gain certifications, compete with and mentor each other and, at the end of it all, have an online business that is purely theirs.   Consider how valuable and magical it would be to have ideas come to life. This is what URLYstart is offering – the opportunity to make this happen.  Since my daughter first spoke of wanting to start her own business, we have drawn closer than ever by going through this process together.  I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!  And that right here…that is what I want for you and your family too. Author Bio: Chris Vermeulen has 24 years of experience in entrepreneurship. He's built multiple six, seven, and even an 8-figure business with his strategy that allows anyone to become an expert and generate endless web traffic and recurring income. Chris is a dad of two kids and the founder of URLYstart.com, which helps turns kids into successful and confident digital entrepreneurs with is unique gamification method.  #### How to Get Over the Fear of Childbirth Being scared of labor actually makes the process worse.  Want to know how to get over the fear of childbirth? Try out a few of these tips from a 2-time natural birth mama. It saddens infuriates me the way the media portrays childbirth.  And, obstetricians don't really aid in exuding confidence in women's abilities to grow and birth their babies.  I can't understand why that is, but I can understand why you're scared of labor. What television show or movie ever shows a laboring woman calmly going to the hospital?  I can't think of many scenes that doesn't depict panic, pain, and a rush to the hospital.  You usually see the woman screaming about her water breaking.  Then, she's rushing to the hospital in agony.  And she's yelling until she's pushed the baby out. Your doctor has a wide variety of reasons why he or she needs to check on your baby and you during the entire process.  I can't remember one time my own OB saying anything to try to give me confidence in my own pregnancy and childbirth.  We're treated as though pregnancy and childbirth are an illness to be managed.  Luckily, I knew better.  I knew that there were far too many women in the world having babies to think that nature doesn't have a plan for it all. Is it Normal to Be Scared of Childbirth? Mothers, especially first-time moms, usually find themselves afraid of labor.  Why? The media portrays a sense of urgency, panic, and pain. Doctors want to manage the process as though pregnancy, labor, and delivery are an illness. Many people like to share labor and delivery horror stories. You don't really know what to expect. You are scared of labor because no one is teaching you not to be. #pregnancy #labor #childbirth Share on X Even when you've been through labor and delivery, there's a chance you start to experience anxiety and doubt about your labor with your next. This happened to me. I began to develop a fear of childbirth after my first, even though it went very well. I realized that as I was nearing my second baby's due date, fear and anxiety began to invade my thoughts. I would think things like: I got lucky the first time and this time might not go as well Did I forget how to handle contractions? Will my husband be as invested in the second birth as he was the first time? It didn't help my son was nearly 2 weeks past due and one day before scheduled induction. Some of my developing fears were that of having the induction itself and the increased possibility of side effects, further medical interventions (like an epidural) or c-section. Some mothers develop such a strong fear of childbirth that they don't want to have the baby.  This fear is called tokophobia and can affect a woman's decisions about how she wants to give birth to her baby. My Experience With Labor I want to be one of the few people that support you in the journey to finding positive thoughts about labor. Growing up, I knew my mother had my brother and me naturally.  She was scared, but I knew she did it!  She delivered my brother who was Frank Breech (when the butt is delivered first).  What a testament to how amazing our bodies are.  If she could do that, why couldn't I? In my post, Don't Get The Epidural, I explained that I had two unmedicated births.  One, 26 hours, the other 9 very intense hours.   Before having either, I, of course, wondered how it felt to be in labor.  I also wondered if I was capable of having my babies naturally because birth groups were all abuzz about inductions or scheduled c-sections based on the size of babies or changing calculations in due dates.  I knew people, personally, who never even gave their bodies a chance to birth naturally because their doctors had convinced them their bodies weren't capable of passing large babies. With so much doubt being shoved at us, how could you not be scared of labor? But, I found plenty of resources to help me work through my questions. Ways to Overcome Fear of Giving Birth Check out these 4 tips for managing your fear of labor: Read and educate yourself! If you're scared of labor, I know first hand that part of your worries is the fear of the unknown.   I personally recommend the book  The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth, which is very informative.  I've heard of so many other wonderful books, too.  One that has been recommended over and over is Ina May's Guide to Childbirth  Pick one (or a few) and learn about what to expect. Take a natural birth class. Taking a natural birth class was instrumental in alleviating fears of childbirth as a first-time mom!   My birth class was lead by an instructor who was a former labor and delivery nurse.  She also had experience birthing 4 babies naturally.   In class, the instructor taught us what the hospital wanted us to know.  Then, she told us what we were really capable of.   We were prepared with some in-class exercises to learn about pain tolerance, pain management, and how long contractions last (great exercise with a hand in ice for as long as a contraction would last).  Plus, she reminded us that our state of mind plays a large role in how we perceive our situation and pain. Your state of mind plays a big role in the perception of your labor and delivery. Being afraid intensifies feelings of pain. Share on X Have support. My husband ended up being my main support person.  He went to class with me and learned all the reasons we should be on board with natural childbirth.  We learned, together, how to work through the pain and that he needed to be supportive ... more than just being in the same room.  He needed to be my partner to help me through contractions, pain, and fear.   Don't forget to share with your friends how they can support your birth plans. Watch informative videos. My favorite video was Business of Being Born by Ricki Lake.  She's since worked on several follow-up videos.  I know, at one time, I was able to watch at least two of them on Netflix! Do yourself a favor and don't put much thought into how the media portrays childbirth.  Don't listen to birth horror stories.  If you do listen to them (because people love telling them), remind yourself it was that person's experience and not a fact of every birth. Do you want more information about natural childbirth?  I wrote a whole other post on giving birth naturally, and I really think you should read it!  In that post, I share how education and support will help you through it, plus, I share a few things to remember about the pain.  If that's not enough, check out all my pregnancy and natural birth posts! This post about Fear of Childbirth originally appeared on sahmplus.com July 3, 2017 and has been updated for content. #### How to Get Pregnant Naturally with Stork OTC and Twitter Party Having questions about your fertility?  Check out these tips on how to get pregnant naturally before resorting to seeking medical attention, including using the Stork OTC. I got off the pill, fully expecting to end up pregnant right away.  I was nearing 30, so admittedly, I was in a hurry.  Unfortunately, my body wasn't and I hadn't realized how much time it could take when I was finally ready for my first baby!  Despite the fact I'd been told it could take 6 months to a year after stopping birth control, I was certain I would get pregnant quickly.  I felt healthy and ready, so why wasn't it happening?  And I nearly gave up hope before I got pregnant. I scheduled an appointment with my OB, but she wouldn't do anything so soon. When you're so ready to have a baby, any amount of wait feels like an eternity.  I feel for those who have waited, or will wait, longer than I did. This is a sponsored conversation from Mums the Word Network and The Stork OTC. All opinions are my own. Admittedly, I'm a fast-paced kinda girl, so the 8 months it took me to get pregnant the first time nearly killed me (thankfully not literally).  I was trying everything I could think of to get pregnant naturally.  I didn't want to wait a whole year before the OB would see me.  And, at the same time, I really didn't want to get pregnant with medical help.  If I believed in giving birth naturally, did I really want to be poked and prodded to start my journey to motherhood?  Clearly, I hadn't seen the depths of hopelessness or despair in trying to get pregnant.  Thankfully, I never had to face that reality. You see, in the eight months I waited to finally learn I was pregnant, I began reading and researching.  I had to come to the realization that a) it could take time once off the pill b) there were things I could try to help get pregnant naturally, but still c) resolve that it wasn't exactly within my power to make it happen... and I needed to relax. And it finally happened.  8 months of waiting and a month after I agreed to let my husband get his 370Z, it finally happened.  We had gotten pregnant naturally. How to Get Pregnant Naturally Relax Did you know your health is affected by stress?  Of course, you did.  So, relinquish some control and don't stress it. Realize this is something that you can't totally control, but that there are ways to make the process easier! Get (or stay) Healthy The first time I tried getting pregnant, I was eating semi-healthy.  But, I read a really informative book that helped me understand how my body may process food.  I took a quiz and then changed a few things in my diet, specifically how I delivered food and drink to my system.  Shortly after making a few tweaks, I became pregnant. Did you know that your overall health can affect sperm's ability to make the journey to your ovaries?  A healthier body will be more sperm-friendly.  And I firmly believe this because the second time I got pregnant, I'd been eating mostly Paleo and became pregnant immediately after IUD removal. Don't overdo it While light to moderate exercise is healthy and encouraged before and during pregnancy, it's important to not overdo it.  I found out that heavy or intense workouts were not conducive to becoming pregnant. If you're in doubt about your exercise regimen, consult your doctor or consider a lighter routine.  Caring for and being gentle with your body as you embark on your journey through motherhood will be important at every stage, so don't be afraid to take it easier before you become a mom. Mindful Mama-to-be: How to create a mindfulness practice that will support you as you transition into motherhood. Track Ovulation Tracking your ovulation can be a great way to get pregnant sooner.  At the very least, using ovulation tests, you'll get a better understanding of your body's process.  This can, however, take some of the excitement out of the process, so try to be sure not to only "do the deed" when you get a positive ovulation test ;) Regardless, it's important to have a better understanding of how your body works.  Tracking ovulation will help you determine whether or not you have issues in your menstrual cycle ... ovulating too soon or too late in the month can indicate issues with your hormones. Assist your body I don't know how true it is, but I almost always practiced laying with my legs elevated above my stomach to allow gravity to help aid the process.  In my desperate moments, I would have been willing to try just about anything to get pregnant at the time. I still hadn't resolved that medical assistance was the answer, though.  So, I would have loved if Stork OTC had been available at the time.  The Stork OTC is a cervical cap device that garners nearly the same success rates in achieving pregnancy as more expensive IUI procedures.  The best part is, it's an at-home device that could save you money and the headache of fertility treatments in a doctor's office. There are no prescriptions or medical devices, so you can still leave the medical staff out of your fertility business for a little while longer! Visit Stork OTC to learn more! HOWTO_USA_OTC_v1_small Get a Stork OTC! Buy a Stork OTC at select Target stores Nationwide! Get Pregnant Naturally and #TTCwithStorkOTC Twitter Party Great news!  I'm going to be a #TTCwithStorkOTC Twitter Party Panelist!   If you are struggling, or have struggled with fertility, but are interested in ways to get pregnant naturally, join us me for the Twitter party.  Don't forget to share this tweet! [tweetthis]Join @StorkbyRinovum for the #TTCwithStorkOTC twitter party 8/17 8pm EST #TTC #ad[/tweetthis] I'll be with you for this hour-long fertility Twitter party ... let's share our trials and triumphs to encourage moms-to-be on this very delicate journey! Have you ever struggled with fertility? Were you able to get pregnant naturally or did you seek medical assistance? Feel free to share your story about getting pregnant or experiencing infertility.  We're all here for you.  Maybe your story can inspire and encourage others, or you can make a connection with someone in the same boat as you!  Or, throw yourself or a TTC'ing friend a "get pregnant party" with these fun ideas! Do you have other tips on how to get pregnant naturally? #### How To Get Pregnant With Irregular Periods Do you have irregular cycles?  When it comes to your fertility, you may be wondering how to get pregnant with irregular periods.  These tips may help. If you're wondering how to get pregnant with irregular periods, your first line of defense is maybe to seek medical advice. While not exactly a bad choice, that can certainly become a costly endeavor that maybe could have been handled at home. Really, if you're trying to conceive with irregular menstrual cycles, you may choose to do some home research first.  This can save you from expensive doctor bills and teach you more about the female body than your high school Sex Ed class could ever dream of. In truth, learning more about your own body is never a bad thing anyway. What Is An Irregular Period Anyway? First thing first, let's get to know what an irregular period is. According to the Office of Women's Health, an irregular period is any cycle that is less than 24 days or more than 38 days. This is something I struggled with trying to conceive my first baby.  My cycles were often longer than 38 days (and I could go a couple months without a period), but had been that way since I was a teenager.  So, I assumed my irregular periods were normal until I had difficulty conceiving. Common Causes of Irregular Periods Irregular periods can be caused by various factors, including: Hormonal Imbalances: Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, can disrupt the normal menstrual cycle, leading to irregular periods. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and adrenal gland disorders can contribute to hormonal imbalances. Stress: High levels of physical or emotional stress can affect the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands, leading to changes in hormone production and menstrual irregularities. Extreme Weight Changes: Significant weight loss or gain can impact hormone levels and disrupt the menstrual cycle. Low body weight or excessive exercise can lead to the suppression of reproductive hormones, while obesity can result in increased estrogen production, both of which can cause irregular periods. Eating Disorders: Conditions such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia can lead to hormonal imbalances, malnutrition, and significant weight fluctuations, all of which can contribute to irregular menstrual cycles. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and ovarian cysts, can interfere with the normal functioning of the reproductive system, leading to irregular periods. Medications: Certain medications, including hormonal contraceptives, anticoagulants, and some chemotherapy drugs, can affect hormone levels and disrupt the menstrual cycle, resulting in irregular periods. Perimenopause: As women approach menopause, the natural decline in reproductive hormones can cause irregular menstrual cycles, including changes in the frequency and duration of periods. Thyroid Disorders: Thyroid imbalances, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can affect the production of reproductive hormones, leading to menstrual irregularities. Excessive Exercise: Intense or excessive physical activity, particularly endurance training or rigorous workouts, can disrupt the balance of reproductive hormones and result in irregular periods. Chronic Illness: Certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes and autoimmune disorders, can impact hormone regulation and contribute to irregular menstrual cycles. Understanding these common causes can help individuals identify potential factors contributing to their irregular periods (and infertility) and seek appropriate medical guidance and treatment when necessary. Can You Get Pregnant With Irregular Periods? While it's not considered impossible, irregular menstrual cycles can make becoming pregnant difficult.   Because a woman with irregular periods still ovulates, she can still get pregnant.  But, her ovulation can be tough to track because it's not on a predictable schedule. Really, irregular periods and pregnancy aren't a great match for many reasons. How To Get Pregnant With Irregular Periods: Home Remedies So, let the research begin and look for articles written by other women who have successfully gotten pregnant with irregular periods. Understand, if you're looking for how to get pregnant with irregular periods fast, you're in for a rude awakening.  This does take some work and learning about your body.  Sometimes, learning what your body needs and can take some time.  But, you may find underlying health issues that you can fix, making a pregnancy easier down the road! From my personal experience, much of it had to do with my hormones being out of balance.  I did things at home to fix that. So, here's a list of ways to get pregnant when you have irregular periods: 1. Load Up On Fertility Information Borrow a few natural fertility books from the library or buy a few online or in a store. My favorite in-depth fertility tracking book was Taking Charge of Your Fertility.  This book taught me so much about women's cycles, tracking periods, and what everything meant. Secondly, I loved the book Making Babies: A Proven 3-Month Program for Maximum Fertility.  After doing a personal quiz, this book helped me determine how to eat for my body type in order to achieve pregnancy.  I did get pregnant 2 months after using the recommendations in this book, however, I had also been trying a variety of things to balance my hormones prior to getting my hands on this book. Have you been dealing with infertility for some time?  Learn about your infertility root cause through the Pregnancy Miracle Program. 2. Don't Stress It According to Web MD, stress can hurt your chances of getting pregnant.  So, practice some self-care and try not to make your entire focus on getting pregnant. I know it's easier said than done, but it's important to continue to live your life like normal.  Plus, your spouse will appreciate the time you guys have a lot more if you're still showing him that you love him.  And living life (and having sex) isn't just about getting pregnant. Some simple ways to reduce stress are to: Cut out caffeine Try yoga or meditation Read (at least 6 minutes per day) Light exercise Seek counseling, therapy, or support groups 3. Eat Healthily As I learned while reading the Making Babies book, eating a healthy diet isn't just something we should be doing for our overall health, but for the benefit of our body's hormones and conception.  Plus, a healthy diet is highly recommended during pregnancy anyway. 4. Period Tracking As I learned in Taking Charge of Your Fertility, period tracking is a great way to learn about your overall cycle health.  Here, you'll begin to see your body's routines and start getting a feel for each phase in your cycle. 5. Basal Body Temperature Checking This, again, is covered in the Taking Charge of Your Fertility book. Tracking your basal body temperature (and cervical mucus) will help you predict ovulation. 6. Are Your Hormones Out Of Whack? Generally speaking, irregular periods (as defined above) are usually the result of hormone imbalance. While I recommend doing tons of research and consulting with your physician before taking any supplements, I found Vitex (an herbal supplement) to work for me.  This herbal supplement helped me to regulate (and shorten) my cycles when following instructions for use to regulate and stopped when it was safe to do so after I found out I was pregnant. Find a way to balance and regulate hormones (especially after coming off birth control) to ensure your body is working optimally for getting pregnant. If you're having trouble getting pregnant with irregular periods, getting your body into shape can also be a great way to regulate hormones. 7. Evaluate Your Workout Routine Can too much exercise decrease your fertility?  Very Well Family mentions that studies have come to different conclusions, but here are a few: Strenuous exercise of four or more hours per week may reduce IVF success rates Aerobic exercise for seven or more hours per week may increase the risk of ovulation problems Vigorous exercise may improve fertility in women who are obese Vigorous exercise may decrease fertility in women who are at their normal weight Moderate exercise (for more than hour but less than five hours per week) was found to improve fertility in all women Do you have tips on how to get pregnant with irregular periods? If you ever struggled with fertility issues because of irregular cycles, what tips would you offer about how to get pregnant with irregular periods? How to get pregnant with irregular periods was originally published in 2019 on this site and has been updated. #### How To Get The Best Results From a Consequence Jar Get the best results from a consequence jar with these 6 strategies!  It's not just about using a consequence and reward jar system, it's about implementation and doing these 6 things! Are you still struggling with your child's behaviors?  Sometimes, so do I! After implementing consequence and reward jars to improve behaviors, I find myself dealing with the occasional issue.  I am NOT telling you the system isn't working.  That couldn't be further from the truth.  The system works surprisingly well, especially when I am mindful of how I'm using them. Recently, I posted about what I learned about myself after using the system briefly.  But, as time goes on, I realize we all need regular reminders about using the whole system effectively. Today though, I want to give you a more in-depth way to get the best results from using a consequence jar. The points I'm sharing with you have come up in the last few months, so I thought it best to continue sharing my experiences.  Hopefully, it will help you overcome a struggle before it happens. If not, you can always refer back to see if there was something you missed. Effective Use of the Consequence Jar Simply implementing a consequence jar to change your child's bad behavior isn't nearly enough.  You need to give some thought to every part of the behavior modification system. 1. Decide on and print house rules. Make a list of house rules.  Think of all the expectations you have in your home. A verbal and visual list will help all members of the family to understand what is expected of them.  This is immensely helpful in determining when to "request" a pull from the consequence jar.  And yes, request is in quotations, because I don't believe in making requests when a child is out of line. A consequence isn't an option. 2. Decide on consequences and print slips. You and your partner can work on your parenting teamwork as you determine appropriate consequences. Anything you have ever threatened or thought about threatening (aside from selling your child to the gypsies) should be printed and cut into strips.  From small things like having the child write their name 5 times to larger consequences like losing X-Box for the day, it's all fair game. Because this is like roulette, your child will learn to think very hard about his or her actions.  A simple back-talk could earn him a night free from television. Make a list of those consequences (even in your head) that are things you can take away.   Go ahead and call them your "take away consequences." These are your fail-safe items when crap really hits the fan.  No TV, no x-box, no tablet, no computer ... something of value that your child will be really upset to lose for the night (or a week). Need some consequence slip ideas?  When you sign up for my email newsletter, you receive 2 free printables: House Rules and Consequence Jar slips.  It can at least get you started. Just click on this image 3. Discuss Expectations. Discuss, as a family, the expectations you have of your child.  Then, explain that when those expectations aren't met, they will pull a consequence from the consequence jar.  Something about determining their own fate makes them think hard. 4. Follow through. This might be hard at first, but it's imperative in any disciplinary situation that you follow through with your threats.  When you threaten a consequence and then don't follow through, your child learns you have no authority. 5. Swift action. It is vital that you not let bad behavior continue as this elevates your bad mood.  Take care of a problem immediately, before your emotions start to take control. While you're still calm, instruct your child to reach into the consequence jar and pull a random slip. DO NOT allow the child to argue their point or allow them to think it's open for negotiation.  You lose your power and the consequence jar will not be effective.  The key to any disciplinary technique is swift action and follow through.  Consistently. 6. Expect resistance. If there is resistance (and there is likely going to be initially), there are a couple of ways to handle the situation. You can use a counting method.  "If you don't pull one by the time I get to three, I will pull one for you."  FOLLOW THROUGH!!  Or, go ahead and pull one for them. Either way, a consequence needs to be pulled.  And, it needs to be done before you lose your cool. Is your child refusing to complete the consequence task? I got lucky with my daughter (or we're really strict disciplinarians and she knows the limits).  Either way, I haven't had to deal with this situation personally.  However, I did have one reader ask what to do if the child refused to complete the task. This is a power struggle and something you need to stay on top of. I thought about what I would do in that situation and believe the best course of action is to immediately decide on a "take away" consequence that you listed in item #2 above. Your child has no control over the situation any longer.  And, you can probably expect a tantrum, more crying, or more arguing.  That's okay.  Stand your ground and follow through on the takeaway. Should the child become unruly, send her to her room until she can calm down.   And whatever you do, no begging or pleading or you're giving your child power again. I am not insisting we're perfect.  But I am telling you that as long as I remember to stay consistent, this system works like a charm. Within the first week, changes in behaviors and moods were noticeable.  Yelling has been significantly decreased and my daughter earns her rewards more often than not. Because nearly every part of this system is customize-able to YOU, I believe it has the potential to work with all parenting styles. The keys are to: act swiftly. follow through. and stay consistent. As I offered in my previous post about our system, you can print our house rules and consequence jar ideas list to get you started by signing up for my email newsletter. Don't Just Rely On A Consequence Jar Don't forget to check out tips on using a reward jar as positive reinforcement for good behavior. #### How to Handle Disney World with a Toddler or Preschooler Whether you're doing this on your own or with your spouse, you'll need these sanity-saving tips for going to Disney World with a Toddler or Preschooler The family took a week-long vacation to Disney World when S was small.  Planning for the Disney Vacation was problematic, but we ended up having such a great time.  It ended up being the most magical of weeks as S finally decided to do #2 in the potty. We're pretty sure she was "holding out" on her potty training business until we took her to Mickey's House. *sigh* When my husband had to spend a few days away from home, I decided I would put our annual passes to good use and take the kiddo back for an overnight trip to get out of the house. My adventurous spirit was nearly crushed as I struggled with all our crap.  And this was from the moment we tried to get on the tram. I hadn't even arrived at the monorail to get into the park and I was fighting back tears. What in the world made me think I could handle going to Disney World with my toddler alone? I learned a few things taking her by myself and wanted to share our experience.  So, here are some things to think about if you're venturing to Disney World with a toddler or preschooler by yourself. Tips and Tricks for Going to Disney World with a Toddler or Preschooler ALONE Disclaimer: Affiliate links are included in this post. Making purchases after clicking these links will not cost you more out of pocket. When planning a trip to Disney World with a toddler or preschooler, there are more things to consider than simply checking the crowd calendars! Should I stay on-site or off? Scope out hotel options and prices. Staying onsite left a few things to be desired.  Even staying in a value resort wasn't much "value" other than constant access to buses that drop you off right in front of the park. For this trip, I wanted to be able to hop into my car and head straight home when we were done.  The bus was a step I didn't want to factor into my time.  So, staying offsite made the most sense for us.  I found a spectacular hotel at an amazing price through my husband's workplace discount site.  You may find good deals on hotels through most of the normal travel sites, or even snag great deals through hotel sites.  Most hotels offer I found a spectacular hotel at an amazing price through my husband's workplace discount site. You may find good deals on hotels through most of the normal travel sites, or even snag great deals through hotel sites.  Most hotels offer complimentary transportation to and from the theme parks, but they may have specific departure times that you would need to factor in. Parking and Transportation at Disney World Parks Because we had annual passes at the time, parking was free.  If you do not have an annual pass, standard car parking is $20/day (at the time of writing this post). On this particular trip, we arrived just before lunch so we had to park pretty far away.  What this means is that we needed to rely on 2 forms of transportation to enter the Magic Kingdom.  Once you have parked, you take a courtesy tram.  This was stressful for me for the first time.  I had a load of food because of dietary restrictions, a large stroller, backpack, and the toddler.  The larger seating rows are not clearly marked and the doors DO NOT stay open.  This makes it very hard to get getting everything, including your child, onto the tram with full hands. Bonus Tips for Parking at Magic Kingdom Upon parking, take a photo or keep a note in your phone noting your parking lot and aisle to ensure you don't forget where you parked. Take in only necessities.  You will need to stuff everything into the seating row rather quickly. If using a stroller, don't bring in a large jogging stroller unless you have help. I recommend a lightweight stroller, like an umbrella stroller if you can manage.  However, something with a basket to store extra stuff is preferable!  Check out something like the Baby Trend Rocket stroller. I can't explain how embarrassed I was to have needed so much help (which didn't come easy).  The stroller was too heavy, I had too many necessities (thanks to food allergies), and the door of the tram doesn't stay open.  It was nearly impossible to handle the tram on my own. After your short tram ride, you then board either the Ferry or Monorail to the Magic Kingdom park entrance.  Go ahead and unfold your stroller and get comfortable.  You can roll the stroller onto both the Ferry or Monorail and from this point on, you shouldn't have to fold up the stroller again until you board the tram again at the end of the day. The following day, we arrived at the Animal Kingdom an hour before they opened.  We were able to park in some of the closest spots available which meant I could easily make the short walk instead of bothering with the same problems I had with the tram the day before. Items to Take Into Disney World with a Toddler or Preschooler Be sure only to carry items into the park that you will need.  I brought that big atrocious jogging stroller because I felt like I needed a ton of extra snacks for my food allergies. What I learned from my previous trip as a family was that I needed a backpack.  That was my souvenir from our vacation and it came in handy for this trip!  I tucked a large bottle of water in the side pocket.  Then, I stuffed my wallet, pull-ups, change of clothes for the kiddo, wipes, Boogie Wipes, hand sanitizer, individually wrapped snacks, small first aid kit, jackets, and small purse into the backpack.  I also carried a cold lunch tote for my allergy-friendly foods.  If you have storage space on your stroller, unload un-valuable items into it and carry only necessities in your backpack. If you're not as concerned about saving money or don't have food allergies/sensitivities, opting out of packing lunch or snacks may be an option for you.   For any of you with food allergies, you can rest assured there are plenty of allergy-friendly dining options at the Disney World Parks. Definitely, pack at least one bottle of water for each member of the family.  We love to pack frozen water bottles for a really cold drink later in the day when it's blazing hot! Additionally, carry rain gear.  Florida tends to experience afternoon showers during the summer in Florida.  You won't find a stroller rain cover (at least not easily) in-park and ponchos aren't cheap. You can find a universal stroller rain cover on Amazon and have it ready ahead of time. Save Shopping for the End of Day Shopping at Disney World with toddlers or preschoolers is atrocious.  Plus, if you start souvenir shopping first thing, you'll be bound to those items for the rest of the day, unless you have your stuff sent to your room (if you stayed on Disney property). As much as possible, stay away from the shops. By now, your toddler or preschooler wants everything they see, so keep moving and don't let them see. A few times we stopped to check the map, check on fast pass times, etc, I made the mistake of being within a close visual range of toys only to hear "I want that."  And once her mind was set, it was impossible to get her mind off it until we were moving on.  I was quick to move on and say "Let's find out what else we can do" or "Let's go find another ride".  If you make the mistake of stopping near a shop, I hope my phrases work as well for you as they did for me. What I found helpful was a) discuss with your child that you're there to have fun, NOT to buy a bunch of stuff and b) consider making an end of the day purchase to reward good behavior. For my Disney regulars, do you have anything to add to my tips for tackling Disney World with a toddler or preschooler? #### How to Have a Felt Christmas Wonderland Everyone Will Love As the weather cools down (and likely warms up again for Christmas ... because Florida), I'm looking for ways to get my house in the Christmas spirit.  I may decorate to trick my brain into feeling like it's winter.  And, I may also be tempted to turn down the A/C just enough to make hot chocolate or a mid-day coffee seem appropriate. Though, the moment I step outside in my sweater, I'll realize I've been living a dream.  Then, I'll quickly trade my sweater for a short-sleeved shirt and pout for a few weeks.  Then, after Christmas is over, we'll finally get to keep cold weather. It happens like that just about every year in Florida! Now, I don't consider myself the craftiest of people and I certainly don't have tons of time on my hands to do much crafting.  However, felt has a special place in my heart!  I feel like it's the perfect crafting medium that requires little time unless you really feel like getting into so interesting projects. Also, because I'm a mom with young kids still, felt is the perfect choice when coming up with crafts.  It's relatively inexpensive and durable for little hands.  That's why I love Felt Christmas crafts and projects. I've rounded up quite a few felt Christmas crafts and projects to help you create a festive home, even if you have little ones running around the house.  Plus, there a felt Christmas crafts perfect for all ages and crafting skill levels... even the laziest of crafters like myself! Over 25 Festive Felt Christmas Crafts and Projects Felt Christmas Tree Ornament from Easy Peasy and Fun 15-Minute Felt Candy Cane Garland from Hey Let's Make Stuff Felt Christmas Stocking: Beginner Sewing Project for Kids from Rainy Day Mum Elf Boots - Felt Christmas Ornament from The DIY Dreamer DIY Scented Christmas Tree Ornaments from Gym Craft Laundry DIY Danish Christmas Heart Craft from Mama in the Now Toddler Felt Christmas Tree from SAHM, plus... Mason Jar and Felt Christmas Gnome from Hey Let's Make Stuff DIY Christmas Felt Pine Tree from Mommy Moment Felt Ornament Craft for Christmas from Pastels and Macarons Felt Christmas Tree Growth Chart - a no-sew project from Life Sew Savory Deer and Fox Felt Christmas Ornaments from Cutesy Crafts DIY Felt Flower Christmas Tree from The Happy Housie Felt Candy Ornaments from Happiness is Homemade DIY Candy Cane Felt Garland from Sew What Alicia Poinsettia Felt Christmas Ornament from DIY Candy Button and Felt Christmas Ornaments from Cutesy Crafts Felt Christmas Ornaments from The DIY Dreamer DIY Felt Christmas Light Garland from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom Felt Christmas Table Runner from Life Sew Savory Felt Christmas Gift Card Holders from DIY Candy DIY Upcycled Felt Christmas Garland from Duct Tape and Denim Giant Christmas Felt Letters from Pillar Box Blue Felt Poinsettia Christmas Decorations from Happiness is Homemade 3D Felt Christmas Ornament from Dollar Store Crafts Holiday Felt Flower Wreath from Tater Tots and Jello Felt Cookie Ornaments Tutorial from Life Sew Savory What do you think??  Do you have enough Felt Christmas Craft inspiration to get you going for a while? What's your favorite way to decorate for Christmas with kids? #### How to Have Fun in North Georgia with Kids It's evening.  My daughter and I were walking to visit horses in a nearby pasture.  We had specifically gone out in hopes to see deer.  But on this night, there was more hustle and bustle in the area.  On the way back to the cabin, the peacefulness led the way to calm and focus.  I couldn't help but smile as my daughter's flip-flops made crunching sounds over the rocks and gravel on the road.  This is a vacation!  Those sounds reminded me of the years I spent walking in the mountains with my family, flip flops, gravel, and all. It's cooler under the cover of thousands of surrounding trees.  We're up at a slightly higher elevation.  Some of this trip we hiked to see waterfalls. Many memories came back to me of my younger years vacationing in the mountains with my parents and brother.  The sounds of the crunching gravel and being closer to nature was so peaceful.  It was this! Getting out of the sweltering heat of Florida and doing things we can't do there made me realize just how much I missed vacationing in the mountains. Unfortunately, the kids were in the wrong frames of mind during vacation.  My son started a highly-clingy phase the week before vacation began.  His need for being held by mama suddenly trumped his natural desire to run wild.  And just when he thought he wanted down, a toe would hit the ground and he'd scream to be held again.  I ended up doing a lot of baby wearing during our trip, which was thoroughly exhausting.  And my daughter ... well, she's almost 6 with an attitude resembling that of a teenager.  Yet, she's still too immature not to have complete meltdowns over the various things she wants.  It seemed vacation, in her mind, meant a reprieve from all the lessons on behavior she's learned to date. Sigh. Though this vacation was difficult, I'm glad we tried it.  Having shown the kids there's more to vacation than highly commercialized theme park vacations had become important to me suddenly.  But, they're still too young to appreciate much of it.  That's not to say they didn't enjoy it, though, it just wasn't as enjoyable as I'd hoped!  Isn't that just part of vacation now that we're parents though? Anyway, I thought I'd give you a run-down of our stay and adventures during our North Georgia vacation with young children.  My aim is to help you understand what's available to see and do in the area.  If your children are older, you'll likely have a much more pleasant experience, too.  I was not compensated in any way for this post.  I was given Gold Fever Package tickets in exchange for this post. How to have fun in North Georgia Mountains with Kids Our stay in Clarkesville, GA For starters, I booked a cabin through Airbnb in Clarkesville, GA.  It was about 15 minutes from Helen, GA and 45 minutes from Dahlonega, GA.  These were two locations I felt were must-visits on our first family mountain vacation. Looking to stay in the area?  We stayed at Shalimar's Gold which, after the weekly discount, cost less than $200/night.  But there are so many options ... and no matter what you choose, I feel as though you're likely to get a much better deal than any hotel would give you!  Certainly much more space and privacy!  If you want to book a cabin through Airbnb for your next trip, use my referral link for $40 (I'll get a $20 travel credit for referring you). Things to do in and near Clarkesville, GA Hiking and Nature Florida is too hot and humid for me to even consider hiking.  And, to be honest, it's not very pretty, in my opinion.  So, we don't spend much time outdoors exploring the area.  Plus, dealing with my health issues and being constantly tired, I usually don't have the drive to get out and explore.  When my husband learned I wanted to go do some hiking to see waterfalls, he laughed.  "You want to hike?  And, with a toddler?" Yeah, I admit it sounded crazy, but I was determined to get out and explore because I was looking forward to different. There are tons of hiking and exploration activities around the Clarkesville, GA area!  Everything from short walks to things that are much more grueling for the true adventurer.  Because of my health and having a 1.5-year-old and 5-year-old in tow, I scouted the shorter, more feasible, hiking options around us. The Hikes We Took and the Falls We Saw in North Georgia Toccoa Falls We started our first full day in North Georgia visiting Toccoa Falls, which also happened to be the kids' first time visiting any waterfalls!  I knew their first time needed to be easy to be a success.  It was about 30 minutes from where we were staying and was the easiest "hike" to see falls.  Having packed a lunch, we headed out to Toccoa Falls, which is located on the property of Toccoa Falls College. We arrived on Sunday morning before the visitor center opened, so our visit to the falls happened to be free.  Visiting Toccoa Falls was a very short, easy, walk at a slight incline.  The path followed the creek and we happened to see a water moccasin basking on a rock. Can't you see that big snake? It was hot and there wasn't much cover to shade us from the sun.  But, once we were closer to the falls, we essentially forgot about the heat, and the kids were in awe. You could stop there and view, or for the more adventurous, there was a tiny climb over some rocks to find a more private and quiet viewing area behind a large rock. Once we finished, we headed back to the parking lot to grab our lunch.  There's an old run-down building behind the parking lot.  Behind the building is a single concrete picnic table with benches with an up-close view of a really small waterfall.  We took our lunch break here before embarking on our journey to the next waterfall and hike. Tallulah Falls at Tallulah Gorge State Park Tallulah Falls was a little over 20 minute ride North of Toccoa Falls.  Because there was a shorter, easier walk included in the various hiking levels, we decided to continue our first day in Georgia by visiting here. With the two kids, taking the hike down and up over one thousand steps wasn't even a consideration.  We chose the easy "hikes" high above the gorge and it was an amazing sight.  And we only spent about an hour here, so it was the perfect addition to our first day in the mountains of North Georgia. When the kids are older, I'd be inclined to try to actually do the steps to get into the gorge though. Anna Ruby Falls Of the three falls we visited on our trip, this was by far, my favorite!  30 minutes away from our cabin in Clarkesville, GA, and because Anna Ruby Falls was located in Unicoi State Park, we made this a full day trip. We started the day with Anna Ruby Falls to try and beat the heat.  The hiking path was well-shaded, making the slightly more strenuous hike cool and comfortable.  Even wearing my son on my back the whole time, I was comfortable, aside from hiking at an incline. The entire hike up was beside a beautiful creek, lots of rocks, and plenty of places to stop and enjoy the beauty of the area.  There were also benches along the way to sit and rest, which we needed a few times. We finally arrived, and I think we were more awestruck than we had been at the previous falls.  This comprised of two larger waterfalls which fell into the same creek we'd hiked beside.   I haven't been posting much ... we've been on vacation ? . . #mountainvacation #vacationinthemountains #mountains #waterfalls #annarubyfalls #familyvacation #summer break A post shared by Ivy | Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Jul 10, 2017 at 12:37pm PDT There was no private viewing area and the place was quite busy.  But, it was easy to tune out the world as you inspected the area. Butterflies were flying around everywhere, and a few were landing on the people, content as could be.  It felt as though we stepped out of the modern world and into the past ... a time untouched by man, except for the wooden viewing platforms. After our hike to Anna Ruby Falls, we made our way back down to the car and took the kids back to Unicoi State Park and had a quiet lunch under the trees beside the parking lot.  Afterwards, we got dressed in our swimsuits and went splashing in the lake.  For July, the water was pretty cold (at least in my opinion) and we had a short rain shower. Dahlonega, GA Because Dahlonega was a 45-55 minute trip from Clarkesville, we made this a full day event.  Our main objective was to take the kids on a Gold Tour with our Gold Fever Package tickets.  Anything we did beyond that was a bonus, and it ended up being a completely full day. Our Gold tour had us doing some real learning at the Gold Museum, and panning for gold and gem mining at two different mines.  We also had the pleasure of visiting an underground gold mine and learning about the tools the miners used back in the day. Make sure to read more about our Gold Fever Package tour experience in this post. Dahlonega was a favorite stop of ours when we were growing up, but it didn't seem that exciting once we were there.  We'd never taken the Gold Tour when I was a kid, so this was a special treat, even for me. Exploring the little touristy town of Dahlonega wasn't exactly a fabulous trip, though we did see some cute stores.  And stopping at the General Store brought back tons of memories ... I mean, how can you forget rock candy and 5 cent coffee paid for on the honor system? We had a not-so-good experience at The Crimson Moon for lunch.  The service was extraordinarily slow and we were one of like 3 tables being served.  No one was impressed with their food.  And on the Gluten Free front, I received a tiny pulled pork sandwich that was about half the size of my toddler son's humongous grilled cheese sandwich.  My daughter got a pulled pork sandwich and it was also larger.  So, I had a smaller sandwich and I didn't even get overflow meat ... so I paid extra for gluten free bread and got significantly less food than my kids.  To make matter worse, the barbecue sauce ... well, it shouldn't have been called that.  It was red colored sugar water. Dinner, however, was a completely different experience.  We decided to dine at Bourbon Street Grille, which had a plentiful gluten free menu for myself and tons of options for even the pickiest of eaters.  This was quite possibly the most enjoyable meal we had out the entire week. Other Things to Do In and Around Clarkesville, GA with Kids Helen, GA Helen is a quaint little tourist town just 15 minutes from Clarkesville.  Here, you'll find plenty of gluten free dining opportunities and lots of fun for the whole family. We dined at a few restaurants here, went tubing, and walked around the town perusing the little tourist shops. On our last full day of our trip, we left our youngest back at the cabin with his Papaw while we went tubing with the oldest.  She claims this was her favorite activity all week and was disappointed we only did the hour tubing adventure with Cool River Tubing.  To be honest, after having done it, I'd wished we'd taken the long trip, too.  It was a relatively easy trip, though the pushing sticks were necessary at some points since the water was pretty low. There were times we just laid back and relaxed in our tubes, while others, we used our push sticks to race each other ... you know, because we're a racing family after all ;)  What, you didn't know that?  Okay, when you get a chance, you need to check out why I do Autocross. If we'd needed to take our toddler tubing with us, Helen Tubing & Water Park was the only location that would have allowed him to go. Sunburst Adventures Our cabin was operated by the owners of Sunburst Stables on the next street over in Clarkesville, GA.  Sunburst Adventures is an adorable little farm which includes horseback riding, zip lining, ATV/UTV mountain adventures and more. I took the oldest child horseback riding, which was a new experience for her.  Those pony rides at fairs were put to shame as we learned how to ride horses up and down the mountain trails.  And, as if riding horses wasn't enough fun, we were able to see some of the random farm animals along the way.  Like, what farm has a llama?  This one!  My daughter enjoyed it so much but said she couldn't wait to be old enough to get on her own horse.  Honestly, I can't wait either ... riding horses brought back so many good memories as a kid and I'd love to share that with her!   Our morning adventure, just me and my girl at @sunburst_adventurepark . . #sahmplus #summervacation #sunburststables #familyvacation #iloveit #vacation #summerbreak2017 #summerbreak #ridinghorses #gamountains #mountainvacation A post shared by Ivy | Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Jul 11, 2017 at 3:42pm PDT On another day, we spent a couple hours with the oldest doing zip lining.  Throughout their property, you took several different zip lines ... some weren't as steep and slower, while others were steep, long, and fast.  And, there were a few zip lines where you were encouraged to ride upside down.  I was really surprised my daughter was braver than myself and LOVED being upside down.  Though she's only about 35 lbs, she was old enough and weighed enough to be on the zip line by herself.  I just couldn't believe how brave she was! Just outside the checkout, there's a small pen with the most chilled cat I'd ever seen and bunnies galore.  We were able to hop in the pen with the bunnies and try to pet or hold them if you were quick enough or lucky enough to grab one. Babyland General Hospital On our final day in the mountains, after tubing and lunch, I took the kids and my dad to Babyland General Hospital in Cleveland, GA.  It was about 20 minutes from where we were staying.  I took a gamble on this activity because a) my daughter has never been much into baby dolls b) my son likes babies and seems to enjoy hugging the one doll my daughter has, and c) it brought back memories thinking about Cabbage Patch kids. Took the kids to @cabbagepatchkidsdelivery yesterday ... cute reminder of my youth, but my kids were atrocious ? . . I learned a lot during this vacation ... like don't take another one unless someone else is watching the kids ... mommy & daddy vacations only ? . . #summerbreak #summervacation #summerbreak2017 #summervacation2017 #sahmplus #girlmom #boymom #parenthood #kidssucksometimes #kidsaretheworst #cabbagepatchkids A post shared by Ivy | Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Jul 15, 2017 at 11:31am PDT For me, personally, I thoroughly enjoyed the blast from the past.  And from an adult perspective, was amused and kind of annoyed by the highly managed birth Mother Cabbage endured (as a natural birth mom of two, the terminology used in the birth show was pretty disturbing).  Still, it was kind of funny. For the kids though, the trip was a humongous waste of time.  My daughter was only interested in stuffed animals that had absolutely nothing to do with cabbage patch dolls.  And my son was extremely upset that the babies were moving in the cabbage leaves.  I bought my daughter a dog that at least had the Cabbage Patch Kids logo on it.  My son got nothing because they didn't have inexpensive gender-neutral or boy babies.  Guys, I was appalled at the prices!  To get anything with the Cabbage Patch name was not in the least cheap and as a souvenir at a place neither of the kids enjoyed, I couldn't see spending more than $25 on anything. BUT, that's not to say that Babyland isn't a suck-fest for everyone.  Seriously, I wanted to buy myself a baby doll ... you know, because it would have been more content than either of my two children and the memories of them as a kid ...  But, I didn't. #### How to Help Kids Unplug for Screen-Free Week Parenting in 2018 is problematic as our children become addicted to screens.  I'm sharing ideas to help your kids unplug for screen-free week (and all year long) while still having FUN, Our daughter recently lost privileges over how much time she could spend on her iPad.  I'd gotten lazy and let her have free reign over the iPad once homework and chores were complete.  But, my laziness back-fired. She began giving us attitude about everything.  A request to put the tablet down to come to dinner or get ready for bed came with a huge sigh or an eye roll.  "Can I have one more minute?" she'd  ask, despite the 5 minute warning.  And if we obliged, we weren't thanked.  She'd act perturbed and angry when it was, in fact, time for bed. The more she used an iPad or tablet, the more she needed.  She'd gotten caught sneaking her tablet up to bed or sneaking out of bed early in the morning to play.  It prevented her from getting ready for school in the morning or she'd try to play before she was ready. We'd had enough.  My husband and I sat down together and, as a team, came up with a plan to limit her screen-time. The rules were: Weekdays - 1 hour of any tablet ONLY after she completed homework.  If she was ready with plenty of time in the morning, she could earn tablet usage until it was time to leave. Weekends - We reserved tablet usage for our toddler's nap-time.  This gave us all quiet time. We may have worried about what this meant for the mood of the house in the coming weeks, but we laid down the law. My daughter shrugged her shoulders, and on the first day of the rule, she ran out to play.  Not once did she even look at her tablet that day.  We were both shocked and relieved, and it's remained civil in the house.  More often than not, she prefers real play over her tablet now, and it's been almost a month. When I was approached to review Screen-Free Fun, I knew this was a must.  I believe this is a common problem among parents these days.  Our children are growing up educated and entertained by electronics.  And, with screen-free week right around the corner, this was a timely request.  I received a free review copy of Screen-Free Fun.  All opinions expressed here are my own. How to Help Your Kids Unplug for Screen-Free Week Though I've been known to let the iPad babysit my kid(s), I'm aware of the issues too much screen-time can cause.  This was discussed thoroughly in this article, Screen Time Syndrome.  I've seen, first-hand, how cranky each of them become when they don't just play! Screen-Free Week is April 30th - May 6th, 2018.  I want you to be ready to help your kids unplug for screen-free week while remaining sane. I'm sharing 4 ways to maintain your sanity during a screen-free week with the kids.  Don't forget that modeling what you wish to see from them is the best thing, so you will be expected to be screen-free.  We work and have lives, so it's understandable if you can't be screen-free yourself all week.  But not making an effort to reduce your own screen-time weakens your message to your kids. Plan activities Participating in activities will help your kids unplug for screen-free week! I know how difficult it is to come up with ideas at times.  As a work at home mom myself, I'm already wearing so many hats I drop the ball on a lot.  It's part of why I became lax about screen-time in the first place.  So, I completely understand that planning more activities isn't always easy. The book Screen-Free Fun by Shannon Philpott-Sanders is a life-saver for busy parents.  Its release is well-timed for screen-free week. Shannon offers over 400 family activities in her book.  The 4 areas in which you can seek screen-free time (and some of my favorite ideas in each) are: Creativity Activities: Tell a Group Story, Write New Lyrics to Favorite Melodies, and Create Music Shakers Outdoor Activities: Create Sidewalk Chalk Art, Play Simon Says, and Host a Hopscotch Contest Being involved in your Community: Visit a Lonely Neighbor, Host a Toy Exchange, Call a Long-Distance Relative Local Travel/Day Trips: Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt, Create Zoo Sketches, and Play Road Trip Rhyming With so many options in this book, you're certain to find a lot of ideas everyone can enjoy together.  This will help with a smooth transition through screen-free week. Planning activities doesn't have to be difficult or annoying either.  Doing something together can be as simple as working with a fuse bead kit like this one.   Have them plan activities Have your kids create a screen-free week bucket list of things they'd like to do.  If they get bored, they can refer to their own list (or yours) to see if anything prompts excitement.  They can look through the Screen-Free Fun book to help pick activities they think they'd enjoy. Carve out quiet time With all the extra parenting you're doing, make sure everyone  gets some down-time.  Have printables, books, or age-appropriate arts and crafts available for independent activity.  Quiet time is the perfect opportunity for mom to have a quick nap or catch up on work or chores. Screen-free entertainment can still be educational!  How about screen-free coding?  Like this ...   Let them "be bored" There is going to be at least one moment when the kids become bored.  Let them be bored!.  Boredom is a great exercise to teach kids to rely on their imaginations and creativity to get out of a funk.  Teach them not to rely on you for everything and let them sit staring at a wall. This could be the motivation they need to devise their own activity. Technology has taken a huge place in all our lives.  It plays a role in education and, many times, becomes an easy parenting solution to lean on.  But, we need to remember, there is a time and place for technology.  That time is not all the time.  We should teach our children healthy screen-time habits.  Helping your kids unplug for screen-free week is the perfect opportunity for this! Tell me: Are you ready to help your kids unplug for screen-free week? Did you order Screen-Free Fun yet?  You're going to want to prepare before screen-free week. #### How to Irritate A Pregnant Woman When Her Baby is Late The thing about a pregnancy due date is it's an estimation.  But, we tend to cling to those dates don't we?  When a woman's baby is late, these are some things she'd probably prefer not to hear! We'd had our hospital bag packed for about a week, baby's car seat in the car a couple days before, and freezer meals were made ahead of time.  Our due date came and went.  I was in shock as our first was born on her due date, so it was highly unexpected when my pregnancy due date came and went. We had out of town family who scheduled to be in town for their Christmas just two weeks after the baby was due.  If that wasn't stressful enough, a late baby meant he was going to be that much younger while the family tried to gather for visits and gift exchange.  I wasn't even happy that he was only going to be 2 or 3 weeks old at the time. The stress kept piling on as conversations about extra ultrasound scans and possible medical interventions like inductions were looming on the horizon.  To some of you, extra scans and inductions aren't scary, but to me, the thought of medical intervention for a natural and, thus far, healthy pregnancy was just frightening.  I had a completely natural birth the first time around with no medical intervention, aside from being forced to an IV at the hospital because I couldn't convince hubby that having a baby at home was safe.  So, the idea that I might need medical interventions with baby #2 didn't sit well with me and really added to my stress.  The pressure was on to get this baby out before they messed with me. A couple days past due, the stress really got to me as we began receiving messages or seeing people who felt like they had to ask about the baby.  Even after dropping my daughter off at school the first time after Thanksgiving, I had comments and questions from no less than 4 moms who knew I was overdue.  Let me tell you, I made it to the car with some dignity before bawling my eyes out. Things not to say (or do) when expectant parents' pregnancy due date has come and gone When will you be induced? Obviously, yes, one can be induced.  If mom hasn't been induced, there's a good chance she doesn't agree with inductions.  I'm that mom.  Baby will come when baby is ready and an induction when your baby, or body, isn't ready may only lead to more medical interventions.  Don't make the assumption everyone is okay with these things.  Further, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines recommend induction at 42 weeks unless there are medically necessary reasons otherwise. Aww, you're still pregnant? Um, it's not obvious?  Does my round beach ball-sized belly and exhausted face not give it away?  By the way, the sympathetic "aww" may just induce crying.  Don't, just don't. That baby is comfortable in there. I guess that's possible, but what if he/she isn't?  I know my son keeps putting his foot in my ribs and pushing down as though he's trying to escape.  And, I guarantee you I'm not comfortable. You still haven't had that baby? Hmm, let me think about it and get back to you.  Damn, I sure thought I had him around here somewhere. [tweetthis]Stupid question when baby's late: "you still haven't had that baby yet?" #pregnancy[/tweetthis]   When are you going to have that baby? Um ... we already missed our due date, so I don't think I have an answer for you.  Can you think about your question before you ask it? Have you had the baby yet? Any such random message inquiring about the lateness of the baby is just annoying.  Don't you think you'd know if I had the baby yet?  If you're in regular enough contact with me to ask me that question, you'd certainly be on the list of people who receive a text, email, phone call, or Facebook notification that the baby has arrived. How long will they let you go? Mom may not know yet OR they're in discussions with the doctor.  For me, that was a difficult subject.  It took a lot of research on my part to determine on what and when to make compromises.  We can go back to ACOG guidelines, but every doctor is different and every circumstance is different.  In my case, I was in for an ultrasound to check on the baby and fluid levels just before I hit 41 weeks.  When the results came back perfect, my doctor was willing to leave me alone for quite a while before intervention, though I would still be required to make weekly visits with the understanding that I should expect medical intervention in week 42. Relax Are you kidding me?  How does one relax when your pregnancy due date passes, you have to visit the doctor at least once a week, and you have people calling or texting you wondering about the baby all day, every day?  How about help me relax.  Invite me out to do something to help me cope with the disappointment of my late baby and get my mind off it altogether.  In which case, be mindful that's what we're doing and don't bring up the situation.  Otherwise, give me a gift card so I can get a massage to have a little peace and quiet. Simply asking too many questions which the pregnant woman or her partner may or may not have answers to can become highly frustrating.  The constant barrage of phone calls, texts, and emails is so stressful.  We all know you're anxious to meet the new baby.  How do you think mama feels?!  Can you give the parents-to-be some peace and quiet until they choose, or finally get the chance, to divulge any information?  I know, in our case, we updated when we could, felt like it, or when we finally had more information worth sharing. P.S. - I had my baby 13 days late and skipped all medical interventions, including an induction.  Be sure to read my post here! Tell me about your pregnancy due date: was your squish on time, or did you have to wait? #### How to Make a Delightful Baby Food Jar Pumpkin Inside: How to reuse old baby food jars to make a baby food jar pumpkin craft sure to delight your kids. Gather these supplies to upcycle glass jars and make a mini pumpkin jar decoration craft for Halloween. I have a few empty baby food jars in a box.  Let's be real ... I have TOO MANY baby food jars and they don't all fit in a box. My husband has been asking me what I'm doing with them and his mom has asked why I have some on my counters.  My answer to them has been that I knew moms that might want to use them.  Maybe they want to make their own baby food.  And, I kept telling myself I would find a way to up-cycle them. I had a few things that kept me from doing anything with them. Firstly, time isn't on my side to sit and think about how to turn an ordinary glass jar into something special.  I mean, anything is possible, but I didn't know how to narrow down the possibilities. Secondly, I'm not fond of sticky messes kids can make when crafting.  Plus, I would need to get rid of the strongly stuck on glue the manufacturer used to keep the labels on before I could even begin a project with those bottles. Lucky for me, I began seeing social media buzzing with the thought that it's "Pumpkin Everything" time. YES!  That's it!  My daughter and I both love pumpkins.  Why not turn some of those little glass jars into cute pumpkins together?  The best things about these pumpkins are that they won't go bad waiting on mommy to find time to bake them into something that only she will eat. How to Make a DIY Mini Pumpkin Jar for Fall Decorating Goo Gone spray gel makes quick and easy work (if you can call it that) of cleaning off the glue gunk on the jars, which really helped me settle my cleanup dilemma.  And, I don't really have to worry about the kiddo getting glue everywhere.  So, I kept it handy every step of the way and began to create a cute pumpkin craft and let my 5 year old help me.  As quickly as the gunk is removed, it'll make it easy to use a few of these jars as Pumpkin decorations this fall.  Maybe we can even give a few to family and friends to decorate their homes. Clean baby food jars with #GooGone for this cute Pumpkin Craft #GoodAsGone #ad https://ooh.li/946dbd5 Share on X Before you get started on this project, be sure not to use Goo Gone on silk, leather, suede, rubber, faux stainless steel, drywall, unfinished wood surfaces, and unsealed stone.  For any other surfaces, test in an inconspicuous area first. Easy Baby Food Jar Pumpkin Craft I'm really excited to share how easy it is to make this DIY mini pumpkin craft perfect for your Halloween and Fall decorations.  Plus, your little ones will delight in getting their hands on scissors and paper to help  you create these adorable baby food jar pumpkins. DIY Mini Pumpkin Craft Supplies Disclosure: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Baby Food Jar(s) Goo Gone Remover Spray Gel-12oz Paper towel or clean rag Orange Construction Paper Black Construction Paper Brown or Green Pipe Cleaners Craft glue of choice (I used something similar to this) Awesome way to reuse baby food jars – #Pumpkin #Craft #fall Share on X Baby Food Jar Pumpkin Craft Instructions Soak baby food jars in water for a few minutes to remove the label. Spray Goo Gone on jars to remove the leftover adhesives. Let sit up to 10 minutes, though I only needed about 2 minutes. Wipe clean.  I used a paper towel to wipe away the adhesive, rather easily. After rubbing off the adhesive, clean the jar(s) in hot soapy water to remove any adhesive and Goo Gone residue. 5. Cut orange paper or felt into pieces.  Larger pieces are preferable.  If your child is practicing cutting skills, give them some strips of construction paper to cut large pieces too. 6. Cut black construction paper into eyes, nose, mouth.  I didn't do anything fancy.  Two eyes and a simple mouth with a cut-out tooth make my girl happy. 7. Have your child stuff jars with orange construction paper. 8. Have your child use glue of choice to glue on the face pieces. 9. Twist pipe cleaner and leave part up to make a stem.  Glue twisted pipe cleaner onto the lid.  I used my bottle of Goo Gone to hold the pipe cleaner down while the glue was drying. When the glue is set, screw the lid onto the pumpkin and you're done! Did your child get glue on the table?  You have your Goo Gone handy, right?  Grab it and make clean up quick! From crafts to cleaning, find out what else Goo Gone can help you with by clicking here. If you liked this and are looking for more ways to reuse baby food jars, be sure to check out these fabulous baby food jar crafts. And, if your kids are still going pumpkin crazy, be sure to check out this Halloween Felt Jack-O-Lantern! #### How to Make a Dry Erase Activity Book the Kids Will Love I love fun and educational activities for the kids, but to craft them myself is a struggle.  So, I came up with a way to make a dry erase activity book, which also helps me save paper! Back when my daughter was a toddler, I had to start working with her on educational activities.  As a high-needs baby, she required tons of stimulation in order for us both to maintain sanity throughout our day.  At the same time, however, searching for and printing off page after page of coloring and activity sheets became a job in and of itself. Then I began to look for [easyazon_link keywords="dry erase activity books" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]dry erase activity books[/easyazon_link].  But I wasn't excited with the cost.  Not to mention how few pages usually accompanied the dry erase activity books. Then, I found some sites showing some good ideas about making your own by printing worksheets from the many available sources online, which I began to do.  I love that I can find various printables in themes I wish to discuss, including holidays, in our home preschool work.  But, to be honest, I don't like using all the ink in my printer to essentially print out coloring books.   But I still found myself exhausted from exploring the internet, constantly having to print pages. Ultimately, I came up with the DIY dry erase activity book during a Dollar Tree shopping trip.  I came across some adorable Sesame Street and basic activity books with tear-out sheets.  Later, we scored a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse book.  These sparked my idea! Here's a list of supplies and other inexpensive ways to create your tot's dry erase activity book.   How to make your own educational dry erase activity book: #1 - Pick up educational workbooks with tear-out sheets Pick up some [easyazon_link keywords="educational workbooks" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]educational workbooks[/easyazon_link] that are perforated for tearing out the sheets.  Often, you can find fabulous workbooks at the Dollar Tree! #2 - Get Sheet Protectors A good dry erase activity book is nothing without the perfect sheet protectors.  We use heavy weight sheet protectors - you want the super smooth kind because the cheap rough ones will give you a work out trying to wipe off the dry erase crayons! [easyazon_image align="center" cart="n" cloak="n" height="500" identifier="B0006HVE34" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51Wmbcpd9TL-1.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="413"] #3 - Assemble the dry erase activity book Tear out your pages and place a single page into a page protector (if you're using internet printouts that are single-sided, place 2 pages in one protector front and back).  Grab a binder that's large enough to hold all your printouts or tear sheets (mine pictured isn't large enough) and don't forget your Crayola Dry Erase Crayons (bright)! [easyazon_image align="center" cart="n" cloak="n" height="500" identifier="B004EBPT1G" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51SmqyxzimL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Customize the cover of your new dry erase activity book with decorations, markers, etc to have a completely personalized activity book. What a great way to get the most use out of your activities!  Tell Me: Do you love this hack for making your own dry erase activity book for your kids? Related Reading: #### How to Make a Dry Erase Toddler Chore Chart Ready to put your eager helpers to work? Check out how to make this DIY dry erase toddler chore chart.  Just want to print and go? Grab a free printable toddler chore chart with pictures! After dealing with a bit of behavior issues with my three year old, I was feeling run down and enslaved.  By the time my husband came home from work, I was at the end of my rope with the kid.  I simply wanted to run from the house to return when she went off to college.  Sure, I'd miss the good times, but I wasn't feeling like there were too many of them. Finally, I'd had enough and knew something had to change.  I decided that I no longer wanted to hear "I want" and the ensuing tantrums when things didn't go her way.  From now on, she needed to earn things.  I discussed with my husband my idea that she needed to earn the coins she was taking to bed every night, and we decided that we would tie in her behavior to learn to be responsible and respectful of us.  Most importantly, I wanted a FREE toddler chore chart that I could customize.  I admit, I don't like paying for things if I don't have to.  So, I created a chore chart for toddlers.  Then, I printed it at home and turned it into a dry erase chart, seeing as how I'm in love with making dry erase activity books. Coming Up With the Dry Erase Chore Chart for Toddlers After much thought, I decided on a few chores that weren't hygiene related, as those need to be done without monetary incentive.  I'm not sure why most people believe a toddler chore chart should include hygienic activities.  Additionally, I found that giving a toddler chores early on becomes a huge sanity saver when trying to manage housekeeping. Together, hubby and I devised a monetary reward system for the chores.  At the time, we wanted her behavior to be tied to the money she was earning, we decided generally how and when we would take away her earnings.  We give her check-marks through the day with a task completion and tally up the coins before bed.  Behavioral issues lead to loss of money throughout the day. Implementing the chore/reward system went  "well" the first day.  By well, I mean that the first night, she lost all her coins for being disobedient and testy.  She went to bed the first night without a single coin, then proceeded to lose story time, and finally lost signing and cuddling time.  She learned from that first night that we were no longer messing around with her attitude, and that it was going to effect more than just mommy and daddy.  Surprisingly, because we had a decent plan set into action, I also had the least frustrating night for myself.  I finally had something to give and take away as a result of her good and bad behaviors! *Disclaimer: Affiliate links are included in this post.  Making a purchase after clicking my clicks may earn me a small commission, which helps me to continue running this blog and bring you fresh, new content.Let's get on to the chore chart making!  These steps will help you to make a chore chart for your child, which is appropriate and personalized for your child(ren). Creating Your Printable Toddler Chore Chart 1. Decide on the chores you feel appropriate for your child. At three, I decided my child was capable of making her bed, assisting with laundry (sorting and/or folding), putting her dishes by the sink, picking up her toys, putting away her books, and helping with dinner (she asks to help most nights anyway).  These are great chores for toddlers. 2. Open an MS Word document and create a table. Create a table in Microsoft Word when you're ready to start working on your toddler chore chart! 1 column for the chores themselves and 7 more for each day of the week.  I had 7 rows which included the title row and 6 chore rows.  To insert a table, click on the INSERT tab, then click TABLE.  Select a 7 row x 8 column table (or as many rows as you need). You can resize these after selecting images.  NOTE: Be sure to set your page orientation to LANDSCAPE for best results. INSERT --> Table 7 Rows x 8 Columns   Your table will look like this: What your chart looks like at first 3.  Create Headings. In the first row, type in your headings.  Here, I chose to center and bold the column titles. 4.  Find Images for your Toddler Chore Chart. Now, it's time to find some images for your chart.  These are great visuals for your little learner to help understand their chores.  You may or may not decide to include a short word description of the chore in addition to the picture.  For now, I'm leaving that part off.  To insert images into each cell, click in the first cell you wish to fill.  Click the INSERT tab, then click Online Pictures.  Here, you will search for an image using Bing Image Search.  You'll see my first chore will be "Make Bed" so that's what I typed.  You may have to use a combination of search terms to find an image you like best.  Repeat these steps to find images for all the chores. Searching for chore chart images Completed Toddler Chore Chart in Microsoft Word Here's what my chore chart looks like with images.  Of course, yours may look a bit different, depending on the images you chose.  Note: I had to re-size images to try to get the rows somewhat even.: 5. Put some finishing touches on the chart before printing. Add a line at the top of the toddler chore chart with your child's name, widen the columns and center the table on the page, etc.  Do whatever makes your toddler chore chart special and personal to you! 6.  Print & insert into a smooth page protector. I recommend Avery Diamond Clear Secure Top Sheet Protectors to cover the toddler chore chart, making it both dry erase and protected. 7. Use Dry Erase Markers to check off chores. To complete the dry erase toddler chore chart, we use dry erase markers like those from Crayola.  Check off or draw smiley faces when your toddler completes a chore. 2016 UPDATE: We've since updated to the Melissa and Doug magnetic responsibility chart.  It's still customize-able for most needs, and includes extra blank magnets for adding your own, less common chores.  Now that she's 5, we've also devised a separate system to deal with behavior issues.  We now use the consequence and reward jar system to punish for bad behavior and reward for the good.  She can still earn her coins for the day by doing her chores, and we don't pile negative on to the bad days by also taking away coins for the work she completed (unless her consequence slip happens to determine otherwise). FREE Printable Chore Chart for Toddlers Not interested in recreating the wheel?  Or you just like my chore chart?  Sign up for my newsletter for your own (editable) toddler chore chart printable with pictures for FREE download! PIN ME   #### How to Make a Felt Jack-O-Lantern That Will Delight Your Kids I can hardly believe it's almost Halloween and nearly time to start decorating for fall (when do you do that anyway?). Picking and carving pumpkins is certainly a Fall favorite.  However, having pumpkins rotting in the house is the absolute worst!  One year, I woke up to a Jack-O-Lantern in the kitchen that had rotted at the bottom.  He'd fallen over and there was pumpkin slime all over the kitchen counter. As if that wasn't bad enough, he was the largest pumpkin we'd ever had and I nearly couldn't lift him off the counter to place him in a garbage bag. It was a horrifying mess! Though we may continue to carve pumpkins, I know the kids would rather do this activity over and over again.  But, we're not carving that many pumpkins every year.  So, I created a fun felt board activity for my daughter a couple years ago.  Hubby carved a small pumpkin and my daughter was intrigued.  To save us the hassle and mess of carving numerous real pumpkins, I decided to give her the endless ability to make her own pumpkin faces using felt.  Because I didn't give myself a head start, I didn't cut out nearly as many face options as I would have liked, so I'll be working on it again this year!  And, I wanted to share the activity with you now, so that you have some time to prepare this year too! Ready to learn how to make your own adorable Halloween Pumpkin Felt activity?   For starters, if you've never worked with felt before, check out my quick guide on how to work with felt. *Disclaimer: Affiliate links are included in this post to help you find resources.  Making a purchase after clicking these links will earn me a small commission to continue to pay to run this blog. Making Your Pumpkin Felt Activity Supplies 1 pair very sharp scissors [easyazon_link identifier="B004ZXXJBK" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="y" cloak="y" localize="y" popups="y"]Orange Felt[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_link identifier="B003O9G6XY" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="y" cloak="y" localize="y" popups="y"]Black Felt[/easyazon_link] Craft your pumpkin felt activity Choose a paper template to cut from (I used DLTK's Jack-o'-Lantern template). 2. Cut your chosen Jack O Lantern and as many eyes, noses, and mouths of your choosing from your felt.  Our pumpkin is all orange and our eyes and mouths are all black.  You could even cut out yellow eyes like a lit pumpkin. 3. The best part of this activity is that it could be a stand alone felt activity, or you could use it on a felt board.  Even better, because felt doesn't cost much if you buy the bulk pack, you can make a few extra for kids as little Halloween gifts.  Depending on the time you have available or a number of small children you expect to see, you could even pass them out to your Trick or Treaters or Party Goers if you (or they) are anti-candy. We store ours in a quart sized zip-lock back to keep it clean and to separate it from our other felt activities. I love that this simple Halloween craft promotes my daughter's creativity and can be used until she loses interest in felt activities. Be sure to come back here and show me your completed Pumpkin Felt Activity! Want more easy crafts and activities? Upcycle baby food jars for a cute and easy Baby Food Jar Pumpkin Craft Felt Christmas Tree for Toddlers - make decorating their tree last the whole season   #### How to Make Money Online or Buy Professional Services Cheap: Fiverr As a SAHM and a woman who was accustomed to making her own money before becoming a mom, it can be uneasy feeling when you don't contribute to the household income.  Coming up on 3 years of being a SAHM, I'm always looking for small ways to make a few dollars from home.  Please be advised that this post contains an affiliate link that, should you decide to follow and use, will generate a few cents to support my blogging efforts.  My opinions are not swayed by compensation and I genuinely try to bring you content that you can use and appreciate. If you are anything like me, and looking to make a few extra dollars, I highly recommend trying Fiverr!  I've been using Fiverr for almost a year and really enjoy the freedom of gigs I can create.  If you're new to Fiverr, let me clue you in on some advice for beginners. Have idea of what you can offer.  What talents or services can you offer that you would be willing to "sell" for $5?  Writing, editing, document creating, reviews, voice overs - if you got it, someone probably wants it. Get ideas.  View the gigs being offered and see if anything someone else offers is something you could also offer.   Be sure to get an idea of the entire gig offerings and try to look at the top sellers. Don't sell yourself short.  When I first started with Fiverr, I offered full blog post reviews for $5, which included trying apps, taking my own photos, and creating the content and marketing it.  This was great to get business and start to get ratings, but it was a lot of work for $5. $5 isn't $5.  Be warned that $5 is exactly that until Fiverr and Paypal take their cuts.  Another reason not to sell yourself short.  Have some limitations and it will be worth it. Leveling up gives you more earning potential.  Aside from the money you make initially, when you level up, you're able to add gig extras.  This means that you can expand your current gigs to make them more appealing and earn a few extra dollars off the same gig that was already doing well.  Example - blog reviews became blog reviews plus running a giveaway.  Or, if you normally take a week to do a project, you can opt to let them order it for extra fast delivery for a select amount. Now, if you're interested in offering gigs or purchasing gigs on Fiverr, create a profile, input your email, username, password and make a first purchase. For those simply interested in having things done for them for $5, there are a TON of great gigs out there and people are willing to do a LOT for $5!  You can have someone write for you, sing a personalized song, or even find professional graphics design services. #### How to Make Parenting Teamwork Successful Making parenting teamwork successful requires building a solid foundation with your partner. I'm sharing tips on how to parent as a team effectively. Sometimes I struggle with parenting.  If you want the truth, I'm fairly certain I wouldn't be able to handle my two high-needs children on my own.  It's not just important that my husband and I parent as a team, but we must make sure our parenting teamwork is successful. Raising our children our way in hopes of creating the people we hope they become requires input from both of us.  That means we both must work together.  We both have to decide what our goals are for our children.  And, we have to view each other as team mates in order to make it work. And part of what I learned in 8 years of marriage, is that by parenting as a team, we also strengthen our marriage.   8 Tips for Making Parenting Teamwork Successful If you want to make parenting teamwork successful, you have to start at the foundation.  Discuss, together, how you want to approach the various aspects of parenting.  Come to agreements about how you wish to raise your family, but sometimes that means you have to agree to disagree.  Parenting is hard work, but it can be made easier to deal with when you and your partner are on the same page. And you may find that parenting teamwork plays a part in strengthening your marriage. Decide on house rules you both can agree on. For my husband and I, house rules are pretty basic and are very similar to the expectations we have of our children outside of the home.  Running, throwing balls, and screaming are for outside activity.  We ask our children not to antagonize the dog and we request they use basic manners.  Please and thank you are important.  And, we are adamantly against hitting or kicking to get our point across. Deciding on house rules you both will enforce will help start the foundation for making parenting teamwork successful. Agree on, and enforce, expectations you have of your children outside of the home. Most of our house rules follow us everywhere we go.  We expect that our children use their manners and respect other people's belongings.  We use inside voices in buildings and save loud, rough play for outdoors.  Whining and crying isn't an acceptable way to get anything from anyone. Discuss health concerns and how you both believe in raising healthy kids. Generally, I lean more toward the natural side of the coin.  I don't wish to take the kids to the doctor over every ailment, reserving doctor's visits for health concerns I can't get a handle on myself. I ensure my children eat generally healthy food, but I believe in balance, too.  Because my husband and I aren't against treats as a means to reward our children (or just make them smile), I balance things out with organic choices when feasible. My husband doesn't have such a strong desire for organics or natural treatments, but we can agree that if I can run the health aspect as I see fit so long as it works.  And, I will seek treatment from a conventional doctor when necessary. Back each other up If the kids request something, it's important you're both aware of the request.  Kids learn early who they can go to in order to get the answer they desire.  In order to ensure parenting teamwork is successful, you both need to act as one entity in situations like this. We're (almost) always certain to check with each other to make sure one of the kids isn't trying to play games to get their way. Either that, or we'll ask the kids what the other parent said. Generally speaking, if your child admits to asking the other parent, they probably didn't receive the answer they were hoping for.  Do yourself and your partner a favor, and be sure before you answer. Decide Together How You'll Discipline You don't have to agree on everything, but make sure you both give each other a chance to try your tactics and prove whether or not they work. I didn't believe in spankings when I had my first baby.  I thought for sure I'd be able to talk sense into her, but when the terrible twos came along and logical discussions and redirections didn't work to correct her hitting me, my husband spanked her.  It took one time and she didn't hit me again, as opposed to the weeks of trying to be logical. The truth is, parenting isn't one size fits all.  Each kid will respond differently to different punishments and you must be willing to accommodate for it. Growing up, I wanted to be spanked because I was able to go about my business right away. Of course, that also meant I would go right back to doing whatever it is I wasn't supposed to do.  But, sitting me in a corner was torture and I would think twice before doing anything that would land me there again. My brother, on the other hand, was content with time out in a corner, which never prevented him from doing whatever it was he shouldn't have been doing.  Unlike me, spankings made him think. I fully believe our children need to fear the punishment, but that doesn't mean you have to resort to spankings.  There are all kinds of ways to discipline children, but you need to know what works. In our house, we currently use a consequence jar full of consequences that our daughter fears.  Things like no electronics for a day and putting herself to bed are located in the jar for her to pull at random.  We carefully selected consequences that she doesn't like, but at the same time, she mainly fears the consequence jar because it's random.  We're not doling out the consequence ourselves and we can keep our emotions out of the disciplinary system. Don't question or correct the other parent in front of the children You're never going to fully agree over every situation that comes your way.  There will always be something that makes you question each other, but the time to approach that moment isn't in front of the children, especially in an instance where one of you is taking authority. Three things can happen if you question the other parent in front of the kids: You may negate that parent's authority to the kids. Your partner may feel disrespected and/or become defensive. It may cause an argument at an inappropriate time. If something comes up that you're concerned about or disagree with, hold the discussion until after the kids go to bed or at a more convenient time when the children are in another room. If (and when) this situation comes up, it's best to approach this carefully.  Don't go into it with the attitude that your partner was wrong.  Instead, ask questions and see if you or the other parent believe the situation could have been handled differently.  It's okay to express your opinions of the situation, but steer clear of using words and phrases that lead your partner to believe you're telling them they were wrong.  That is, of course, as long as they weren't physically or emotionally abusing the children. Take responsibility for your children equally I think one of the best things I can say about my husband is that he willingly accepts responsibility for raising his children.  After my son was finished breastfeeding, my husband offered to begin alternating nights to put him to bed, just as we've done with my daughter.  It was extra work, but he knew he was responsible for helping to raise the two children he helped bring into the world. In order to make parenting teamwork successful, you both must share the responsibilities of raising your family.  Split the duties, regardless of work status.  There's no work life balance for stay at home moms, but that doesn't mean the husband has no responsibility for the kids when he's home. Respect each other's strengths and weaknesses As an introvert, I have difficulty with being home with my children all day.  My husband not only recognizes when I can't handle any more, but urges me to take time for myself.  I'm much more patient with the kids than he is, but I do reach a point when I'm running on empty.  When his patience wears thin, I take over again. My husband, however, has much more energy, so I rely on him to help with more of the physical activity with the kids. Additionally, there are certain things we're each more proficient in.  For example, when my daughter wants to do more physical activities like building, I pass her off to my husband with the engineering mind.  I take on the activities that build her artistic interests, or are reading or language oriented. It's important to remember, however, not to expect perfection.  Nothing in life always goes according to plan.  All you can do is work toward making parenting teamwork successful every day.  Accept when things don't go as planned and do regular check-ins when either of you feel something doesn't work.  The only way to make it through parenthood with any sanity is to share the parental duties with your partner.  View each other as team mates and work together to win the game (raise the kids the way you think will make them responsible and kind people). Related Fantastic Resources to Help You Parent as a Team Parenting Teamwork: Why and How To Do It Right #### How to Make the Best Housekeeping Schedule for a SAHM This is the best housekeeping schedule for a SAHM.  Well ... at least this works in my homemaking routine.  I'll show you how to create a SAHM cleaning schedule and I'm offering a free printable cleaning schedule. Are you a busy mom? Of course you are.  That was a silly question. I'm a stay at home mom and most days I feel as though I can't keep up with our busy lives. I've obligated myself to almost daily educational activities for the toddler ... keeping him on an abbreviated and easy-going toddler program.  It helps me teach my busy toddler how to focus on something (at least for a few seconds). I blog.  Mainly because I wanted something to for myself.  But, I am also turning this thing into a business.  It keeps me on my toes. I shuttle the eldest to and from school morning and afternoon.  I help her with her homework in the afternoon and listen to her read. We eat home cooked meals almost every night.  I cook them.  Most of the time, they're not easy or quick. There's the weekly soccer practice, which both kids are now enrolled in.  One of them will have soccer games every Saturday for a month.  And when the youngest gets older, he'll have his own games. My husband and I participate in a monthly autocross hobby together.  While we get some kid-free time, it's rarely a "free" weekend to do whatever. There's every little thing in between that moms have to do.  And there's so much of it, we don't have the time to list them all ... or we forget every little detail. Then, there's the housekeeping.  The dreadful cleaning of the house, that despite my hatred for, must be done. It doesn't matter if you're a working mom or a stay at home mom, time isn't on your side.  But, you've got to get stuff done.  As a stay at home mom, I can only offer my advice as to what I believe to be the best housekeeping schedule for a SAHM.  If you're a working mom, you may find some inspiration here, but you may be more inclined to find better schedules in this post. The Best Housekeeping Schedule for a SAHM I won't bore you with the details of our entire schedule.  What I will tell you is that I choose this schedule to break up the work in small chunks throughout the week.  This helps me to maintain some energy and allows me to spend more time doing all the other things I need to do.  This is my stay at home mom cleaning schedule, which allows me some semblance of a work life balance. And, while I believe this is the best housekeeping schedule for a SAHM, it's subjective based on my own family's needs.  Plus, this is how I remain sane.  You're likely to find things work differently for you.  Maybe you need to dust more often.  It's okay if you choose to wash sheets less.  This is just what works for me at the moment. Related: Totally Do-Able Toddler Chores Daily Dishes (as needed) Laundry (as needed) Vacuum little messes Wipe down stove and counter tops Weekly Clean out fridge Take out trash (more like twice a week for our family of 4) Wash towels Wash sheets Clean bathroom (we have two baths and a 1/2 bath, so I usually do these on their own days) Clean kitchen (includes cleaning stone, wiping stainless steel appliances, and thoroughly cleaning counter tops) Vacuum (In full disclosure, hubby bought be a Roomba at Christmas one year, so I rarely have to vacuum downstairs.  And I'm hoping to eventually get one for upstairs) Mop Every Other Week Clean windows Monthly Dust (more often if you're compelled) Clean light fixtures This is my perfect housekeeping schedule Now, I'm going to share my best housekeeping schedule for a SAHM, based on my preferences.  Remember, I like to divide up the work throughout the week, including tasks on the weekend.  If you choose not to work on the weekends (or one day in particular), you simply rearrange things.  Maybe you prefer to get a majority of the work done in a few days, reserving the rest of the week for other chores or activities of your choosing.  I always say that the best housekeeping schedule is the one you build yourself. I generally do my chores during my toddler's nap time.  Although, there are times I'm comfortable allowing him to entertain himself in the playroom while I work.  I do, however, reserve the smaller tasks (like putting away dishes or starting laundry) for this time in case he needs to interrupt me.   Generally though, these larger tasks are done mid-day while he's sleeping. Monday Clean Master Bathroom Tuesday Clean Kids' Bathroom Wednesday Clean out fridge Take out trash Thursday Clean Kitchen Friday Clean Guest Bathroom Saturday Wash Towels Sunday Wash bedding Free Printable Weekly Cleaning Schedule I highly recommend inserting your daily and weekly tasks into a to-do app with reminders, on your smartphone, to keep you accountable.  But, I know sometimes it looks cooler to have things in writing, right?  How would you like a free printable weekly cleaning schedule?  I've created a really simple sheet for you to download that's totally customize-able.  You simply write in your housekeeping tasks on the days you plan to complete them during the week. Does your schedule change frequently?  Or, do you want to experiment with your cleaning schedule?  My best tip is to If you want to slide the printable weekly cleaning schedule into a presentation cover and turn it into a dry-erase schedule.  This way, you're able to update your schedule whenever you need. Show me!  What's your best housekeeping schedule for a SAHM? #### How to Manage Chores in the Digital Age This is a sponsored post created in partnership with Chore Check and Socialix.  All opinions expressed here are my own and are not swayed by this relationship. My daughter has been doing some type of chore since she was a tiny tot.  If you're interested, you can check out a previous post about chores for your toddler. She's always loved to keep busy and chores have been a simple way for me to teach her personal responsibility.  Plus, I'm educating her to the fact that mommy didn't sign up to be a servant when she decided to have children.  When the kids are capable, it's my job to teach them how to do things themselves.  I don't want to end up with lazy, entitled teenagers who expect to come home from school with snacks on the table and clean clothes in their closets. There's no cleaning fairy here.  It's better they realize this fact as early as possible, rather than learning the hard way when they go off to college. So, when S was big enough to actually be held accountable for her chores, we began to instill a monetary system for chore completion.  She's now almost 6 years old and we hadn't adjusted for inflation and we're stuck on doling out coins on a nightly basis.  Not to mention the fact, we've been operating on a physical chore chart since the beginning.  We started with a DIY dry erase chore chart and moved up to a magnetic chore chart. Coins, dollar bills, and physical chore charts?  Boy, are we behind the times! It's time for mom and dad to manage chores in the digital age.  I mean, what isn't done electronically anymore?!  And we say we're a proud, technologically advanced home ... shame on us, right?! *Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. What Made Us Want to Change up the Routine? Honestly, when the opportunity arose to try out this app, I was intrigued.  When I spoke to my husband about this opportunity, it led to some serious discussions about our current system. We hadn't evaluated her earnings for inflation or age Immediately, we got into the facts about how outdated and low S's payments are.  For two months of work, her piggy bank usually yields enough for a small toy, or several tiny junk toys after we throw 50% into her savings account.  That has been satisfying enough, until recently.  She started setting her sights on larger items that were way out of her price range.   S and I had a discussion about buying on credit.  She declined the option because she didn't like the idea of working for 6 months to pay back the remainder of a $60 stuffed animal at the zoo. I'm all for teaching financial responsibility, and a lesson in debt repayment isn't beyond even a 5 year old's comprehension.  It was simple ... we can buy the expensive stuffed animal.  However, it's going to mean the next 6 or so times we open the piggy bank, you'll be giving the money back to mom and dad.  That's 6 more times you don't get to buy anything at the store.  You get a better item now at the expense of getting less. Faced with those choices, she chose a smaller item she could afford right then. And, yes, I was going to make her pay it all back had she chosen the more expensive item.  And, it wasn't going to come out of the savings she'd been earning because I want her to learn that her savings is only there for emergencies or something extra special.  (We're hoping she'll be able to use it for her first car). On the fence about how to pay her allowance I'm on the fence, though, about the best way to pay for our child's chores.  I mean, on the one hand, at almost 6, she's still really excited when she receives a half-dollar or dollar bill for completing special chores.  And there's certainly value in sitting down together every other month to count coins and add it all up to figure out how much she's allotted to spend and save. But, there's a disconnect between her earnings and the physical buying process.  We stash the counted coins back into a jar and we go out together for her to select an appropriately priced toy or book she's earned.  And then, we pay for it with our own credit card. Isn't there a better way to teach her the responsibility part of handling the money? With chore chart, she can track her chores.  As parents, we can approve (or accept) that her chores were done.  When she's ready, she can request payment from the parents and Chore Check makes this easy by linking our accounts. The best part is, that by signing up as a Chore Check member, we order her a prepaid debit card, which gets filled upon verification.  There's a bonus here too ... you can choose 3 ways to dole out the money and insert your own pre-determined percentages.  Your choices are spend, save, and donate. At this point, we do 50% spend and 50% save.  Though I want her to learn the value of charity, I still feel she needs the physical connection to those subjects to understand the impact it has on others. How to Manage Chores in the Digital Age Chore Check makes managing chores electronically a breeze! Creating an account is extremely easy and a basic account is free. If you want to fully manage chores in the digital age, you can update to the Chore Check Pay membership.  With this membership, you're able to get a prepaid card for your child.  Then, you link your bank accounts to send payments and money to savings effortlessly.  In addition to the card and linking abilities, a $9/mo Chore Check Pay membership allows you to control the payments to your child's prepaid debit card and savings.  Additionally, you'll be able to check balances on their prepaid cards and suspend the card if temporarily lost. Your child will log into their account when they complete a chore (or at the end of the day).  Generally, the app will remember the previous login, making this part of the process simple.  Then he or she will touch a box next to the preset chores which display their assigned monetary value.  And, if they accidentally check a box, it's easily unchecked. © J. Ivy Boyter www.sahmplus.com Of course, as the parent, you'll have the opportunity to verify the chores later.  So, you don't have to worry about overpaying, either. Your child having their first "credit card" will close the gap on discussing financial responsibility when the money isn't physically in their pocket.  Although a declined transaction may be a bit of a hassle for everyone, including a busy cashier, your child will learn a valuable lesson in how to better budget. Plus, having a card will teach them a new lesson in responsibility as they learn to keep up with their new card. Can you imagine your child's excitement as they whip out their card to pay for their own items, just like mom and dad do?  It would look a LOT like this: © J. Ivy Boyter www.sahmplus.com Are you Ready to Manage Chores in the Digital Age, too? Download Chore Check from the app store If you're ready to get started with the Chore Check App, I have a great offer for you! Through June 30, 2017, you can get $5 added to your child's Chore Check Card when you use this code SAHM2017 #### How to Manage Parenting Stress and Overwhelm Raising children is a rewarding, albeit, stressful experience.  It's hard being needed constantly.  As a mother of two, I know how easy it is to put my own needs on the back burner and fall into the trap of being everything to my kids.  Being on call 24 hours a day has a tendency to increase stress levels - having to be available at a moment's notice, without regard to your own needs. Of course, you may find yourself falling victim of mommy wars or the increasing mommy guilt for various reasons.  And then there's teaching them all the things.  Like, I'm suddenly hit with the realization I have to teach diversity to young children.  Or what they need to know in a presidential election (or more importantly, how not to act).  Then, I have to hope, by some miracle, they grow up to be hardworking, productive, and responsible citizens.  I don't necessarily want them to do what makes people like them, rather what's right. As if all that wasn't enough, we also have to contend with the unrealistic demands to be super moms! There's a lot a stake in the role of a parent, huh?  It's no wonder we're under a lot of stress!  But, if you continue to let the stress of parenting build, you may begin experiencing difficulty sleeping, headaches, or even lower immune system function. Luckily, you can contain and lessen some of the anxiety to combat these issues before they get out of hand. How to relax and manage parenting stress In order to effectively manage parenting stress, it's important you take care of yourself. Watch What You Eat Eating a healthy and balanced diet is good for your body as well and your ability to handle stress.  Through proper portion control and watching the kinds of food you eat, you’ll be able to balance your energy levels.  Eating right and drinking water will also aide in helping you to fall asleep more easily at night. Be sure to include a protein with every meal and snack.  In addition to other health benefits of protein, it will help to balance your blood sugar levels and helps fuel your body. Complex carbohydrates increase your brain’s serotonin levels, which help you stay calm and in a good mood. Eat plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids!  These help regulate stress hormones and are commonly found in fish, seeds, and nuts. Keep simple carbohydrates and sweets to a minimum.  They may give your body a quick boost of energy, but will not help you maintain it. Get Plenty of Exercise Your body releases endorphins during a workout.  These chemicals brighten your mood.  This is also beneficial in preparing your brain for negative stress it may encounter down the road. In the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, it’s recommended to be at least moderately active about 150 hours a week.  That equates to a little more than 20 minutes a day.  More regular, or more brisk, exercise can be even more beneficial to your health. As reported on NPR, Gretchen Reynolds, a New York Times Phys Ed columnist, also says “If you can stand up every 20 minutes — even if you do nothing else — you change how your body responds physiologically." Get motivated to add some extra activity into your day, even if it’s as little as a 2 minute standing session every 20 minutes.  Of course, if you chase smaller children around the house, you may have this part taken care of. Set Aside Some Quiet Time or for Self-Care It’s important to take some time for self-care.  Even more importantly, remind yourself not to feel guilty for wanting or needing some alone time. Anything as simple as a bubble bath, sitting down to a cup of chamomile tea at the end of the night, or watching a movie uninterrupted will have a positive impact on your mood. But, consider devoting more time and energy into taking care of yourself.  A spa day, mom’s night, or girl’s getaway weekend will help you recharge and maintain a positive attitude. Look for Help Always remember it’s okay to ask for help as a way to manage parenting stress.  When you feel your stress levels rising, seek out the help you need to recharge. If you need help getting the kids out of the house, consider a baby sitting swap, hiring a babysitter, or sending them to a grandparent’s house.  If you have older children, help them find after-school activities.  Don’t forget about parenting teamwork!  Have your partner take over when you need a break. Their being away will give you extra time to tend to your own needs.  Have a quiet house will also give you time to call a friend and vent if necessary.  And your children will have some bonus time with friends or exploring their personal interests. When the stress of parenting begins to feel overwhelming, remember how important it is to relax.  Staying in control of the situation and maintaining a positive attitude will go far with your children.  Your kids learn by watching you.  When you have stress under control, you can focus more on spending time with your family, and less on anxious feelings. Tell me: What other ways do you manage parenting stress? #### How To Pack A School Lunch Your Kid Will Actually Eat It's official!  Your kids are back to school and you're back to making lunches that they just don't want to eat.  Want to know how to get your child to eat packed school lunches? Find out now ... For many of us, the end of summer is also the beginning of the back to school season and preparing for the back to school routine.  Part of that routine generally includes the need to pack school lunches.  Packed lunches are great if your child doesn't have time to finish their meal after going through the lunch line at school.  I know this happens to be a problem for my, now, first grader!  But, packing lunches also means you have more control over what your child is eating and you can offer them more of what they want. If your child has food allergies or dietary restrictions, it's safer to pack school lunches vs letting them buy from the cafeteria. Though school lunches are relatively inexpensive (at least here in Florida), a packed lunch doesn't have to cost too much.  Plus, you can include healthy foods your child will eat. © Ivy www.sahmplus.com It's important to remember that, while you want your child to eat healthily, balance is a must to pack school lunches your kids want to eat.  If your child trades part (or all) of their lunch for junk food or ends up not eating it at all, spending your time packing a lunch doesn't do much good.  So, it's important to find things your child enjoys eating, and that it's not always going to be the most healthy. How to Get Your Child to Eat Packed School Lunches If you want to pack school lunches your children will eat, go back to the basics! Don't get fancy Oddly enough, over thinking packed lunches doesn't do much good.  My daughter is fond of at least one peanut butter and jelly every week.  I've been known to ask her what she wants in her lunch mid-week (when I haven't done my usual lunch packing on Sunday).  It doesn't matter if she's had peanut butter and jelly twice, she'll often ask for it again. When I try to get too fancy, it doesn't usually pan out for either of us.  I've made pinwheels out of spinach wraps with turkey, bacon, and ranch and she's come home with a bite or two eaten.  I don't know about you, but wasting time and money doesn't exactly make me happy.  And I hate knowing my child didn't eat lunch most of all. Involve the kids in decision making So, combat the problem by getting your child involved in making lunch decisions.  Depending on your child's age and kitchen skill levels, you may even choose to put them in charge of making their own lunches.  Aside from teaching your children responsibility, they're much more likely to eat lunches they've made themselves. It's totally cool to ask your children what they want in their lunches.  As long as they're not requesting a bunch of junk you wouldn't consider making, let them make their choices.  Make your grocery list, including the special requests by your children, then head to the store to purchase everything you need for the first week of school. Have the kids help pack school lunches © Ivy www.sahmplus.com Get all the kids involved in making lunches.  Get your little partners in the kitchen to wash grapes and put them into a container, or pick a snack for their lunch boxes.  Older, more skilled children can make sandwiches. Get in the habit of making lunches together the night before, though preparing them all on Sundays for the week is even more effective.  Over time you can give the kids more and more responsibility and control over their lunches. When children help pack their own lunch for school they are more likely to eat it.  At the same time, you’re teaching them independence and personal responsibility. Compromise for balance Of course, you want to encourage your kids to pack and eat healthy foods.  Insisting on all healthy, organic food options all the time may not be the best strategy to getting your children to eat their lunches.  As with everything I suggest, seek balance.  It's okay to make compromises.  If your kids are willing to pack a healthy salad or wrap, it won't do much damage to have a cookie for dessert.  It's your job to teach them to make good choices, but they're kids.  They're going to want Cheetos or Oreos ... and it's okay!  Your goal is to get them to eat fairly healthy and make smart food choices.  Restricting or refusing all junk food will only lead them to trade for the really unhealthy stuff with their friends or they'll sock away change for buying their own junk food. Are you ready to tackle back to school? Getting ready for back to school?  Get into a great back to school routine, including more lunch prep ideas in a previous post: Beat the School Morning Rush! Want more ideas? Don't forget to sign up for my email list for instant access to a free resource library.  I've recently added a mini school lunch idea recipe booklet! #### How To Plan A European Trip For Your Anniversary ViatorWhen we decided to travel to Europe for our anniversary, we were filled with so many questions.  We learned a few things from the pros and I'm sharing the tips about how to plan a European trip! I have to admit it.  I've never really been out of the country. My high school Spanish class planned a trip to Spain and I decided I'd rather visit family in Texas, because my family couldn't afford both.  In retrospect, I should have totally chosen Spain.  But, I was awkward and somewhat troubled, so spending time with kids in my high school really wasn't comforting. Anyway, years down the line, I finally met the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.  So, I got married and did what a number of newlyweds do ... chose to get out of the country by way of cruise ship. If we're being honest, it didn't really feel like we left the country.  We ate normal food on and off the cruise ship until I got so tired of it that we barged out of the gates unattended in Jamaica to cross the street for a Jamaican lunch.  And it was some of the best food I ate all week. Hubby, however, was raised in the Navy and then became a Marine when he graduated.  So, he'd had some experience traveling overseas.  Though, aside from the family trips growing up, his experience with anything outside of the U.S. was mainly through deployment. So, when hubby and I decided to do something special for our 10 year anniversary, we agreed on taking a European vacation. Alone. Without the kids. This is how we planned our European Trip. How to Plan a European Trip 1. List Your "Must-See" Attractions For starters, we decided Spain was going to be our primary adventure and that Barcelona was the city we would stay in.  But, just hours away from Germany, he's always wanted to visit and race on the Nurburgring.  So, we added a couple days to our trip for that experience as well. Once we had an idea of the general places we wanted to go, we began looking into all the sight-seeing attractions within (and within driving distance) of the city/cities we chose. We began making a list of interests in our Trip Advisor account and then rated them by order of importance.  This is where I found creating a spreadsheet to be helpful, where I listed the must-see activities first, then added activities I'd like to see if time permits. We began this process almost a year in advance, and glad we did, because half a year flew by in the blink of an eye! Before we knew it, it was time to book flights and even 6 months out, some hotels were booking up. When deciding on tours, you can certainly choose to have everything done for you by purchasing tours that last several hours, half day, or even a full day.  Transportation and sometimes snacks will be provided. We chose a good mix and opted to rent a car to do some things on our own, which essentially saved money and sometimes shortened a trip so that we could take our time getting up, getting ready, and leisurely see the sites along the way, stopping when and if we wanted to. You can use the following places to research and book tours: Trip Advisor Viator Tours4Fun We recommend waiting to book these closer to your actual travel dates.  You'll likely want to plan according to weather instead of hoping the weather holds out because you booked too far in advance. 2. Research Travel-Friendly Dates If you have some flexibility in your travel dates, this will be really useful.  For instance, if you see that peak season for your chosen destination ends a week before your special event, it might be wise to hold off for a week or two. One really good site to check out all kinds of important stats for traveling is US News.  This is where I found average temperatures, info on peak tourist season, and when hotel prices are lower (just to name a few). Snapshot taken from US News website As it turns out, August ends peak tourist season in Spain, so we chose to hold off on travel until September.  The weather can start to get cooler and we'll hopefully deal with less tourist traffic on our trip. Additionally, we lucked out by having family available to watch the kids and shuttle them to and from school while hubby and I are off enjoying a long anniversary trip. 3. Learn A Little About the Culture As it turns out, Barcelona wants to be viewed as a modern, but modest city.  I found out that dressing like a tourist in the city (shorts and tanktops) is not only frowned upon, but baring shoulders or low cut tops are forbidden at certain attractions (like cathedrals). At the same time, though, if you want to visit the beach, baring as much skin as possible is expected.  I guess all the modesty in the city has people feeling more adventurous and wild at the beach. Even more importantly, dressing like a tourist will make you a target for pick-pocketing, which is apparently big in touristy areas of Spain. So, planning what to wear was a little extra work.  Ultimately, I decided to buy [easyazon_link identifier="B076WPSNGD" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]this dress on Amazon[/easyazon_link] which covers my shoulders and chest, while offering some laid back (but not remarkably touristy) comfort for a day around the city. 4. Book Your Own Flights or Use a Travel Agent? We had grand hopes of booking individual one way flights to get us to and from Spain and Germany on the cheap.  However, after many grueling hours of research, we realized booking our own flights to save money was going to cost us extra time (and aggravation) we weren't looking forward to. By booking individual flights on our own to get the best deals, we were going to have to claim and re-check baggage every time we landed for our connecting flights. If saving money is a major goal of yours, this approach can work, but you have to have patience and give yourself plenty of time at your layovers to claim your baggage, re-check it, and go through security before boarding your next flight.  This can also extend your travel time significantly to get really good deals. For decent deals where you can obtain information about flight ratings, using Expedia was a good option.  But, if you want to spend less, I found Cheap-O Air to be a good option, though you have fewer airlines to choose from.  Additionally, Cheap-O Air will charge for extras like choosing your own seats (which is essential if you're traveling for an anniversary trip, IMO). For this adventure, we decided booking our flights through a travel agent was the best choice because we wanted our Anniversary trip to be as stress-free as possible.  This option: *saved us some travel time *cost more than booking ourselves on longer flights, but slightly less than the more direct flights *kept us on flights where our checked baggage would follow us 5. Get Travel Insurance Now, we're not typically ones to purchase travel insurance, however, with children and the major expense, we opted for travel insurance this time around. Booking our travel 6 months in advance is a bit risky, because you just have no clue what life will throw at you.  Plus, with my own health constantly in question, we felt safer. After having looked into the coverage provided by our credit cards on travel, we decided actual travel insurance was much better for peace of mind. Our credit cards offered trip insurance on our booked flights, but if one of us got sick, the other was still obligated to travel.  Kind of defeats the purpose of an anniversary trip, wouldn't you say? So, total travel insurance was a better option.  This way, we can cover the entire trip (flights, hotels, etc) and opt to include travel medical insurance in case we get sick or have an emergency while overseas. 6. Get Travel Sized Items If you've ever flown on an airplane, you know your personal hygiene items (like shampoos) have to adhere to special TSA size requirements. Stock up on travel-sized items at places like Walmart, Target, or your local health food stores.  I purchased most of my travel size toiletries at Target, personally. For my makeup bag, I'm saving even more space by packing my Stowaway Cosmetics! Aside from their convenient travel size, I find that with Stowaway Cosmetics I get quality (and better-for-you) make up that you can actually finish before it expires!  Plus, they're transparent about the cost and have a recycle program where you can earn credit on future purchases. Ultimately, how to plan a European trip for your Anniversary really comes down to what you dream of doing.   Are you budget conscious or prefer to take some of the stress off? For us, we were sort of middle of the road, but ultimately decided we'd prefer some details to be handled for us to save us travel time and the hassle of chasing luggage.  Though, we will still be looking for deals on some of the attractions and activities we'll be seeing while at our European destinations. Do you have any other tips on how to plan a European trip? #### How to Plan a Summer Mountain Vacation with Young Children Growing up, my parents took us camping nearly every year.  While I have some pretty fond memories of our mountain camping trips, I also had grown quite bored of them.  Every year was the same thing.  Mountains and waterfalls all kind of looked the same after 16 years of camping.  Plus, we usually spent a few nights hiding in the tent hoping the summer rains wouldn't flood our tent. Of course, we always did some fun activities like gold and gem mining.  Occasionally the parents would even surprise us with a day trip to Six Flags or some other theme park nearby. Our summer mountain vacations were our tradition.  It was our week (or two) to connect as a family.  No TV or video games.  And, of course, 4 in a tent meant we all had to get along. I even remember spending most nights playing games or roasting marshmallows.  What else could you do when the sun was setting and you had one measly battery operated camp light?  Exactly ... family bonding was about it, at the time. Fast forward to now.  I have my own two kids who have only known theme park vacations.  My daughter is nearly 6 and has come to expect some pretty expensive vacations.  The toddler is much more mobile and is starting to require more leg-stretching.  So, I thought a summer mountain vacation would be perfect for everyone. Unfortunately, my husband and I also began to have reservations about taking the family to the mountains.  Both kids require their own rooms to sleep.  Frankly, mom and dad like our own space too.  We're all kind of spoiled that way, so camping wasn't going to work, especially for a first family mountain vacation. The tot gets fussy in the car for long drives.  And, it takes at least a 6 hour drive from our home in Florida to get anywhere close to mountains. We almost nixed our summer mountain vacation planning.  But, I really wanted my kids to have more down to earth expectations of family vacations.  And, I thought it would be good for all of us to learn to travel longer distances than a 2 hour drive to Disney World. So, what is it we decided to do? Here are my steps for summer mountain vacation planning for families with small children: First Summer Mountain Vacation Planning for Families with Small Children *Disclaimer: Affiliate and referral links are included in this post.  No other form of compensation was received. Travel and vacations aren't exactly easy for families with young children.  And, you probably already know that once you're a parent, a vacation is no longer really considered a vacation.  It's all for the kids.  But, there are ways you can plan your first summer mountain vacation so that everyone gets some enjoyment out of it. Decide On A Location Make travel time as short as possible if this is your first summer mountain vacation as a family with small children.  In our case, I chose an approximately 6 hour drive to get close to mountains in Georgia vs 7 - 8 hours to North Carolina. The less you have to drive, the more time you'll have to get settled in to your rental.  A huge perk is spending less time in the car with a bored and screaming toddler. Do a map search of nearby cities or towns and do a quick view to see if there are any waterfalls and national parks showing on the map.  Type in the park or waterfall name to see how far your rental destination will be.  This will help determine time you'll need to account for day trips. Deciding on Accommodations Appropriate accommodations were an important factor for us.  Since my husband had never been on a mountain vacation, he didn't know what to expect in any capacity.  And, because our children won't sleep if there's someone in the room with them, giving them their own rooms was important.  Tent or Camper camping wasn't feasible. Instead, I chose to book a rental home/cabin through Airbnb (this is a referral link! I've been really happy with this service and believe you will be, too).  This way, I could find a home/cabin with enough rooms for everyone in our travel party. Of course, take into account everyone's sleeping arrangement needs.  If youre children are co-sleeping or they don't mind being in the same room, you may consider a smaller cabin, camper, or tent camping! Learn About Nearby Activities and Attractions Do a little research to find out what activities are nearby.  My husband needed to know there were more traditional/touristy attractions in case "the kids" got bored. By doing your searches before you book a rental, you'll have a better idea of where you're going to want to rent. In our case, my closest options were North Georgia, North Carolina, or South Carolina.  Thankfully, the pro that my dad is, after all the years taking us camping in the mountains, was able to help me start the research.  When we decided to stick to North Georgia, dad linked me to 120+ ways to have fun in the North Georgia Mountains. From that post, I narrowed down more closely where I wanted to end up.  I decided on being in between Dahlonega and Helen, GA.  So, I then began to dig deeper and researching the top things to do in each of those towns by using Trip Advisor.  When you click on things to do, you type in the town or city you might visit.  I started with things to do in Helen, GA because I knew it was more touristy.  Then, I checked out things to do near Dahlonega, GA. Decide on the Activities You Want to Do Make sure to mix it up for everyone.  Plan a few completely different activities to entertain everyone in your family and still have them try at least one new activity.  For waterfall and hiking activities, plan 2 or 3 and space them at least a day apart. After all your hard earned planning, don't forget to take some time to consider what to pack for the mountains if you're heading off with young children. What are your family vacation plans for summer? #### How to Prepare for a Disney Cruise with Toddlers Thinking about travel and taking a cruise with your toddler?  Let's talk about how to prepare for a Disney Cruise with toddlers. I spent so much time trying to figure out how to pack for our family of three for our recent Disney Cruise.  We went on a 4 night Bahamian cruise with Disney Cruise Lines as a celebration of our daughter's 2nd Birthday AND our 4th Wedding Anniversary.  This was quite a different experience from our honeymoon cruise, when all we had to worry about was ourselves.  It was almost overwhelming trying to prepare for a Disney Cruise with a toddler. In the months before the cruise, I had so many questions, especially considering S's milk intolerance and the ship rules about not bringing food on board.  I'd like to do an in-depth review of the experience from start to finish, but that would be more like a book.  This will be the 1st in a two part series of our Disney Cruise Line (DCL) experience. As this is the 1st post of 2, I'm concentrating on planning, packing, and contacting customer service.  In my second post I will concentrate on reviewing the Disney Cruise experience. How to Prepare for a Disney Cruise with Toddlers Planning We ended up purchasing our cruise from Expedia.com while they were running a promotion in concurrence with Disney's on-board credit promotion.  The deal gave us an extra on board credit from Expedia on top of Disney's $100 on board credit offer. At the time, it was the best deal we could find.  I was glad I didn't just book through Disney.  That said, be sure to check out all the deals and don't be fooled into thinking there aren't better deals out there. The down side to this part of the story is that Expedia did an awesome job of hiding the requirements for receiving the additional on board credit in their terms and conditions, so we missed the requirements to claim them and weren't eligible for it any longer.  Worst part is that we didn't realize it wasn't applied until we were already on the ship when we received the note that we only had a $100 on board credit. Want a little more hands-off planning experience?  You can request a quote from World of Magic Travel to assist you in your Disney Cruise planning! Allergies If you or your family have allergies or, like in our case, a child with a milk intolerance, be sure to contact Disney.  Since S is milk intolerant and possibly soy intolerant, we have had her on Almond Milk versus other milk alternatives.  When I contacted Disney about their milk alternatives, they didn't offer Almond Milk (rice and soy were the alternatives offered) so I asked if I could bring it on board. The answer is yes - coolers are allowed for baby foods and necessary dietary restrictions.  In baby girl's case, her Almond Milk will be allowed on in an unopened original container.  Homemade or opened containers, from my understanding, are not permitted.  Please check with Disney about their policies BEFORE boarding! While we really didn't pack anything other than some Almond Milk and some extra toddler snacks, part of those snacks weren't necessarily "baby foods" and we weren't given any trouble in boarding.  So that we didn't have to carry a cooler, I purchased almond milk in a 4 pack of single servings and packed it into a carry on bag. Contacting Disney Cruise Line If you booked through Expedia or some other online portal, I'd recommend contacting DCL's customer service to make sure you have things set up for your family.  I sent a quick email to notify them that our daughter is celebrating her 2nd birthday, we were celebrating our 4th Anniversary, and also included that we would be in need of a high chair at dinner and crib in the cabin.  They notated in our account everything that we weren't able to include when booking with Expedia. In a later email to them, I had to ask if we could bring our daughter on an excursion that wouldn't let us add her to in booking online.  The answer was YES, but that the system wouldn't add her because she was FREE for the activity we were booking. My review of their services prior to boarding the ship was satisfactory.  They answered all my questions and were very quick to respond. Packing To help you prepare for a Disney Cruise with a toddler, I'll let you want we packed, just for our toddler: A full sleeve of diapers (out of a box of Luvs) - about twice as many as we ended up needing 2 packages of swim diapers - this was more than 1 full bag too many for us Several Outfits 5 bathing suits - again, too many as we didn't utilize more than 1 a day 2 sets of [easyazon_link keywords="water shoes TODDLER" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]water shoes[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_link keywords="UV Protective Swim Hat TODDLER" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]UV Protective Swim Hat[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_link keywords="Sunblock toddler" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]Sunblock[/easyazon_link] A 4 pack of shelf-stable almond milk (for her milk sensitivity) A [easyazon_link keywords="small stroller" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]small stroller[/easyazon_link] (at the time, we had a Combi folding stroller that has a strap for easy carry) - this is helpful both on and off the ship!  Look for more information in the 2nd post. You can also check out my friend's post: 10 items you didn't know you needed for a disney cruise. Clothing Found on Disney Cruise Line's Website, here was the suggested dining attire for our cruise: On 4-night cruises: First night: cruise casual—no shorts, swimwear or tank tops One pirate or tropical night (deck party) One "optional dress-up night"—jacket for men, dress or pantsuit for women Final night: cruise casual—no shorts, swimwear or tank tops We ended up packing at least 2 outfits per day (one day time outfit and one dinner outfit worn the remainder of the evening).  Hubby packed 2 bathing suits and I packed 3 for myself.  I honestly think we all could have packed a little lighter.  Maybe next time we prepare for a Disney Cruise, we'll plan to use the laundry service and re-wear some of the same clothes.  I would certainly not bring more than 3 swimsuits for the toddler to rotate through the week. Have any questions about how to prepare for Disney Cruise with a toddler?  I was kind of lost as a first timer myself, so I'd love to help if I can. Related How to Prepare for a Great Disney on Ice Experience How to Handle Disney World with a Toddler or Preschooler The Best Mickey and the Roadster Racers Gifts for Toddlers 10 Benefits of Visiting the Library with a Toddler You may also like: #### How to Prepare for a Great Disney on Ice Experience With little  kids, Disney entertainment is big in our house.  Check out these tips for getting the most out of your Disney on Ice experience. After we used the last of our 4 day Disney passes, I had to wrestle with the reality that it may be a while before we return.  To be honest, the first month was pretty easy, but the longer we've been away, the more I've missed it. When our Girl Scout Troop began talking about going to see Disney on Ice, I got excited.  Then, they decided it was too expensive.  And I was bummed. I knew I needed my Disney fix!  Thankfully I have kids, so I could pretend my daughter really needed to see Mickey.  I secured our passes for the first night Disney on Ice started in our city. Initially, I'd planned to take the whole family, but my toddler son isn't ready for late night events.  Then, we decided hubby would stay home with the toddler.  Instead, I'd take my Aunt and his Mom as a thank you gift for watching the kids when we take off for our shared Autocross hobby. *Disclaimer: This post was created in partnership with Feld Entertainment.  I was provided passes to view Disney on Ice in exchange for this post. So, we had an early dinner and planned to leave 30 minutes before the time I wanted to arrive.  Essentially, I planned to give myself an hour to park, grab our tickets, and treat my daughter to a snack and souvenir. Unfortunately, our trip started out pretty frustratingly.  My 30 minute drive (which was supposed to account for some traffic), turned into about 45 minutes.  One thing we didn't account for was traffic heading to the same area for a baseball game in an adjacent venue.  Traffic and parking was terrible and significantly cut into the time I planned to spend enjoying the venue before finding our seats. When we arrived, we headed toward the security check.  Security will check bags before allowing you to enter the building. After security, we entered the building where they were taking tickets.  I let them know I had tickets waiting at Will Call and I was directed to exit the building and head toward the side for Will Call.  When I arrived at the side, I was instructed to enter the building where I'd just come from and tell them I needed to go to the Will Call table.  I explained that I had already been there and that I was instructed to come to her. Seeing that I was obviously bothered with the confusion, the employee ushered me in through a side door and walked me to the Will Call table herself.  I was utterly grateful for the assistance at that point. We rushed through the vendor area, selected a souvenir cup filled with red ice, and headed to the arena to find our seats.  Barely settled in our seats, the pre-show with Mickey began. My daughter was immediately drawn in.  Her smile and enthusiasm washed away all the frustrations I'd experienced to get us there in time. © www.sahmplus.com How to Prepare for a Great Disney on Ice Experience Choose an appropriate time Do your research on how long your chosen show runs for.  Additionally, take into account your child's age.  Aside from finding out the Disney on Ice ticket age requirement, you need to determine if your child is capable of handling the show.  Children 2 and under are free if they sit in an adult's lap.  However, they may not be ready to sit still and quiet through a long show. How Long is Disney on Ice Worlds of Enchantment? Disney on Ice: Worlds of Enchantment is a 2 hour show.  A 7:30 show start time was too late for our almost 6 year old.  Getting out shortly after 9:30, we sat in the parking garage for 30 minutes, and we weren't home until 10:30 p.m.  In the future, I'd be careful to see how long a show is and likely choose an earlier start time. Check for other events in the area In order to determine your travel time to the event, ensure you plan ahead.  If your venue is close to other venues, be sure to check on events happening in similar time frames.  Adjust travel time accordingly. Build in time for entering the building Build in at least 15 extra minutes to get through lines for purchasing or picking up tickets and getting through the bag security checks.  Once in the building, the crowds tend to move pretty quickly to get through souvenir and snack lines as everyone is trying to get to their seats in time. Decide what's important Although the Mickey pre-show started right on time, I don't know if it was worth the hype to rushing to our seats.  My daughter enjoyed it and it helped to get her pumped for the show.  Still, we could have missed it if we needed the time. Know your prices A Disney on Ice experience isn't complete without throwing around a lot of money.  You know, it's Disney, so souvenirs aren't cheap. The cheapest shaved ice souvenir cup was $12 that I saw and we  splurged for a $15 cup.  Other souvenir prices started at $8, though they were few and far between.  Generally, you can plan to spend $12 or more on each souvenir at the event. Our Disney on Ice Experience Our show was Disney on Ice: Worlds of Enchantment.  As I said earlier, it was a 2 hour show.  The length of the show wasn't as much concerning as the time we chose.  Lesson learned. This show was packed with 4 skits featuring Toy Story, Little Mermaid, Cars, and Frozen.  The first and last skits were the longest, while the 2  middle were significantly shorter.  Basically, each skit was a highly shortened version of the movies. © www.sahmplus.com S was completely enthralled with the show.  The smile on her face said it all. I, however, was really disappointed with how little time the cars were given on the ice.  I loved this part of the show the most. © www.sahmplus.com Still, bringing the characters to life was an amazing experience for us.  Of course, Frozen was the absolute perfect act for the ice. S fell asleep on the ride home, which is completely abnormal for either of my kids.  When we arrived and opened her door, she cried about wanting to be in bed.  Thankfully, she wasn't difficult to get back to sleep right away!! © www.sahmplus.com Regardless of your plans, you'll have a great Disney on Ice experience. Related Content How to Get Ready for a Disney Cruise with a Toddler Magic Kingdom is an Infant Friendly Theme Park Experience Gift for Kids: The Crayola Experience Orlando How to Handle Disney World with a Toddler or Preschooler #### How To Raise a Conservative Child Do we truly know how to raise a conservative child? Hell no! We're just doing the best we can. This is what we're doing ... I'm afraid for my children. I'm afraid for America. I'm afraid for the world. I begged my husband to help me last year with research on where in the world we could move and be left alone. When that didn't produce the desired outcome, we began researching what it would take to move to a private island with a select group of like-minded friends and family. Yes, I realize I was asking to start a commune, and I do not apologize for believing this might be one of the best options we could come up with if the world falls apart. Last year wreaked havoc on my mental health. And had I not deleted Facebook from my phone to decrease my exposure to all the negativity in the U.S., I think I'd still be in a bad mental state. And just when I thought I was doing okay, the feelings of despair over the world we're raising our children in hit hard again with recent events and discussions. We're having regular, mature, and honest conversations with our children about the issues affecting the people of the United States (and the world in general). Not to worry them, but so that they're not in the dark. We want them to know about the world in which they're growing up. And we expect them to ask questions when they're presented with ideas, beliefs, and theories outside of our home. Of course, we always tell them that we try to give them facts, share our experiences, and let them know that they have to make up their minds about what they believe in. A Few Things to Note Before we begin, there are a few things to note here: I do not believe that all conservatives are racists, bigots or homophobes - those are very strong generalizationsI do not believe we should be teaching our children to specifically look at or call attention to each other's skin colorI do not believe we should be adamantly against someone's religious or personal beliefs I do believe the two-party system doesn't provide a true middle ground that I think the majority of us would like to find ourselves in ... so we have to take a stand on a side that houses some of the major policies we feel most closely represent our feelings. Trying to argue online will not change anyone's mind Most importantly, resorting to name-calling and character attacks hurts your chances of effective discussionFinally, this post will not take on Do Children Take Their Parents' Political Beliefs?  I want to say yes but I know that's not always true. Growing up, I asked a crap-ton of questions and began to rebel or argue with my parents over what they believed. Moving out on my own, working and having personal experiences as an adult, I found myself on the fence. Am I liberal? Am I conservative? There was no true answer because I found I could believe one thing from one side and then another thing from another side. It wasn't until I had children that I realized I hold mostly conservative values. So, I think the answer to this question is: not necessarily. Perhaps having personal life experiences as we age determines more of our political beliefs than how our parents raise us. But, if one never explores alternative thoughts then yes, I suppose children grow up to take their parents' political beliefs. Does Being a Parent Make You More Conservative? The complicated thoughts I have about "political" subjects do not define me, politically.     There's no way to lump oneself into a political camp fully because some issues cannot and do not belong to a political group. They are feelings and beliefs. However, some issues that appear to be starkly "Liberal" do not align with what I feel is right for my children and their futures. So, yes, I do think being a parent has tipped the odds in favor of conservativism. So What Am I Going on About? Sometimes I'm sad about raising my children in our broken world of unhappy people that have lost sight of family, community, and the well-being of our children. I'm sad to watch more individual rights being stripped of hard-working, upstanding citizens. And all my negative feelings about our country came back in a big way when I had to submit to facial recognition to opt out of Advanced Child Tax Credit payments.   I couldn't understand why nearly a year ago people were fighting against an ID requirement to vote, yet today, if you don't want a government check, you have to submit to supplying your ID and a facial scan. Heaven help you if your scan doesn't go well, because then you have to submit a load of documents and participate in a live chat to verify who you are.  All because you don't want the government to send you a regular check!  It's madness! Our society puts money before everything. Social media tells us what to be unhappy about, incites violence, and tells us whether or not we should believe in something (hello: banning physicians and scientists who believe something different). Humans are putting their faith in media and government, allowing (even asking) for too much control.   I didn't enjoy history classes, but I suppose I paid more attention than I thought at the time. I wonder about the majority of Americans though. How to Raise a Conservative Child It's not an easy task. Already with our elementary-school-aged child, we've seen the use of subjects and leading language that guides her to believe what they want. And we've had to have discussions about learning to ask questions and think beyond what is taught in school. Here are a few ways we're hoping our discussions on current (and past) events lead our children toward conservativism, improve critical thinking skills, and question everything! Here are some of the discussions we've had: Should Violent Games Be Banned? This was, seriously, a discussion in 4th grade to which my daughter believed the answer was "Yes." Why? Because she believed based on her reading that violent video games make people violent. Both her father and I were surprised by her response.   She and her brother play "Cel Damage" which is considered a violent game. She knows that her dad plays a violent game.  So, we reminded her of these things and asked if she believed she, her brother, or her father were violent people? "No." And what can someone do to blow off steam if their usual outlet is playing violent video games? "I don't know." Well, there's a lot of options, right? But what if a violent video game is what keeps a person from acting out on strong emotions? What if punching a game character is emotionally fulfilling and you take that away from someone? "Hmmm," she says. We're not saying banning a violent video game will make people violent (although we have all heard the stories about the physically abusive kids who act out when their parents take electronics away). What we're saying is that every decision can have unintended consequences! What's Up With These Policies? I'm extremely grateful to be living in a Red State. It's not perfect here, but we still have some freedoms. But I feel as though we're losing ground as children grow up believing more and more what they're being taught outside the home. I read a book (and as always I never can remember which one it was) that stated (and I'm very loosely quoting): "..if you don't want your children to become liberals, make them go to work before they enter college." Now, I did a bit of work before and during college, but it wasn't until I moved out on my own and became fully responsible for myself and my finances that I began to piece things together politically. So, some of our conversations about political issues that could affect our children have been: Should trans women participate in female-only sports? If they're competing for scholarships, money, etc they should participate in the sport designed for the body they were given at birth. Physiologically speaking, a man's body does have an advantage in certain physical activities. Therefore, regardless of personal feelings, this person should not be allowed to participate in certain female sports when scholarships or other gains are to be had for the purposes of a future endeavor. There are plenty of activities where females (trans women) can be equals among men and women.  Anyone up for some racing? Where are the feminists when you really need them? Should we subscribe to Critical Race Theory? source: https://www.edweek.org/leadership/what-is-critical-race-theory-and-why-is-it-under-attack/2021/05 To be honest, I haven't read up on this much, but our state has banned this for use in our school systems. I'm pretty sure I'm grateful for that too. From the little I've seen and heard on it, our kids don't need an excuse to look at race as something inherently wrong with a person. Nor do I think we need to be teaching children that their race holds them back or provides them an advantage in life.   Why would we teach our kids to think about a person's color if we're so desperately trying to make people blind to race?   We've talked with our children that a person's race, ethnicity, religion or any other physical feature doesn't make a person who they are.   Instead, we remind our children that a person is defined by their choices and actions. If you think (or assume) otherwise, I must ask if you skipped the history lessons on Hitler and the Nazis. Give the Government More Control Holy hell! Seriously? Okay, the discussions with the kids have been: People in Government = Corruption Whether or not they intend to, money leads to greed. When we take into account the insane amount of money and retirement our Government is afforded, you must ask if your tax money is being used properly. I want our politicians to be required to wear badges from the companies they've been sponsored by. More Government = Less Freedom Taxes, rules, etc. The more control government has, the fewer freedoms you will enjoy. If you think the system is broken, why the fudge do you want the government to have more control? Should social media censor speech? The truth about social media is that it doesn't provide a safe space to talk with friends and family. Instead, it's weaponized our speech causing friends and family to fight, block or unfriend each other. And, the social media giants censor what they deem "false" information. Can you imagine how our world would have progressed if we censored and banned all the "crazy" intellectuals, scientists and inventors of the past? What we tell our children is that if we have to hide our feelings or beliefs from our friends or loved ones, we need to ask ourselves if they're people we should associate with.   If I can't truly know a person, should I consider that person my friend? If a person has to hide their feelings from me, am I their friend? If a person doesn't like what I feel or believe, are we meant to be friends? Maybe censorship gets in the way of taking personal responsibility for our thoughts and actions! Who else thinks it's hard to raise a conservative child these days? I have so many thoughts running through my head about the norms of broken families, pandering to feelings over facts and increased government control. So many conversations we've had with our kids that I realize we need to teach our children: To be confident and comfortable in their skinNot just to speak up but to listen and ask questionsNot to allow media or people we know to silence usNot to give up rights solely because media has deemed them "the thing to do"Don't just listen in history class ... learn from itAccept peoples differences but remain true to yourself Some additional suggestions: REALLY listen to the song "The Sound of Silence"Read these books: How to Raise a Conservative DaughterThat's Crap and You Know it: How to Raise Outspoken Conservative Kids to Stand Up Against LiberalismTop Conservative Books for KidsThese are our favorites to start with Any other tips you can share?? #### How to Raise a Leader You Can Be Proud Of Inside: It's not just about being a leader, it's about parenting skills, life lessons, and how to raise a leader you can be proud of. Do you know the qualities of a successful leader that you should be teaching your kids?   She was my boss ... and the bossiest of them all.  This woman, though in a leadership position, wasn't grateful or encouraging of those beneath her.  Honestly, she wasn't great with anyone. Regardless of her title or salary, this was not someone I considered a successful leader. Though she was in a leadership role, it was very difficult to take direction from someone who seemingly didn't remember what it was like to be the low man on the totem pole.  Her actions and words gave no indication she was deserving of the respect she commanded.  Working with her was one of the most difficult business situations I'd been in. As a mom, the best I can hope to do is to teach my children to become successful leaders.  It's okay to want the perks of being a leader, but few people these days seem to want to invest the time and energy to grow into a successful leader.  And to do so, it's imperative to learn great leadership qualities, especially respect and trust. So, I want to start, now, to establish the qualities a successful leader should have.  And, if we start teaching our kids these qualities early, they'll be a step ahead of the rest. Leaders are extremely important in our society.  True leaders, though, are the ones who are able to form their own beliefs and opinions, instead of simply following others.  They're able to determine between right and wrong, regardless of what the majority believes blindly.  And, they're able to make difficult decisions.  Not to mention, they're able to cultivate good qualities in others, not simply boss them around. Below are some qualities a successful leader should have.  Focus on these to begin to raise a good leader. How to Raise a Leader People Will Like Learning to Follow For those who don't like taking orders, they may feel being the leader solves their problems.  Giving out orders can sound really appealing to those individuals. However, as a successful leader, it's important to learn how to follow the lead of others as well. By following other good leaders, one can gain wisdom and direction from them.  This will help you stay humble and to remember the needs of those under you because you will have been in their shoes. Letting Others Shine There is a time and a place for everyone to shine.  Remind your child that a good leader will seek out and shine a light on others' good qualities.  They should let others have their moment in the spotlight. Making others feel good about themselves is another great quality of a successful leader.  Being certain to give others moments to shine ensures your success. Working with Others My husband always tells me his employees love working with him. "With him." As a director, he could easily sit back and bark orders, but he's a hands-on part of his team. Your child's ability to lead is greatly enhanced when he learns to work with others as a team.  Everyone loves a leader who is "one of them." Teach your child co-operation to help him become a leader who is well-liked and known for their great qualities as a team player and a respectful person. Being Open to Constructive Criticism We're all open to criticism, but as a leader, we're under the microscope.  As a leader, you're the face of a group, department, company, or another capacity. Teach your children to see criticism in a good way.  If someone appears or says something critical of your child's leadership, discuss with them what could be taken from it.  Help him to learn to answer "what can I learn and apply from the criticism to become better?" Teach him to stand up for himself if he's attacked, but to learn from it whenever possible. Being a leader isn't quite what it appears.  You know the saying "the grass is always greener on the other side." If you like these tips, you can check out more childhood lessons here.  Plus, be sure to sign up for my newsletter so you don't miss another post like this!  With your subscription, you'll receive access to a FREE subscriber-only resource library for parents, which now includes a new FREE report about the lessons children need to learn.  I'd love to have you follow me! When You Raise a Good Leader ... By teaching your child the true meaning of leadership, you help them to gain strength, humility, and respect.  Remind them of the importance of the leaders we see in our society.  Help them to understand that many eyes are watching them determine what's right, so leaders have to keep their motives in check.  And, the world will greatly benefit from trustworthy, successful, and respectable leaders. How to Raise a Leader originally appeared on this site October 2017 and has been updated. #### How to Raise an Extroverted Child When You Are an Introvert Parenting is full of joy, laughter, and love, but it can also be incredibly draining, especially for introverted parents raising extroverted children. The high social interaction needs of extroverts can leave introverted parents feeling depleted. But fear not! With the right strategies, you can thrive and help your child flourish too. Here are my tips on how to raise an extroverted child as an introverted parent. I've been a high-functioning introvert for a long time.  Once I became comfortable with people, I began to open up more and break out of my shell.  But, my circle of close friends has always been limited.  Not because I totally dislike people, I just don't have the energy for much socialization. When my daughter began crawling, I noticed how much warmer and friendlier she was than myself.  She'd crawl to anyone and away from mommy as much as possible.  Turns out my son is even more social than his big sister. Parenting two extroverted kids has a tendency to suck up most of my energy by early afternoon. If we go out of the house to socialize, I'm eager for bedtime to replenish my energy! But, I find ways to cope and live through another day! Here are some tips for raising an extroverted child when you are an introverted parent. How to Raise an Extroverted Child When You Are an Introvert Devote Time to Self-Care Self-care is crucial for everyone, but it's especially important for introverted parents. Alone time is essential to recharge and manage stress, which helps you be more present and attentive to your extroverted child. For introverts, excessive social interaction can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, and stress, which can affect your mood and, consequently, your child's well-being. What You Can Do Make it clear to your child that your need for alone time is not their fault. Schedule daily breaks to process and manage stress, and explain to your child the importance of recharging. This teaches them to respect others' needs and understand their feelings. Provide Opportunities for Interaction It's important to provide your extroverted child as many opportunities as possible for social interaction. However, that doesn’t mean you have to turn your home into a hangout spot for all their friends. Schedule social gatherings for your child with a wide variety of people.  Spend time with family members, schedule play dates with friends from school, or take a trip to a public playground where your child can meet new friends. By establishing interactions outside of the house, you can provide for your extrovert’s social needs while also keeping your personal space in mind.  On occasion, return the favor and have your child’s friends over to your house.  Even if it’s just once or twice a month, your child will gain a different benefit by having social gatherings on a more personal scale. School Environment for Your Extrovert As many times as I thought about homeschooling, my ability to handle the constant chatter is questionable.  And, I still have to take into account my child's needs for socialization.  Because of which, we started with the public school system. Make sure your child is getting an education that properly caters to their extroverted needs.  At the very least, you want your child’s school and/or classroom to offer plenty of interaction between schoolmates.  Meet with the school’s staff of teachers and assess what type of classes would be best for your extrovert.  Seek out and request teachers that have a significant amount of practical “field work” in their lesson plans. Extracurricular Activities The best thing you can do for your child is to get them involved in extracurricular activities.  Sports teams or clubs geared toward their interests may be best suited for your child.  These activities are a wonderful way for them to socialize and build relationships with like-minded people, as well as learn valuable skills. Discuss what activities your child is interested in - whether it be sports, the chess team or the drama club.  Getting them involved in at least one activity will help fill in the social interaction gap they need. Call in Backup I think I have trouble with this one the most.  I forget to ask for some extra help from my husband! Don't forget about your parenting teamwork, and call for an extra hand when you're feeling worn out.  Your partner can help play with the kids while you take a break to re-balance! Understanding Your Child's Needs Recognize the signs that your child needs more social interaction. Communicate effectively with your extroverted child to understand their feelings and social needs. Ask open-ended questions and listen actively to what they share about their experiences and preferences so that you can respond effectively. How It Works Scenario: Recognizing Social Interaction Needs Observation: Your 7-year-old daughter, Lily, is restless and irritable after school. She often asks to visit friends or go to the park. Conversation: You: "Hey Lily, you seem a bit restless after school. How are you feeling?" Lily: "I'm bored, Mom. I want to play with my friends. School is fun, but I miss hanging out with them after." Active Listening and Validation: You: "I get it, sweetie. It sounds like you really need some extra playtime with your friends." Finding Solutions Together: You: "How about we plan a playdate once or twice a week? Would you like that?" Lily: "Yes! Can we go to the park with Emma tomorrow?" You: "I'll talk to Emma's mom. Also, let’s think about joining a club or team at school. Does that sound good?" Setting Boundaries: You: "We’ll balance playdates with quiet time so I can recharge too. How about after your playdate, we have some reading time together?" Lily: "Okay, I can do that. Thanks, Mom!" Incorporating Technology Use technology to facilitate social interaction. Virtual playdates, online group activities, and educational apps can provide your child with social engagement while giving you some downtime. Be mindful of screen time and choose quality interactions that benefit your child. Raising an extroverted child as an introverted parent can be challenging, but it's also an opportunity to grow and adapt. By providing the right environment and support, you can help your social butterfly thrive while taking care of your own needs. Embrace the journey, and remember that it's okay to ask for help and take time for yourself. What are some ways you find it helpful to handle raising extroverts when you're introverted? #### How To Stop Breastfeeding Everything about breastfeeding is extremely sensitive and personal, right down to when and how to stop breastfeeding.   Breastfeeding can be good for post-partum weight loss and building a strong bond with your baby. Plus, breastfeeding offers the potential benefit of stronger immune systems for babies. Deciding to breastfeed is just one of the many carefully calculated decisions you'll be making as a mom. It's no surprise, given the societal expectations and the strong emotions one feels about her breastfeeding experience that we seek others for the support over the when and how to stop breastfeeding. But remember, your breastfeeding journey is between you and your baby. What is the Best Age to Stop Breastfeeding? The World Health Organization says "[f]rom the age of 6 months, children should begin eating safe and adequate complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed for up to 2 years and beyond." "2 or more years?" you ask. According to this paper about when to wean, biologically it makes sense that humans breastfeed between 2.5 to 7 years.   We may be conditioned, or pressured, by social stigma and culture to quit breastfeeding before we're biologically ready. So, I say stop breastfeeding when you and your baby are ready.   In the case of my second baby, I was personally ready at the one-year mark and slowly weaned my son off breastmilk. With my first, we stopped around 6 months because we found out my daughter was intolerant of dairy and soy in my diet. At the time, I didn't know how to cut all that out, so we switched to a hypoallergenic formula. Your personal situation and feelings about breastfeeding will help you determine when it's time to quit. No one, but you and your baby's needs, should be accounted for when making this decision. Is It Okay to Just Stop Breastfeeding? Sure, it's okay, but it's not advised.   Sudden weaning can lead to uncomfortable issues like engorgement, clogged ducts, and mastitis. As a mom who dealt with clogged ducts before, I can tell you they are not fun. Save yourself the hassle and try to gradually reduce breastfeeding instead of setting a date with disaster. Other factors to consider when you decide to quit breastfeeding: Will you pump breastmilk for your baby? If your baby is younger than 1, you'll need to supplement with formula. Is the expense of formula something you can take on? If you're not interested in introducing or supplementing with formula and your baby isn't older than 1, you may have to consider supplying pumped breastmilk.  Is your baby ready? These are 2 major signs your baby is not ready to wean from breastfeeding: Doesn't yet sleep through the nightDoesn't eat when mom is away Be sure to check out 20 signs your baby is not ready to wean. Some babies need the comfort of breastfeeding longer than others.   From experience, my second baby would not touch a bottle, formula, or even my pumped breastmilk. And as much as I didn't even want to breastfeed in the first place, it was important to me that I provide my baby with the comfort he needed. How Do You Stop Breastfeeding Without Getting Mastitis? Mastitis is a painful infection in the breast! So, how do you stop breastfeeding without getting it? The leading cause of mastitis is milk that got stuck in the breast. However, a blocked milk duct and bacteria entering the breast are two other causes. If mastitis is typically caused by trapped milk in the breast, it makes sense to gradually stop breastfeeding instead of quitting abruptly. How to Stop Breastfeeding and Dry Up Your Breastmilk Once you've determined it is time to stop breastfeeding, you'll need to work on weaning and drying up your breastmilk. The aim is to reduce the potential for clogged milk ducts or getting mastitis, so the recommendation remains to wean gradually. Try these tips for drying up your breastmilk: Wear a well-fitting bra that won't contribute to clogged milk ducts.Decrease breastfeeding sessions - shorten sessions or supplement sessions with formula or age-appropriate feedings to your baby.Shorten pumping sessions - to lessen milk buildup and signal to your body to begin producing less milk, shorten pumping sessions to only relieve the discomfort of the buildup of milk in the breast.Try herbs that may help dry up milk: certain herbs may help dry up breastmilk supply or try Earth Mama Organic No More Milk Tea. The time it takes to dry up your milk supply is dependent on many factors. For some, drying up breastmilk can take several days to several weeks. In general, if you're still breastfeeding, even occasionally as you gradually wean, drying up your milk supply can take longer than someone who quit nursing or isn't producing as much milk. Breastfeeding and when to quit is a very sensitive and personal topic. It's also important to learn how to stop breastfeeding while reducing the chances of mental or physical issues for mom and baby, in the process. Do you have any additional suggestions about how to stop breastfeeding or reduce milk supply? #### How To Survive The 4-Month Sleep Regression What is the 4 month sleep regression? Discover the signs and solutions to survive the 4-month sleep regression. If you know anyone with little ones or are a mother yourself, then you are most likely aware of the dreaded sleep regression. If not, and you've stumbled on this term because your baby's sleep patterns have you wondering if you're delirious, I'm here to say "no, mama, you're not imagining things." Your baby's sleep regression is not only normal, it's also temporary! "Thank God!" What is the 4-month sleep regression?  To put it simply, the 4 month sleep regression is a phase that lasts about two to six weeks when a baby experiences poor sleep after a history of sleeping well. 4 Month Sleep Regression Signs Was your baby in a pretty good sleeping pattern up to this point? If you're one of the lucky mamas whose baby has been sleeping well at night (or even sleeping through the night), you're probably going crazy trying to figure out what's changed! These are the signs your baby is going through sleep regression: frequent night awakenings. shorter naps. fighting sleep. extreme fussiness. changes in appetite. The 4-month sleep regression is usually a surprise to parents, especially first-time parents! That said, the warning here is that there are certain timeframes in a baby’s life these regressions happen. Usually, they occur at 4 months, 9 months, and/or 18 months. Why Do Babies Go Through Sleep Regression? By this time, most parents have gotten used to some type of nightly routine, only to be disrupted by their baby’s maturing sleep cycle. At 4 months, your baby starts cycling through 4 stages of sleep, just like any adult. This means, suddenly, he or she will spend more time in a lighter, non-REM sleep stage, causing more frequent wakeups which may take a little time to adjust. According to The Baby Sleep Geek, there are 10 causes of sleep regression. Some of the causes of sleep regression, just to name a few, are: Illness Physical Developments Increase in Cognitive Abilities Changes in Sleep Needs Disruption of Schedules How Long Does Sleep Regression Last? Okay, you're tired and ready for schedules to get back on track, aren't you? The good news is, your baby's sleep should improve in two to six weeks. Honestly, the odd (and frustrating) sleep schedule will mostly likely disappear as suddenly as it started. How to Survive 4 Month Sleep Regression Don’t stress, there are many things you can do to help ease this transition on both the baby and yourself. Try out these 4-month sleep regression solutions: Develop Skills During The Day If your baby is going through physical or cognitive developments at the time, make sure he's getting plenty of time to practice his skills during the day. Offer extra tummy time for building muscles and practice rolling over. Spend more time reading and speaking to your baby. Take walks to see the sights. Try Dropping A Nap If your baby is still taking about 4 daytime naps, check out their nap schedule. Are naps shorter or is there a longer timespan between naps? If naps are also becoming inconsistent, try removing a nap. Be sure to follow your baby's sleepy cues and lay them in their crib before they become overtired. Adjust Your Baby's Bedtime If your baby is dropping a nap, consider adjusting his bedtime earlier. A bedtime between 6 and 8 p.m. isn't out of the norm for a 4-month old baby. Feed That Baby! A full belly usually makes a baby tired! If you're looking for longer stretches of sleep, ensure your baby isn't hungry at bedtime. Make sure daytime feedings are filling as well. Stick To A Bedtime Routine A bedtime routine is one of the most important things you can do to get baby to sleep in the beginning. Make sure you're sticking to this schedule, even during a sleep regression to reinforce good sleep habits. Black Out The Room Make sure that the bedroom is as dark as possible to reduce or eliminate visual stimuli while your baby is trying to get some shut-eye. If your baby wakes up and can't focus on anything, it's possible the world will be too boring to stay awake for. Get The Right Sleepwear Another option is switching to lighter weight sleepwear. However, a little extra comfort can go a long way, and Nested Bean’s Zen Sleepwear™ is fantastic in helping them self-soothe through the night. Gently weighted Nested Bean’s sleepwear mimics your touch on baby’s chest and sides, leaving your little one feeling comforted and secure, like in your embrace. Go on and learn more about Nested Bean’s weighted sleepwear. Make Night Wakings Dull If your baby does wake in the middle of the night, follow these tips for ultimate sleep-inducing boredom: Keep the smallest amount of light on during diaper changes Turn off all lights while breastfeeding or bottle feeding Whisper to baby at the most, but preferably no speaking Be boring and keep everyone calm - don't engage in play Head over here to learn all the tips for coping with sleep regressions. While it feels like a sleep regression drags on forever when a parent is exhausted, I can attest that these sleep regressions pass and you will soon forget them. A few weeks will go by, your baby will get back to a routine (if not a better one with these tips) and it will feel like it got better in the blink of an eye. #### How to Survive the 8 Month Sleep Regression As your baby enters its 8th month, you may experience another hiccup in your daily (and nightly) routines? Here's how to survive the 8-month sleep regression. If you’re experiencing the 8-month sleep regression, you might be feeling a bit defeated having probably tackled the 4 and 6-month regressions too. Don’t fret! Although it can seem like three steps back after you’ve taken two steps forward, these sleep regressions are normal. What is the 8-Month Sleep Regression? This period includes a temporary disruption in your baby's sleeping patterns, usually displaying difficulty sleeping and an increase in waking in the middle of the night. Sometimes called the 9-month sleep regression, it usually occurs between months 7 and 10. Signs of Sleep Regression A few common signs of sleep regressions include: Refusing naps Regularly waking at night Not going to sleep at their regular bedtime Increased hunger More fussy than usual Close to or recently hit a major milestone like crawling, standing, walking or starting solids What Causes the 8 Month Sleep Regression? As with any other sleep regression period, your baby’s development is the cause and this phase rarely lasts longer than a few weeks. But, what exactly is causing this regression? At the 8-month mark, your baby will likely be hitting some major milestones, from language development to crawling and pulling themselves along. Sleep patterns are also changing, and usually, an 8-month-old will need more awake time between periods of sleep than they did previously. For a more in-depth look, here are some other common reasons why your baby might be having trouble falling asleep that hit around this age: Separation Anxiety Increased Mobility Teething Overstimulation Nighttime Talking How to Survive the 8 Month Sleep Regression As you can see from that list, some significant change is happening for your little one. Now, while impossible to control how your growing little one reacts to the growth and development, you can help ease its effects by preparing for inevitable sleep hurdles.  If you haven’t tried to sleep train, now could be an excellent time to start, laying a foundation for consistent sleep for toddler sleep patterns later on. Whatever method you decide on, though, a consistent bedtime routine is vital to reducing sleep disruptions like the 8-month sleep regression. Now, for some other tips to consider: It's hard for anybody to sleep in a room that isn't dark and quiet, let alone a baby who's only just getting used to the big world around them! Creating a calm atmosphere in your baby's room can make a huge difference when it comes to bedtime. You don’t want to foster bad habits, but it’s completely okay to give extra snuggles and comfort. It's also important to maintain some sense of normalcy to avoid developing sleep associations with things like nursing or rocking — which could be worsening the separation anxiety that’s keeping them up in the first place. Sleep regressions at any age can be difficult to manage as they often lead to parental sleep deprivation. This can cause you to be as cranky as your little one. Don't be afraid to ask your friends and loved ones for help during this time, whether that means getting your partner to take over a feed or having a friend watch baby while you take a quick nap. A great way to establish a new sleep training routine and help your baby fall asleep independently is with gently weighted Zen Sleepwear from Nested Bean. The Cuddle Effect of their sleepwear mimics your touch to help baby self soothe through wakeups, and can assist in creating more positive bedtime associations. Learn more about Nested Bean’s weighted sleepwear today, as well as some more insight to surviving the 8-month sleep regression, and look forward to a more restful night’s sleep. FAQs Q: What is the 8-month sleep regression? A: The 8-month sleep regression is a period where babies who previously slept well may start waking up frequently during the night, have difficulty falling asleep, or experience changes in their napping schedule. Q: What causes the 8-month sleep regression? A: The 8-month sleep regression is caused by a combination of factors, including physical milestones like crawling and standing, teething, and separation anxiety. Q: How long does the 8-month sleep regression last? A: The 8-month sleep regression typically lasts 2-6 weeks. Q: What can I do to help my baby through the 8-month sleep regression? A: Stick to a consistent bedtime routine, offer comfort and reassurance, and adjust your baby's nap schedule if necessary. Q: Should I try sleep training during the 8-month sleep regression? A: It's up to you and your parenting style. Some families find sleep training helpful during the 8-month sleep regression, while others prefer to ride it out without sleep training. Q: How can I cope with the lack of sleep during the 8-month sleep regression? A: Take naps when your baby does, ask for help from friends or family members, and remember that this is a temporary phase. Q: Is the 8-month sleep regression a sign that I need to wean my baby from breastfeeding or formula? A: No, the 8-month sleep regression is a normal developmental phase and not a sign that your baby needs to wean from breastfeeding or formula. Q: Should I be worried if my baby is still experiencing sleep disturbances after the 8-month sleep regression ends? A: If your baby's sleep disturbances continue after the 8-month sleep regression ends, consult with your pediatrician to rule out any underlying medical issues. #### How to Teach Diversity to Young Children A while back, I wrote about the problem with mommy wars.  From my perspective, I feel like mommy wars, and all the other diversity issues we're experiencing, are caused by the inability of others to accept and celebrate our differences.  How can we teach diversity to young children if we can't accept it in adulthood? We all are different and we all want to be heard.  But, it seems many of us struggle to listen to others. Think about the last disagreement you had, whether or not it was about parenting differences.  Anything.  Did something someone say touch a nerve?  I can't tell you how many times I've seen arguments online where one person states an opinion and someone else bashes them for it.  You know you've seen those lengthy Facebook "conversations."  Maybe you found yourself part of them. Can you think back to an instance where you read or heard something that stirred an emotional response?  Did it cloud your judgment and make you respond hastily?  And, you probably didn't even take a moment to consider your words.  You probably didn't even really take a minute to think about what was said in the first place. How to Teach Diversity to Young Children Be a Good Role Model Show your children that you accept others for their differences.  Accept and celebrate that no one will do or say the same things as you.  Also, accept your own differences.  It's okay to speak about your differences, but don't shut others down when they're different. Stick to Facts Keep emotions or opinions out of conversations when you're explaining differences to your children.  Discussing with your kids about cultural, family, or individual differences should be factual, not emotional. Remove bias from your conversations as much as possible. Remember, prejudice and bias has no business in a young child's life as they're learning to navigate the world and all its rules.  Let your children ask questions openly and respond in a way that allows them to form their own opinions of the world. Read Together Children learn a lot through reading, so teaching diversity can be made easier through books.  The best part is, it's not a structured lesson, so you're more likely to engage your child in conversation naturally through books. *Disclaimer: I received Otis Grows in exchange for this post.  No other compensation was received.  Affiliate links are included. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Try starting with Otis Grows by Kathryn Hast. Otis is the son of a Yes-Chum and a Nuh-Uh.  His parents live on opposite sides of a creek and have strongly opposing viewpoints.  Poor Otis is stuck in the middle, trying to grow and become whoever he's supposed to be.  Both parents tell him how to grow while he struggles to decide which of his parents to listen to.  He sees value in the advice he receives from each of them.  But, neither seems to apply fully because he's a combination of both of them. When Otis runs away from his family to get away from the arguments, he's exposed to a larger variety of differences than he's ever known.  He eventually finds his own path and grows up to make both parents proud. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" cloak="n" height="500" identifier="1541107500" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51nb1TMXbqL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Not only does Kathryn's book touch on diversity, it serves as a reminder that our actions as parents affect our children.  Our open judgment can cause unnecessary stress in our children's lives.  They will become their own person and we'll be proud of them, regardless. You may find that more gentle approaches to be most effective to teach diversity to young children.  Being a good role model and resisting the urge to express your own biases or prejudices are good ways to help your children accept others for their differences. Check out these activities to teach and discuss diversity further with your kids from Bee Haven Tribe. #### How To Use Dealspotr: Save Money And Make Money As a parent with two kids, I find it important to save money wherever I can.  My son is still in diapers and he has a tendency to outgrow his clothing pretty quickly.  That said, when I need to buy things, I prefer not to pay full price for anything.  In fact, it's rare you'll find me paying full price for anything other than groceries or things we need at a particular moment. I love coupons and sales.  Don't most moms? But, I also love making money.  Several years ago, you would have caught me taking various surveys for points.  I still participate in programs where I earn points for clicking through an email link.  Those points rarely amount to much, but over time, they add up to a few dollars at some of my favorite retailers. With Dealspotr, I get the best of both worlds!  I can search for coupons to save money, or share coupons to make money!  Are you interested?  Let's me show you how I use this site to help me do both .... This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Dealspotr.  Referral links are included and will earn me extra commission when you join and use the site ... I know you'll love the extra ways to save money and make money with Dealspotr. Why Dealspotr? Dealspotr uses its members to submit, edit, and verify coupons and codes work.  This site has been the most accurate and houses the most coupons I've ever seen! When you become a member, you earn a significant amount of points for  joining.  These points accumulate towards Amazon Gift Cards. Plus, Dealspotr is easy to use, whether you're hoping to save money or make a little.  And, they make it easy to do both.  As an added bonus, they also like to feature some of their influencers in a Q&A session.  Guess who was a recent feature?  Yeah, check out the Q&A with Ivy! How to Use Dealspotr to Save Money You can use Dealspotr to search for coupons to save money online or to print coupons for local establishments. Your initial login will show you trending coupons and sales, and include a bar indicating the likelihood that the coupon or sale is accurate.  To the right, you will see a Live Feed of the coupons being added or updated. Looking for something in particular?  Up in the top right bar, you'll find a grey and white magnifying glass.  This is your search button.  Type in the retailer or product you're interested in.  Here, you'll be given all deals relating to your search. In my case, I wanted to find out if there were any online promotion codes for Carter's, so on the left side of the screen, I clicked "Promo Code."  Use the left side of the screen to filter your view to exactly what you want to see.  Clicking directly on the coupon code will take you to the website and automatically copies the code to your clipboard.  This makes it easy to paste the promotion code into the appropriate space when you're ready to check out. How to Make Money with Dealspotr My favorite part of this website is that I can simultaneously seek out coupons to help me save money while either adding coupons or verifying them! For starters, when you join Dealspotr, you get 1000 points. Validate Coupons Helping people save money is great.  But, if I can earn points (or make money) while trying to save money, I'm on top of the world. Did you find a coupon you liked and found it to work?  Validate it to earn points towards your next gift card.  Simply click the title of the coupon or sale (not the actual coupon code, or you'll be taken back to the retail site). Next, click the validate button to begin the validation process. Now, this is a fairly time consuming part.  You actually have to go an add things to your cart and capture a print screen of the coupon being used.  While it's not mandatory, it is highly recommended.  Be sure to fill out as much information as possible.  The more you complete and the better your description, the more your accuracy score will improve.  The better your accuracy score, the bigger the multiplier on points you'll receive. On this particular validation exercise I earned 122 points in my account.   Add Coupons to Dealspotr This is an excellent way to earn more points.  However, it is also the most frustrating.  Because of the large number of Dealspotr members, I've found it difficult to come across a coupon or promotion code that wasn't already added to the directory. Luckily, however, even if you try to add a coupon or deal that's already there, it's really easy to validate from that point. To add a coupon, sale, or promotion code, simply hit the blue Add a Deal button toward the top left of your screen. Daily Bonus Opportunities Every day, you can do about 4 activities to earn bonus points.  These may vary from day to day, but they're generally easy opportunities, like sharing a couple deals and validating a couple coupons or sales.  You can find your daily checklist in the top right bar, indicated by a checkmark and a number in an orange box. Refer to Make Money on Dealspotr When you click on the orange rectangle at the top of your screen, you can check in on your progress toward your Amazon gift card.  There's also a little blue "refer" link, and this is where you stand a chance to make some passive "income". For starters, if you join Dealspotr through my referral link, you will be gifted 5000 points, instead of the 1000 for joining on your own. When you refer others to Dealspotr, you will gift them 5000 points to get them started, and then you earn 20% of their points for the lifetime of their membership.     How will you be using Dealspotr?  Save money, make money, or both? Let me know if you join, and if you run into any issues with Dealspotr.  I'd love to help you save money (and make money) with this site, so if you have questions, I'm happy to answer them! #### How to Volunteer With Children As part of your parenting regimen, do you hope to instill a greater sense of community involvement in your children?  In this guest post, Astrid Halliday is sharing tips about how and why to volunteer with children near home and even while on travel. Volunteering is often identified as something for young adults, going off on their gap years before university. Nonetheless, the number of families volunteering with young children reaping the rewards of volunteering together is increasing. Progressively more families are choosing to schedule family time away from the screens and distractions of everyday life, instead opting to contribute to their communities. Charities and organisations are also responding flexibly, recognizing that people of all ages, from toddlers to retirees, have lots to offer. Yes, even toddlers are now volunteering! Introducing volunteering as a hobby at a young age not only teaches the importance of helping others, it teaches compassion, tolerance, gratitude and community responsibility. How to Volunteer With Children Build It Up As Fun Many parents feel that getting their children to volunteer, away from computer games and out in the real world, is near impossible. A great way of getting children excited about volunteering is by approaching it with the idea that it will be the most fun your kids have ever had! If they believe that what they’re doing will be amazing, it’ll be easier to get them on board. Incorporate Your Children's Interests Explore your children’s interests and try to volunteer within a familiar environment.  Naturally this will help engage your child. For example: if they are interested in animals or keep pestering you for their own pet, find a local animal shelter looking for extra hands. Make It Routine Schedule volunteering and make it part of your weekly routine. It comes as no surprise to parents that children are happiest with routine in their lives, rather than sporadically announcing that they’re going to help at a charity. Cheap or Free Volunteering as a family doesn’t need to be expensive. It doesn’t cost to volunteer locally and is a great free way to keep the kids busy on the weekends, rather than paying to go to the cinema or shopping in town. Children may gain even more from volunteering abroad learning from the culture, working alongside their parents as peers, making new friends amongst local children and learning a new language. Many volunteer organisations welcome family groups, they can also help you with choosing the most suitable project and every aspect of your trip preparation, right up to travel. Resources to Help Start Volunteering With Children Useful websites for sourcing volunteering: WWOOF (World Wide of Organic Farming), many host families have children themselves and welcome volunteers to bring their children to socialise. Original Volunteers, I have volunteered with this organisation many times, when I wan in Ghana with them there was a family (a mother and her 7 and 11 year old sons) they were all getting involved, the two sons helped me paint a classroom.  HelpStay, A database full of independent volunteering options, you can filter out any option which don't accept families to make searching easier.  Washington Trails Association, perfect for families wishing to stay in the US, learn and experience life outdoors. Volunteer South America, a list of different volunteering opportunities in South America. Projects typically love having volunteers from a mixture of all ages, but it is worth checking when you make your initial enquiry. It is not just projects and charities who benefit from volunteers. Families bond and communication is improved when helping together as a team. Encouraging children to volunteer at any age looks great on college applications and resumes for the future. Parents can also gain, whether volunteering abroad or locally, it can be nice to step out of your comfort zone, into an unfamiliar environment which can help free the mind from the usual work/life stressors. PIN ME Guest Author Bio Astrid Halliday is a keen traveler and an aspiring writer. She wants to share her passion of travelling the world in a meaningful way with others.  #### How We're Trying NOT to Raise an Entitled Child 5 parenting tips for battling a child's entitlement mentality. I'm sure we've all heard how terrible the world is these days.  So much is being blamed on how entitled people are becoming. I see it all the time. The driver who refuses to follow traffic laws because she needs to get across the road now.  It didn't matter she almost caused an accident with the oncoming car who had the right of way. The moms who cut in car line at school pick up.  It doesn't matter to them you've been waiting 30 minutes or more, nor does she care that those (now) behind her will have to wait 5 extra minutes because her child hasn't been called to the line for pickup. The kids who talk during meet the teacher at orientation.  They (and their parents) don't mind that you're missing vital details about how the class and your child's teacher operate.  And, it certainly doesn't matter to them if you have to waste the teacher's time having her repeat herself. The people who can't be bothered to wait their turns to use the restrooms, visit an attraction, buy something. Ahh ... entitlement  : the condition of having a right to have, do, or get something : the feeling or belief that you deserve to be given something (such as special privileges) "Entitlement." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 3 Oct. 2013. . In this house, we don't believe in raising children with this sense of entitlement!  So, I'm sharing a few things we do (or hope to do) to combat the entitlement mentality in our own children. If you're looking for ways to do this and not experience some crying, our approach may not be a fit for you. 5 Ways to Combat a Child's Entitlement Mentality 1. Teach Manners Please and thank you go a long way in our homes and beyond. Our children have to ask politely for things they want and show some kind of gratitude if they receive it. We began teaching each of our children these magic words as toddlers.  This makes conversation pleasant and has garnered much praise for how polite our children are (at least outside the home). 2. Have Rules Teaching boundaries helps children to learn what is and isn't acceptable behavior.  Children need to know what they are and are not allowed to do.  Being able to follow rules and respect authority will help them when they enter school and again in the workforce. We back up good and bad behavior, or following or breaking rules, with our consequence and reward jar system. 3. Teach Responsibility Things in life aren't given to us.  We earn them. Well, that's what we believe, anyway! We give our children a set of chores.  There are toddler chores for the little one and chores for our 7 year old.  Each of them have chores they're expected to do without pay because they're a personal responsibility.  Other chores, we've deemed a family responsibility and those we allow the kids to earn an allowance for because it will take the burden off someone else in the family ... but someone has to do it. Offering an allowance allows us to teach our children that, when they can't get something through "magic words", they need to be willing to work toward earning the coveted item. 4. Follow-Through I love to be my kid's friend as much as any parent.  But, sometimes I have to take off the friend hat and get serious.  This means, at times, I have to stand my ground about expectations and follow-through with threatened consequences when the situation calls for it. When we threaten something and don't follow through, we're teaching our children they can do what they want.  And, that doesn't really help combat the entitlement mentality they're prone to. 5. Lead By Example Sometimes I struggle with this myself and it's okay.  When I recognize my own entitled behaviors, I usually point them out and redirect my thoughts.  I've been known to hash out all the reasons I believe I do or do not deserve something. We make sure to point out things like ... "daddy's getting [insert random item] because he's worked hard to earn it."  We remind the kids how fortunate they are for receiving things because daddy's worked hard to achieve a lifestyle that doesn't require much budgeting.  But, that doesn't mean we don't expect to work for things or that our children don't have to either. Sometimes we discuss why we have to get rid of one thing in order to gain another. Trying to be mindful of our own tendencies helps us to teach our children through our own example. Sure, I want to be friends with my children.  And, of course I've love to give them everything in the world.  I choose not to teach them to be entitled at the expense of the rest of the world. At some point, I won't be there to give them everything.  So, I need them to rely on their upbringing to help them navigate through life as responsible and upstanding citizens who earn everything they want. Do I know if we're doing it right? Nope. I'm just hoping that we are and that all this hard work pays off.   It certainly isn't always easy, but the fact remains that they're learning to be more polite and people are noticing it. Also, I love [easyazon_link identifier="0375847588" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]this book[/easyazon_link] for teaching little kids about manners and good behavior! [easyazon_image align="center" cart="n" cloak="n" height="500" identifier="0375847588" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51WxgdWyCwL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="414"] Tell me: what things do you do to ward off your child's natural entitlement mentality? PIN ME #### Hugo the Happy Starfish The Power of the Word - children's book review Remember my recent Hugo the Happy Starfish children's book review?  It was an excellent book, so I was excited when I was selected to review another Hugo book.  This time The Power of the Word by Suzy Liebermann in e-book format. I dove right in to read it alone before reading it to my daughter. The characters are just as adorable, vibrant, and expressive as they were in the previous book I reviewed.  I enjoy educational books and these written for the purpose of character education help me to teach my daughter about emotions and feelings while immersing ourselves in a beautiful underwater world. This is the 2nd book in a collection called Island Adventures and it drops you directly into the story making it obvious that I missed a prior story. The story drives home an important message about choosing our words wisely because they "can't be taken back."  It illustrates these words as arrows and the effect they have on someone when used.  Good words make people feel good, and bad words hurt.  Hugo practices with some bad words to see for himself and learns that he can't take them back and in the end decides to be the nicest starfish he can be. As much as I love the story and the lesson it's aiming to teach, I do have a couple gripes about the book that I'd like to cover. Firstly, there are a few misspellings and grammatical errors that I picked up on.  To a child, it maybe not be a big deal, but as an adult supplying these books to a child as an educational tool, these books should be combed through for those things.  I'm not an English major and I'm certain I make mistakes in my writing, frequently, but a quick glance at "whishpering" and having to re-read a couple sentences to make sense of them isn't a book I'd want an older child reading.  Since I have a tot to read to, I can correct the errors verbally to make it work for us. Secondly, it felt as though the story was rushed and that perhaps the author lacked passion for the subject.  The story line was blunt and choppy as if she was throwing around ideas and piecing them together.  I didn't feel it flowed as well as the previous book I reviewed (The Last Bully). Aside from my gripes, I still enjoyed the book and it's message (and think I know plenty of adults that would benefit from reading these books).  Additionally, my daughter enjoys the starfish's adventures and is very intrigued by the beautifully illustrated characters. I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Some posts contain affiliate links to help support Ivy's Variety. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Hugo The Happy Starfish: It's Good To Be Me - Children's E-Book Review Hooray for the next installment in my Hugo The Happy Starfish reviews!  This time: It's Good to Be Me by Suzy Liebermann, in e-book form. In short, Hugo, who is usually happy finds himself sad and wishing he were more like his handsome friend Manta and believes it would make people like him and he'd be happy again.  Manta gives him several wishes to change whatever he would like to make him happy again. Using most of his wishes, he changes his appearance to look more like Manta.  When he sees himself in the mirror, he realizes that he no longer looks like himself and doesn't look like Manta either, so he uses his final wish to look like himself again. The message of the story is that we need to be happy with ourselves - we were each made differently and that's what makes us special.  What I love about this book is the great visual that changing our appearance won't make us look like ourselves or anyone we want to be and that we may not be happy with the outcome.  I can't imagine how hard it will be to teach my young daughter this message in character education, but I firmly believe that books like this one will give us a more "visual" understanding of why it's good to be who we are. As always, the vivid and expressive characters draw you in and make educational reading fun. Though my daughter is too young to grasp the concepts in the books, she's always captivated by the marine life in this beautiful underwater world and very often grabs one of the physical Hugo books for me to read because she loves the happy starfish character. I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. #### Hugo the Happy Starfish: One Step at a Time - Children's E-book Review Look! The next installment of my Hugo the Happy Starfish book reviews is here!  Today, I'm sharing my thoughts on Hugo the Happy Starfish: One Step at a Time by Suzy Liebermann as she illustrates how to achieve a goal "one step at a time". As always, I love these books for the beautiful underwater scenery (and in this case, the beautiful scenery extends to the mountains) and lively, vivid characters.  The characters in the book do a fine job of teaching your children to build character in a fun and easy way to understand. In this book, Hugo learns that reaching big goals takes patience and perseverance, but the only way to do it is to take things step by step.  Essentially, larger goals should be broken down into smaller goals so that you can see progress, rather than focusing on how long it's taking to get to the end. This book will teach your child how to work on their goals while also providing a little geography lesson as Hugo travels to the Matterhorn. I can confidently recommend this book to help you discuss with your children the importance of taking things one step at a time to meet a goal.  It's an easy and quick read that delivers a great message. I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. #### Hugo The Happy Starfish: The Last Bully - review I was excited to dive into the book Hugo The Happy Starfish: The Last Bully.  My daughter and I were in need of some new books, so this arrived in the mail just in time! The Hugo books are educational children's books geared toward teaching character traits and positive attitudes.  This book, in particular, focuses on bullying which is a topic seen and heard in the news a lot these days.  The recurring message in the book is that there is always a larger fish in the sea. "RESPECT! Don't bully!" What They Say: ‘THE LAST BULLY’ is a confidence-boosting book for children, showing them that being different is OK and the best way to deal with bullies is to tell someone about it. This tale is a great way to deal with one of the biggest issues around. A fabulous book to teach RESPECT. What we say: From the moment I showed my daughter the book, she was enthralled.  At almost two, the vivid colors and expressive characters grabbed her attention and I was "forced" (for the lack of a better word) to read the book twice the first day.  I did so happily as it was fun to read with a bunch of expression.  The characters' expressions were well portrayed in the photos, which helped me jumped into character easily as well. In short, Clooney Clownfish is bullied by Bandit the Barracuda, who is in turn bullied by Simon the Shark, who becomes bullied by Oscar the Orca.  After each bully scene, the characters form and build an anti-bullying club.  In the end, all have to band together to save Hugo the Starfish from also being bullied by Oscar, who, in turn, joins the Anti-Bully Club too. Other Information: You can view all the other Hugo book by Suzy Liebermann at http://www.mystarfish.org/hugos-books.  Each of Hugo's adventures include character education, just like the one I reviewed about learning respect.  "Suzy Liebermann has created this series of children's books including and introduction to the Spanish Language.  The HUGO series supports the IB Learner Profiles and Attitudes of the International Baccalaureate Program (PYP)." The website listed above features free games and worksheets as well as information about a Visiting Author Program, and more. The Hugo books, are great reads to expand your child's emotional and moral awareness through vibrant and fun stories to which they may be able to relate! I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Some posts may contain affiliate links, please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Hugo the Happy Starfish: The Secret to Happiness - Children's E-Book Review If you couldn't tell from my previous two reviews of Hugo books, I'm very much attracted to the colorful and expressive characters!  This book doesn't disappoint and I'm so grateful to have been given an opportunity to read and review another one of these fun and educational books. In this story, Hugo is sad and learns what helps make him happy for 1 day, 1 month, 1 year, and, finally, forever.  He learns that money, possessions, and time fades, but that by sharing his heart and making others happy without worrying about his own gain makes him happy in the end. It's a sweet story that even adults should be reading.  I have read this book about 5 times - it's an easy read, makes me feel good, and I keep thinking it's too short because I just want more. Once again, the characters grab my young daughter's attention and I'm hoping that the great message is seeping into her subconscious to emerge when the time is right.  I love that I can bring her the structure of character education without being forceful and "schooled", rather by simply reading a fun and vibrant story. In this story, the author, Suzy Liebermann, does a great job explaining how things can temporarily make you feel happy, but that eventually the novelty fades.  She does so with ease and without using flowery or difficult concepts - which I think would make this easy for a young mind to comprehend. I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. #### I Didn't Know a Get Pregnant Party Was a Thing A strange trend in the world of pregnancy and fertility has popped up.  I'm not sure I'm for a get pregnant party.  What do you think? I had no idea this was a trending thing.  A "get pregnant party"? I can attest this is a very real party trend.  I've seen people coming to my site from this Google search and I've read about it on forums like Baby Center. Does anyone else think this is kind of a weird trend? At first thought, the idea of a get pregnant party kinda creeps me out.  But beyond that, I kind of worry about the potential for disappointment and feeling of failure.  Not to mention the added pressure that will come with everyone knowing your conception plans. Why I Wouldn't Throw a Get Pregnant Party As an invitee, I think it's weird.  Unless you're my best friend who regularly shares intimate details of your life, I'm not sure I need (or want) to know you and your husband are trying to conceive (TTC).  I don't want to sit around a table toasting to your sex life.  It's bad enough I know what you have to do to have gotten pregnant.  I don't want to celebrate and toast to the deed ahead of time.  Seriously, just strange in my mind. As a parent myself, I remember telling some individuals that we were planning to have a baby.  Those individuals could be trusted to be supportive,  caring, and understanding if things didn't go well.  I couldn't have imagined sharing the news with all my friends and family, no matter how close they were. It was a private event.  Not to mention, the first time we decided to have a baby, I struggled with my fertility.  At the time, I was learning that my cycles were off, which made TTC'ing much more of a chore.  I really had to make some major changes in order to get pregnant naturally.  I may have cried to one close friend about my pregnancy journey at the time.  But, she was the one person I could trust to not put pressure on me. The thing about trying to conceive, in my mind, is that there's already so much pressure.  That which we place on ourselves because we're finally ready to have a baby.  The pressure we receive from our own parents hoping to become grandparents.  And an unspoken pressure from society to have children ... because it's just what we're expected to do once we're married. I can't wrap my mind around how much added pressure there would be if we invited everyone to a party proclaiming we're TTC'ing.  If we struggled with fertility, would I be expected to let everyone know?  Would I not feel like a failure if it didn't happen? What if I never could get pregnant?  Would I need to throw a big pity party and invite all the get pregnant party attendees? Sure, perhaps I'd have a larger support system to cry to in the event we experienced long term fertility issues.  But, that was really private, too.  And I would have preferred to keep it between those I felt wouldn't have such an emotional investment in it. No, guys, I chose to keep our TTC plans semi-private.  I saved the excitement for the day I could tell everyone I was finally expecting a baby!  I wanted to see Grandmas' faces light up at the news.  I wanted to hear the excitement in their voices.  I wanted the huge hug from my dad who'd been waiting to spoil new grandbabies. I didn't want pity when things weren't going as planned.  I didn't want the questions.  I just needed to be left alone until the time was right.  Because, for me, it was easier to handle the waiting not feeling as though I was letting someone down. Now, that's my whole thought process on a get pregnant party. But, my friend Echo helped me see why throwing a "getting pregnant party" might be a sweet idea for a friend who is struggling to TTC.  Plus, she's shared a few gift ideas for friends that are trying to conceive. So tell me in the comments, how do you feel about a Get Pregnant Party? #### I Fed My Daughter m&ms for Dinner: I Just Wanted My Toddler to Eat So, a few years ago, when S was two, we fed her m&ms for dinner.  Am I freaking serious?  Well, yeah ... kinda.  You can reserve your criticism until after you read the entire post - I know the whole speech about childhood diabetes, making my kid a picky eater, blah blah blah, BUT as I state often ... "do what you have to do".  I just wanted my toddler to eat! For the longest time, S was an amazing eater, but she started to become less interested in food sometime after she turned two.  One thing led to another and then she just wasn't a good eater.  At least, not like she used to be. We had good and bad days.  There were more than her fair share of nights she went to bed without dinner because she didn't want to eat what I cooked.  And, I'm a firm believer in not spending more time in the kitchen being a short order cook. Besides, what was the point if I couldn't be sure she'd eat anyway.  Nope ... no time for that shit. We became tired of the constant struggle to get our already tiny tot to eat.  It pained me that she would go to bed without dinner.  Many times I tried to remind myself that she'd eat when she was hungry.  Sometimes it helped ease my mind, other times, not so much. What do you do when your toddler won't eat? One night, my husband really wanted her to eat so he offered her 1 m&m for every real bite of food she ate.  I say real because she quickly tried the whole "take a bite and spit it out" routine.  Then there was the "take the tiniest bite known to man" and hope that passes as a bite.  Anyway, she ate a good amount of food that night (though chose not to eat her carrots even if it meant no m&m). The next night, she ate dinner without a single fuss and it didn't even require bribing her with m&ms.  Of course, to reward her for eating so well, we gave her a mini-bag anyway. For some time thereafter, we had random nights we had to trade bite for bite.  Other nights worked so well we didn't even have to remind her of the rewards for eating well.  She just did what she was supposed to. In the end, we definitely had to do what worked.  While I didn't want to get my kid hooked on candy, it turned out to be a great trade-off for getting my kid hooked on eating a real meal.  I'm happy to report that after that phase, she became the great eater she had been previously.  At 5, she has very mature taste buds and eats just about everything we give her.  She's adventurous and rarely turns her nose up at food before trying it.  She won't eat sweet potatoes or boxed macaroni and cheese.  But, she is eating cooked carrots.  When was the last time you had to do something you didn't want to for the sake of a desirable end result? #### I Hate My Postpartum Body, But I Shouldn't Years after childbirth, the "mommy muffin" remains. I'm no longer a "new mom", but I hate my postpartum body for the extra pudge and odd belly button. But by focusing on gratitude and making small changes, I'm learning to finally embrace and love this strong, beautiful body that housed and birthed my miracles. Remember those magazine covers flashing "Back in Bikini Bod Two Weeks Postpartum"? Yeah, right. Let's be real, mamas: after birthing a tiny human, our bodies morph into fascinating landscapes of stretch marks, surprise skin folds, and maybe a belly button sporting an existential crisis. Don't get me wrong, it's amazing what our bodies achieve, but let's face it, the "bouncing back" myth is about as real as unicorns dispensing rainbows. Eight years after my second kiddo made his grand entrance, I'm still grappling with what I affectionately call my "Puerto Rican Pudge" (sorry Grandma, the ladies in our family all sported it). It's not a six-pack, it's not a flat tummy, it's a testament to the miracle of life...and maybe a few too many late-night cookie binges. But you know what? I'm done hating on my postpartum bod. It's time to ditch the self-loathing and embrace the reality: this is my new normal, and it's damn strong. This article isn't about pretending you love your stretch marks the minute you see them (although, hey, if you do, more power to you!). It's about acknowledging the struggles, the societal pressures, and the very real discomfort that can come with a postpartum bod. It's about sharing my journey from body hate to body acceptance, and hopefully, encouraging you to do the same. So, mamas, grab your coffee (or wine, no judgment), ditch the filters, and let's get real about our postpartum bodies. Because the truth is, we're beautiful, powerful, and worthy of love, muffin tops and all. 4 Reasons I Hate My Postpartum Body Let's be honest: the "postpartum glow" they talk about in glossy magazines? Missing in action. Instead, I found myself staring at a stranger in the mirror, a stranger with excess skin, a belly button stuck in an identity crisis, and bathroom breaks that were anything but pleasurable. Yeah, motherhood comes with some unexpected baggage, and let me tell you, it wasn't all cute onesies and giggles. Let me also preface the remainder of this post by getting a small detail out of the way. I'm thin. But this fact doesn't mean I have any less reason to hate my after-baby body. Just like most moms, it's really come down to the fact that my body is different than I'm used to, so I have to get over it just like everyone else. Here's the raw truth about the four things I hate about my postpartum body: 1. Excess skin around my midsection No one ... and I'm not joking when I say NO ONE ... warned me that aside from not bouncing back into shape quickly, but that once I popped that baby out I would end up with excess, flabby, wrinkly skin on my belly. For weeks, that flabby, wrinkled skin remained and I continued to look pregnant. Frankly, I was kind of grossed out about it the first time around. With the arrival of the second baby, I knew that it was only a matter of time before the excess skin would shape up, and it has. This was simply skin that had stretched during pregnancy, but resolved over time (and I don't have this loose skin any longer). 2. My belly button was/is distorted Adding to the belly issue, my cute little "innie" was a bit wider, had a dip in the skin above the belly button, and was trying to become an "outie" but didn't quite make it. Years after the second baby, I have my "innie" but the dip in the skin/muscle just above the belly button is still slightly concave. 3. Going to the restroom was a pain Literally, going to the restroom was less than a pleasurable experience after birth. With the tearing and minor hemorrhoid that had developed, bathroom breaks were a bit unpleasant. 4. Societal pressure to return to normal Between TV shows portraying unrealistic expectations for looking "normal" after giving birth and the pressure to diet and exercise after having babies, it could feel defeating at times that I wasn't back to my pre-pregnancy weight within weeks to months after giving birth Here I am 8 years after the birth of my second baby and although my skin has returned to mostly normal, my stomach is still bigger than I'd like and I'm a few pounds heavier. Exercise hasn't produced a flat stomach and my thighs are thicker. In general, I'm just a new shape, and it isn't the adolescent stick-figure shape I was used to. I know many moms struggle with weight ideals, stretch marks and more, but I'd be interested in hearing from you what you hated (or still hate) about your body after baby... Baby #1 - my 24 week baby belly Shifting My Perspective When I Hate My Postpartum Body Okay, so we know that we aren't pleased with our bodies after we have babies, but how can we stop hating our post-baby bodies? Shift your perspective! I find that an attitude of gratitude and positive self-talk help in nearly every instance when negative self-talk and feelings start to take over my mind. In my case, I have to reframe my perspective by being grateful for how my body transformed through all I've put it through. It's: carried and birthed two babies had implants had breast explant and currently going through perimenopause My body has been through many changes over the years and after two babies, I might sometimes hate my postpartum body, but I really am grateful that it's put up with all I've put it through. My body allowed me to not only grow two healthy, beautiful babies, but it allowed me to have two natural births and did a tremendous amount of healing after my explant surgery. When I sort through photos of myself in recent years, there are a few things I've discovered: I'm not in too many full-body photos (which is great because I can't talk shit about myself this way). I tend to wear more loose-fitting shirts which hides that mommy belly a bit. It looks as though I strategically place kids in front of me for photos. I'm learning to love myself and trying to keep myself healthy to show my postpartum respect as I go through hormonal changes in perimenopause. Ivy's belly 8 years after 2nd baby Tips to Love Your Postpartum Body Practice positive self-talk - these body and self-love affirmations can help Spend less time on the scale - refocus on more positive activities Feed yourself healthy things that make your body feel good Think of yourself as a whole, not focusing on body parts Praise your body for the amazing things it's capable of Add clothes to your wardrobe that makes you feel good Practice self-care Final Thoughts If You Hate Your Postpartum Body It's been 8 years since my second baby was born and I still have issues with accepting that this new body is just here to stay, for the most part. Although I hate my postpartum body sometimes, I am amazed at all the things the human body can do and am learning to accept that with all I've put my own body through, I really should show my body more love. And, I've learned to recognize that sometimes I do things that won't contribute to an improvement in my weight, belly pudge, etc. For this reason, I put myself into a local hormone-balancing program/support group, primarily for my perimenopause, but I wanted to feel good about myself and my body. Just weeks into the program, I've learned a few things I did to start my day that only contributed to negative feelings about my body. I haven't lost the belly bulge, but I am starting my day with a healthier, protein-filled breakfast, which levels out my hormones and curbs cravings for junk the rest of the day. This sets me up to be more mindful about my meals and snacking the rest of the day. And, I'm finding that I'm eating less junk and choosing healthier snacks when I feel I need a boost. I'm also reframing my choices when hitting the gym. Although I miss lifting weights some mornings, I'm learning to accept that a more easy-going treadmill walk in the morning gives me more steps, so I'm moving more than I had been previously. And, I'm learning to love myself and really trying to focus on positive self-talk. I don't hate my postpartum body as much as I did, and it's not because it's physically changed much, but rather because I'm working on my mindset. And that's what I hope for you. So, you can buy all your fancy shaping "contraptions" after birth, do loads of exercises, consider surgery for diastasis recti, go on diets, and so forth, spending loads of money and energy on something that isn't terribly likely to get you back to your pre-pregnancy appearance (although with enough dedication and motivation, I've seen it work miracles for some friends). Or you can make some light modifications to your lifestyle, and with a bit less money and energy, simply learn to love and accept some changes. #### I Hate the Question: What Do Stay At Home Moms Do? I've been a stay at home mom. Have you wondered "What do stay at home moms do all day?" Well ... let me tell you... What do stay at home moms do? Whether this is a derogatory question or one which requires a thoughtful answer, the truth is, it's loaded! I've had both good and bad experiences with telling others I'm a stay at home mom.  Some people have no respect for a stay at home mom's time.  Others completely get that being a stay at home mom isn't simple or a luxury. If you ask my husband, I sit at home watching TV and eating bonbons all day.  Frankly, that sounds boring.  Though, after being a stay at home mom for 7 years, I could use a few more days like that. When it comes down to it, things stay at home moms do all day is completely up to her and her family's needs.  While there are many similarities for stay at home moms, there are probably just as many differences, too. What Do Stay at Home Moms Do, Really? It's important to know, whatever you see here is in no way an exhaustive list of what a stay at home mom does all day.  There's almost no way to capture everything as I'm only one stay at home mom that does the things that are necessary for my family. According to Salary.com, though, stay a home moms are worth quite a bit based on the jobs and hours we put into our job.  And yes, being a stay at home mom is a job. Basics Stay at home moms, obviously meet their children's basic physical and emotional needs. This includes feeding, tending to health and hygiene, and establishing healthy routines and house rules.  Even routines and disciplinary stuff are up to individual interpretation though. But, stay at home moms are responsible for make sure the house and family life are run according to what their family requires.  Doctor's appointments, homework, and finding/shutting to extracurricular activities are also usually part of our regular duties. Oh, and let's not forget the laundry. The never-ending piles of laundry. And when we get caught up on laundry, we remember we're never, ever going to be caught up on laundry. Dishes? Same. The Not So Basics Okay, so most stay at home moms do way more than just tending to matters with their kids. Cooking Many stay at home moms tend to the rest of the family's needs, including their husbands (or partners) to reduce any further burdens on them.  Personally, I make sure to have a healthy, home-cooked meal on the table most nights of the week.  This isn't a requirement and hubby has always said if I feel like I need a break from it, not to hesitate to request that he pick something up or take us out to dinner.  I choose not to most of the time because we currently have two nights a week that I already don't cook (one by choice). Still, cooking dinner after a full day with kids isn't exactly "easy" and I've known some moms who don't do it.  And, I've known one mom who let her husband cook for the family when he came home from work.  I won't say I wasn't mildly jealous, either. Groceries and Meal Planning While these should count as part of the cooking process, it's not. ANY mom knows that meal planning for a family can be exhausting and frustrating.  How in the world do you plan to feed the entire family and healthy meal when no one likes what you cook. We have picky toddlers, the big kid who will eat everything except boxed macaroni and cheese, and the husband who wouldn't touch a sweet potato with a ten foot pole. The grocery shopping? No less frustrating.  I refuse to grocery shop with either one of my kids, much less both of them, unless there's a major emergency.  Unfortunately, forgetting to put essentials on my list qualifies as an emergency and happens way more frequently than I'd like to admit. I've found two things to help me with these tasks. Meal planning with PlateJoy and letting someone else do my grocery shopping through Instacart. Housework I feel in most cases, even mild housework to keep the home livable is a must for a stay at home mom.  This is, again something the stay at home parent and their spouse determine somewhat together to make each other feel comfortable. If a family has enough disposable income, some stay at home moms have a housekeeper.  Again, I'm not so lucky.  Nor have I met too many stay at home moms who have this luxury. That's not to say, that as technology makes our lives easier and becomes for accessible, financially, that stay at home moms don't have some sort of housekeeping technology.  I personally have a Samsung POWERbot to keep my sweeping/vacuuming to a minimum. Yard Work Some families determine that the stay at home mom do some yard work.  This is something I don't personally agree with, especially when one is tending to a baby or young toddler. I have been known to work in the yard a bit.  Still, I consider that bonus work when I do, because I don't feel it's something I can routinely do. Educational Activities I believe many modern, social media saturated moms are pressured to do more educational activities at home.  While many moms throughout the years have spent some time teaching their little ones basics, it seems as though we're more and more getting involved in early preschool routines at home to keep up with the rest of the overachievers. Admittedly, I've been sucked into it too.  But, I'm using a monthly subscription box called The Preschool Box to have monthly educational activities sent to me.  This takes a huge burden off me for planning and locating supplies, because it's all done for me. Things Stay at Home Moms Do (Condensed) So, you wanna know what SAHMs do all day? Buckle up, buttercup, it's a wild ride… The Glamorous Essentials: Master Chef Extraordinaire: Whip up gourmet meals from mystery fridge contents, all while dodging sticky fingers and negotiating broccoli boycotts. Laundry Queen: Fold, sort, repeat. Develop impressive Tetris skills with unmatched sock-matching prowess. Cleaning Tornado: Wage war against crumbs, dust bunnies, and the mysterious sticky goo permanently affixed to the floor. Taxi Service: Ferry the tiny tyrants to playgrounds, playdates, and the magical land of "I need to pee...again." Personal Assistant (to the tiniest dictators): Schedule playdates, negotiate snack demands, translate toddler-ese, and provide entertainment on demand (singing "Wheels on the Bus" for the 47th time is optional, but highly encouraged). The Unexpected Delights: Bathroom Break Negotiator: Develop advanced hostage negotiation skills and a bladder of steel. Master the art of the 30-second pee while simultaneously entertaining a tantrum-prone tiny human. Master of Disguise: Morph effortlessly from playground warrior to grocery store diva to bedtime snuggler. Think chameleon with a messy bun. Expert Storyteller: Spin epic tales of princesses, dragons, and the magical land of "where did my sock go?" with nothing but spit and imagination. Naptime Ninja: Execute stealthy exits from sleeping babies without triggering the alarm (aka, the earth-shattering shriek that can wake the dead). Hug Therapist: Dispense endless cuddles, kisses, and words of encouragement, all while secretly longing for a hot cup of coffee uninterrupted. Bonus Round: Social Butterfly (or Hermit): Navigate the delicate balance between adult interaction and hiding in the laundry room for "me time." Fashion Icon (or Yoga Pants Expert): Develop a unique sense of style that incorporates comfort, coffee stains, and the occasional piece of mystery food. Master of Multitasking: Juggle more tasks than a circus performer, all while questioning your sanity and wondering if that stain will ever come out of the carpet. A Stay At Home Moms Work is Never Done ... But, sometimes we take a break. Why is this kid crying again?! What do stay at home moms do? Between meltdowns, tantrums, and cleaning the playroom for the 10th time in 30 minutes, we're exhausted.  If we want to take a break and eat a bonbon (or 10) that's our prerogative. Just because we take an hour to play at the park, a day to play at the zoo, or a couple hours to spend at the gym so someone else can watch the kids doesn't mean we're living a luxurious life. We're humans... really fucking tired and sometimes bored stay at home moms who need a break and a hobby! And when I say bored, I only mean that we're tired of the same ol' routine, the tantrums and over-the-top emotions, and homework struggles that we see day-in and day-out. And depending on the circumstances, it's not unusual to be an angry mom. Hell, sometimes I don't even like being a mom. So, the next time you want to ask "what do stay at home moms do?", you'll probably find a less exhaustive (and perhaps slightly uncomfortable) list if you ask what we don't do. Things Stay at Home Moms Don't Do I don't pee alone. I don't get enough logical conversation. I don't get enough peace and quite. I don't read mature books. I don't watch really cool shows, nor do I understand your references if it doesn't have to do with Blaze or Blippi. I don't have a clean house (no matter how much time I put into cleaning). Related: Funny Stay at Home Mom Memes To the Struggling Stay-at-Home Mom: Hey mama, there you are, in the trenches of laundry mountains and sticky floors, singing "Wheels on the Bus" for the 47th time while dodging broccoli boycotts. You're tired, you're lonely, and maybe even a little resentful of those bonbons your husband gets to enjoy in peace. But listen, you are a goddamn warrior. You are the CEO of this tiny human empire, the master chef of mystery fridge meals, and the queen of naptime ninja moves. You nurture, you guide, you love with every fiber of your being, even when it feels like everyone else takes you for granted. Remember, your work is vital. You're shaping little minds, building hearts, and creating a haven for your family. Every messy snuggle, every story read in a hoarse voice, every tantrum weathered – it all matters. Take a deep breath, mama. You're doing an amazing job, even if it doesn't always feel like it. Now, go eat that bonbon (or ten). You deserve it. To Those Who Don't Understand: Next time you see a stay-at-home mom, take a moment to see beyond the messy bun and the endless to-do list. She's not just watching TV and eating bonbons (although she fucking deserves it). She's a master juggler, a tireless educator, and a therapist. Her job is demanding, messy, and often thankless. So offer her a smile, a kind word, or a helping hand. Ask her about her day, listen without judgment, and maybe even offer to watch the kids so she can grab a coffee in peace. It's not about pity or praise. It's about recognizing the invisible work that holds families together. And who knows, maybe you'll even see a glimpse of the superhero she truly is. Remember, stay-at-home moms are more than just moms. They're the backbone of families, the heart of homes, and the unsung heroes of everyday life. Let's give them the respect and support they deserve. FAQs About What Do Stay At Home Moms Do? What are the duties of a stay-at-home mom?Things stay at home moms do include: master chef, laundry queen, cleaning tornado, taxi driver, personal assistant (to tiny tyrants), and chief cuddler. Basically, everything except pee alone.Do kids with stay-at-home moms do better in life?Jury's out. Some studies say stronger bonds, others shrug. Probably depends on whether you can handle another round of "Baby Shark" without losing your mind.Is it worth it to be a stay-at-home mom?Depends on your jam. Love crafting slime and wiping boogers? This might be your calling. Prefer adult conversations and uninterrupted coffee? Maybe try a desk job (with childcare, obvs). Ultimately, you do you, mama. No judgment here. #### I Have Hashimoto's Disease: Introduction to Motherhood and Health Content In 2011, I was 31 and had my first baby.  Of the many struggles I had adjusting to life with a new baby, I'd never imagined having to deal with personal health issues.  It wasn't until 2 years after her birth that I'd finally begun getting anywhere with receiving a diagnosis, either. You see, my lack of energy was blamed on my age and having a young baby (or toddler) at home.  I was constantly told that my forgetfulness and inability to speak intelligently were simply a byproduct of mommy brain. Almost every one of my symptoms was dismissed as the effects of having a baby and my age.  "It's mommy brain" many women liked to tell me.  Or, I was treated as though I was simply being lazy. In that two years, I had to fight for understanding from my husband and family members.  At some point, I began having periods every week and a half to two weeks.  This started an uncomfortable journey with my OBGYN treating me like a lab rat.  She had me try all sorts of hormonal therapies to no avail.  I didn't know any better at the time and let her try treatments instead of running tests.  And then she finally decided to test my thyroid.  "Women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems" according to Thyroid.Org. I did, in fact, have hypothyroidism.  And, I was excited that we had an answer ... or so I thought.  Treatment didn't work and I had to continue being a lab rat.  Eventually, I did enough research of my own to begin finding real answers. Unfortunately, treating my thyroid hadn’t taken care of most of my problems.  Having been treated poorly by the traditional medical system, I resorted to doing a lot of research, diagnosing myself, and changing my diet to treat my thyroid. Here’s why I feel you need to about my journey in discovering my autoimmune thyroid disease and gluten-free living. I Have Hashimoto's Disease As it turns out, I have Hashimoto's Disease, which is an autoimmune thyroid condition.  Simply having my thyroid labs in range wasn't enough.  Getting my OBGYN or my Endocrinologist to understand was a feat I couldn't tackle.  I've since moved on to a more understanding and caring doctor to help see me through this unexpected phase in my life. What I've learned is that mothering with autoimmunity isn't easy.  I'm the only person who is going to fight for myself ... no one else feels the pain and exhaustion I feel.  No one else can possibly understand. When I go through phases where I feel I can't get out of bed or keep my eyes open, people are going to judge me.  I must push through to make it through the day, even when it seems virtually impossible.  My family relies on me, regardless of how I feel.  And, even though there are times I pass out because my body just can't do it, I still have to get up and get things done.  And, in some people's eyes, it isn't enough because they just don't get it. But, as I struggle from day to day or week to week, there's one thing that's for certain!  I continue to push through, try new treatments, and change my diet because I want to stay alive for my kids.  My house isn't the cleanest and I don't have the organizational skills to hide a lot of it.  Maybe I should be ashamed.  I don't know.  But, what I do know is that I can only do so much.  I feel like it's a successful day if I managed to stay awake all day. When I get any cleaning done, it's a victory! That I get my kid to and from school on time and still help her get her homework done before dinner is a miracle.  Sure, it's my job, but by the end of the day, it's a miracle I have the brain power to handle it.  And some days, I may not handle it with the patience a mother should.  Maybe I'll never know what that's like. Mothering through autoimmunity happens to be the only thing I know ... and from one day to the next, I don't know what to expect but the unexpected. My Symptoms Complete and utter exhaustion.  Even with thyroid hormone prescriptions, I couldn’t shake the exhaustion.  After 8-10 hours of sleep, I woke every morning feeling as though I never slept.  Most days I would pass out in the middle of the day … sometimes just on the floor if I couldn’t make it to a bed.  The worst part of this was that sometimes I was called lazy.  I finally had to explain to my husband that I felt as though I was dying internally … like my insides were shutting down.  I was certain I was dying.  But I looked well, so no one could tell. Too frequent periods.  I’d start a new period about a week and a half, or two after my last one ended.  This took a toll on me mentally and really put a hamper on my marriage.  Our sex life was non-existent.  The thyroid hormone replacement hadn’t helped. Unable to think straight and horrible memory.  This was often chalked up to mommy brain.  In addition to being unable to participate in an intelligent conversation, I also struggled with stuttering and inability to find words. Muscle weakness and failure.  At the peak of my problems, I began having difficulty opening jars.  And, my legs began to give out on me regularly.  Sometimes people dismissed my problems as “age”.  But, my husband began asking what was wrong me with after I fell a few times. Reaching a diagnosis of autoimmune thyroid disorder and gluten free living I finally began researching my problems and found information on autoimmune thyroid disease, or Hashimoto’s.  When I read the symptoms, I cried.  I knew this was at least part of my problem. The next day, I scheduled an appointment with my OBGYN and demanded to be tested.  Not surprisingly, my suspicions were verified. As I waited for my new endocrinologist appointment, I researched everything I could about Hashimoto’s.  My reading led me to lots of research on autoimmune thyroid disorder and gluten free living benefits. Combating Hashimoto’s With Healthy Living My visits with the endocrinologist proved to be a waste of time.  She did no more than my OBGYN … testing the same numbers and solely treating the thyroid.  The cost for visits had significantly risen but I received no better care. When I complained about still not having energy, she retorted “With the medication, your numbers are in line so everything is fine.  If you feel like you need more energy, I can prescribe you [insert whatever anti-depressant it was].” Anti-depressant?  I feel like I’m dying and I’m being offered anti-depressants? I fired her and came home to some of my gluten free living research into practice.  In about 2 weeks, I began to see an improvement in my energy levels and stopped falling. I regained much of my life back with that simple dietary change.  But, I continued fighting for my life by finding a functional medicine doctor who not only listened but cared!  And, instead of solely treating my thyroid, worked to find out why my body was going crazy. Why am I Writing About Hashimoto's and Autoimmunity? It's simple! I know I'm not the only one suffering from this!  I have Hashimoto's Disease and I've been through some serious trials to find a healing path.  As a mother, my failing health made it difficult to parent.... sometimes it still does. If I can help just one other mom through her journey with autoimmunity while navigating motherhood, that's what I want. A friend of mine spent a weekend with me in Orlando at an influencer conference.  Unfortunately for her, she was dragged along with all my crazy food allergy and food intolerance problems for the weekend.  At the end of that weekend, however, she urged me to start writing about it all.  She told me she learned a lot from me over the course of the weekend.  And, she thought I could use it to help other mothers out there who may be struggling. She was right.  I know there is a lot of information floating around on the internet.  Maybe you don't need me, but what if someone does? Going through the process of getting a diagnosis and appropriate healing isn't easy.  It's not straight forward.  And, sometimes it's a lot of work just to get a doctor to understand you and think past your lab results. Getting support isn't always easy.  People just don't understand unless they've lived it. It's easy for others to tell you "it's just mommy brain."  But, I think, deep down, we know when it isn't just baby brain. I Have Hashimoto's Disease, Now What? It's not the end of the world. Having Hashimoto's Disease, or any other autoimmune issues is a new world. Put on a brave face, do some research, and change the way you live.  It won't be easy.  You may feel like giving up, but I know, as a mother myself, you won't.  You're going to fight a good fight to be there for your children. You'll face adversity and you'll rise above it, so long as you have the motivation and desire to get better. Is there a cure? I haven't found it.  But, I have found a way to live with it more peacefully.  It's a constant battle to stay on top of it, but I don't find myself dying the second my feet hit the ground in the morning. You'll learn to take better care of yourself, even if it's just to keep yourself alive for your family.  If you're anything like me, you'll find it in yourself to "make Hashi your bitch." (excuse my French) As a mother with Hashimoto's Disease, I've discovered the following to be useful: Find a doctor who will look past labs!  A good doctor will ask HOW YOU FEEL, instead of disregard your feelings for lab results that show everything is fine.  In-range lab results aren't always "optimal" and a good doctor will listen to you. Don't stick with traditional medicine.  I fired my endocrinologist and sought out a Functional Medicine practitioner.  You could also seek out a Naturopath.  You need a doctor who will try to get to your root cause, not just treat your thyroid or autoimmune systems with a bunch of pharmaceuticals.  It's important to remember pharmaceutical drugs only mask your symptoms .... in cases like your thyroid, they do not treat or cure a thyroid problem. Check for food intolerances and leaky gut.  Speaking of the root cause, have you ever seen the commercials about your gut playing a big role in your immune system?  One of the first things my doctor did was to test (and confirm) leaky gut.  For me, glyphosate (which is a major component in GMO products) is a HUGE factor.  This meant I needed to increase my consumption of Organic, Non-GMO foods in addition to removing gluten and dairy from my diet. Eat Healthy and Detox.  I'm not a doctor, so this is something to ask your doctor about.  In my case,  I had tons of food and environmental intolerances.  I was instructed to eat a Paleo-ish diet, removing any major problematic foods and products.  For me, gluten, dairy, almonds, and a range of other things ranked high on my list of items to cut out of my life.  A detox plan was in place to remove the toxins from my body.  Eating Paleo supported this process, which allowed me to skip the normal fasting in a detox because it supported the cleaning process. Rebuild gut health.  Once you've detoxed under your doctor's supervision, it's time to rebuild gut health.  Your doctor should recommend an appropriate probiotic.  They aren't all created equally.  At the time I did my first detox, I required a large amount of probiotics and continuation of my Paleo-ish diet. De-stress and ask for help.  Don't be afraid to ask for some down time!  As a mom, I know how hard it is to let go of our motherly responsibilities, even at the expense of our needs.  But, it's important that you take care of yourself mentally, not just physically.  Stress plays a big part in your health.  Check out these tips for incorporating parenting teamwork to make this transition easier on everyone.  Take some time off and practice some self-care when possible. So, It Begins Can You Relate? If my autoimmune thyroid disorder and gluten free living story resonates with you, stick around!  In the next weeks, I’m going to share more health related articles to help you live a healthier life. Over the last couple years, I’ve learned a lot about hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, autoimmune disease, and living with food allergies.  I can’t wait to share all the things I’ve been learning (and continue to learn) about healthy living.  I’ll discuss thyroid disorders, general health topics, food allergies and sensitivities, special diets, and organic or NON-GMO products. Don’t forget to sign up for my email newsletter to stay informed! If you have Hashimoto's Disease and are a mother navigating this unexpected condition while struggling with the day to day life of a mom, I'm here for you.  I'll share my journey.  Some of it will be good, but at times, it won't.  That's the nature of autoimmunity, I guess. As we take this journey together, I want us to be able to say "I have Hashimoto's Disease, but I will not let it beat me!" I want you to know this ... You are not crazy You are not lazy You are not alone What health issues are you struggling with? Leave me a comment if you're experiencing health issues too.  What are they?  Do you have Hashimoto's Disease or something else?  Can I help?  Are you excited that I'm willing to share my story and continuing journey to better health? Here's to motherhood and your health! #### I'm a Stay at Home Mom: Should I Get a Gym Membership? As a stay at home mom, you've probably wondered "should I get a gym membership?"  Well, here's 7 reasons a gym membership is perfect for a SAHM. Do you think you don't need a gym membership?  What if I told you it wasn't just for getting fit or losing weight? Nearly 6 months before my daughter entered Kindergarten, we had a new baby. If I thought our first was rough, the second baby was impossible. In the hospital, when the nurse was doing his first exam, immediately after delivery, she kept repeating "Oh my god, he's feisty.  I've never seen such a feisty baby."  He was screaming at the top of his  lungs and clinging to her stethoscope and anything else he could get his hands on. I feel as though the crying, screaming, and demanding nature has been non-stop for three years.  My only reprieve was when he'd take a nap or at night when we'd all be asleep. Toward the end of the year, last year, I decided something needed to change.  And, an occasional mom's night out and once a month Autocross weekend with hubby just wasn't cutting it.  I needed more time away.  It was either get a job (which I didn't want to do) or join a gym with childcare. I chose to start going to the gym, just so I could have more regular breaks from my son.  When I toured the facility and the rep asked what made me look into the gym, I told him the truth ... "I need to get away from my son during the week.  I'm literally willing to work out to get a break." Yes, I was that desperate for time away.  Working out seemed way better than dealing with an illogical and cranky toddler. Of course, I've also seen way more benefit from the gym than I'd been counting on! But, it wasn't without the nagging question "Should I get a gym membership?"  Like, who was I to think I should spend part of my days getting fit, leaving either (or both) of the kids in child care while hubby was at work. I mean, I'm a stay at home mom, after all.  Aren't I supposed to be at home cleaning, cooking and wiping asses? Should I Get a Gym Membership? Why should you care about my reason for joining the gym? As I said, in the few short months I've been working out at the gym, I learned that I needed it way more than just for the break from the kids. 1. A Break From the Kids Sure, you can take a mom's night out, leaving the kids with hubby.  Or take a date night every now and then.  But, more than likely the kids are headed to bed and you're taking off during a time that's technically your break anyway.  Am I right? Don't get me wrong ... I still need a mom's night or date night out and I believe all mom's should get those regularly.  But, there's something extra special about taking an hour or two away from the kids during the day when you'd otherwise be experiencing the tantrums and illogical conversations.  Plus, you can escape the boredom from doing the same 'ol thing day in day out.. Eff it ... hand those kids on over to the childcare in the morning.  If you time it right, you can immediately feed the kids lunch and put them down for nap after your workout. Bonus: Your kids will learn to play with others, make new friends, and experience being cared for by someone other than their parents. Related Reading: 8 Good Reasons Mom Should Take a Break Now 2. Get Healthy Whether you're looking to drop baby weight, have better body image, or increase your activity level, joining a gym will have wonderful effects on your overall health.  Of course, that's assuming you're doing some level of activity and not sitting in a chair playing on your phone. Cardiovascular exercise can help burn calories and fat while strengthening your heart, and reduce your risks for certain medical conditions. 3. Stress Reduction Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and improve your mood.  Plus, that break you're getting by sending the kids into childcare is an immediate stress reducer. Related Reading: 4 Ways Stressed Out Moms Can Calm Down Quickly 4. Make Some Friends While I haven't yet extended my gym friendships outside of the gym, I have enjoyed some of the chit chat before classes. You begin to see familiar faces and are often greeted with smiles and a quick hello, at the very least. At times, I'll see one of my previous trainers when I started my strength training and we'll catch up for a few minutes. This is truly a social (and mental) benefit that goes beyond physical health reasons to join a gym. 5. Additional Amenities Aside from gym equipment, many gyms often offer additional amenities such as fitness classes, a pool, sauna, and massages. Check with your local gym to see what's included in the membership fee to determine if that particular gym offers things you'd make good use of. 6. Motivation There's nothing that motivates me to use something more, in my opinion, than spending money on a monthly basis.  So, if your New Year's Resolution was to lose weight or get in shape, paying a monthly membership fee to a gym will motivate you to use it. If you're anything like me, you'll try to get the most out of your membership by visiting more often and putting the kids in the provided childcare (if your gym supplies it) whenever you can. I promise, you'll stay on track more than if you decide to work out at home. Related Reading: 5 Ways to Stay Motivated to Exercise Regularly 7.  Access to Pros I've never considered weight-lifting an option for myself.  I just never had the interest. However, once I joined the gym, I decided to try an included strength training program that helped me get started.  Here, I learned how to use the machines and proper technique. If you're ever stumped with your workout, you can speak to one of the professionals to help use a machine, perfect your form, or discuss your needs.  Most gyms will also offer personal trainers (at an additional expense) to help you achieve specific weight loss or fitness goals. That's certainly not something you're going to get watching free workout videos from home, are you? I don't know about you, but these reasons certainly would have me thinking more about a gym membership if I didn't already have it.  I mean, having child care to give me a break from my youngest more often was reason enough to start.  So, the added benefits were just bonus.  Now I'm visiting two to three times a week and can try out any new fitness classes that interest me at any time! What do you think? Have you ever asked yourself "should I get a gym membership, as a stay at home mom?"  How do you feel about it after reading these reasons you should? Do you have a gym membership?  Why or why not? #### I'm an Overwhelmed Stay at Home Mom: What I'm Doing About It How I'm handing being an overwhelmed stay at home mom right now.  Thoughts on modern day mom life and what to do about all the expectations and demands on your time.  Help for parenting, self-care, marriage, and business. The term "stay at home mom" has changed in modern years, and in many ways, not for the better. Hi!  I'm an overwhelmed stay at home mom in 2018.  I've been doing this "job" for nearly 7 years.  When I compare my life as a stay at home mom to my mother's and my grandmother's, I see remarkable differences in stay at home mom meant vs what it means today. I've decided the modern stay at home mom really shouldn't be called a stay at home mom.  You see, I've seen the expectations my mom and grandma had while they stayed home.  They were good homemakers, too.  When the kids were old enough, they would send them out to play while they slaved indoors cooking and cleaning all day.  Grandma's house was immaculate and mine, growing up, was surprisingly nice with two outdoor-loving kids running wild. These days, however, stay at home moms are under tremendous pressure to do more than just play the role of good homemaker.  With social media, heavy taxes, and Pinterest, we feel as though we're slacking if we're not trying to home preschool our three-year-olds and run some kind of business to earn some money while we're at it.  And, if you don't cook Pinterest-worthy meals and clean to the standards of photographs in a Better Homes and Gardens magazine, you're really slacking. The truth is, keeping up with all these standards everyone else seems to be setting for us is virtually impossible.  Many years ago, stay at home moms were already tired from raising kids and doing housework.  It's no surprise,then, we've become overwhelmed. What I'm Doing About Being an Overwhelmed Stay at Home Mom When the New Year rolled around, I shared this mom's 2018 goals.  Essentially, I knew I needed to get organized and take better care of myself and my marriage. While I've been better organized, I added running an Etsy shop to my already busy schedule of momming, blogging, and homemaking.  Now I'm even more overwhelmed and I realized I can't seem to get organized enough to get ahead! As an overwhelmed stay at home mom (who really should be considering herself a work at home mom at this point), I realized I had to do something about it.  I had too many things that needed to be done but no idea where to start.  So, when Ultimate Bundles brought out the Stay At Home Survival Bundle, I knew I had to splurge. Splurge?  Well, let's just say with a new business, I spent funds I'd been earning from blogging, so I had very little to play with.  But, I couldn't let that stop me because THINGS NEEDED TO CHANGE in this house. I'm drowning in clutter. I'm a toddler mom and a mom to an almost 7 year old.  I try to home preschool the 2 year old and have both kids attend weekly soccer practice. Most nights, I cook from scratch.  If it's not from scratch, we've gone out to dinner or someone goes through a drive-thru. As an introvert, I'm carving out more time for self-care and quiet.  But that's more time I can't get the massive household chore list done. I spend tons of time blogging, trying to earn an income to keep me from having to return to an office job. A post shared by Ivy | Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Jan 21, 2018 at 6:33pm PST And, I have to continually work to build on my marriage.  Even though I believe we're happily married, I want to put more intentional effort into our relationship. I just don't know how to prioritize, nor am I a very organized person, in general.  Scheduling, I can do, but organizing physical items to reduce clutter ... not my thing. I need help, but who can afford to hire professional organizers, a VA to help lighten the load, or a housekeeper to do what I'm technically supposed to be staying home to do? That's why I shouldn't consider the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle a splurge!  It's the help I need in so many areas of my daily life as a mom, wife, and homemaker while being ridiculously affordable! What I'm Looking forward to Most In this bundle, there are so many great resources, it's hard to prioritize where to start!  But, these are the items I'm most looking forward to working on: The Tired Mom's Guide to Getting It Done Family Conversation Cards Back to Basics: The Screen Time Formula If you’re ready to organize and declutter your home, learn to balance your many roles, be a more intentional mom, and put delicious meals on the table faster and easier, then you will definitely want to pick up this bundle for just $24.97 (pssst… it’s worth over $493!). If you're an overwhelmed stay at home mom, work at home mom, or work out of the house mom, you're going to love so many of the items in The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle!  There's something for Christian moms, working moms, and stay at home moms.  You'll find printables, ebooks, and courses for blogging, organizing, and recipes.  Plus, there's more in there for building your relationships with your kids, husband, and working on your relationship with self-care! Go ahead and splurge on this one bundle.  I promise you're going to love it! #### Improving Motor Skills with Bouncing Bots Game by RoosterFin If a game takes a physical skill, I'm likely to lose.  I mean, about the only physical activity I'm even remotely good at is Autocross ... driving is totally my thing. Because I know I'm not athletically inclined, and rather uncoordinated outside of driving cars, I try to expose my children to more physically demanding forms of activity.  I'd hate to pass on my physical incompetence to my kids.  So, we try to round them out a bit. When I received the invitation to partner with RoosterFin to try their game "Bouncing Bots" I was delighted.  Here's the legal jargon:  This is a sponsored post created in partnership with RoosterFin and Tomoson.com.  All opinions expressed here are my own. As soon as this game arrived, I broke open the box and read the instructions.  Bounce these plastic "bots" on their heads and hope they land on the targets on their flat "spots" (which, from here on out, I'll call bottoms, because I think of flat spots as a negative thing like a baby who lays on his back too long).  Of course, the object is to get them to land on a numbered space on the target to score points. The oldest was at school, the youngest was napping, and hubby was away on travel.  I had the perfect opportunity to test this game out for myself. Unfortunately, try after try yielded very few results in getting the bots to land on their flat spots.  "Land on your butts, dangit!" I said under my breath after spending several minutes with the uncooperative bots.  After some time, I recognized that I wasn't doing myself any favors by continuing to pretend I could somehow get the right trajectory to make these suckers land on their bottoms consistently. I boxed them up and saved them for my husband to try when he returned home.  I knew, if anyone had a shot at figuring out the right angle, it was him!  And, I was right ... within moments, he figured it out as best he could.  From that point on, I was watching him as intently as possible until I somewhat grasped the concept. Once we had the bots mostly figured out, it was time to teach the oldest how to play. The great part about the Bouncing Bots game is that, aside from motor skills, there are basic math skills involved.  So long as the bots landed on their bottoms and on a numbered spot on the target, you could count points.  The first person to get 9 points wins in the original game play. More about Bouncing Bots by RoosterFin Joe is the founder of RoosterFin.  After leaving a career in teaching, he began creating games, incorporating math skills.  You can sign up for RoosterFin emails to hear from them about their games! Though Bouncing Bots is geared for ages 7 and up, we used it with my 6 year old to help work on dexterity, coordination, and basic math. *Disclaimer:  Below is a convenient Amazon affiliate link to help you locate the product!  Making a purchase after clicking will earn me a commission, but costs you nothing more than you would pay for this game anyway.  These things help me to continue bringing you free content and your support is greatly appreciated. [easyazon_link identifier="B06Y6L53JK" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="y" cloak="y" localize="y" popups="n"]You can purchase Bouncing Bots on Amazon through this link[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" cloak="y" height="1071" identifier="B06Y6L53JK" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/71uH0whUKVL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="1500"]   #### Increase Child Engagement with Personalized Children's Books {Plus, I See Me! Giveaway} Have you ever been in a funny mood and inserted your child's name into a story or song?  What happened?  Their face lit up or they giggled.  Perhaps they were much more excited. My daughter's eyes get wider and she listens more intently when I place her in the story.  She's more excited by songs with her name in them.  Sometimes though, I'm not feeling particularly creative.  I don't always think about this simple concept. I'm excited to have partnered with I See Me! Books.  They have given me two gift sets for my kids to share my thoughts.  AND, they're providing 1 gift set to giveaway to one of my readers.   Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by I See Me! Personalized Children's Books and includes affiliate links.  Making purchases through my links will earn me a small commission, but will not cost you any more out of pocket than having visited the sponsor directly.  Earnings are used to maintain this website. S received My Very Own Pirate Tale complete with personalized stickers and "Cap'n Shelby" bandanna.  The book used different ocean creatures on each page to spell out S's first and middle name to help the Captain find his first mate.  Without his first mate, he wouldn't have been able to open the treasure box at the end of the book. I chose a sing along song book and CD for B.  He's only just begun to get interested in books, but he loves dancing to music, so I figured this was the best option for him.  He's still a bit young to get much out of it right now.  But, I know how excited he'll be when he realizes HE is in all the songs most kids learn at a young age. To be honest, once my second came along, it's been more difficult for me to do more than simply survive the day.  I don't find myself remembering to add their names to stories or songs as much as I should.  Bummer, right? These personalized sets make it easier for me to engage my children on a more regular basis.  Plus, I love how their pictures are on the front page in the book with the year they were made.  That makes the I See Me! Personalized Children's Books a wonderful keepsake in their libraries.  (Of course, that also means more things I can't get rid of when they outgrow them LOL). I See Me! Personalized Children's Books - Gift Set Giveaway for 1 Winner I See Me! Personalized Children's Books is offering a giveaway to one lucky SAHM, plus... reader!  Giveaway ends 3/9/17 I See Me! Gift Set Giveaway Can't wait to find out if you won? Check out this amazing sale going through February 23rd!  I See Me! has tons of personalized gift options.  If you're ready to start loading up for Easter, they have you covered there too!  This is a great way to add more non-toy gifts to your basket! Semi-Annual Friends and Family Sale SAVE 30% OFF! February 21st - 23rd Code: FRIENDS30 #### Influenster TLCVoxBox Review - For Moms Welcome to my TLC VoxBox review!  I was selected to receive a free VoxBox from Influenster to review several great products geared toward mommies!  How appropriate since I am a mom!  Look at those awesome products in the box in the picture above.  Now, let's find out a bit more about them here. Shell Fuel Rewards I've been a long-time member of Shell's Fuel Rewards (since 2012), so I was glad to see this in the TLC VoxBox to share the many ways you could save on gas. 1) Shop online - works like a typical rebate website, but the savings are on gas. 2) Dine out - dining out at participating establishments will earn rewards when you 3) Buy groceries - I'm extremely familiar with this feature as Winn-Dixie could be linked with the Fuel Rewards Network.  There are always bonus fuel perks offers and that included many of the baby items I usually purchased on a regular basis.  You can link up several grocery store chains. 4) Get and use eCoupons 5) Shop at Shell - certain in store products and some Shell services 6) Refer friends. Accumulating your reward is a cents off per gallon feature.  If you earn 50 cents, it means you'll take 50 cents off the price of gas PER GALLON! For a limited time, new members can save 25 cents per gallon on their second fill up and 3 cents every time after.  If you're interested in joining the program, please use my referral link to join the Shell Fuel Rewards Network! Cost: Free to join. Saves you money on gas! Puffs to Go I love our regular Puffs with lotion, so I'm happy to have a convenient pack of Puffs to Go (with lotion) in my purse.  With occasional seasonal allergies and a messy kiddo, it is nice to have this handy pack in my bag.  And, it takes up very little space in our already full bags, so that's an added bonus. Cost: About $0.49 individually Neosporin NEO to Go With a soon-to-be 3 year old, it's nice to know I'm #neoready for cuts and scrapes on the go!  I can stuff this small pain reliever/antiseptic in my purse or diaper bag for our outings.  The more she does without the stroller, the more we're going to need a first aid kit. There are two great benefits to this product: 1) It's designed for one-hand use.  We all know mom's need more hands, but grateful for something that doesn't require more than 1 hand to complete a task. 2) Takes up little space.  The last thing a mom needs is for something else to take up more space in the diaper bag or purse! This handy gadget is so light and small that it could conveniently be placed on a key ring or in a pocket or pouch and you'd hardly know it was there. At the time of this writing, I wasn't able to use the NEO to Go for any accidents, though I won't complain about that at all! Cost: $4.97 to $7.50 Avon ANEW Express Wrinkle Smoother This little gem is designed to be applied over your moisturizer or makeup.  Apply the cream-to-powder product on those forehead, crow's feet, or laugh line wrinkles. After trying the product on my face, I was surprised to find that there was a small reduction in the fine lines (gasp ... I have wrinkles) around my eyes and on my forehead.  It wasn't a dramatic difference, but there was a slight difference. Cost: $30 Before and After Ivory Bar Soap Whether you have sensitive skin or simply don't like fancy soaps, you'll be happy to know that Ivory bar soap contains no dyes or heavy perfumes.  I stopped using scented soaps on my "lady parts" sometime after my daughter was born and never went back. Aside from being a gentle soap, ivory has been found in craft supply lists and homemade laundry soap recipes.  For my review, I decided to test the microwave craft!  I read that you could put the whole bar in the microwave for about 50 - 60 seconds.  Here's what I did: Cut a large piece of wax paper Cut the ivory soap bar in half with a sharp knife Placed half bar on wax paper and heated in microwave for 55 seconds Both the kiddo and the hubby enjoyed watching the soap turn into a "cloud."  I loved that it was a quick, easy, and almost effortless craft.  My kitchen smelled extra clean and the microwave did not retain the scent, so no worries about food smelling or tasting like soap.  And finally, kiddo can still use the cloud to bathe with so it's not a total loss (though it does disintegrate in the tub quickly). Cost: $3.99 for a 10/pk Breyers Gelato Indulgences I picked up the Vanilla Caramel variety as it was one of two choices that was gluten free.  Date night or not, I wouldn't be inclined to share such a wonderful treat without a fight!  There was a perfect amount of caramel sauce swirled throughout the rich, creamy gelato.  I'm actually quite happy hubby isn't fond of caramel! Cost: Retails approximately $5.49 #### Influenster Vox Box Review: Rock the Lunchbox with Organic Brands At a time when I'm trying to increase our organic food consumption, I was selected to review organic products for Influenster's Rock the Lunchbox campaign.  Unfortunately, none of the brands in the campaign appeared to offer gluten free options, so I had to enlist the help from my husband to express his opinions of some of the products.  I mean, I can see that my daughter has enjoyed her food, but to what extent?  I couldn't begin to assume.  I received coupons for FREE products from the following organic brandsAnnie's HomegrownI purchased a box of Pepperoni Pizza Poppers and a box of Chocolate Bunny Grahams with my FREE coupons.  My daughter was able to eat the poppers for a few days since she doesn't eat too much.  I'd say we got 3 days out of the poppers.The chocolate bunny grahams smelled fantastic!  My daughter ate quite a few the first day we got them and she shared with her daddy who also seemed to enjoy them.Chocolate Bunny Grahams were on sale for $3.00 per box at the time at Publix.I misplaced my Target receipt (this was the only place I could find Annie's Pizza Poppers), but I want to say they were $3.00 for the box of about 12.Honest KidsKiddo chose Organic Super Fruit Punch (and then later made me buy grape).  I like that these don't have added sweeteners.  These are organic, gluten free.  I like knowing I'm not loading my kid up on toxins, and if I need to steal some juice in a moment of need, at least I'm safe too!  My only concern is that they claim to be non-gmo, but I wasn't able to verify that.These cost $3.99 at Publix for 8 pouches, and I feel this is a reasonable price for organic juice in a pouch.Applegate HalftimeThese are similar to some other well-known pre-made box lunch brands.  The Halftime lunch kits come with meat, cheese, crackers, yogurt, and some sort of extra snack.  My daughter chose the turkey kit because the kit included fruit snacks.It seems she really enjoyed the kit.  We took it as an easy lunch option on a recent trip to the zoo.  That, coupled with an Honest Kids juice pouch, we had a fairly rounded lunch.  I simply added some grapes.  I might suggest, especially for bigger kids, to include an extra side with lunch.  I believe some sort of vegetable to round it out better, since I feel like yogurt and fruit snacks are two snacks.I also purchased these at Target.  Since I misplaced that receipt, I can't remember it's price either.Rudi's Organic BakeryMy kiddo rarely eats bread these days.  I haven't determined if she's gluten sensitive or if she's so accustomed to seeing me eat without bread, that she considers that the norm.  I picked up Sourdough bread so that I could treat my husband.  Turns out, my daughter enjoyed a half slice, buttered, along side of her pizza poppers for lunch one day.  In fact, she scarfed down the bread before really working on the poppers.  Hubby said that the texture and flavor of the bread was good, but that it didn't taste at all like sourdough.  I admit, I didn't smell anything when I opened the bread.  He said he liked the bread, but that he felt like it was just white bread. Even though I couldn't eat this, I loved knowing that I was feeding my family organic, non-gmo bread without soy and high fructose corn syrup.  Again, I couldn't verify that this was non-gmo, despite it being labeled as such.The price for this bread was only $3.99.  While it's a smaller loaf than mainstream bread, I didn't feel the price was outrageous for an organic variety.  Given we rarely eat much bread in the house, I believe the price is worth it, knowing less would be wasted vs a larger loaf of regular bread which always gets wasted.Overall, I'm really happy with the brands we got to test out.  I didn't feel like they were terribly overpriced  and my little one really seemed to enjoy her new food.I received these products complementary from Influenster for testing and review purposes.Connect with Ivy on Google+ Liked this article? Sign up for FREE updates!* indicates requiredEmail Address * Email Format htmltext Disclosure: To help support this blog and continue to bring you free content, Ivy's Variety posts may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Influenster VoxBox Review: Reese's Spreads Okay, I HAD to forgo Paleo for Reese's.  I miss peanut butter cups and sometimes one needs a motivating treat for all the hard work trying to live a healthier lifestyle.  While I couldn't get 100% verification that Reese's Spreads is gluten free, I read the ingredients label and didn't see anything that would indicate having gluten in it.  I was excited to receive this product to review for an Influenster campaign.  If you are highly gluten intolerant, or have Celiac, do not misunderstand ... I am not positive of the gluten contents and you must read the label and do your due-diligence to determine if the product is right for you.  I have determined that I should be safe. *Disclaimer: I have received this product complimentary in exchange for my honest review. On a day that I received some not so great news about my health, I also received my Reese's Spreads VoxBox from Influenster.  I sat down to a slice of toasted gluten free bread and slathered on a "healthy" serving of chocolate peanut butter goodness and instantly forgot about my bad news.  It's amazing how not so healthy treats can do that for me.  Sometimes it works almost as well as an alcoholic beverage might. I found this product to be instantly satisfying, though also terrifyingly addictive.  Shortly after finishing my toasty treat, I sliced up an apple and slathered on more.  While this was yummy, I think it was too much sweet on a sweet red apple.  I might suggest trying it on a green apple instead. I'm doomed!  I need to avoid milk and soy, and peanuts aren't Paleo either, but its goodness continues to call me.  Seriously, it was one of those days that I felt de-motivated to eat healthy.  It's a losing battle, right?  Okay, back to reality.  No, it isn't a losing battle, but I do have to promise myself that an occasional "bad" treat will keep me from burning out completely on Paleo.  That's hard work, and an occasional reward like Reese's Spreads isn't going to kill me. On the other hand, having it in the house could be far more tempting than "an occasional treat."  Luckily I've got friends with kids ... I'll have to have a taste-testing play-date to destroy the evidence that it ever existed. So, what are some ways you can think of to use Reese's Spreads?  Here's some ideas I have: * On toast * In a milkshake (plus bananas) * On apples * On celery (instead of just peanut butter), maybe with some raisins * On banana bread muffins as "icing" #### Instant Happy Journal by Karen Salmansohn: Review Find inspiration, gratitude, and joy in your day.  Check out my Instant Happy Journal review! Do you struggle to find happiness and joy in your day? I, personally, find it difficult to wake up being intentional about happiness and looking for positive moments and events.  I'm a mom to a preschooler and soon to have another baby.  Our mornings are a whirlwind and about to get even crazier.  Potty, brushing teeth, breakfast, activities. My intention when I wake up is usually set to check emails on my phone before my kiddo barges into the room inundating me with requests.  I consider it my time to catch up on and delete emails, but, the truth is, that's not exactly time well spent when you need to focus on attitude, gratitude, and general happiness.  There's no real joy in deleting emails, aside from the fact that they're not piling up for me to tackle in one shot after the kids go to bed. Category: Personal Growth What is the Instant Happy Journal? Each page features a specific intention, inspiring quote, surprising scientific fact, or thought-provoking question to ponder. When you approach your day with Salmansohn's "happiness prompters" in mind, you amp up your ability to notice (and create!) many more joyous moments in your day. But that's just half of what it takes to live a supremely happy life. This journal teaches the top two habits of happy people: to naturally set their intention to enjoy a happy day, then end the day reflecting on what made them happy. When you end your day writing about what went right, you further strengthen your happiness mindset. With fill-in dates so that you can write and reflect at your own pace, this little journal features a graphic design and fresh attitude perfect for today's modern happiness-seeker. This book is intended to be used in one of 2 ways: 1) help you start your day with the intention of happiness, then recording the positives at the end of the day.  That's what I need ... prompted intention. OR 2) provide reflection points at the end of the day. Instant Happy Journal Review I chose to read an excerpt in the morning to help me focus on different ways to experience happiness or gratitude.  It allowed me to actually focus my efforts throughout the day so that I could reflect on the positives as they happened and make a mental note for completing the journal entry at the end of the day. The first entry reminded me to look for mini-miracles in my day.  This is exactly what I need to get me started on the right foot.  My journal entry for the day included sleeping in until 7 a.m. without waking up at random hours of the night. Some days, an excerpt didn't really seem to apply to the day, like re-framing a failure story of the day into finding wisdom.  That particular day, I hadn't experienced any self-perceived failures to report, much less re-frame into a positive outcome.  For those entries, I moved on to a page that seemed most fitting for the day. I loved that this book included some ways to attempt to help you let go of hurtful or negative situations from the past. I know that I've had some pretty significant negative experiences in the past that often make me look at present situations differently, so it's nice to be reminded that I shouldn't hold a grudge against the person or experience, rather be grateful for giving me a learning opportunity to prevent those kinds of things again. In the short time I've owned this book, I have found it extremely helpful in seeing each day in a new light.  If I forget to read an excerpt in the morning, I tend to forget to look for something positive, though I'm recognizing things on my own a little easier, so it seems to have helped me thus far. I think the Instant Happy Journal would make a wonderful gift to give yourself or loved one.  It's a small paperback book that won't take up much room on a nightstand or in an overnight bag. If you're looking to start a new habit of retraining your brain for a more positive mindset, this may be one of the simplest books to help you!  It's not filled with confusing or annoying psychology jargon, nor will it make you feel like a dope.  It's laid out in a very non-confrontational way ... simply select a page, use it as a prompt for your day, and write at the end of the day. If the page ends up not being relevant at the end of the day, consider selecting a different page and make it work. Did you like my Instant Happy Journal review? If so, go grab your copy of the Instant Happy Journal now. #### Invest in Yourself and Learn How to Make Money Blogging So, I've been blogging for a few years.  What?  5 maybe?  As long as I've been doing this, I'm still going to consider myself a new blogger.  Why?  Because it wasn't until the middle of 2016 that I changed my domain and tried to get professional.  Before then, I hadn't really considered my blog a business.  But, I spend a lot of time on my blog and I am acting professionally.  So, I should be considering this my business, right?  Well, my biggest struggle is that I'm not earning enough from my blogging.  So, 2017 is the year to really get into gear with my business and make money blogging! How about this ... let's work together to build our blogs and get out of whatever rut we're in!  How are we going to do this? Get educated!  You spend a lot of time building your blog, gaining traffic, and networking right?  So, let's get educated so we can work smarter, not harder.  But, you can't do that without learning from the Pros... at least, that's what I'm beginning to believe. *Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.  Commissions earned are used to maintain this website.* I never recommend a product or service I don't personally believe will help you! 2017 is my year for blog conferences and e-courses.  Look, it's essential for me to be rewarded for the time and attention I give to my blog, so I'm looking to increase sponsored posts on my blog this year. Have you found it difficult to find the information you need to secure sponsored posts and earn money blogging?  Yeah, me too!  I mean, it's fairly easy to find influencer networks ... there's all sorts of blog posts and Facebook groups sharing referrals to these kinds of things.  But, it's a completely different story getting accepted for these networks, much less securing sponsored posts.  And, it's even more difficult to secure sponsored posts on your own, right? So, what do you do? Find a mentor!   Can someone teach me how to make money blogging? Well, that's not always easy either, but Monica from Happy and Blessed Home and The 6 Figure Blog, is just the person to help with that.  This mom started a blog back when her family was having a difficult time, and she worked her way up to earning money from her first blog.  Later, she began The 6 Figure Blog so that she could help other people, like you and me, figure out how to make blogging work for them, too.  If you're a seriously new blogger, I encourage you to check out her FREE online course called "How to Start a Blog." However, if you're like me, and ready to really get into the grind, Monica has opened up a new course to teach you one way to make money blogging through sponsored posts. Can I Actually Make Money Blogging? The answer is yes.  And Monica is out to show you just how she turned her blog into a 6 figure income!  She's spilling the beans to help you! 9 Essential Steps to Rock Sponsored Posts I was able to listen to the introduction to this course, and I can guarantee that Monica shares her real life experience and doesn't fill the time with a bunch of fluff you can't use. If there's one thing I'm doing differently this year, it's constantly reminding myself to invest in my blog.  If you ever hope to build anything, it takes an investment.  Taking online courses like these and attending blog conferences is the way to go. That said, I understand it's a large investment.  Of course, you can always start with her free course and learn what you can.  I always recommend starting with the free stuff.  But, the more you invest, the better the results, right?  So, who's going to invest in themselves?  I'd love for us to share and encourage each other to make 2017 the year we began to really make money blogging! Course Dates and Details Classes Start: February 8 - Student Orientation Monday, February 13, 2017 9:30 AM MT 1st LIVE Class Wednesday, February 15, 2017 Registration Closes Price $397 (see details for $100 off coupon) Duration: 12 weeks w/one week off for spring break Coupon: BYBC100OFF for $100 Off until 11:55 PM February 8, 2017 Are you ready to make money blogging yet? Sign up today for the 12 week course where you learn the 9 Essential Steps to Rock Sponsored Posts, but don't forget your coupon! Recommended Reading Other ways to invest in your blog and do more with Google Analytics and Google Search Console Fantastic reasons to start a (stay at home) mom blog How to increase traffic with Pinterest #### Is 5 PM Too Early for Bedtime? A Mom’s Take on Baby Sleep Needs One of the biggest sleep questions parents ask is, “Is 5 PM too early for bedtime?” If you’ve got a baby who’s completely done with the day by late afternoon, you’re not alone. I was that mom, too. When my son was just a few months old, his bedtime started creeping earlier and earlier until we landed at ... wait for it ... 5 PM. And guess what? It worked. Sure, it came with some challenges (hello, 4 AM wake-ups!), but overall, it made life so much easier for everyone. So let’s chat about the early bedtime debate and whether it might just be the sleep solution your baby needs. Understanding Baby Sleep Needs Babies aren’t mini-adults—they don’t follow our schedules, and trying to force them into one can backfire. Instead, experts recommend following biological sleep rhythms and watching for sleep cues. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies aged 4-12 months should get 12-16 hours of total sleep in a 24-hour period, including naps. (AAP Sleep Guidelines) When we respect a baby’s natural sleep cycle, we make life easier—for them and for us. Signs That a 5 PM Bedtime Might Be Right for Your Baby Not sure if your baby is an early-to-bed type? Here are some signs I noticed with my own son: Pink or red skin around the eyebrows – A surefire indicator of sleepiness in babies. Fussiness that escalates quickly – If missing the bedtime window leads to an overtired, overstimulated baby who won’t sleep, it’s a problem. Zoning out or staring blankly – That distant, glassy-eyed look? It’s their way of saying, “I’m too tired to function.” If these sound familiar, an early bedtime could be your golden ticket to better sleep. The Benefits of an Early Bedtime Parents often worry that an early bedtime will lead to insanely early wake-ups, but in many cases, the opposite happens. Here’s why: Longer stretches of sleep at night – Once I started putting my son to bed at 5 PM, he slept 12 hours straight most nights. Easier naps – Well-rested babies nap better. His daytime sleep became much more predictable. Peaceful evenings – With my son in bed, I actually got to enjoy a quiet dinner with my older child. Mom win! Better long-term sleep habits – Both of my kids learned to recognize their own sleep needs early on, which made bedtime battles easier to handle as they got older. The Challenges (And How to Handle Them) Of course, an early bedtime isn’t without its downsides. Here’s what I experienced and how we dealt with it: 1. Early Wake-Ups Yes, for a while, my son was ready to party at 4 AM. But over time, his wake-ups naturally adjusted as his bedtime gradually moved later. Tip: Use blackout curtains to help encourage longer sleep and avoid bright light exposure first thing in the morning. 2. Pushback from Others Many parents (and grandparents) believe babies should adjust to our schedule. I disagreed. The few times we forced a later bedtime, it backfired—leading to an overtired, restless baby. Tip: Stand firm in your decision. You know your baby best. 3. Flexibility for Special Events We did have to miss some late-afternoon activities, but for us, a well-rested baby was worth it. Tip: If you must push bedtime later, keep it minimal and get back on track the next night. Personalizing the Bedtime Routine Not all bedtime routines work for every baby. Case in point: While many suggest a bath before bed, my daughter got completely wired after bath time, so that was a hard no for us. Instead, we kept things simple: Dim lighting A fresh diaper and PJs A short book Nursing or snuggles Keeping it consistent helped my babies transition to sleep without overstimulation. Trust Your Baby’s Sleep Instincts If there’s one thing I’ve learned from raising two great sleepers, it’s this: babies know what they need. By respecting their natural sleep cues and not forcing them into a schedule that doesn’t fit, you set them up for success. So if your baby needs a 5 PM bedtime ... go for it. You just might end up with a well-rested little one—and a well-rested YOU. What do you think? Have you tried an early bedtime? Let’s chat in the comments! #### Is Breast Implant Illness Real? If you ask me "Is breast implant illness real?" I'm not going to have a direct answer. I chose to take a leap of faith and have enbloc explant surgery in the hope to reclaim my health. I had struggled with whether or not to share such a private, heart-wrenching decision publicly. Ultimately, I've decided to share because I want to help others the way I have been helped ... through personal battles and relate-able stories. My story first appeared on my personal Facebook timeline, where a friend shared a family friend's story about having her implants removed. Some of you already know, but this is my story. It's long, but I hope you read it! My hope is that I make you think about what we’re doing to ourselves and what we’re teaching others (especially our children) about self-love & self-acceptance. What are we saying to others about how they should look at us? 16 years ago I chose to get breast implants instead of learn self-love and self-acceptance. It was the easy path to complete myself and make up for what I thought I lacked in physical appearance. Is Breast Implant Illness Real? Of the 16 years with implants, I’ve been sick nearly 8 years. I have brain fog, terrible memory, zero energy, and I get sick more often than I’d ever been in my lifetime. Late-onset food allergies and intolerances. An auto-immune disorder. I have Hashimoto’s which is the cause of my Hypothyroidism. I’ve had to do a major detox because bad bacteria in my gut were showing in numbers my doctor hadn’t seen before. And I detox regularly when I feel symptoms worsening. In my 30s, I began regulating my energy … having to plan no more than 2 outings during the week to keep from over-extending myself. All this despite how well I take care of myself … better care, in fact, than I’d ever taken before. Several years ago, as I sat waiting in a doctor’s office, they were playing an episode of The Doctor’s Show discussing mold being found in a woman’s breast implant. It appeared to have been causing her health issues until she had them removed. This was a lightbulb moment for me and I wasn’t able to get the thoughts out of my head. This prompted me to look up breast implant illness online. There are hundreds of thousands of women who are removing breast implants. These brave individuals are paving the way to better health through removal of toxic implants. They’re strong and inspirational to women, like me, who are afraid of having an explant because we have questions like: “How will my husband see me?”“What if I don’t get better?”“What if I look terrible?”“But I got saline implants because they’re supposed to be the ‘safe’ ones”"Is breast implant illness real?""What if I stay sick after enbloc explant?" In January, I decided to join the ranks of these women who have made the ultimate choice to give their bodies a fighting chance at health. I’m joining the women who are having to learn self-love and self-acceptance, flaws and all. I’m joining the women who will have to learn to view an imperfect body through a new lens … one that isn’t clouded by unrealistic cultural expectations of beauty, but instead what nature had intended. I didn’t love myself enough in my 20s to be grateful for what nature intended for me. I get to learn this lesson in my 40s, this time with scars to remind me of my transgressions against nature... not-so-gentle reminders that it’s better to face a problem than to mask it with unnatural measures first. I tell you my story because I know there are going to be days I’m going to need emotional support. This decision hasn’t been without hours of discussion about how it affects (or could affect) my self-image, my children, and my marriage. Of course, my hope is that I regain at least 50% of my health so that the effect on my family is at least a trade-off for what I’m losing in the most physical & vain sense. I tell you my story because I don’t want another woman out there to think she’s alone. There are thousands of women supporting each other through this journey. We're all in various stages of it. We're all tackling the hard question "Is breast implant illness real?" Talk to Me! If you're one of hundreds of thousands of women wondering "is breast implant illness real?" or "is it all in my head?" I urge you to reach out to someone. If you want to message me, I'm happy to discuss with you my journey toward deciding to explant or put you in touch with one or all of the breast implant illness support groups I belong to on Facebook. #### Is Epic! for Kids Really That Epic? Have you wondered if Epic! for kids is really that epic?  Are you wondering if Epic! for kids is worth it?  Let me tell you all about what we think of Epic! books for kids. I've teamed up with Epic! to tell you all about why we love it.  All opinions expressed here are my own. In the 6 years I've been a mom, I've amassed tons of books for the kids.  I have a large bookshelf in their upstairs playroom, stuffed with books.  And they each have a smaller bookshelf with more books geared to their individual tastes or reading abilities. For the first few years of my daughter's life, I'd go to the local library sale when they sold bags of books for $10.  I'm talking the big brown paper bags you'd get from the grocery store.  And, whatever you could stuff into those bags, you got for $10. They've since gone up on their prices, but at one time, I was getting books for less than 20 cents a piece.  Of course, they were used books and a good number of them were in terrible shape.  But, I managed to build a nice sized library for them in 6 years. My problem?  Well, I have three. I want to buy more. I have no room. They don't do any good while traveling. This is where Epic! comes to the rescue. What is Epic!? Epic! is the leading digital library for kids 12-years-old and younger. With instant access to 25,000 of the best books, videos, quizzes, and more, Epic! for kids inspires a love of reading that lasts a lifetime. With a personalized book selection based on your kids’ interests, Epic! creates a virtual world for your kids to unlock their creativity and become a critical thinker. Read and learn on Epic! anytime, anywhere with unlimited access for only $7.99 per month, with your first 30 days for FREE. Choice of books by "friendship" theme What Mom Loves about Epic! for kids You know those problems I mentioned at the beginning of the post?  Epic! really helps me with all of them. Instead of buying more books, I have thousands on demand.  I also don't have to worry about how to stuff another book into the book shelf.  And, we travel with thousands of books that don't take up more space than a tablet that we always take anyway!  We brought Epic! along on our mountain vacation to work on my daughter's reading skills and to have books to read to the kids at night before bed. Beyond that though, Epic! offers other solutions to problems I hadn't even thought about until I had a second kid.  Namely, the ability to create up to 4 separate profiles for kids. Each profile is customized based on your children's likes and reading abilities.  Since my daughter likes just about everything, I selected all the options there were to give her the maximum reading choices aside from those in languages we don't know.  Additionally, I set the books for her age range ... if I didn't, she'd be happy reading baby books and I need her to challenge her reading abilities, because she's already ahead of the curve for her grade. These aren't cheesy books just to fill a library.  There are tons of very popular books that would cost us a pretty penny to own if we wanted them all.  Not to mention, if we wanted to visit the library to borrow one, we'd have to hope our choice book wasn't already checked out.  Epic! relieves that issue so long as the book you want is in their library. I know that my child is constantly learning while using Epic!  She can build vocabulary and is often given quizzes to test her memory about what she read.  In the parent profile, I can track her progress and personalize their content on the fly. Setting up and reviewing account information is done easily from either the Epic! app OR online.  And, kids can't get into the parent section to mess around unless they know your password.  This is a comforting feature knowing they're not going to mess up emails or billing information.  Plus, there are no in-app purchases, so no worry that your child will rack up an unexpected bill on you! What the Kids Love About Epic! From the get-go, the kids can personalize their profile with a choice of avatar and completely customize the background color and frame choice to their liking.  They also have themes to choose from. As the kids progress with their reading, they unlock rewards including badges, more avatars, and frame options. My kids love the numerous choices of books that are geared right to their age group and reading level.  S loves reading new books and my son loves having tons of awesome books at his fingertips available for mommy to read.  His favorites right now are animals and race cars. As kids read more, they earn badges which go toward helping them unlock more features in their profiles. Most of all, they're just able to have fun reading whatever it is their heart desires at any moment. Is Epic! for Kids Really That Epic? To be honest, yes!  We love having all these books at our fingertips.  Epic! really makes it easy for the kids to read new books and helps my 1st grader fill her book log with something new on a regular basis.  Plus, if we travel with Epic!, it keeps a record of the books we've read, so we don't have to travel with the book log, too.  And since keeping track of the books she reads is a nightly assignment for school, this is a huge bonus for us all. Additionally, I don't have to remember to return borrowed books when we're done, nor do we have to worry about the littlest member of our family tearing them up.  Unfortunately, that is still a worry in this house. Let's not forget, that fewer trips to the library saves time and money on gas.  And, while I believe there are great reasons to visit the library with a toddler, it's not always easy. Why You Really Need Epic! for Kids Epic! for kids is really that epic!  It solves problems you have in regard to travel and reduces the need to visit the local library when you're tired of reading the same old books at home.  These are probably my two favorite reasons to have Epic! Go ahead and save time and money, and get thousands of books at your child's fingertips with Epic! by starting your free 3o day trial. As a bonus, Epic! extends a free offer to educators and librarians.  I love that a company is willing to assist our children's teachers in educating our children through access to more books!  If our teacher were to use Epic! in the classroom, we'd be able to link our account to the classroom so she could assign reading projects to work on at home. #### Is It Crazy to Want a Homebirth? Guest Post By Stanna Carey, RN - Why might one choose a homebirth instead of a hospital birth? There are many choices a mother must make when it comes to the birth of her child. One of the most important is deciding where she will give birth. Lets be honest, home is usually not the first place most women plan on giving birth. In fact, in 2012 research showed that only 1.36% of U.S. births were born outside of a hospital. In today’s society it is not only encouraged, but it’s expected for women to receive prenatal care from a medical professional, in the hospital. To not choose this standard is, to some, considered unsafe, or even foolish. So why then would anyone choose to give birth at home? Here is my story… Before my first pregnancy, having a homebirth was something that I had not ever even thought about. If you had told me then, that I was going to give birth to my first child at home, I would have called you a liar! People that gave birth at home were crazy, in my mind. Not in the sense that they were mentally deranged, but that they somehow possessed superhuman abilities to push through pain and not worry about all the things that could potentially go wrong. The truth is, I was scared of even the thought of it. I knew absolutely nothing about homebirths and at the time they just seemed too risky to me. I remember when I first became pregnant I, naturally started reading all of the prenatal books I could get my hands on. I read so many beautiful stories of home and hospital births, but something about the homebirth stories really captivated me. The raw, natural, seemingly euphoric experience these women were having in childbirth completely fascinated me and I wanted to know more. As I toyed with the idea of having my own homebirth experience, I realized that maybe this wasn’t such a far-fetched idea. In the meantime, I was becoming increasingly frustrated with the current prenatal care that I was receiving from my doctor. My Obstetrician was well meaning, but I began to realize that I was going to have little to no say in my pregnancy and birthing experience, if I continued my in-hospital care. Eventually, as I dove deeper into the world of natural labor, real birth, and midwifery, I became convinced that a homebirth was right for me. My husband and I met with a local homebirth midwife when I was about 34 weeks pregnant and committed to having our first child in the comfort of our own home. (Read about My Home Water Birth Story here) So why did I choose to have a homebirth? For many reasons, but it really boils down to three main points: I realized I didn't need the hospital to have a positive and safe birth outcome; I felt the most comfortable laboring in my own home environment; I wholeheartedly believe in the natural abilities of the human body. Let me explain further… Homebirth is a safe option for the majority of women. You don't have to take my word for it, just look at the research. A recent study published by the Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health confirms that among low-risk women, “planned home births result in low rates of interventions without an increase in adverse outcomes for mothers and babies.” – Midwifes alliance of North America (https://mana.org/blog/home-birth-safety-outcomes) Read the entire article here: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jmwh.12172/full It’s interesting that most people never consider the risk factors when it comes to birthing in a hospital, but many are quick to seek out the hazards of giving birth at home. I wrote an article recently, entitled 10 Reasons to Give Birth at Home, explaining several of the dangers associated with hospital births (including the common cascade of interventions and how having a homebirth can decrease or even eliminate many of these risks. Is homebirth right for everyone? No. I don’t necessarily think so. I believe a major factor in deciding where to give birth should simply be, the environment that brings the most comfort to the laboring mother. Birth is normal… plainly put. Think of it this way: Women have been giving birth naturally and free from hospitals since the beginning of human kind! It’s not some mysterious phenomenon or something that even requires intervention. It is a natural process and our bodies were simply, designed to do it. See this article, Birth isn’t Amazing, it’s Normal for more on this. So, is homebirth right for you? A few words to consider… Don’t completely dismiss homebirth because of what you think you know. Get the facts, read stories, inform yourself.   If you are on the fence about it, call up a homebirth midwife. I am sure they would be more than willing (probably happy) to answer any questions that you may have. Getting some answers from the people that see real birth on a daily basis could really help you in your decision.   Look up the laws in your state. Unfortunately some states have laws restricting midwifery care in the home.   Realize that there are pros and cons to both home and hospital births. It comes down to what you (the mother) feel is best for you and your baby. A few of my favorite resources 10 Reasons to Have a Homebirth (article) [easyazon_link identifier="B0054LZ0VO" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="y" localize="y" popups="y"]The Business of Being Born[/easyazon_link] (film) [easyazon_link identifier="1780660553" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="y" localize="y" popups="y"]Childbirth Without Fear[/easyazon_link] (book) BIO: Stanna Carey is a Registered Nurse with a holistic outlook on life. She is a wife and SAHM, and blogs about natural health and wellness practices for women and their families at www.humblynurtured.com. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help more moms have positive birth outcomes. Interested in contributing a guest post to SAHM, plus... ? Contact me through social media or email me at ivy at sahmplus dot com.   #### Is Your Toddler a Picky Eater? Does your kid enjoy chicken tenders, french fries, macaroni and cheese, and all the other "typical" kid foods?  Yeah, mine too (except, strangely enough, not so much interested in mac and cheese).  Well, if you'd like to get your little one to eat a wider variety of foods and add more nutritional value to his or her diet, try out these 10 suggestions: 1) Make vehicle sounds as the spoon heads toward his mouth.  It's as if they forget you're trying to force the nasty substance into their mouths. 2) Try the copy cat method.  If your child prefers to mimic one parent over the other, maybe try having that parent eat said food and show their enthusiasm about it.  Or, does your child enjoy watching other children?  Try Copy-Kids Eat Fruits and Vegetables DVD.  I reviewed that recently and found my daughter trying more foods after watching it.  You can read my review here. 3) Offer a reward for eating.  We've either had to give a small treat right after dinner or offer 1 m&m per bite of dinner.  If you do the bite for bite, be prepared to sit at the table much longer. 4) Start with a small portion of something you know he eats.  On occasion, if we feed our daughter a small portion of fruit or yogurt, it whets her appetite and gets her to eat dinner. 5) Is snack time too close to mealtime?  Maybe your kid isn't eating because she's snacked on too much unhealthy stuff just before a meal. 6) Don't offer the bad stuff.  I really mean, try not to make it a habit that they fall back on for everything. 7) Give him choices.  Try offering a small variety of options that you want him to eat ... sometimes making their own decisions gets them excited about eating something they wouldn't have before. 8) Let her help you cook.  Stirring the food (or using her hands to help mix) may give her a sense of ownership and make eating what she made more fun. 9) Introduce and reintroduce those foods.  Make it non-optional to try it on occasion and be sure to be as positive and enthusiastic about the food, even if it's something you don't care for. 10) Mix them in.  Sometimes mixing those vegetables into a casserole hides them enough to make it pass!  I've even heard of pureeing vegetables to put in sauces for an added nutritional bonus. None of these are fail-proof, but what IS when a toddler is involved?  These are some of the suggestions we have tried and none work all the time (except the m&m trade-off in this house). Did you try any of these, and did anything work (or not)?  Anything you would add to the list? #### It's too hot to play... or is it? In Florida, that's exactly how I feel about playing outside.  But, when I think back to when I was a kid, did I let that stop me from playing outside all day every day?  Heck no! There are so many times I think we should be outside on the play set, but I almost can't bear to be outside.  I need to suck it up so I'm not spoiling my kid ... she needs to be a kid right?!  Besides, I can always dunk my feet in her baby pool while she splashes. So, I'm trying to make adventures for us to get outside at least once a day. When it's not raining, I love to take her for a walk down the road to the mailbox.  It's a great way for us both to get out of the house and gives us a "mission" to complete.  She likes when I give her the junk mail and it's a great way for us to get some fresh air.  We talk about the birds and bugs we see and hear on our walk, and sometimes we run to beat the rain. We've been known to head to the front porch for some water table play, and recently hung out on the porch to talk about the rain (pictured here, baby girl trying to feel the rain) So much of what we do feels small and perhaps insignificant, but when I watch her reaction to these things, I am reminded that she's still so young and learning so much about this world that even these seemingly trivial things are fun adventures that teach her what she needs.  So, here's a reminder to put aside your feelings about the weather (or even your laziness) and do even the simplest things so your child can be a child!  Get outside with them and find the joy in it for them :) #### Ivy's Mom Hobby: Autocross I've mentioned, over the years, how important it is for mom to have some time for herself.  Sharing blurbs on social media and writing a few posts, I've been trying to stress to moms to take care of themselves.  When I re-branded this blog to SAHM, plus ...  I had a goal.  I wanted to start focusing on the plus.  With motherhood, it's so easy to lose ourselves in what our family needs.  Your children come first.  Sometimes your husband comes first.  But, how often does a mom truly put herself first? When we're finished with dinner, putting the kids to bed, and cleaning the dishes, how much energy does mom have?  Even still, if you're like me, you're probably sitting on the couch pretending to enjoy the silence.  You're really wondering if you did everything you needed to do today.  And, you're probably thinking of the thousands of things you need to do tomorrow, and the millions of things you need to accomplish the rest of the week. I struggle with making a hair appointment for myself once every six weeks.  Seriously, I don't know why I even bother getting a special style because it only looks good for 4 weeks.  Then ... well, it looks like I've given up.  And the truth is, I have.  I've relinquished myself to my family.  Most times I have difficulty finding 5 or 10 minutes to do simple things to reduce my parenting stress. But, there's one thing I can say I do for myself.  So long as I can get a babysitter for the two kids, I schedule a once a month hobby for myself. This is one of the most important things I can ever tell you... don't lose yourself to your family.  You're a mother, not a martyr.  I 100% believe all moms should have a hobby.  And that's where this new project of mine comes into play.  I want to share my mom hobby with you.  My aim is to encourage you to find a hobby and make time for yourself. My Back Story I had a really hard time making sense of motherhood after my first baby, S.  I had intended to go back to work when she was born, but wasn't able to return.  Her health issues were time consuming.  I wasn't sleeping (seriously nearly 8 months of hell with her sleeping no better than 30 minute stints at any given time).  She cried constantly.  I probably did too.  Being a mother was not at all what I had imagined. After we got through the major rough patch with our daughter, my husband finally convinced me to get a hobby.  Aside from doing things for myself, he had to remind me that I needed to focus on him as well.  At the time, it all seemed so unnatural.  Looking back, however, trying to be super-mom was making everyone miserable. I began blogging as a way to express myself and share deals, but it wasn't allowing me to get out of the house and take care of myself.  I needed something more. The Truth about Motherhood for Ivy Having a family and being a mother is nothing like what I had imagined.  I loved kids and had so much patience for them growing up.   Taking child psychology and marriage and family classes in college, I was certain I was prepared for parenting.  The reality is, I had very real answers for logical situations.  But, there is nothing logical or easy with kids.  They don't fit a mold in which you can have a set of answers for each situation and realistically expect to have it handled.  It just doesn't work that way.  And, what works for one probably doesn't work for the other. Having two children is infinitely harder than one.  Many days, I really feel bad for each of my babies, individually. I'm not at all the mother I thought I would be.  The ideals we have of parenting and marriage are unrealistic.  I can't tell you how many days I feel like I just need to get away. One night, my husband asked if I wanted to run out to pick up dinner.  He was offering me a break from a cranky, sick 5 year old and the tiny 10 month old dictator.  I turned down the opportunity to leave.  I responded with "I'm a flight risk." No, parenting is nothing like I had expected.  I had no clue I'd ever feel like I would want to leave the house and never come back. My Mom Hobby: Autocross I was a car person when I met my husband, so it made sense that my husband would get me into Autocross.   About once a month (less often now that I have two children) I take my Honda S2000 out to a track made up of cones.  The purpose is to take a few laps and try to beat your own times. This hobby isn't all that dangerous.  The only other cars on track are running behind you.  You're not racing them, but trying to beat your own times.  It is not door-to-door racing where I have to worry about hitting another car, or it hitting me.  Not that there are never close calls, but generally, if you mess up on the track, you take a few cones out, and maybe spin out into the grass. Let me share a video of one of my recent runs, so you can get an idea of what I'm talking about! What I love about Autocross When I get to do this, I get to take my "mommy hat" off and get a little aggressive behind the wheel.  I love driving, but after having kids, my focus in the car has shifted from enjoying the drive, to making sure my family is safe.  Autocross allows me to enjoy driving without the care I have to take in our daily travels.  And, I improve my driving skills safely by pushing my car to limits you don't often achieve on the street.  Aside from the fun, it's a continuous learning experience and totally nothing mommy about it!  It's a true break from anything that links me to being a mom. For us, Autocross happens usually once a month, though sometimes life gets in the way and I have to miss every now and then.  But, when I get to go, I have a whole day I get to leave the kids with a grandparent.  Though I could use more rest, one day of freedom to feel like myself does wonders for me! Want to Know More about Autocross? Would you like to learn more about Autocross?  Sports Car Club of America explains Autocross in more detail here.  From their site, you can also find local clubs and events if you have an interest. I encourage you to find a mom hobby All hobbies cost money.  You need to let go of the notion you shouldn't spend money on yourself.  Don't think of it as spending money frivolously, rather an investment in yourself.  You're investing in your skills and your mental health.  Your hobby doesn't have to be costly, but you do need to invest in something.  You need the time for yourself. I hope to encourage you to find something you're passionate about and do it.  Once you get over the initial feelings of guilt for leaving your babies, you'll begin to see an improvement.  Your mood will be lifted (even if it's temporary).  You'll be less stressed.  And, your family will have a chance to miss you.  I always look forward to picking up my kids and getting a big huge hug from them.  It lets me know they miss me and I actually do miss them. Do you have a mom hobby you'd like to share? I want to give you the opportunity to be featured.  Any mom hobby, no matter how mundane you believe it may be, can be an excellent source of inspiration for a mom struggling to maintain her sense of balance.  If you'd like to encourage another mom by sharing your mom hobby, click here to the mom hobby interview. Please follow the rules of the interview - mainly, encouraging moms to join or start a business IS NOT the focus and will NOT be featured.  It's okay if you make money from your hobby, but NOT okay if you only started something to make money.  We're trying to free mom from thinking about more obligations.  If you have social media following, this is a good chance to get listed :) Take into account I will try to publish mom hobby interviews generally once a month unless interest warrants more frequent posts. #### Journey to Joy: Recognizing the 7 Signs That You Are Pregnant Am I pregnant? This is a common question, especially among first-time moms. In this post, we'll discuss the 7 signs that you are pregnant. I remember the first time I got pregnant like it was yesterday!   My husband and I had been trying to conceive for about 6 months after stopping birth control. I had been anxious and excited to finally be able to run into the room with a pregnancy test in hand to say "I'm pregnant!" To my surprise, when I finally did become pregnant, I missed all the signs. It wasn't until someone told me I was pregnant that I began thinking about some of the odd things going on with my body. Even then, I didn't feel pregnant. But my 2nd experience was completely different! In fact, I'm pretty sure I felt the moment of implantation, but that's a whole other story. The purpose of this post isn't about me though. I want to help you understand the signs that you may be pregnant. Plus, things to think about before jumping to the conclusion that you're pregnant because these signs can be symptoms of other things going on. How Early Do Pregnancy Symptoms Start? Most women won't experience pregnancy symptoms for several weeks. However, some women can experience early signs of pregnancy in about a week. Some early pregnancy symptoms may include: implantation bleeding around 6 to 12 days after conception cramping nausea can occur as early as 2 weeks after conception breast swelling or tenderness may be noticed as early as 1-week post-conception If you believe you're pregnant but aren't experiencing pregnancy symptoms, it could be too early and that's okay! What Does Early Pregnancy Feel Like? Depending on how early or how sensitive your body is to the changes you'll experience during pregnancy, early pregnancy may not feel different.  Many women don't realize they're pregnant at all very early in their pregnancies! Sometimes you don't see the signs or feels the symptoms of pregnancy until 6 weeks or later. In the next section, we'll discuss some of the most common signs of pregnancy. 7 Signs That You Are Pregnant Keep in mind that these are the most common signs that you are pregnant. There are other, less common signs and it can depend on your body and how it reacts to the changing hormones. And, just because you experience any of these signs, it doesn't automatically indicate that you are pregnant. Read on to find out more. Missed Period Ah, the classic sign that often sends us into a frenzy of pregnancy speculation - the missed period. While it's true that this can be a strong indicator, let me tell you, it's not always as clear-cut as it seems. You see, before my first pregnancy, my periods were all over the place. They'd come and go as they pleased, leaving me in a perpetual state of confusion. So, when it came to recognizing a missed period as a sign of pregnancy, let's just say it wasn't exactly a neon sign flashing "You're pregnant!" But it's not just irregular periods that can throw a wrench into the works. Stress, sudden weight changes, and even a stubborn flu can all meddle with your menstrual cycle, making it act like a rebellious teenager. And here's another twist: missing periods could also be linked to polycystic ovary syndrome, a tricky condition where your periods decide to play hooky for months at a time. So, bottom line? Don't jump to conclusions just because Aunt Flo decided to take a spontaneous vacation. Consider the bigger picture, listen to your body, and when in doubt, a trusty pregnancy test can offer some much-needed clarity. Changing Breasts During the early stages of pregnancy, your breasts might put on quite the show, undergoing noticeable changes that include: Upsize Alert: Get ready for a sudden increase in breast size! It's like they've decided to go from a modest B to a show-stopping D overnight. Your body is gearing up for the amazing journey of breastfeeding, so don't be surprised if your favorite bra suddenly feels like it's on the verge of retiring. Sensitive Touch: Your once regular breasts might turn into these super-sensitive areas that demand a bit more attention. It's like they've gone from being your average Joe to the divas of your body. They might even send tingling sensations or little electric shocks to remind you that they're preparing for a significant life change. These breast transformations are all part of the incredible journey of pregnancy, a testament to the wonders your body is capable of as it prepares to nurture and bring a new life into the world. So, embrace these changes as a unique part of the adventure you're embarking on! Sickness, Nausea and Vomiting Another very common symptom of pregnancy is nausea and vomiting. This nausea is also known as morning sickness.  Morning sickness can start as early as 2-weeks after conception, however, most women will begin to experience it around week 5 or 6.   The degree of nausea and vomiting differs from person to person.  Generally, you can expect morning sickness to ease up or disappear shortly after the first trimester. Fatigue the unwelcome guest that often crashes the pregnancy party - fatigue. Brace yourself, because feeling like you've just run a marathon while barely moving from the couch might become your new normal. Here's what you can expect on this wild ride: First Trimester Blues: Get ready for a wave of exhaustion to hit you in the first trimester. It's like your body's way of saying, "Hey, I'm working on something incredible here, cut me some slack!" So, don't be surprised if even getting out of bed feels like an Olympic feat. Third Trimester Struggles: Just when you thought you were in the clear, fatigue might decide to make a dramatic comeback in the third trimester. Your growing belly and all the wonders it holds can make even a short walk feel like a marathon. But hang in there, you're almost at the finish line! And hey, if you want some pro tips on handling this uninvited fatigue guest, check out What to Expect. They've got some great advice to help you navigate this rollercoaster ride of pregnancy exhaustion. Frequent Urination Frequent urination is also a common symptom among pregnant women within 2-3 weeks after conception. This is caused by the pregnancy hormone hCG, which increases blood flow to your pelvic area and kidneys. The added pressure on your bladder from your growing uterus and baby results in less room for urine storage, therefore you'll find that you need to relieve yourself more often. When your baby drops toward the end of the third trimester, you'll notice a need to go more often. Cravings and Aversions A drastic change in taste and smell is yet another sign of pregnancy. You may find that you're craving foods you wouldn't normally eat or begin to feel nauseated around smells you normally like. Emotional or Moody Oh, the rollercoaster of emotions that pregnancy brings! It's like your heart and mind have decided to team up for a drama production that's running 24/7. So, buckle up and let's talk about why this emotional whirlwind might be hitting you hard: Hormonal Havoc: Picture this - your body is like a bustling hormone factory right now. Estrogen and progesterone are playing a never-ending tug-of-war, while other hormones are making guest appearances just to add to the chaos. It's no wonder you're feeling a little more sensitive than usual. Physical Changes at Play: Your body is going through some serious renovations to make room for that little human on the way. From expanding organs to the constant shifts in your center of gravity, it's a lot for one body to handle. And let's not forget those pesky aches and pains that come as part of the package deal. Fatigue Fiasco: Add some pregnancy-induced fatigue to the mix, and you've got a recipe for emotional upheaval. It's like your body is screaming for a nap while your mind is still processing all the changes and challenges ahead. No wonder even the smallest things might bring on a flood of tears or an unexpected burst of frustration. With all these changes happening, it's no surprise that you might find yourself shedding tears over a sappy commercial or feeling like the tiniest inconvenience is the end of the world. But hey, cut yourself some slack. These emotional ups and downs are all part of the incredible journey of bringing new life into this world. 8 Less Common Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy Implantation Bleeding: Some women may experience light spotting or bleeding around the time of implantation, which can be mistaken for a light period. Mood Swings and Irritability: While mood swings are mentioned in the article, extreme changes in mood and heightened irritability can also be less common signs of pregnancy. Constipation: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect digestion and lead to constipation for some women. Dizziness or Fainting: Changes in blood pressure and circulation can sometimes cause pregnant women to experience dizziness or even fainting spells. Excessive Salivation: A less common but possible sign is excessive saliva production, often referred to as ptyalism, which can be bothersome for some pregnant individuals. Nasal Congestion: Some pregnant women may experience nasal congestion, commonly referred to as "pregnancy rhinitis," due to increased blood flow and hormonal changes. Headaches: Hormonal fluctuations and changes in blood circulation can lead to occasional headaches for some pregnant women. Increased Body Temperature: Some women may notice a slight increase in body temperature during early pregnancy, potentially indicating the body's adjustment to the developing fetus. It's important to note that these signs can vary from woman to woman, and experiencing one or more of these symptoms doesn't always confirm pregnancy. If you suspect you may be pregnant, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and confirmation. So, Are You Pregnant? Although many of the above signs can indicate that you are pregnant, they do not confirm pregnancy. You can confirm pregnancy by using an over-the-counter home pregnancy test from the store. These tests detect the level of HCG in your urine.   Believe it or not, the cheap dollar store tests can work as well as the more expensive brands.  If you receive a positive result from your home pregnancy test, it is recommended that you make an appointment with your doctor to confirm the pregnancy and to start your prenatal appointments.  Like the home pregnancy test the office urine test also confirms pregnancy by detecting the level of HCG in the urine.  Once your provider confirms your pregnancy by urine sample, you'll likely be requested to do a blood test for further confirmation. After a period of 4 to 6 weeks, the obstetrician can confirm the pregnancy by a physical examination. The thickening of the vaginal tissues, softening uterus, fetal pole, and heartbeat can confirm a viable pregnancy. Did You Get a BFP? If you recently took a home pregnancy test or confirmed your test with your doctor, check out this pregnancy due date calculator to find out your estimated due date. This article is to be used for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice regarding pregnancy.  Before beginning any treatment regimen or taking any medication, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor for advice and/or determine the best course of action for the situation. Signs That You Are Pregnant- FAQs When do pregnancy symptoms typically start? Early pregnancy symptoms may appear as early as one week for some women, including signs like implantation bleeding, cramping, and breast tenderness. What are the most common signs of pregnancy? The most common signs include missed periods, changes in breast size and sensitivity, nausea (commonly known as morning sickness), fatigue, frequent urination, food cravings or aversions, and mood swings. How soon can I confirm my pregnancy? You can use an over-the-counter home pregnancy test, with even the inexpensive ones providing reliable results. Confirming with a doctor through a urine or blood test is recommended for further confirmation. Are all missed periods a sign of pregnancy? No, missed periods can be caused by various factors such as stress, illness, or polycystic ovary syndrome. Consulting a healthcare professional for accurate assessment is advisable. How can I manage pregnancy-related fatigue? Managing pregnancy fatigue involves adequate rest, maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and engaging in light physical activities. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice. What should I do if I experience severe nausea during pregnancy? If you experience severe nausea or vomiting during pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider for guidance. They can recommend dietary changes and possibly prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms. How can I cope with mood swings during pregnancy? Coping with mood swings involves maintaining open communication with your loved ones, engaging in relaxation techniques, and seeking emotional support when needed. However, consult your healthcare provider if mood swings significantly affect your well-being. #### Jurassic Quest - For Children Who Love Dinosaurs I love having a child who loves dinosaurs.  It's possible that our love for dinosaurs is being transferred to the boy too. Have you ever wondered what you can do with dinosaur obsessed kids?  I have too! I came across Jurassic Quest recently and knew this was something we needed to do.  I immediately contacted the powers that be and partnered with Jurassic Quest to share our experience with you! Let me first re-confess that it's my fault my children are obsessed with dinosaurs!  When my daughter began expressing interest in dinosaurs, I made certain I exposed her to lots of exciting dinosaur stuff, including learning Spanish with Dino Lingo, brushing up on dinosaur terminology, and reading tons of dinosaur books. From the time she was a toddler, S began her large collection of dinosaur toys.  My son, who is now 15 months, loves playing with her toys and pointing out dinosaurs when he sees them.  And, I get to be a kid at heart.  So, we all win here! Anyway, back to Jurassic Quest! I didn't tell my daughter we were going.  I tend to let things stay a complete surprise until the day of.  However, having trouble containing my own excitement, I needed to find a way to express something about the day.  The morning of our adventure, I started her out with Dinosaur Egg oatmeal.  As we sat there, I asked how cool it would be if we could go back in time to visit the dinosaurs. "I think we should turn the Jeep into a magic Jeep, you know, like the Magic School Bus.  Then, maybe we can travel back in time to see real dinosaurs." "But, mommy, dinosaurs don't exist anymore." "I know! But, if we went back in time to when they did exist ...  well, wouldn't it be fun to maybe touch a baby dinosaur or ride on a big one?" *Disclaimer: We were provided free tickets in exchange for this post.  All opinions expressed here are my own.  Be sure not to construe the information provided here as definitive and always fact check for yourself! What is Jurassic Quest? Jurassic Quest is a Dinosaur Adventure featuring over 80 life-size and anamatronic dinosaurs.  The whole family will enjoy interacting, learning about, and even riding dinosaurs with their admission.  Their are other dinosaur related activities and crafts for kids of all ages to participate in. Essentially, I like to think of this as a seriously cool dinosaur exhibit ... way better than what you'd experience in a museum!  You're not going to be reminding the kids not to touch every two seconds ... in fact, you're going to be encouraging it! To me, envisioning these massive creatures roaming the earth gives me goose bumps.  Having visited a place in Texas with fossilized dinosaur tracks in the river, I'm overcome with a highly active imagination.  Jurassic Quest helps me bring my imagination to life.  I can't even speak for the kids. The Skinny on Jurassic Quest That's not exactly an appropriate phrase to use in such an event, huh?  Maybe I should have titled this part "the low-down"?  Nope, that doesn't work either. You get my drift... let's get to the good stuff. I packed up the normal overabundance of supplies, including some semi-healthy Trail Mix Cookies ... because toddler and 5 year old. 'Nuff said.  I also brought along my dad, because Hubby had other plans and I was certain this would require he extra hands. When we arrived, my daughter wasn't convinced the magic worked.  I had to keep telling her that maybe the magic was slowly taking over the city...  When we walked into the building, her eyes widened and she began pointing it all the dinosaurs.  We entered the building closest to the dark side where the exhibits were. We took a bit of time visiting each of the like-like animatronic exhibits.  My goodness were they amazing!!  My daughter, though, quickly reminded me that they weren't real.  Ugh... too smart, I tell you. Eventually we moved on to the activities. She ended up on two dinosaur rides, doing a Pterodactyl craft, driving a Dino scooter, and going on the large climb and slide bounce house. A bit of truth - Cost of Jurassic Quest As always, you know I have to be real. S had the VIP pass, which was supposed to include unlimited rides and activities.  While the VIP pass is the best deal if you're planning on letting the kids ride, it's not as amazing as it sounds.  Unless you can spend the entire day (from open to close) at the event, you're not likely to get unlimited anything. In the 5 hours we were there S was able to do 5 activities, like I mentioned previously.  Each of those activities, she was only able to do once.  And, only 4 of those activities were once that you'd have to pay an additional $5 a piece for if you had the standard ticket.  That was a bit of a bummer, to be honest.  And, I kept having to remind her that it's just like waiting in line at Disney. To be fair, if you do the math, getting a standard ticket and doing 4 rides would have cost a total of $40 VS paying the $29 VIP which would have covered those 4 rides. The adult tickets, though are kind of a rip off unless you actually plan to do the dino crafts and science activities along with your children.  And, I mean, take home your own art LOL.  Still, you're basically paying to walk around and escort your kids.  Come on guys ... you know that's what parents do! Admission to Jurassic Quest Admission to Jurassic Quest for the Jacksonville, FL location was as follows: Img source: Jurassic Quest Be sure to check your location for accurate ticket pricing! Follow Jurassic Quest Additionally, you should follow Jurassic Quest on their social media channels!  I found out before we left Saturday that they were only doing online sales instead of allowing walk-up sales.  It appeared they were expecting the event to sell out for the weekend.  I wouldn't have known this had I not been following them! Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram   #### Katelyn's Mom Hobby: Reading and Book Club Last month, I featured Rhien, whose hobby is paper crafting.  The enjoyment she got out of creating things like invitations and nursery mobiles eventually turned into a small business.  It's something she enjoys doing, regardless of whether or not she made money from it.  But, it was a bonus to be able to turn something she loved into a way to generate some extra income for her family.  Those kinds of stories always impress me. Not all hobbies have to do that for you.  And, I want to inspire you to do something you love without regard to turning it into a profitable venture in the future.  I want to encourage you to pursue a passion that makes you happy.  Whatever it becomes later is a bonus.  My intent is to help you realize the value in investing in yourself because you are more than a mom.  Take me for example.  My hobby is Autocross.  I don't earn anything from it.  There's a chance I never will.  But, I continue spending the money once a month to go out and race, simply because it makes me happy.  I keep building on my driving skills and taking at least one day a month to be myself ... and it's something I get to enjoy with my husband. That's my whole purpose.  Getting you to pick something you enjoy and encouraging you to invest time and money in your happiness.  Yes, I said invest.  Because hobbies usually cost money.  Mommy's desires don't have to (nor should they) be on the back burner until the kids go off to college.  Katelyn has found a satisfying mom hobby in reading and participating in a book club. Katelyn is a blogging friend of mine over at What's Up Fagans?  She shared her story with me, hoping to encourage you, too! Meet Katelyn Is your family anything like you pictured? I've always had an image of what my family would be like before I was married with children.  I have two kids, a husband, and a dog.  It's pretty similar, except I thought I would have two boys.  But, my family is also significantly different than I'd imagined.  So, I asked Katelyn about her imagined vs actual family. Katelyn tells me she never thought she would have twins.  But, aside from such a big surprise, she doesn't believe her family is too dissimilar from what she expected. "I have a big family, just like I always wanted and an amazing husband! ... I like to think that we are a happy, fun-having, connected family..." She also sees herself as the parent she thought she would be, and attributes it to being a "practically, laid-back, realistic person."  The choices she's made for her parenting stemmed from her childhood, so she was pretty sure she knew there were certain things she did and didn't want to do with her own children. Katelyn's Mom Hobby: Reading and Book Club "Reading a book is a simple way I can escape the norm of my life, look outside of my sphere of influence, and explore new situations, stories, and experiences."  Katelyn tells me reading gives her a chance to educate and improve herself, and often find inspiration. She's been part of a book club since 2010, and before her move to Texas, she was actually part of TWO monthly book clubs.  And, even if she didn't actually read the book, she loved going to the meetings to socialize without the kids.  Here, she tells me how necessary it was for her to do this because she's an extrovert. (girl, I hear you ... and I'm NOT an extrovert!) After moving to Texas, Katelyn started a book club in August of 2014.  Once a month, she meets with friends from church to discuss the book that the host had picked.  They meet later at night so that they have some kid-free time! This hobby allows her to have a connection with other book club members, time for herself, and she says "...lets my children know that I am a person outside of 'mom', that I have my own set of friends, I enjoy reading (so they should too!) and that I like to get out."  She believes having a hobby and making time for herself shows that she respects herself and her time, and helps her children understand they should do the same. If you're a reader and looking for a little more socialization, Katelyn shared a post about how to start a book club. How do you find the time? Sunday is a day of rest for Katelyn and her family, so she uses reading to pass the time without feeling like she's impeding on the requirements during the week.  Although, reading only once a week makes it difficult for her to finish a book before the monthly book club meeting.  She may find the time during the week when she feels like she needs a little break from work or housework, while her kids watch a movie or play a game. Would You Like to Follow Katelyn? What's Up Fagans? on Facebook  |  What's Up Fagans? on Pinterest See ... mom hobbies don't have to be expensive.  You can expand your world through books and gain so much more than "me time" as you gain knowledge, new perspectives, and potentially new friends.  Of course, borrowing from a local library makes reading extremely inexpensive.  Plus, you can use the time at the library as more "me time."  Heck, I'd suggest taking an extra 30 minutes to sit in the library to start your book before getting back home to the kids. WOULD YOU LIKE TO ENCOURAGE MOMS TO FIND A HOBBY? I want to give you the opportunity to be featured.  Any mom hobby, no matter how mundane you believe it may be, can be an excellent source of inspiration for a mom struggling to maintain her sense of balance.  If you’d like to encourage another mom by sharing your mom hobby, click here to the mom hobby interview. Please follow the rules of the interview – mainly, encouraging moms to join or start a business IS NOT the focus and will NOT be featured.  It’s okay if you make money from your hobby, but NOT okay if you only started something to make money.  We’re trying to free mom from thinking about more obligations. If you have social media following, this is a good chance to get listed ? Take into account I will try to publish mom hobby interviews generally once a month unless interest warrants more frequent posts. #### Keeping Your Cool: 4 Ways to Relax After the Kids’ Bedtime Parenting is one of the most rewarding things that you can do, but let's be honest, it can also be incredibly exhausting. After a day filled with snacks, spills, school runs, work obligations, and bedtime battles, you're likely running on fumes by the time the house finally quiets down.  Then you have that post bedtime window full of cleaning and setting the house up for the next day. But it's also precious time, and how you can use it makes a big difference in how you'll feel the next day. Let's take a look at 4 realistic ways to relax, unwind and reset. Image source: Pexels How to Relax After the Kids Go to Bed Create a wind down ritual. Once the house is quiet, resist the urge to immediately open the laptop or clean the kitchen. Instead, start your own bedtime routine. This is a signal to your body that it's time to shift into rest mode. This can be as simple as dimming the lights, putting your phone away, and sipping a cup of herbal tea. Some parents turn to natural products like CBD gummies as part of their nighttime routine to help ease into a relaxed state. When used responsibly and legally, they can be a gentle aid for winding down, but they're not a magical fix.  Move your body gently. You don't need to hit the gym at 9:00, but light movement can be a powerful way to release the built up tension. Try a 15 minute yoga session on YouTube or a quick stretching routine. Even a slow walk around the block can help. Movement helps to shift your nervous system out of stress mode and into recovery. It also improves your sleep quality, which is crucial for parents who have limited hours of recharge. There are apps like Down Dog or YouTube channels like Yoga with Adriene that offer short, approachable workouts perfect for tired minds and bodies. Disconnect from work and social media. After a full day of parenting and work, scrolling on your phone can feel like an easy way to decompress, but it often has the opposite effect. Social media can stir up comparison anxiety or overstimulation, while late night work emails can trigger stress while your brain should be powering down. Try setting a digital curfew an hour before bed. Use the time to read, journal, listen to a podcast, or simply enjoy the choir. Your mind needs space to breathe, not more input. Prioritize joyful, low effort activities. Relaxation doesn't have to mean meditation or self help books, you know, unless that's your thing. It's OK to do something purely because it brings you joy. Rewatch your favorite show, do a puzzle, paint, knit, or even just sit on the couch in complete silence. The goal isn't productivity, but presence in a world that constantly demands output allowing yourself to simply be as a radical act of self-care. As a parent, your energy is going to fuel your family. Taking even half an hour each evening to care for your own mental and emotional well-being is not indulgent, but essential.  #### Kids Academy Math Games App Review Kids Academy Releases #1 Math Games: Singapore Maths App for Android and Updates iOS Version of Math Games App for Kids in Preschool & Kindergarten. Kids Academy is a well-known mobile app developer working in the sphere of children’s early education. The team combines all the expertise, creativity and truly remarkable skills to develop a wide range of best educational games and fun worksheets for kids. The great news is that the team just released the long-awaited update #1 Math Games: Singapore Maths App for Kids in Preschool & Kindergarten - iOS version of the app. This best math app for kids in preschool and kindergarten offers a great variety of fun educational games for kids. Children will get a fantastic chance to: • train their brains • enhance their attention and concentration • improve their cognitive skills • learn to follow instructions While playing the fun math games, little mathematicians will grasp their numbers, addition and subtraction facts in a fun and enjoyable way. Kids will trace numbers, master their geometric shapes, practice skip counting and acquire other useful skills too. The cool math games by Kids Academy are based on the famous Singapore Math method. They help children visualize math problems and solve them in a simple way. You can find a number of best educational apps for children by Kids Academy featured in the Family section of the Android store in the USA, Australia and Canada. This featuring is a reliable indicator of high quality and value of the fun educational games created by this team. Get all of the Kids Academy favorites on Android! NEWLY RELEASED We have more terrific news from Kids Academy. Available NOW is the long-awaited Android version of their cool #1 Math Games: Singapore Maths App. Kids Academy does it again with a great educational app for your child. To start, a parent must sign up for a free trial, which can be cancelled in the settings at any time.  I'd prefer not to have to remember to cancel a subscription in order to get a free trial, but that's the only complaint I have about this app. What I love is that you immediately tell the app your child's age and it starts them at the appropriate level.  The app uses videos and interaction to teach children different math skills and uses several games for each skill.  Like most games, you get a 3 star scoring system. The friendly voice seems to be used for most of the characters (my daughter hasn't gotten very far due to age & time) in the game, and as an adult, I'd like to hear different voices for different characters, but I don't think the kids care. Finally, I really enjoy that the narrator uses different words for the same concept, so that kids get familiar with the various ways to say things.  As a parent, I don't always think to tell my daughter that minus and subtraction are the same thing. This app has it all! It boasts hundreds of new cool math games, videos and interactive surprises. Your kid is sure to love the new innovative system of motivation and rewards, lively music, colorful graphics and amusing animation. Parents will be happy too – while kids play the new fun math games, they will not need any assistance from a grown-up.     Apple users can download the new Version 3.0.2 of the best educational app from Kids Academy now, Android users can download here after the release in mid-May! But that's not all. You can also try out the impressive collection of free printable worksheets and educational games on Kids Academy website. View a great variety of pre-school and kindergarten worksheets by topic and choose the perfect printables for your little learners. Download and print out the fun worksheets and give your kid a wonderful head start on math, writing, reading and other useful skills. Click here to check out the Free cute worksheets for learning kids.   #### Kids Summer Bucket List: Over 70 Fun Summer Activities {Printable Bucket List} So much entertainment and fun activities to choose from on this summer bucket list for kids. Summer break is right around the corner. If you're anything like me, you don't believe every day should be spent in front of screens.  Everything in moderation right? Still, it's not easy to plan a whole summer's worth of activities sometimes.  Plus, you've gotta think about each of your kids who enjoy doing different things. While I can easily leave my daughter to worksheets and doing whatever craft she comes up with for hours if I let her, my son needs much more direction. Honestly, I need it too. So, I compiled a list of over 70 kids summer bucket list activities.  Plus, if you don't want to come back to this post throughout the summer, I'm offering the list in a free printable for you, too. My suggestion, if you're a planner, is to print out blank calendar sheets for the time your kids are out of school.   Plot in some things you already know you want to do and then plug in a few of the activities on this list. It'll keep you on track and motivated so that you don't resort to too much screen time! More Than 70 Activities: Kids Summer Bucket List Before I continue sharing the kids summer bucket list of activities, there's something I want to mention. As moms, we have so much on our plates.  When it comes time for planning summer activities, it's easy to feel like we need to keep the kids busy. But at what expense? Usually, our sanity. I mean, it's great we want to do so many things with our kids.  I know your kids will appreciate it (for the most part). But, don't get so carried away trying to check off every item off the bucket list that you forget to have some down time.  Rest, let the kids get bored, and just snuggle up when you feel like it. Outdoor Activities Have a picnic Watch a sunrise Watch a sunset Play ball in the yard Fly a kite Camp in the backyard Stargaze Play tag with friends Blow bubbles Run through sprinklers Eat a Popsicle Have a lemonade stand Plant flowers, vegetables, or fruit Paint pet rocks Swim in a pool Go to the beach Collect Sea Shells Build a sand castle Ride a bike Catch fireflies Watch fireworks Ride a scooter Play with sidewalk chalk Slip N Slide Go to a splash park Go to a park/playground Visit a theme park Have a water balloon fight Play mini-golf Play in the rain Make tie-dyed shirts Wash a car by hand Make wishes on dandelions Go on a nature walk Roast marshmallows or make s'mores over a fire Have a water gun fight Go fishing Visit the zoo Play Frisbee Play hopscotch Related Reading: How to Help Kids Unplug for Screen-Free Week Indoor Activities Make a bird feeder Make homemade popsicles Make homemade ice cream Build a blanket fort Sort clothes that don't fit and donate Sort toys you don't use and donate Make a pie Make cookies Go bowling Read a book Visit the library and borrow books Make smoothies Visit an aquarium Play a game Make friendship bracelets Write a story © Ivy www.sahmplus.com Write in a journal Draw a picture Color in a coloring book Make homemade playdough Fingerpaint Make paper bag hand puppets Make root beer floats Help cook dinner Have a pajama and movie day Take some selfies Host an ice cream bar Have a pillow fight Make and race paper airplanes Have a puppet show Have a talent show Finish a puzzle Related Reading: Summer Reading Programs for Kids I know there are so many great activities to choose from.  So, if you want to have the list ready, you can download your free Kids Summer Bucket List printable by signing up to my newsletter, here. I'd love to hear if there are other activities that should be suggested for this list!  What kinds of things do you do over summer break to keep kids busy? #### Kids Who Love Art Will Really Want These 13 Gifts Art.  Hours upon hours of art. My daughter has always had a fascination with art and could have painted outside for hours.  As a first grader, her teacher has mentioned that art is one of my daughter's strong suits.  Not that I wasn't aware of this, already. But, painting and messes generally are not my favorite!  I'll let her do them, but I've got to devote the time for mixing paint, and sitting there doling out paper every couple minutes.  Then, after hours of work, it's time for clean up.  I need a nap just thinking about it. Anyway, I wondered if there were any cool gifts for children with artistic interests that I hadn't seen before.  And I began gathering ideas to relay to Santa or family eager to buy her more junk. Great Gifts for Children with Artistic Interests Disclosure: We either own or plan to purchase these items, which is why I have no problem recommending them to you through the use of affiliate links in this post.  Your purchases will not cost you more, but help me continue bringing you free content.  Thank you for supporting SAHM, plus... General Art Supplies  Grow-With-Me Adjustable Art Easel We love a good easel that's easy to carry outside for our messy painting activities.  At the same time, I love an easel that can pull double or triple duty for various artistic interests.  Aside from having an attached paper roll for paper, it has a chalkboard surface on one side and a wipe away white board on the other. Our kids' interests can vary from day-to-day, so this easy fold and adjustable height easel is perfect!  Set of 6 Paint Pots and 10 Brushes This set of six paint pots and brushes will fit in the easel I just mentioned.  We have these and love them because they help reduce chances of spillage AND they store the paint ready to go at a moment's notice.  Tempera Paints, 6 colors Well, paint ... because those paint pots and brushes are useless without it! 65' Easel Paper Roll Art is More Than Painting ...  Set of Two Chalkboard Fantasy Fort Kits Special Okay, I love this and believe this would be a perfect rainy summer afternoon activity.  The kids can build their fort and draw all over the chalkboards for hours of imaginative fun!  And mama can sit back writing for her blog ... or napping. Just kidding!  We all know kids don't get along for hours *wink* But, I still love this idea.  Just need to clean out our playroom!  Pottery Wheel Special My daughter loves painting, but maybe it would be a good idea to learn a skill to expand her artistic interests.  I love the idea of a pottery wheel, because she can create and paint! The pottery wheel special comes with pottery wheel, an additional 4 lbs air-dry clay (in addition to the 2 lbs included with the wheel, and an additional 6 paints, but metallic. Rock Tumbler Pro Does your kiddo like to pick up random things on walks?  You guys, mine keeps trying to start a rock collection from the rocks on our street... all the same kind of rocks.  I think it's limestone, but I'm no geologist. Anyway, I know my daughter would love polishing rocks, so I thought maybe your children would too. The tumbler comes with some rocks and polishing grit, but you may as well order refills.  I know my kiddo would go through it in minutes! Outdoor Gifts I don't exactly like the mess art projects typically create, but I'm less bothered by them when they're outside!  Check out these amazing outdoor gifts for children with artistic interests. ChalkScapes® Mandalas My daughter loves sidewalk chalk, and has ever since she was a toddler.  As part of our home preschool activities, we'd step outside and use outdoor chalk to draw our shape and write our letter of the week.  Then, she'd spend some time creating whatever works of art she felt like.  I love that this set will help expand her artistic interests through some guidance of a stencil. This set is for stars and geometry, but you can order the green flowers and butterflies set. Inflatable Easel with Paints This was love at first site for me and it's perfect for pursuing artistic interests outside in the Florida heat!  This is an inflatable easel that you simply spray with a hose to clean.  The kiddos can draw and write over and over again, and I can stand far away from the mess. *wink*  Sunography Prints Kits While you're outside doing some other outdoor activities, pull out a paper or fabric sunography kit.  Your kids can get creative with patterns and learn a little science in the process! Showing Off  and Storing Their Art Kids, of course, enjoy having places to show of their art.  What's the point in expressing themselves if they can't display it, right?  My Art Gallery This awesome set comes in three different color options.  What I love about these plastic frames is that they offer versatility in displaying your child's art.  You can choose to hang 3 frames together or display them separately using magnets for the fridge, on the wall, or freestanding with included snap-in legs. If you're also hoping to store your child's masterpieces, each frame holds up to 35 (thirty-five) pieces of 8.5" x 11" pages.  Lil' Davinci Art Frame, 12" x 18" What I love about this art frame is that it's perfectly suited for displaying your child's art throughout the home, easily blending in to the rest of the house's art.  Because it's a much more mature frame, your older child will still be able to display his or her work. Although I'm showing the larger sized frame, it also comes in an 8.5' x 11" frame as well.  Each frame stores up to 50 original pieces!  I love how these frames answer the question "what do I do with all my child's art?"  My Art Place Portfolio If you or your child just want to store their old art, this portfolio has them covered.  The portfolio expands to show 8 tabbed dividers so you can organize your child's art any way you like (by year, grade, subject and more).  This highly capable storage system holds papers up to 12" x 18".   #### Laughter is the Best Medicine for Parenting Struggles “Laughter is important, not only because it makes us happy, it also has actual health benefits. And that's because laughter completely engages the body and releases the mind. It connects us to others, and that in itself has a healing effect.”  ~Marlo Thomas Believe it or not, laughter happens to be one of the best strategies for handling parenting situations, even really troublesome ones.  In addition to being a physical health aide, laughter and humor can help alleviate stress and tension. I learned just how important laughter was in my parenting routine when I was at my whit’s end with my daughter’s behavior.  The first couple days after I instilled a consequence and reward jar system were the hardest.  And, it was also the time when I learned that I lacked a vital part of my parenting in difficult moments … I had forgotten to keep things light. I want to share some of the reasons you should include laughter in your parenting strategies.  Then, I want to show you ways to incorporate it into your routine. Why Laughter is the Best Medicine Physical Benefits Laughter helps to relieve physical stress and tension, which leaves your body feeling more relaxed after. A good laugh also gets your heart pumping and gives your heart and lungs a workout. Laughing for fifteen minutes burns almost the same amount of calories as a fifteen minute walk. This means that laughing can really help when it comes to keeping fit and keeping up with the kids. Did you know that laughter helps relieve tension and stress?  After you’ve had a good laugh, your body will be more relaxed! Laughing increases your heart rate and gives your lungs a workout.  Bonus for you anti-work-out people: a 15 minute laugh will burn almost the same amount of calories as a fifteen minute walk.  So, the more you laugh, the more you’re doing to get fit.  This should help with the struggle of keeping up with the kids, right?! Our bodies release endorphins during laughter.  These endorphins make us feel good, give us a sense of well being, and can even reduce pain. When you laugh, you may be boosting your immune system by reducing your stress hormone levels.  This means that keeping you and your family healthy could be made simpler through laughter! Other Benefits According to Psychology Today, laughter is the best medicine.  In their article on health benefits of laughter, they state “Laughter establishes -- or restores -- a positive emotional climate and a sense of connection between two people.” This means that laughter strengthens relationships. Sharing a few good laughs and some jokes will help your family bond.  This will encourage your family to work together and settle conflict more easily. The more you laugh together as a family, the more you’ll feel connected.  This will motivate your children to do what you want or need them to do without as many struggles. Make an effort to include laughter during your day, every day.  During times when you or your family members experience distress or feelings of overwhelm, they will be better able to maintain a healthy attitude or positive outlook. What I Learned About Myself with the Consequence and Reward Jar System Bring Laughter into Your Life Kids love to have a good time and laugh at some of the silliest things.  Because they’re still easily entertained, it’s easy to make laughter part of your parenting routine. Do you have a hard time getting your kids to clean up after themselves?  Most of us do!  One of the easiest ways to make this work is to make a game out of cleaning or a fun out activity that involves cleaning.  Some examples might be to play a sorting game, like having them sort play food by fruits, vegetables, and meat into different storage bins.  Color coded bins are another great idea.  Don’t forget to play some fun music and maybe do a silly dance.  Instead of doing the chore to avoid getting into trouble, your children will be “playing” while simultaneously helping out. Talk and laugh during bedtime routines.  Have your children recollect their day and ask them what their favorite part was.  Take it a step further and make up something silly and see if your child will catch it.  If you’re still reading bedtime stories, don’t forget to mix up words and names for your kids to catch.  They’ll be sure to tell you you’re wrong and laugh at how silly mom and dad is. Play together.  Playing board games or playing outside as a family will give you more opportunities to laugh together.  You can either buy age appropriate board games, participate in outdoor activities, or make up some silly games. Laughter will help to reduce stress and keep your family healthy.  Plus, it will encourage better behavior in your children and you’ll all enjoy life together more. Your children will have fond memories of the times your family spent laughing together.  And, when they’re ready to have children of their own, they’ll be better equipped to pass down the same positive attitudes they learned as children. #### Leapfrog Phonics Farm Video Review I recently overheard my daughter saying "P says puhh" as she was reading off some letters on a sales flier.  When I mentioned this on a personal Facebook post, a friend of mine recommended some videos for us to continue working on our phonics. You may remember we've worked on phonics off and on, and I also previously reviewed a book to teach your children to read early. *Disclaimer: Affiliate links are included in this post. So, I logged into Netflix and started Leapfrog: Phonics Farm (a 35-minute video). [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" cloak="n" height="500" identifier="B0064J616I" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51DOIu1K6LL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="375"]  Baby girl was immediately captivated.  She has two different Violet characters, so she recognized the characters and was excited to see them on screen. Leapfrog Phonics Farm Video Review What I loved about [easyazon_link identifier="B0064J60LY" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Leapfrog: Phonics Farm[/easyazon_link]: * Scout & Friends start by showing Uppercase and Lowercase letters, then mention the sound a letter makes. * For each letter, they bring out an animal and repeat the letter sound.  They also use several adjectives or verbs with the same beginning letter sound. The repetition goes over well at her age, I believe. * No fluff.  This video went straight to the "lesson." * After learning a few letters and their sounds, Scout does a review of a small group and then continues on. * Touches on vowels and the multiple sounds they make. * The art and action kept my daughter's attention for the duration of the video. Like I said, I was able to watch this on Netflix, but you can buy it on Amazon (link directly to it when you click on the picture at the beginning of this post).  My local library has a few Leapfrog videos ... if you don't want to spend money, I'd recommend trying your library too. #### Learn To Tie A Tie With The Rabbit And The Fox - Children's Book Review This is a sponsored post for Learn to Tie a Tie with the Rabbit & the Fox. This adorable little book tells a story that serves as a good reminder of how to tie a neck tie.  Not that I need to worry about this raising a daughter, but I remember years ago my grandfather taught me how to tie a tie.  I'm sure knowing that would have been great if my husband didn't already know how to tie one. Over the years, I've forgotten what I learned and watching my husband tie his, I was disappointed that I couldn't remember.  Maybe no one will ever need me to tie their tie, but just in case, this book helped me! The pictures and story wonderfully illustrate how to tie a tie, so I tied one on myself (and I have to say, I don't know how men can wear these things regularly).  Look what an amazing job I did for my first try JUST from reading the book and following the story and illustrations! First tie with hubby's neck tie! My two year old wasn't grasping the concept, but I really didn't expect it. If you're currently working on teaching your child to tie their shoe laces, maybe add this.  I imagine a little one would be happy to learn this ... I know it made me feel good that I did something so easily!  Learn to Tie a Tie is available on Amazon. Sybrina's website links you to her books available in English, Spanish and Tagalog.  Also, Sybrina will soon be bringing the ladies a similar lesson in with scarves for the ladies!!!  Be on the lookout for it ... I'm sure it'll be a super cute read for the girls. Do you need to know how to tie a tie or a scarf?   #### Learning to Practice Mindfulness - "Mindfulness: A Journal" Review + Giveaway If you follow me on social media, you probably remember I recently mentioned taking a Mindful Parenting Class from Udemy.  The course gave some amazing reasons of why and how I needed to practice mindfulness for effective parenting.  My problem is actually practicing Mindfulness, so I was excited when I had the opportunity to pick up Mindfulness: A Journal by Catherine Price.  I was provided a copy of this mindfulness journal in exchange for my honest review.  This book answers your questions about mindfulness, like "what is mindfulness?" and "how do I practice mindfulness?" Mindfulness Journal Book Review This book's brief overview mentions how "mainstream" mindfulness has become, but how little we actually understand of mindfulness.  It's not a simple concept of being aware of your surroundings.  Catherine writes "To paraphrase Kabat-Zinn, mindfulness can be defined as paying deliberate attention to your life in the present moment without judgment."   To practice mindfulness, some key suggestions were: "...observe the sensory details of your experience ..." during a few moments of your day recognize that the only moment you can truly experience is this one.  You can't experience the past or the future. do the first two parts "without judgment."  It's okay to make choices, but not if you have a critical or negative attitude about something. "Mindfulness helps us to recognize that thoughts aren't us." How to Practice Mindfulness with the Journal It is recommended to use the journal and to skip around as you see fit, so long as you are deliberately practicing mindfulness for each entry.  I chose to start with the very first entry to explain why I chose to use the Mindfulness Journal. Then, I chose the second entry because it had a simple way for me to implement more mindfulness practices throughout the day.   The entry encouraged purchasing a small pack of stickers and placing them throughout your home, office, etc.  The stickers are meant to be your reminders to stop, breathe, and be in the present moment. My thoughts on the Mindfulness Journal Mindfulness: A Journal is an easy read.  It's thought-provoking and extremely helpful in explaining the true meaning of mindfulness. I love that each activity reminds you to be in the present.  There are tons of activities in this book to help you become better at true mindfulness.  Through direct instructions or prompts to make you think, there are plenty of exercises to help you practice. Catherine reminds you that you will fail at mindfulness and that it's OK.  We're human and we're retraining our brains.  It's not okay to punish or scold yourself when your mind wanders.  That you recognized it and work to put your mind back on track means you are learning. The author also reminds the reader that a change in attitude isn't achieved overnight, rather by continually practicing mindfulness over time. I plan to continue working through the journal to get a head-start on my New Year resolutions.  When I'm better at practicing general mindfulness and repairing my attitude, I plan to revisit the Mindful Parenting Class and brush up on the skills and activities there to work toward becoming a better parent. I recommend... I recommend that you select the prompt the night before - some of them are best to know what you need to focus on for the day. I'm looking forward to making some positive changes with this journal. This is a spectacular book for anyone looking to quiet the brain, find some peace, and give themselves a few minutes a day to de-stress.  It's a perfect gift for yourself or anyone you know who needs to "slow down."  As a mom, I know all too well just how necessary a book like this can be. "Mindfulness: A Journal" Giveaway After using this book for a couple weeks, I knew this was going to be something that was bound to help change my life.  In time.  With consistent practice.  And, I knew I needed to share this with my readers.  Catherine has agreed to send a book to one of my readers!  So, without further ado, here's the giveaway! "Mindfulness: A Journal" Giveaway I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. #### Let's Imagine Elmo Toy Review Thanks to Bzzagent.com, I was selected to receive a Let's Imagine Elmo Toy in exchange for posting my honest opinions.   I was not compensated in any other way.  The Let's Imagine Elmo Toy is a Playskool Sesame Street toy geared for children ages 2 -4 years.  The manufacturer's information includes these features: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. • Elmo has 4 interactive play modes• Interact with Elmo by tickling him, bouncing him, or squeezing his nose• Elmo plays "Prince Elmo Says"• Elmo counts up to 20 with your little one• Elmo plays a sounds-of-the-sea identification game When we received this interactive Elmo toy, I was excited to open the box and begin playing with my daughter.  From the onset, she was apprehensive to touch Elmo when he spoke.  After I played with him a few rounds, she began to become more comfortable.  It got a few smiles out of her and she tried to play along briefly, however, she lost interest pretty quickly.  Here's where I think Elmo lost her: 1) She wasn't able to take the hats off on her own 2) There were very few games and they were fairly simple 3) She wasn't quick enough to respond so it would count her action as wrong 4) If she didn't give it enough force or squeeze just right, it didn't count her action What she does like is to constantly change hats.  I think she also likes when he sings or talks, but she's having a hard time getting accustomed to the interactive play with this electronic toy.  This strange kid isn't afraid of people dressed up as characters, but electronic characters?  Sadly, not her cup of tea.   I, personally, think the Let's Imagine Elmo toy is cute.  It doesn't seem to hold my daughter's attention, but I'm torn on what ages I would think to classify it under.  It seems to lose my 3-year-old's interest, but at the same time, she can't respond quickly enough when Elmo is playing a game.  Now, I do recognize that she's intimidated by Elmo as an electronic character, so her response rate at the games is slowed, so perhaps another child her age is more inclined to be quicker to respond if they're not intimidated by electronic characters.   If you're interested in purchasing the Let's Imagine Elmo toy, it retails for about $40 and you can find him at Walmart, Target, and Amazon, just to name a few places. Below is an imagine to Let's Imagine Elmo on Amazon with my affiliate link!   [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" cloak="n" height="500" identifier="B00IHHLNZ4" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51LfE3l981L.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] #### Let’s Sing “Happy Birthday”, Twice I know that caring for our children's health is a vital part of parenting.  Check out this fun game for teaching food safety and healthy hand washing habits to kids.  This is a guest post. Guest Post By: Candess Zona-Mendola of MakeFoodSafe.com “Put some dirt on it,” my father-in-law would say when someone got a scrape or a cut. His tongue-in-cheek humor was quintessential of the generation he was born in. “Dirt is dirt, and dirt doesn’t hurt.” “A little bit of dirt never hurt anyone.” “Dirt creates a healthy immune system.” “I ate lots of dirt as a kid, and I never got sick.” We have heard them all. As I have grown and learned a thing or two about bacteria, I have found I tenderly disagree with him. Now, I am a fan of dirt. Rather of the idea of dirt. I made many mud pies as child and still as an adult make sandcastles at the beach. Dirt is definitely fun – to play with. But eating dirt, that is where I draw the line. Because dirt has bacteria and lots of it. The Dirt on Dirt As a food safety advocate, I see a wide array of foodborne and waterborne illnesses. Some from animals and others from, well, dirt. Many of the bacteria that can contaminate our food love to live in soils – like Listeria. Now, will we get Listeria from eating dirt? Probably not. But should we practice an ounce of prevention? Definitely, yes. Especially as many of our favorite foods – like blueberries if you are my son – are grown in the dirt. So, how do we tell this to a child, let alone a toddler? How do we explain to them that dirt is fun, but could make us sick (especially if it is still on our berries and our hands)? In our home, we have created a game. We call it “The Happy Birthday Game.” The idea is that we want to make washing things – like berries and our hands – just as much fun as playing in the dirt. I use “The Happy Birthday Game” to instill good habits, before singing the song becomes not so much fun anymore. You see, doctors and health agencies alike agree that handwashing and washing produce are the best practices anyone can do to ward off the majority of illnesses – not just foodborne ones. Did you know over a third of adults don’t wash their hands after using the bathroom? The Game How is the game played? It is really simple.   Step 1 – Wash your hands. (Lather them up well with soap and sing the song “Happy Birthday” twice as you wash.”   Step 2 - Get a dirty thing you may want to eat. If you are my son, it is a pint of blueberries from the grocery store.   Step 3 – Get a chair or a stool. Little hands usually want to be independent and wash the dirty thing themselves.   Step 4 – Turn on the running water.   Step 5 – Put the dirty thing under the running water.   Step 6 – Sing the song “Happy Birthday” twice as you let the running water splash over the dirty thing. Make sure to move it all around so the water runs over all areas.   Step 7 – Pat dry with a clean towel or a paper towel.   Step 8 – Eat! I am sad to say that the days of my daughter playing “The Happy Birthday Game” are almost over, but the goal of the practice has stuck. She washes her hands. She washes her produce. She understands that washing food and preparing food properly will keep her (and those she cares about) safe.  Her brother is well on his way to adopting the same habits. Who knows? Maybe our silly little game will work for others. After all, we all know the words to “Happy Birthday.” Pin This Post For Later Author Bio Candess’ passion is helping people. Like all mothers, Candess wears many hats.  Candess is the Senior Trial Paralegal at The Lange Law Firm.  With 15 years of paralegal experience, she has worked on many different types of litigation.  Candess began her career helping people in family law, civil rights, and employment cases. She went on to work on national mass tort cases, with a particular emphasis on helping women who have been harmed by defective medical products and pharmaceuticals.  Candess has worked on trial teams from the West Coast to the South to MidWest, in both state and federal courts.  She has been invited to speak at national seminars on the behind the scenes work that goes into taking massive bellwether cases to trial in federal court. Candess became a paralegal in order to help people.  When Candess learned that millions of Americans each year were becoming sick from food contaminated with pathogens, she wanted to do something about it. Ever the problem solver, Candess began by finding ways to get more helpful information about food safety concerns and solutions to families (especially other mothers) in a timely fashion. MakeFoodSafe.com is Candess’ third food safety blog.  Her first food safety blog has won multiple awards and has been recognized as a: Top 30 Food Safety Blog; Top Mommy Approved Blog; Top 10 Blog Posts by Texas Bar Today; and the Blogger Recognition Award. Candess works closely with Jory and the food safety team to develop and cultivate the firm’s food safety cases. From intake to trial, Candess ensures everyone gets what they need when they need it, even the most challenging matters. To Candess, clients are family. She is never too busy to take time to explain a complicated issue, answer a question, or give a supportive ear. For our clients who have never found themselves in a legal proceeding before, Candess makes it a point to help them understand the process. The phrase, “no question is a silly question” is routine in her vocabulary. A mother of two, Candess lives in a suburb of Houston with her husband, Tim.  When she is not saving the world one deadline at a time, Candess can be found channeling her inner chef or with coffee and a book. You can follow Candess and MakeFoodSafe on Facebook. #### Little Passports 1 Month Subscription - Review I'm so excited to have been given the opportunity to review a 1 month subscription to Little Passports. Little Passports is designed for children aged 5 - 12 years depending on the two different subscriptions formats.  The World edition is for ages 5 - 10, and the US edition is for ages 7-12. We received the 1st month of the World subscription, which arrived with a suitcase with other introductory items that will be used in subsequent months.  It's important to note that the first month is the introduction to Little Passports.  Your child will read about Sam and Sofia, who will be your child's pen pals.  Items in the suitcase include: A world map.  Your child will use the map to follow Sam and Sophia in their travels. Stickers.  Some stickers will be for decorating the suitcase, while others are for the passport and map. Passport.  Your child will have a "passport" to put a photo into for their travels with Sam and Sophia. The passport has questions for you and your child to answer, to help personalize the experience further. Boarding Pass.  The boarding pass offers an access code to play games in the Boarding Zone of the Little Passports website. Photograph.  A photo of Sam and Sofia on their scooter.  This little memento makes the fun seem all the more real to your child. Activity Sheet. Several activities are included on this sheet.  When completing one of the activities, your child will learn where the next adventure will take place. Subsequent months will expand on the use of the items in your first month, so it's important to remember that the first month subscription is just getting you started! CHECK OUT THIS DEAL Little Passports Sale: 40% Off Your First Month using promo code:FUN40. This deal runs from 5/16/14 to 5/22/14.  With the 40% discount applied, your first month will cost just $7.17 + shipping!  #### Little Tikes Activity Garden 3-in-1 Adventure Center Toy Review #TeamLittleTikes I received this toy in exchange for my review, however my opinions are my own. I recently joined Team Little Tikes online and was immediately rewarded by receiving the Activity Garden 3-in-1 Adventure Center.  In exchange for the toy, I have agreed to publish my review(s) in various places.  My favorite outlet is obviously right here on my blog so that you can benefit from hearing our thoughts directly. For starters, I joined Team Little Tikes and received the toy ON my daughter's birthday!  So, it was a nice surprise on her birthday, but that happened to be coincidence. Obviously a three year old can't contain her excitement when a new box arrives, so at 3:45 p.m. I'm forced to open the Little Tikes box and begin assembling the toy.  I'm not an engineer or even very handy at building things, but this toy build took me less than 15 minutes.  There were only two size screws, and the pictures and instructions were detailed enough to make it easy!  I felt very accomplished to have completed the build in 15 minutes. There's one thing I should note about the toy.  There are two ways to set up the activity after the build.  The seat can be placed on either top or bottom of the toy to create 1) a climb and slide activity or 2) a rocker. My daughter loved the toy and I found myself constantly being requested (demanded) to change the toy from rocker to climb and slide.  Thankfully, the snap on and off feature made switching out functions very easy.  Regardless of ease, my three year old hasn't been able to do it herself, so I'm pretty sure I have no worries about her hurting herself either. If you'd like to join a social community that shares you love of Little Tikes, I'd love it if you would consider joining Team Little Tikes with me! #spon: I'm required to disclose a relationship between my blog and MGAE. This could include MGAE providing me with content, product, access or other forms of payment. Connect with Ivy on Google+ Liked this article? Sign up for FREE updates! * indicates required Email Address * Email Format html text Disclosure: To help support this blog and continue to bring you free content, Ivy's Variety posts may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Mabel's Labels Review PLUS Special Offer and New Products! I recently received some labels from Mabel's Labels for the family.  I wanted to share my thoughts, a special promotion, and a new product of interest for those who may also need to do some labeling for family members in nursing homes.  Click the read more link below to found out about Mabel's Labels and their special offers! This post was a sponsored ad.  My opinions of a product or service are my own, and are not swayed by sponsorships.  More than just labels for kids, Mabel's Labels is now making it easier than ever for the elderly in your life to keep track of their belongings. New Senior Labels are customizable nursing home labels that are perfect for your loved ones clothes, shoes, slippers, eyeglasses and more. Super durable and easy to apply, just peel and stick to keep everything coming back to your loved ones' room. The Seniors Combo comes in a pack of 40 labels for just $16.99 and is available in a classic and simple style. For more details on these labels, visit: http://www.mabelslabels.com/products/Seniors+Combo.   Selecting my labels and customizing was a breeze.  With the quality of these amazing 3M labels, I'm confident that they will last.  My labels are microwave, dishwasher, and laundry safe, too, which is a blessing for labeling items that travel and need to be returned.  The ordering process was simple and my labels arrived much more quickly than anticipated. Plus, now through 11/30, when you spend $100+ with Mabel's Labels you will receive an offer for a free subscription to Today’s Parent.  Happy Labeling! #### Magic Kingdom is an Infant Friendly Theme Park At the end of summer, hubby decided to take the family on a day-trip to Disney World.  It had been a little over a year since we'd taken our daughter, and our annual passes had since expired.  We hadn't renewed because S was going to start school.  Plus, having a new baby, we weren't sure of when we'd be ready to hit the theme parks again.  Fortunately, Magic Kingdom is an extremely infant friendly theme park.  Our day trip was long, but amazing. Our only trips to Disney in the last couple years involved young children who were capable of walking onto rides with us.  I hadn't realized just how many rides we would be able to take the baby on, so my love for Disney grew with our end of summer trip. Do you want to know what makes Magic Kingdom such an amazingly infant friendly theme park? How many rides can I take my infant on at Magic Kingdom? Get ready for some family fun that even the smallest members can enjoy.  I'm not even going to include shows in my count. I count 18 rides that you can take your infant on.  This includes things like the Walt Disney World Railroad, Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress, and the People Mover, but your baby can have so much more fun if you're so inclined. Everyone riding Dumbo On our recent trip, I was able to take the baby on the following rides: Haunted Mansion Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin Peter Pan's Flight Dumbo the Flying Elephant It's a Small World Jungle Cruise The Magic Carpets of Aladdin Prince Charming Regal Carrousel There were more rides, but we ran out of time on our day-trip.  At least I know I have plenty of options during our next trip to Disney!! Bonus reasons Magic Kingdom is an Extraordinarily Infant Friendly Theme Park You can bring in baby food and bottles. They have baby care centers - complementary nursing rooms, changing rooms, and feeding stations with highchairs.  Plus, if you left anything or run out, there's a small shop for supplies. Rider Switch- this allows you to use your FastPass to send daddy and child on a ride, while you stay behind with baby.  When they return, you swap the baby, and you get to go on the ride with your child (even though child already used their FastPass). If you're babywearing, you don't have to remove your baby from your carrier to ride unless you want to. Stroller parking is strategically placed near most rides. Souvenir pick-up can be arranged.  Who wants to tote around baby, stroller, and souvenirs all day?  You don't have to.  Have your merchandise sent to a location near the exit for you to pick up when leaving the park.  Of course, you can always have it shipped home for an additional fee, if you'd prefer not to stuff the car to the roof. So, have you found any reasons I didn't list that make Disney's Magic Kingdom a surprisingly infant friendly theme park?   #### Make An Emergency Preparedness Plan For Your Family Among all the things you want your kids to learn, you've got to incorporate safety into your parenting repertoire.  3 important questions to ask when creating an emergency preparedness plan for your family. I previously told you about the unexpected evacuation my kids and I took in 2017.  Although we know the types of disasters to plan for in our area, we'd become pretty lackadaisical.  Having grown up in North East Florida, I was accustomed to losing power, hearing a lot of wind, and maybe losing a few trees. Never had I felt the devastating effects of our regular hurricane seasons, nor had I ever evacuated. But, 2017 changed that for me and my family.  Sadly, I wasn't exactly prepared and realized things could have been much worse. In light of the situation, I would be remiss to not share some of the things I learned about having an emergency preparedness plan for your family. Sooner or later, your family will encounter a natural disaster or other emergency situation.  These can be high-stress situations requiring immediate action to protect yourself and family from harm.  Without having a plan in place, the situation is only made worse by confusion. Having a family emergency plan in place will alleviate some stress and make it easier and quicker to find a safe situation. So, what can you do to prepare your family, ahead of time, for an emergency? Let’s face it. Sooner or later your family will encounter a natural disaster or similar emergency event that requires you to jump into action to stay safe and sound. Doing so will become much easier when you go in prepared and with a plan. Here are three basic questions that you should ask yourself to formulate an emergency preparedness plan for your family. This is the 2nd part of the Emergency Preparedness for Families Series: Emergency Preparedness for Families Series: Discussing the types of disasters to prepare for as a family How to Make an Emergency Preparedness Plan For Your Family (this post) Survival Food Storage Ideas for Families in a Disaster Must-Have Supplies for Your Family Disaster Survival Kit How to Stay Positive During an Evacuation Trip with Kids Questions to Ask to Come Up With an Emergency Preparedness Plan For Your Family These three basic questions will help your family come up with an emergency plan. Where Can We Go? When an emergency situation arises, you need to know where you can seek shelter. In some instances, staying home is an option.  As I said, here in North Florida, we're not often required to evacuate.  Staying at home has worked for us for many years. But, if you feel safer, or are required, to evacuate your town or state, where will you go?  Where will you stay? Discuss with family and friends in and out of state whether or not you can evacuate to their home in an emergency.  If you have pets, are you able to bring them along? Additionally, think about possible scenarios in an emergency situation or natural disaster. Whether or not you have people willing to take you and your family in, you'll also need to have an idea of hotels you may need to stay at in the first leg of your evacuation.  Have a list of hotel addresses and phone numbers on your most likely evacuation route(s) in case traffic delays the ability to arrive at a friend or family member's home. These are important decisions that are easier made when you're not in the middle of a stressful emergency situation. How Will We Stay In Touch? Think about how you'll accomplish staying in touch with loved ones.  Also consider how you'll be able to get new and emergency alerts or announcements. Start with ensuring everyone has a mobile phone.  Devices need to be charged and chargers need to be readily available. Having an additional battery or backup power supply will come in handy as well. In the midst of an emergency, it's important to be conservative with your device usage so that you can make battery power last as long as possible.  If your children have mobile devices, discuss with them the importance of this as well and remind them when necessary. Don't rely on just your smart phones and mobile devices for news updates and communication.  A backup plan will come in handy when signals are poor, non-existent, or you've run out of power. If you can't get hold of each other, have a designated meeting point or person everyone contacts. Finally, having a [easyazon_link keywords="weather radio" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]weather radio[/easyazon_link] is a great backup solution for updates on what's going on. What Supplies Do We Need? You'll be more safe and comfortable the more prepared you are! The supplies you need to have on hand depend on the natural disaster or emergency you are facing. Other factors to consider are: Where you live Your family members Pets The weather Begin by ensuring you have survival basics for all family members (including pets).  These are food, water, shelter, and medications. Once you have covered the essentials for living, think about some creature comforts you'd like.  Things like light and entertainment can go a long way to reducing stress, especially for children.  Have a camping light, books, and easy games can make a power outage with kids a little more pleasant. As a bonus, having a camping stove and special snacks can even make an emergency situation feel more like an adventure, which can really help kids not focus on the negative situation at hand. Having an emergency preparedness plan for your family is an excellent way to ensure better moods and survival outcomes.  And while no one really wants to think of their families in an emergency situation, not having a plan only puts everyone at greater risk for harm. A Free Printable Emergency Preparedness Workbook If you loved my tips for making an emergency preparedness plan for your family, why not grab this Family Emergency Preparedness Workbook.  Simply join my newsletter.  You'll receive this as well as a number of free printables in a resources library for parents. #### Make Your Kid's Bedtime Battle Free! Want to know how to make your kid's bedtime battle-free? Join the thousands of parents tired of struggling to get their kids to sleep at night! Many parents find trying to get their child to bed at night to be one big battle. During bedtime struggles, the child may play, whine and even cry. Once in bed, the child may repeatedly get out of bed and come downstairs. I don't know about you, but I find this frustrating, especially on nights I'm trying to spend time with my husband to have an adult conversation. Focusing on my marriage is important to me! Relaxing at the end of a long day is also difficult when dealing with stall tactics at bedtime. In this article I share advice on how to successfully free yourself of the fuss and make your kids' bedtime battle-free. Why is Bedtime Such a Battle? Some children even though they know that they are tired, do not want to miss out on any of the action or excitement. They want to spend as much time with mom and dad as possible. They can even see the fact that they have to go to bed before their parents as unjust and even cruel. These types of children will want to disrupt and even avoid going to bed at all costs. I have been through this experience with my own two young children. Both children have been known to be very moody in the morning after a late night. As a parent, it can become very frustrating as well as upsetting when you see your child crying because they do not want to go to bed. Comments like, "please, mom, just one more chapter" or "can I get a drink of water?" were far too regular, and at times I felt like backing down. But I know backing down and letting the kids have their way doesn't help anyone. What are the common reasons for bedtime battles? Inconsistent routines Going to bed too late and becoming overtired Too much screen time or use of electronics too late A desire for independence and making choices Separation anxiety And kids will try just about anything to delay bedtime. Top Bedtime Stall Tactics Toddlers are notorious for delaying bedtime, but older kids aren't immune to creating their fair share of bedtime battles "I'm not tired" Realize they're suddenly hungry Need a drink ... which turns into: Need to use the potty Want another story Claim it's too hot/cold Have to tell you about their day Want extra snuggles Forgot their stuffed animal You've got to check out this comedian's Instagram Videos depicting kids and delaying bedtimes! View this post on Instagram The things kids will think up just to delay bed time a few seconds longer. What’s the funniest excuse you’ve been given? A post shared by The Johnson Files (@johnsonfiles) on Nov 24, 2019 at 7:23pm PST So what do you do about bedtime stalling? 7 Ways to Make Your Kids' Bedtime Battle Free 1. Create and Stick to a Bedtime Routine I have learned best through parenting books and countless articles that all played a role in ending bedtime struggles with my children. Each child now has a set time when they have to be in bed. Toddlers and preschoolers don't really get much of a say, but as kids get older, it's okay to negotiate appropriate bedtimes! Just make it perfectly clear that if they show signs that bedtime is too late, you have the ultimate say in making changes. The next step is geared toward early preparation. Younger children should start the bedtime routine earlier. They get changed into their pajamas and brush their teeth around half an hour before bedtime.If the bedtime routine is completed before bed, they can spend the rest of the time playing with their toys. If children want to play before bed, we ensure that the games are relaxing and not too energetic. 2. Stop Food & Drinks Before Bed Getting up to pee has always been the larger problem in our bedtime struggles. And it's even worse when a child is potty training. Dinner is at least 1 hour before bed, but I've always aimed for closer to two hours. And an after-dinner treat follows only if our children eat their meals. We don't offer snacks right before bed, especially anything sugary. Both children are given one final sip of water before bed and are scurried to the restroom to begin their nightly routines. Relieving their bladders before bed reduces the chance of a bathroom rush or accident in the middle of the night. 3. Read a Story at Bedtime Reading stories at night is something I believe in, wholeheartedly! This is something they both love and helps them to wind down and relax. And, I find it's one of the easier ones to instill to end bedtime battles. We choose one age-appropriate book to read before bed. As my daughter got older, her books turned into single chapters (sometimes two depending on the length of a chapter). Reading to my children gives us a chance to bond, have a little fun, and relax. Not to mention, nighttime reading typically fills a homework requirement as the children start school, so we're killing two birds with one stone. 4. Explain the Importance Of Sleep I have explained to each child the importance of sleep (how it gives our brains a chance to process what it learns and allows our body to rest and heal). Bedtime is the part of the day we should enjoy instead of seeing it as some sort of punishment. And believe me, I haven't been above telling my kids how much I wished I could go to sleep when they did! Instead, mommy has more chores and work to complete before she's allowed to go to bed. 5. Make Their Bedroom Inviting I have tried to make their bedrooms their own special space that they want to retreat to. Each of their rooms has elements that suit their personalities. My daughter's room has light blue walls and a comforter with whimsical dinosaurs (as she had been into dinosaurs for a very long time). My son's room is dark green and he has a metal Jeep bed with a camo comforter. He's all about automobiles and construction equipment. 6. Play Quiet, Soothing Sounds For as long as I can remember, I've played white noise in my baby's rooms. White noise for baby's sleep often helps babies doze off more easily and drowns out ambient noises that are likely to startle a wee one. I'm still using white noise for my son, who is now 4. I did the same for my daughter until she began requesting music at night. Then, I began allowing her to listen to calm, quiet music to help her drift off to sleep. The volume is low and if we have trouble with the kids waking and crying in the middle of the night, it's one of the things we evaluate as a trigger. 7. Try a Sleep & Wake Clock This last section is for the particularly difficult kids who just can't help but test the limits! You know the ones ... They get out of bed to play. They hang out at the top of the stairs. They sneak downstairs. They wake up the whole house way too early! For the kids who need to learn boundaries, we found it particularly helpful to have a special alarm clock (I really like this one!). This clock turns color (ours is yellow) when lights must go out and you're not allowed out of bed. Then, it turns green when it's acceptable to get up and wake others. This clock is set by the parent, so you choose the times for sleep and waking up. And, while it was ever so helpful, it's important to remember to go over rules with your children, especially with kids who are potty training! You don't want them to feel they're not allowed to leave the bed if they need to potty! These tips have helped to make our children's bedtimes a pleasant experience. Although, as you're aware, it hasn't always been the case. The children themselves are now into a routine, and one we are all pretty happy with. I believe the key to all this comes down to understanding the importance of sleep creating calming routines sticking to routines/rules Most nights, our bedtime is battle-free! What are your biggest bedtime struggles centered around? #### Making a New Year's Resolution for 2015 I rarely make New Year's resolutions.  I know that a) I won't stick to it and b) I never know what I most want to improve.  The last couple years I've been working on my health, but that's come with necessity as it has failed me miserably and I knew I HAD to get better for the sake of my husband and daughter. Recently, I began to realize that I wasn't able to find much joy in my day.  Struggling with my health, constantly in the kitchen cooking Paleo, and trudging through the day listening to my kid whine and argue with me has taken a toll on my ability to see the beauty in life.  It wasn't until a recent, & almost completely horrible day at Animal Kingdom with the crankiest kid in the park, that I found a moment of beauty in spite of it all.  In this moment, I captured a wonderful shot (above) of a giraffe during our safari ride and completely forgot about the arguing, crying and screaming I'd listened to all day. Though the moment didn't last long, I was entranced and felt at peace.  And, that's when I realized I needed to find that more often, regardless of how brief!  So, for 2015, I will begin to look for the beauty in everyday life.  I won't press myself to find it daily, though I hope to work up to that as I train my brain to look for things that make me happy or set my mind at ease. Have you given any thought to your New Year's Resolution(s)?  What are they? #### Making My Toddler's Christmas Wishlist Since my daughter is only two, making a wish list is more like living vicariously through her and giving her all the things I want to play with.  Let's be honest, that's part of the fun of having children, isn't it?  Well, here are a few items from Melissa & Doug I'd love to put on my Toddler's Christmas Wishlist. Since the USPS is still operable, I'd love to be able to teach the little one about mailing things.  It would be cute to have this little Stamp & Sort Mailbox set up next to the door out of the play room. I love our plastic play food set that we got cheap, but we've had an egg smashed and the little one has learned to squeeze the crap out of the squeeze bottles ... I'm afraid some of the plastic pieces are going to be destroyed and she has a few years left to play with them.  Planning ahead, I'd love to get this Wooden Pantry Products Set! Maybe it's high aspirations, but I'd love a Doctor Dress Up Set to start our pile of imaginative and dramatic play clothes.  I can't believe we don't already have play clothes :|  I'm slacking! Maybe I better go ahead and order this ... forget waiting for Christmas!   What would you like to see on your kids' Christmas wish lists? #### Making The Most of Quality Time With Family The events of 2020 might have had you spending a load of additional time with your kids and your spouse. For many, hours were reduced, jobs were lost, or you had to work remotely. Maybe you work long hours, commute and hardly see your family during the week. No matter the circumstance, you have the opportunity to become more intentional about spending quality time with family. Personally 2020 brought many unexpected changes to our household! One of my children began doing virtual school full time from home. My husband's job required him to become an almost 100% remote employee. And, I was taking a class, working two part-time jobs, and then lost the job with the most hours. Although our family was at home "together" a majority of the time, we weren't spending much quality time together. According to StudyFinds.org "Americans are enjoying just 37 minutes of “quality time” as a family on weekdays." However, they usually try to catch up on weekends when family time expands to about 3 hours. Other studies show that even a few minutes of togetherness sprinkled throughout the day can strengthen family ties. Small gestures make a big difference. Find out more about how to nurture the important relationships in your life. Try these techniques for maximizing quality time. Maximizing Quality Time with Family Your kids are going to consume your time one way or another. Build strong relationships with them now to avoid bailing them out later. Proactive parenting will help your children to become more resilient and make wiser choices. Use these strategies: 1. Pay Attention! Boost your child’s self-esteem and social skills by removing distractions and giving them your undivided attention. Turn the TV off. Take a break from sales reports and your thoughts about the bills. Listen closely to what your children have to say and show your enthusiasm for their interests. 2. Dine Together Enjoy family dinners. Linger around the table or plan activities for afterwards. You can make an evening out of renting a movie or doing crafts. 3. Play and Dance Too many structured activities can crowd out time for independent play. Let boredom teach you and your family to come up with inventive and creative entertainment strategies. Leave room in your schedule for laughter and silliness. 4. Have Deep Conversations Earn your child’s trust by letting them ask questions without fear of being judged or embarrassed. They’ll be more likely to confide in you when they’re struggling. You can also use news stories and movies as prompts to discuss important issues. And don't let age keep you from discussing what you consider to be more mature topics. Find ways to incorporate age-appropriate language to discuss current events. 5. Go on Vacation Washington Post, relayed a study finding that 55% of Americans didn't use all of their vacation in 2018. Ditch the guilt and use your personal leave time! Family outings create lasting memories, and you may feel more relaxed away from home. Maximizing Quality Time with Your Spouse Does your spouse seem more like your roommate sometimes? It’s natural for the honeymoon phase to pass, but you can revitalize your relationship. In fact, you can apply many of the same techniques you use with other family and friends and supercharge them for your relationship. Try these techniques: 1. Schedule Date Nights Aim for at least one date night a month to focus on being a couple. If you’re too tired to plan a night out, it’s okay to stay home as long as you do something more fun than working on your taxes or talking about the kids. 2. Find a Hobby to Do Together Sharing common interests draws you closer together too. Team up on a home improvement job or take a scuba diving class. 3. Support Each Other Romance in a relationship doesn't have to be flowers, chocolates, and gifts. Ordinary kindnesses can go a long way in your marriage. Bring your spouse a cup of coffee while they’re working at home. Send them an encouraging text on their way to a dentist appointment. Or, simply compliment their appearance (which you probably haven't done in a few weeks, if you're being honest). Maximizing Quality Time with Yourself It's important that you not forget to take care of yourself, too. When you honor your needs, you increase your capacity to care for your loved ones. Keep these tips in mind: 1. Work Out An active lifestyle is essential for your wellbeing. You’ll also be serving as a positive role model for your kids. 2. Eat Healthy Prepare nutritious meals and snacks for your family and yourself. Give your kids age-appropriate kitchen tasks so they can pitch in and start forming wholesome habits. 3. Sleep Well Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. Being well rested can make you a better communicator, which in turn can make you a better spouse and more patient parent. With enough planning and effort, you can share more quality time with the ones you love. Strengthening the connections to your wellbeing and to your family brings more happiness and stability into your life and creates a brighter future for your children. Quality Time with Family Series This is part 4 in the series about family and quality time! Here's what we have: Parents, Make Time for Your KidsGet Rid of Facebook (Be a Better, Happier Parent)Maximize Time With your Family (THIS POST)Ways to Spend Quality Time With Family #### Marriage is a Lifelong Commitment to Choose to Stay in Love I had to share this marriage post with permission from Sarah at Foxy's Domestic Side.  I felt as though this post went well with my post: 17 Surprising Things I Learned in 8 Years of Marriage. I started this marriage series to give you a glimpse of my marriage and what does and doesn't work for us. I thought I'd start out with some really important lessons we learned when we went on our engaged encounter before we got married. I think they are life lessons that really helped our marriage. Marriage is a Lifelong Commitment to Choose to Stay in Love Lesson 2: Love is a choice. Now this may sound weird. You're probably thinking, wait I always love my spouse all the time. But do you? I think relationships go in phases. What I mean is first you have the butterflies of meeting The One, then the phone calls and dates start and you're excited and always want to be with each other. Then the engagement happens and those excited feelings either come back or you just keep you going on that relationship high (you know when the person can do no wrong, light of your life, etc), getting married and being able to call your once boyfriend/fiance to husband status, that high can last a couple of years. The newness of everything keeps you going. But what happens when you settle into a routine and things aren't all butterflies and rainbows? You Choose to Stay In Love This is when you CHOSE to love your partner. You wake up and think, I am choosing to love this person no matter what. Some days you won't have to think that, you'll just wake up and know. But other days when he's left his laundry on the floor instead of the hamper, he forgot to get some milk on the way home from work, you are choosing to love this person. When you get in an argument and think you are really not happy with him, at those moments you have to choose to love this person and remember the reasons why you married him in the first place. Mr. and I rarely argue, but we do have those small little things that are so stupid saying why you were fighting out loud is just ridiculous, one of us will shout out to the other person, "I'm choosing to love you right now!" Usually that's enough to break our momentary anger and realize that fighting over which way to drive to the movie theaters isn't that big of a deal. It helps to not escalate a small little fight into something bigger where things are said and can't be taken back. So when you're fighting and not talking, just keep reminding yourself you are choosing to love this person and remember why you got married in the first place. Now go out and choose to love your spouse today. Do you feel marriage is a lifelong commitment? Do you agree love is a choice?  Will you choose to stay in love? Author Bio: Sarah has been married to her husband for 13 years, is a mom of two kids (ages 7 and 4), works full time as an engineer and tries to find her creative side through blogging. She loves party planning, which currently consists of kids parties, crafts and DIY's. She never sleeps, you can get a lot done when you only sleep 4 hours a day. Join her as she tries to do a little bit of everything. Instagram Pinterest YouTube Twitter #### Master Your Family Schedule - A Book on Time Management for Parents I'm sharing my secrets to time management for parents!  As a mom who blogs, runs an Etsy shop, and gives time to myself, my husband, and my kids, I have to have all my ducks in a row. Parenting comes with lots of time constraints doesn't it? As a first time mom, I was surprised at how busy we were.  Some of our full schedule was self-inflicted, true.  But, a lot was unavoidable ... you know normal life stuff.  Then, we added the second baby. Our daughter started Kindergarten and extracurricular activities.  Life has gotten so busy that we don't usually have a free weekend. As a stay at home mom, I have been overwhelmed by the amount of responsibilities.  Even more so, I have (and sometimes still do) struggle with how little down time there is.  I have lamented that I just can't get everything done.  In your parenting adventure, have you ever struggled with time?  There's just not enough time in the day to get the house chores done, chase or entertain the kids, and meal plan.   Oh, did you want a night off?   If you don't have time management strategies in place, you may have had difficulty finding that time.  But, your time to unwind is just as important as everything else you schedule. I'm with you!  I've been a stay at home mom nearly 6 years and have had to adapt to new routines as I watch the days, weeks, and years pass by.  Sometimes it's a blur.  And, I know how difficult it can be to fit everything in.  Heck, I know how hard it can be to totally forget something was planned.  Between doctors appointments, after school activities, and all the other things on your family's schedule, it's easy to forget to note another appointment.  Or, maybe you've totally forgotten an appointment? I'll let you in on a secret.  I have too!  I'm always thankful for the reminder calls or emails from the doctor's office.  But, I go into a sort of panic mode.  If I don't have it on the calendar, I have to fit it in and move things around. But, it doesn't have to be so difficult.  Nor does it need to induce anxiety. Time Management for Parents In the past couple weeks, I've shared some tips to help you be the boss of your family's schedule, but I haven't given you all the tools.  I don't know if I'd say I was holding out, but I HAVE saved the best for last!  For a LIMITED TIME, I'm going to let you download my new e-book for free.  I've designed this book to help with time management for parents, especially stay at home moms.  These are strategies I use in my own home to organize and prioritize our everyday demands.  And, I show you how to master the time and buy more time.  More time to spend enjoying your family or to pencil in some time for self-care that you may be desperate for. The best part is, I give you some free printables in my new book to help you organize your schedule.  And, you'll keep your whole family on the same page! Limited Time Free Offer It's here!  How to Conquer Your Family's Schedule: A Stay at Home Mom's Guide to (Almost) Getting it All Done is now available in Kindle format. This is a wonderful opportunity to read about the time management for parents that I not only recommend, but I use myself.  It's a peek into my world as a stay at home mom with two kids and a busier schedule than I can sometimes imagine. In my new book, I share how I (almost) get everything done ... from building a housekeeping schedule, keeping up with your family's busy schedule, to finding time for scheduled self-care.  I've also included printables that you won't have access to in any of my blog posts. If you want to be notified when the book is available for free, or when it goes on discount, you must sign up for my email newsletter.  The book is here! There's no better time than now Brush up on your time management skills and get your family's schedules organized! #### Meet the Cutes - Book Review and Interview Let's take a few minutes to check out a new educational and entertaining book coming to the market, Find the Cutes - Playtime.Vincent and Celestial Noot created this adorably entertaining book for the kiddos.  I was provided a sneak peek of the book and I was reminded of some popular character finding books.  My daughter loves these kind of books, though I believe it was even too busy for her at 2 and a half.  No worries though, because I loved it.  If your kids are into these books, I'd recommend it.   In each page, you're instructed to find the Cutes as well as other people and objects relating to the scene. Check out the interview, below, to find out why and how to get involved with Find the Cutes.INTERVIEW Reasons to buy this bookThe world market is flooded with numerous children’s books, so if we wanted to make it big, we knew our book had to stand out. It had to have that extra something that makes you want it and be impressed with it, so that you recommend it to others personally and in reviews. You need to feel your money was worth it. So why buy “Find the Cutes - Playtime?” Because it’s not a regular children’s book.- It keeps you and your children entertained for hours.- The illustrations look beautiful.- It’s cute and funny.- It’s educational.What is “Find the Cutes - Playtime” all about?Children are creative. They have a huge imagination. In society today, despite all the technology and opportunities, the greatest happiness is often found in the home. Children give families that extra enthusiastic energy. “Find the Cutes - Playtime” is based on that concept. It sparks the imagination, stimulates dialogue without words, educates, entertains, and inspires. Who are the Cutes?The Cutes are a family. Their last name is “Cute” and all the kids’ names start with a “C”: Carissa, Chaz, Cade, Cammy, and Cindy. The story is based on the “second-mom” phenomenon: As the oldest daughter you sometimes get to babysit your younger siblings a lot. That’s how it can work in bigger families. In every illustration I tried to show their innocence and playfulness.What inspired you as an illustrator?As a child, I was much intrigued by search books. I spent hours looking for the right characters and objects on every page. But I discovered there weren’t that many different ones out there. Over the years, I developed a unique cartoon style that I was able to use for several companies and assignments. Together with my ideas and the concept of a search book, my wife (then girlfriend) and I came up with a search book and a fun family as the main characters.How did you come up with each page, and how long did it take to draw them?Before each page, I brainstorm about as many creative, funny things that could happen. For example, I divided the Birthday Party page into section of balloons, ball pit, presents, etc. Children can be very silly. So I think of what they'd do with a balloon, like rubbing it over their hair, letting it go into the air, binding it to their ears, popping it, etc. Each page took almost 100 hours to sketch, draw, color on the computer, etc. Each person is hand-drawn and colored in Photoshop. My wife, Celestial, did most of the storytelling. The whole book took 1 year to finish. Some drawings are based on real events. Sometimes something funny that happened in our lives, comes back in the drawings. For instance, when I was dating my wife, we both took a bite of the same huge hotdog at the same time. So in the Swimming Pool page, I drew a boy and a girl eating a hotdog at the same time.Who is the book for?Children ages 3 and up. Adults could enjoy it too. With 12 pages of things to search for, kids could be entertained for hours. Not only are we going to make a book, but we are planning on making it a tablet game for the ipad, kindle, and other devices. That will be a stretch goal if we make it.Are you on social media?We have a website, www.findthecutes.com, which will be the means of selling our book once it’s updated with a payment system. We are also on Facebook, Google Plus, Pinterest, Twitter, and Tumblr. Feel free to look us up and follow us.Are you going to make a sequel?Yes. We are planning on an entire series of 10 books The next book will be called “Find the Cutes - Festival Fun” and will have fun search pages about Christmas, Easter, and Halloween, but also about the Tomato Festival in Spain, Songkran in Thailand, and Sinterklaas in the Netherlands. It will also have 12 pages and a storyline. We already started working on it.When will it be available?The book is completed, so we now have a kickstarter campaign from March 1st until March 31st. This is the link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/92560380/find-the-cutes-playtime?ref=discovery. You can sponsor/back our project in those 30 days and get discounts that way. We are getting the website www.findthecutes.com ready for ordering, so we are in the process of getting the book printed and attaching a payment system to the website. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions at findthecutes@gmail.com or personally to my account at vincentnoot@gmail.com.I did not receive any compensation for this post.  I was provided a copy of the book in exchange for my thoughts and to share this information with you. Disclosure: To help support this blog and continue to bring you free content, Ivy's Variety posts may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. Please see my disclaimer page for more info.Connect with Ivy on Google+ #### Memories: Wooden Nesting Dolls As a young child, I used to love playing with my dad's aunt's set of wooden nesting dolls.  Years later, when some of her belongings were being distributed among family, my dad tried to get those dolls for me, knowing I had a fond memory of them.  Unfortunately, they had been claimed before he could get them, so he happened on a new set somewhere and bought them for me. © Ivy www.sahmplus.com The new set didn't hold the same value, emotionally, but it brought back memories of nesting and unnesting those things so many times at my great-aunt's house, that I was excited to receive them.  A couple more years down the road, and now my daughter loves playing with these, too. © Ivy www.sahmplus.com It wasn't until recently that I decided to learn a little bit more about these dolls.  Learn about the Matryoshka doll on Wikipedia... I think their history and production is pretty interesting. Was there a special toy you played with as a child that your own child(ren) express an interest in? #### Mentally Preparing My Child DOESN'T WORK I've heard of some really good reasons why you should discuss things with your child and good reasons to mentally prepare a child for a change in activity.  Let me just say why that single piece of advice MIGHT NOT WORK.In the case of my daughter, mentally preparing her for something makes her concentrate on it.  This kid and her level of concentration!  I've learned my lesson and here's why I don't do it anymore.Talking about getting ready to go bye bye:  If she really don't want to leave, she'll throw a fit and concentrates on NOT wanting to go bye bye, regardless of the fact that you may very well be explaining she has a few minutes to do whatever it is she did want to do.  Prime example, I was yelled at leaving because it was time to leave the doctor's office because she REALLY didn't want to go. "I no want leave.  I play Doctor!"Or, if it's something she does want to do, you'll never hear the end of it.  Packing up to stay with the Grandparents.  Preparing her for it just meant I had to listen to her fuss at me to go bye bye to see PaPaw for the next 20 minutes.  I seriously can't get packed up quickly enough for her at times like these.Finally, using as leverage to invoke good behavior has really back-fired.  Asking her to take her nap or quiet time so that we can do x has always lead to either a shorter nap or quiet time.  What happens?  She holds on to it and 30 minutes later is screaming from her room.  Go in, and she'll promptly tell you she's ready for whatever it is you suggested you were doing after nap/quiet time.Nope, mentally preparing your child may not be the best advice.  We don't do it in this house, that's for sure.What's your take?Disclosure: To help support this blog and continue to bring you free content, Ivy's Variety posts may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. Please see my disclaimer page for more info.Connect with Ivy on Google+ #### Mindful Mama-to-be: How to create a mindfulness practice that will support you as you transition into motherhood. Guest post by Kristy Rodriguez, Pure Nurture LLC Mindfulness is a simple practice that can bring more calm, clarity, and relaxation to your daily life. Notice that I said simple, not easy. Before we dive into how mindfulness can help relieve anxiety and worry about the upcoming birth of your baby and support you as you transition into motherhood, let’s first talk about what “mindfulness” means. Mindfulness is a practice that seems to be riding on the coattails of yoga. Yoga has become extremely popular in our western society, with mindfulness and meditation coming right up behind. They are similar and complimentary practices, all benefitting us mentally, physically and emotionally. Mindfulness is usually referenced when discussing awareness of ourselves and our actions. It is the practice of focusing on the present moment and our thoughts, feelings, emotions and physical sensations in that moment. One of my favorite ways to practice mindfulness is while eating a square of rich dark chocolate. It’s a nice introductory practice and a great excuse to eat a piece of chocolate! (Guided practice included at the end of the article.) You can practice mindfulness while eating, exercising, playing with our kids, making love, walking in nature—and the list goes on. The more you practice being mindful, the easier it will become and the more benefits you will receive. There isn’t a hard-and-fast rule about practicing mindfulness; it really is just about increasing your awareness of the present moment and your relationship and reactions to what is happening in that moment. It’s not about “making your mind go blank” or breathing in a specific way; it’s about noticing. Heightened awareness. We often go through life on autopilot. (Like driving from point A to point B and not really remembering much about what you saw or how you got there.) With a mindfulness practice, we turn the autopilot off and attune our senses to what is happening moment-by-moment. Mindful Mama-to-be:  How to create a mindfulness practice that will support you as you transition into motherhood. So how does this relate to pregnancy, birth, and motherhood? When you are pregnant or already a parent, you are no longer just one person worrying about yourself and your own needs, wants and desires. Your life is now about yourself and your child (or children). From what you eat, to how and when you sleep, and where you go and what you do, your actions now affect yourself and them. And this can be exhausting and overwhelming. This is where mindfulness comes in. I’ve included a mindfulness practice into my self-care toolbox, and I talk about it in my recent book, Pure Nurture. As a parent or mom-to-be, you must practice self-care in order to be the best you can be. If you are depleted, agitated or exhausted, you will not be as patient, loving, supportive or healthy for those that depend on you most. Incorporating mindfulness into your daily life will allow you to ride the waves of life and the bumps in the road more smoothly. Something physically and psychology happens when you are more mindful. Your brain literally changes for the better, helping to relieve stress and aid in dealing with adversity in a calmer, more relaxed way.  If you’re interested in the why and how of this research, Mindful.org has several articles and more information. As you prepare for the birth of your baby, you may be experiencing some worry or anxiety about the unknown. How will the birth go? Will the baby be healthy? When will labor begin? What will it be like when I bring my baby home for the first time? Etc., etc. There are so many unknowns when it comes to the birth of your baby. Practicing mindfulness during pregnancy can support you amid the uncertainty and help you to remain calm, confident and relaxed. Here are a few ideas to support you during this special time: Mindful Mama Practices: Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Take a few deep and relaxed breaths in and out through your nose. Notice how your body is feeling, starting with your feet. Work your way up your legs, relaxing the muscles as you go. Relax your hips, pelvis, glutes, abdomen, chest, shoulders, arms, back, neck and all the muscles in your face, including your jaw and tongue. As you consciously relax all of your muscles, continue to breathe in a deep and relaxed way. You have just practiced mindfulness. Positive Birth Visualization: Take 3 deep breaths in and out through your nose. Next, close your eyes and imagine the location where you would like to give birth. Notice who you want to be there with you. It’s only those that bring you joy and help you to feel loved and supported. You are safe and loved. Your body is strong, yet relaxed, and you feel confident and ready to meet your baby. * While you practice this visualization, you will be experiencing all of these positive emotions in the present moment. Filling your body with affirmative thoughts and feelings allows you to maintain a state of ease and helps you to be freer from anxiety and stress. (*Note: No matter how much you prepare, your birth will be unique and there is no way to know exactly how or when it will happen. This exercise is to be used as a guided visualization to help you stay calm and relaxed during your pregnancy and leading up to birth and delivery. At the same time, it's important to educate yourself about the many ways birth can unfold. Being prepared to release your expectations and follow a different path as labor progresses (if needed) can help prevent later distress. In the event of a traumatic birth, or if you are pregnant and have had previous difficult birth experiences, there are resources out there to help you.) Gratitude: As you move throughout your day, notice all the things you feel grateful for. The smallest things can be noticed, such as your soft bed as you lie down to sleep. The birds chirping outside your window. Your morning breakfast. Practicing gratitude is a powerful way to create more ease in your life. When we focus on all that is going well and all that we appreciate, there is less room for worry or fear. As you move through the rest of your day today, focus on all the things that you feel grateful for, big or small. As you notice the more minute aspects of your life on a moment-by-moment basis, you are practicing mindfulness. You can try one or more of the ideas above, or just simply notice your breath as you are driving your car, standing in line at the store or preparing dinner. It really is that simple. It may not be easy at first. In fact, the hardest part is remembering to be present and to notice. The more you practice, the easier it will become. And the easier it becomes, the more positive impact it will have on your life and your health—physically, mentally and emotionally. And as a mom-to-be and as a new mom, that is invaluable. A Mindfulness Chocolate Practice (From Pure Nurture: A Holistic Guide to a Healthy Baby) Choose some chocolate—either a type that you've never tried before or one that you have not eaten recently. Any kind will do, but the important thing is that it is a type you would not normally eat or that you do not often consume. Open the wrapper and inhale the aroma. Break off a piece and look at it. Really let your eyes drink in what it looks like, examining every nook and cranny. Set it on your tongue and close your mouth. Try to hold it on your tongue and let it melt, noticing any tendency to suck at it. Chocolate has over 300 different flavors. See if you can identify some of them. If you notice your mind wandering while you do this, simply notice where it went off to, and then gently bring it back to the present moment. After the chocolate has completely melted, swallow it very slowly and deliberately. Let it trickle down your throat. Repeat this with one other piece. *Disclaimer: Affiliate link below. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B01N7VI35J" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/31YjyFDqV0L.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="323"] Kristy S. Rodriguez, pre- and postnatal wellness expert and advocate, is the owner and founder of Pure Nurture, LLC, a business devoted to educating and inspiring women to nurture and nourish themselves through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. As a Holistic Health Coach and Registered Yoga Teacher specializing in pre- and postnatal wellness, Kristy works with individual clients, as well as teaching classes and workshops, both in person and online. Connect with her at info@purenurture.com or on Instagram and Facebook.     #### Mindfulness For Kids: The Simple Solution To Teach Kids Interested in mindfulness for kids?  Now is a great time to start your child's education in mindfulness and meditation.  Here's what helps us. Ahhh ... summertime! It's the time of year when moms are excited for summer fun adventures with the kids. But, we're also dreading the summer boredom woes, the demands for screen time, and the attitudes we'll receive.  You know ... because our fun plans just didn't line up with their plans to veg out and play on their tablets. If you're like me, you're used to having a least one little one at home, but having the big kid at home messes with schedules.  And, while the big kids can be entertaining for the little ones, you're just as likely to hear a ton of sibling arguments. As we all deal with adjusting to our new (and temporary) schedules, I think we can all expect a roller coaster of emotions. That's why I'm really excited to be putting Zafooz to the test, thanks to the collaboration made possible through Mom's Meet. I know I should be practicing mindfulness. Personally, I try.  But I am easily distracted.  I'm terrible at creating mindfulness practice habits.  I've even had trouble sticking to yoga recently, although my short stints with it result it amazing feelings afterwards. I know the benefits and I've seen some breathing techniques work on my youngest child.  So, the Zafooz pillows can be an encouraging (and adorable) reminder to make mindful breathing part of our day. I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided. Whether we just want to start our day in a short mindful breathing exercise or we need to take a break to ease some heavy emotions, I truly believe these soft and friendly characters will provide an inviting experience for us all. Mindfulness For Kids With Zafooz Why Mindfulness For Kids? Mindfulness is good for children because: It helps find peace in stressful situations Teaches them to respond to life in a happier way Helps develop self-regulation and reduces anxiety. Therefore, mindfulness is good for their growing brains! But, these are just 3 reasons to start practicing mindfulness with kids. Zafooz for Mindfulness So, if you want to teach mindfulness to children, why choose Zafooz? Zafooz were created to be inviting reminders to children to connect and nurture themselves.  Young children relate to stuffed animals ... and this is by far the sweetest, snuggliest stuffy one could own, in my opinion. Each Zafooz has it's own mantra and stories to guide children into mindfulness. We received Lotus Ladybug and Mindful Monkey.  Each seemed appropriately suited to my children, though interchangeably. As you see, though, starting lessons in mindfulness for kids didn't go so well right off the bat. Someone wanted to snuggle and run around with his monkey.  But, we persisted and actually enjoyed the mindfulness practice!  Zafooz website is full of mindfulness practice resources including guided mindfulness practices for different stages. By the end of it, I could tell my oldest was enjoying the peaceful few minutes of guided practice.  She became calm and answered the questions easily.  The youngest .. well, he could really stand to use mindfulness more *wink*. At the end of the practice, we were instructed to thank ourselves for taking time out of our day to focus on ourselves.  Of course, this also meant thanking Lotus Ladybug and Mindful Monkey for helping them find some peace in their day. What I like about Zafooz is that they have soft, matching handles attached at the sides of their bodies so that you can carry them (and your mindfulness practice) wherever you go! Save 15% And Try It Out Yourself Ready to try out mindfulness for kids with Zafooz? Save 15% on your zafooz.com/shop purchase by using the promo code breatheBhappy. Offer valid until July 22, 2019. #### Mom Hobby #5: Tyane is a Mom Blogger I'm so excited for another installment in my mom hobby feature.  I love interviewing these ladies about the hobbies they've selected because it introduces me (and you) to different ways moms find time for themselves.  Today you're reading Mom Hobby #5.  It's hard to believe I've already shared 4 of these and I really appreciate that these ladies have taken the time to introduce themselves and their hobbies.  And, to hopefully inspire you to take some time for yourself! Today, I'm going to introduce you to Tyane of a mommy blog called Boy Mom Blessed. Meet Tyane Tyane believed she would be a "laid back easy going type" but has become a self-proclaimed "uptight parent..." with 4 boys.  (Yeah, I have one boy and a girl ... I'm with ya lady!) Growing up in a house full of girls, Tyane definitely hadn't really considered her life would be what it is, saving it's "a whole new universe."  But, there's never a dull moment in her life and it's made her really grateful for wine. She believes it's important for moms to find time for themselves.  Several times, her husband has come home from work to find her sitting on the porch because she needed a break from the kids. (I've so been there ... maybe there needs to be a community porch for moms who need a break LOL). Someday, Tyane would love to swim with dolphins or go on an African Safari.  (I say, aim for both!!). Tyane's Mom Hobby is Blogging Tyane believes that moms put a ton of effort into their families and homes, so finding a hobby and setting aside time for ourselves is extremely important.  That's why she began blogging.  In July 2016, she started Boy Mom Blessed while her husband was traveling for work.  She needed an evening hobby and enjoys writing, so it made sense that blogging be her creative outlet.  Her blog is geared toward helping work-at-home moms balance life and work because her husband's work travel empowered her to "to it all." She spends upwards of 10 hours a week and posts once a week for her readers.  Like most moms, she accomplishes this after her children go to bed for the night.  Tyane is particularly proud of an article where she shared 6 ways she maintains life as a work at home mom. Would you like to start a mom blog?  Check out these fantastic reasons to start a mom blog and all the blogging tips I've shared over the years! WOULD YOU LIKE TO ENCOURAGE MOMS TO FIND A HOBBY? I want to give you the opportunity to be featured.  Any mom hobby, no matter how mundane you believe it may be, can be an excellent source of inspiration for a mom struggling to maintain her sense of balance.  If you’d like to encourage another mom by sharing your mom hobby, click here to the mom hobby interview. Please follow the rules of the interview – mainly, encouraging moms to join or start a business IS NOT the focus and will NOT be featured.  It’s okay if you make money from your hobby, but NOT okay if you only started something to make money.  We’re trying to free mom from thinking about more obligations. If you have social media following, this is a good chance to get listed ? Take into account I am trying to make this a weekly feature, but will depend on my availability. #### Mom Hobby #6: Monika and Ballroom Dancing I'm really enjoying doing these interviews.  I'm starting to learn of so many hobbies I never would have even thought of.  Take Monika for example.  Her mom hobby is Ballroom Dancing. What is it about dancing that I think of competitions and careers?  I mean, whenever I look for activities in the area, I haven't looked for dancing lessons.  I'm really thankful to Monika for sharing her story with us. Mom Hobby #6: Ballroom Dancing Monika is a mother of two boys living with her husband in Philadelphia.  She's a Litigation Clerk and, in her off time, blogs at Tulips and Sunshine.  It would seem like she's got a full plate, but she takes time away for herself and ballroom dancing. Nearly 10 years ago, and before having children, she walked into a studio, curious about dancing.  She began taking part in group classes and private lessons to learn Waltz, Tango, and other forms of ballroom dancing.   Her curiosity led her to amateur competition. After kids, she decided to keep dancing, though no longer competes.  Her husband helps her to make time for dance about once a week for 45 minutes.  On occasion, she'll use her lunch hour to practice dancing at the gym when the aerobic classroom is available at the gym. Image Source Danielle Foster Creations Monika, the mom Monika always thought she'd have a daughter, but ended up with two boys.  This means she's the only one in the house wearing bright pink and no one sits and begs to play with her makeup, so she considers it a win.  She insinuates that she was a bit of a tomboy growing up - climbing trees and never played with dolls.  So, she feels like having boys made sense to her. Parenting doesn't always seem to be what she expected it would be.  Growing up, her mom was always strict about healthy eating and she thought she'd do the same with her own children.  But, life has a way of changing us once we have kids.  Now, she says her reality is PB&J for dinner is acceptable and toast with butter can be a meal.  She feels lucky when her toddler only eats a yogurt.  Her take on it, now, is that one day her kids will eat real food, and she won't have lost her mind trying to force healthy eating over their lifetimes. The funny side of mom "[A few weeks] ago, I was fighting my baby (9 months old) to change his diaper.  Imagine an angry octopus with a bio-hazard load in his pants."  When her three year old tried to "help" they all ended up covered in poop.  Just when she thought she would lose it, she came to a funny realization ...  "kids can have a bath, mommy [can have] wine, and I really don't like this carpet anyway."  She says, baby wipes cleaned the mess too well and she's still looking at the carpet. Monika has always been "obsessed" with archaeology and has always wanted to go to Egypt.  But, she says with the world the way it is, she's currently settling on reading an "Archeology" magazine.  She figures it's safer and cheaper to day dream. Follow Monika on Twitter. WOULD YOU LIKE TO ENCOURAGE MOMS TO FIND A HOBBY? I want to give you the opportunity to be featured.  Any mom hobby, no matter how mundane you believe it may be, can be an excellent source of inspiration for a mom struggling to maintain her sense of balance.  If you’d like to encourage another mom by sharing your mom hobby, click here to the mom hobby interview. Please follow the rules of the interview – mainly, encouraging moms to join or start a business IS NOT the focus and will NOT be featured.  It’s okay if you make money from your hobby, but NOT okay if you only started something to make money.  We’re trying to free mom from thinking about more obligations. If you have social media following, this is a good chance to get listed? Take into account I will try to publish mom hobby interviews generally once a month unless interest warrants more frequent posts. #### Mommy and Toddler Travel Review: The Florida Aquarium in Tampa Sometimes I like to travel alone with my daughter for special trips to experience things we don't have in our hometown.  This is The Florida Aquarium Review with my toddler daughter. Last week, I posted about my decision to take a 4 hour trip to The Florida Aquarium in Tampa. This week, I wanted to tell you how the trip went and give you my overall impression of the aquarium.  In general, my young daughter of almost 3 was ecstatic, while I was on the fence about our visit the whole time.  Interested to hear about our experience? The Florida Aquarium Review Contact By Phone I needed to make contact to verify a few things prior to my visit to the aquarium.  My inquiries were answered quickly by calling the main line and included: Verifying the AZA reciprocity discount.  Jacksonville Zoo members do receive 50% off general admission.  The discount does not extend to combo tickets for the extras like the dolphin cruise, backstage passes, etc. Do the cafés offer gluten free foods?  Simply, the answer was yes, although I didn't receive any details about whether or not that meant there was a dedicated gluten free menu or how they handled gluten free dining options. The Trip Let me first start by saying that I am a born and raised Floridian, but I'm ashamed to say I've never been to Tampa.  The closest I came was New Port Richey and then a short day trip to Clearwater and totally skipped Tampa. The drive from the south end of Jacksonville to Tampa took about 4 hours, including a potty and lunch break at a rest stop about an hour from the Aquarium.  I was feeling pretty grateful that S hadn't been potty training as I can't imagine the amount of stops we would have made.  Arriving at the location was quite unnerving.  I hadn't realized that so many cruise terminals surrounded the area and that parking wasn't directly located in front of the attraction, and we had to turn back for parking.  I was pretty nervous but I easy found my way back to the parking area.  There is a short walk from the parking area to the aquarium ... not long enough to offer shuttle service.  I felt relatively safe in the area as well. The Visit I'm torn about how I felt about the aquarium visit.  There's so much to like and there were a few things that were rather disappointing.  It's important to remember that we attended the aquarium on their extended Thursday, meaning they were open until 7 p.m. and offered extra shows and an extra dolphin cruise. It's easy to love something when your children do, and my daughter can be easily amused like most kids her age, I'm sure.  I loved watching her eyes light up at the fish, lemurs, sting rays ... you name it.  I'm not too proud to admit that I'm still a kid at heart and I simply enjoy looking at the marine life myself.  However, even for my first visit, I think we could have finished in less than the 4 hours recommended on the aquarium's site.  That's partly because we didn't catch any of the shows, so I'd love to see those at some point in my life. Next, I was sold on the 2:30 Dolphin Cruise over the 5:30 with the notion that is within the 95% dolphin siting rate.  We arrived at the aquarium shortly after 1:00 p.m., so we had to waste a little time before boarding the cruise, but we couldn't get thoroughly involved as we might have missed our cruise.  And, guess what our luck was?  We happened to be in the 5% that didn't get to see dolphins on the cruise.  So, my toddler wasted about an hour of her aquarium time on a boat that she couldn't do anything on.  I probably don't have to tell you what kind of drama that caused (but I can, if you ask). Once we were back to the aquarium, we finally got to see fish and animals.  S had a blast pointing out all the different creatures and learning about a few more.  I had a great time watching her and laughing with her.  We were even lucky enough to watch the river otters rough house in the water, which S found to be the most hilarious part of the day. Finally, there were supposed to be 2 mermaid shows during the extended Thursday hours and both were cancelled 2 minutes after the first one was supposed to have begun.  The positive side is that this gave S quite a bit of extra time to play in the splash pad and sand box areas.  The splash pad was really cute, but my kid doesn't seem to care to have water splash in her face so she stands as far away from the fountains as she can.  She thoroughly enjoyed the sand box area, although I found that parents used it as a way to take a break and weren't paying attention to their kids.  I had to ask one boy to stop throwing and kicking sand because his parent didn't seem to be around to handle him.  Aside from that, it was great to have a little break while the kiddo was involved in doing something she loved.   The Food Having been told gluten-free options were available, we stuck around to have dinner at the cafe.  Let me first say that the prices of food and drink were pretty outrageous. When I first asked about a gluten free menu, one person said they didn't have one.  Whatever question I asked next led the guy to ask someone else who quickly handed over a small piece of paper listing their gluten free offerings (prices not included on the list).  When I later arrived to order some nachos, a woman said they didn't serve them (the menu did suggest that it was at the Cantina, but I think the Cantina closed earlier because the server there wasn't paying attention to the counter).  I was going to order something else, but the person next to the woman at the cafe asked if I was gluten free.  When I responded "yes," he told her he would get the nachos for me.  She apologized profusely and I was served nachos.  My final problem was that the woman working the register couldn't ring up nachos since the cafe doesn't "serve them" so she chose an arbitrary dining option and I paid $7.95 for a decent sized bowl of nachos.  I would have preferred she ask someone what to charge, but I was so hungry that I didn't even bother her about it and paid. Overall Impression I'm not certain I would make the 3.5 or 4 hour drive out of my way to visit the aquarium again unless I had plans to do other things in the area.  From not seeing dolphins on our cruise, cancelling shows last minute, and what seems to be somewhat untrained kitchen staff on handling gluten free requests, I wasn't thoroughly pleased with my experience. I was happy that my daughter was young enough that she wasn't really aware of some of the disappointments I encountered and that she could just enjoy seeing and doing what was available.  I'm glad I made the trip for my daughter, which is the most important reason for going, and if I were to go again, I don't see any reason not to sneak some of my own snacks in to be sure I have food to eat at a reasonable price. Finally, in addition to the concessions, extras like gift shop and photos were overpriced.  I can say that even though I would like to go again, I wouldn't be able to justify paying full price and experience some of the extras.  Maybe that's just me. If you've been, what were your thoughts?  Am I off base? #### Momzelle Suzy Nursing/Breastfeeding Dress Review Despite not wanting to breastfeed again, little man decided it was exactly what he wanted to do.  And, it appears we're in it for the long haul. Because I wasn't sure I was going to attempt it again, I didn't have much in the way of breastfeeding apparel.  And, I have a wedding to attend in March, which means I needed to find something nicer than ill-fitting jeans and whatever shirt I have in my dresser. Momzelle was kind enough to provide me with the opportunity to review my choice of breastfeeding apparel.  I chose the Suzy nursing dress specifically knowing about the upcoming wedding, and that I'll likely have a few opportunities to get out of the house and not look too dressed down. The package arrived quickly, and I immediately opened it to find the dress beautifully wrapped in pink tissue paper,  It made a nice impression and I felt as though ordering from Momzelle would be a perfect gift idea for a new mom or mom to be. When I mentioned the nice touch, I was informed that the pink tissue paper is usually reserved for nursing bras.  Should you decide to order something as a gift and wish your item to be wrapped similarly, you may email them as a personal request. The dress itself was lightweight, which is perfect for the weather in FL.  Additionally, it's super soft and stretchy, which made nursing really easy.  I really enjoyed not having to modify my pre-pregnancy clothing for breastfeeding, not to mention the limitations of what could actually be worn.  And, I can't wait to wear this to the wedding I plan to attend.  I feel like I can dress it down with a pair of flats or dress it up with a pair of nice heels.  Either way, whatever I decide to wear, I won't feel out of place in a nicer environment that requires branching out of the jeans and t-shirt routine. I decided to order the XS, despite measurements indicating I would be a size Small.  I'm glad I did.  The bust fits comfortably and there's still a bit of room in the waist area ... if I'd had this dress available as, say, the dress I wore home from the hospital, I imagine it would have fit perfectly around my belly.  Momzelle's website suggests that, for shirts, you should order the size you were used to wearing previously.  I found this to be true with the dress I ordered as well. Now for the real fun ... Enter to win a $50 Momzelle Breastfeeding Apparel Gift Card Be sure to head over to the Momzelle Breastfeeding Apparel Gift Card Giveaway which runs from 1/27/16 to 2/10/16.  You are eligible to enter the giveaway if you are a US or CA resident, age 18+. #### More Simple Blogging Tips for Beginners I previously wrote 10 tips for blogging beginners.  It appeared that there are still plenty of people just starting their blogging journeys or those struggling to get readership.  I'm no expert and I'm not making much money, but I've been at it long enough to have learned a few things I've found invaluable.  So, let me share a few more simple blogging tips with you.  Perhaps in the near future, I can start sharing slightly more advanced tips to push you to the next level. Be Consistent I've found you get more views if you consistently post on specific days.  I used to do my "variety" posts on Monday, Wednesdays are for reviews, and Fridays are health.  My main blog that I post to on Mondays I try to post to every week.  Everything else I consider bonus material, so you may or may not see a Wednesday and Friday post.  When I post offers, contests, and sweepstakes, those just get posted as they happen. Currently, I have been trying to schedule everything for Mondays as I get back into the swing of blogging.  Since my drafts are beginning to pile up, I'm considered posting twice a week.  The key is to have a generally consistent schedule for your readers to count on. Prepare to try new strategies If you regularly post at 2:00 p.m. but find that the majority of your target group is online around 9 p.m., you're missing out on some serious opportunity to grow your readership.  Post things at different times and see when you get the most response.  Same goes with your email newsletter.  I use mailchimp for my newsletter service, and I've been known to change up the delivery time on occasion to check out the click/open rate.  They also offer Split campaigns to send your newsletter to two groups at different times, for exactly this reason. Other ways to change up strategies include using different communication methods like photos, videos, or simply text.  You could also ask questions or take polls instead of only posting what you want your readers to read. Make Commenting Easy The last thing I want to do, as a reader, is to sign up for a special commenting website to leave you a comment on your post.  That turns me away quickly.  I'm only mildly okay with entering a captcha to prove I'm human.  As a blogger, I care about the time it takes for my readers to respond.  By that, I mean, I want it to be easy for you to comment on my posts.  I bear the burden of moderating my comments so save you the time.  Burden?  No, it's not really.  Most of my commenters have been great.  You can easily use the comment form your blog host provides, or install IntenseDebate commenting form which allows various ways for your readers to sign in and comment! Since I moved to WordPress, I began using their standard comment form and added commentluv to allow my blogging readers to include links to their recent posts. Everyone Has An Opinion Some people aren't going to like or agree with you.  Your writing style may not appeal to some, while others are going to enjoy it.  Who cares.  Everyone has an opinion and you're expressing your voice through a public channel.  If you don't want to hear what other people have to say, don't put your thoughts out there.  I actually don't mind when someone disagrees with my opinions ... it gives us good reason to discuss differences.  If you have someone negatively respond to a post, handle it in a professional manner, thank them for their opinion and move on.  Heated arguments aren't necessary or appropriate.  As long as people aren't being hateful or hurtful, let it go. Make Following Easy Have quick access follow links to your social media channels, including a newsletter available in a section on the blog before the fold (or before someone has to scroll down the page) as much as possible. On the other hand, I can't stand when blogs have pop ups that interrupt me while reading a post, asking me to join their newsletter.  If I really like your post, I'll join, but I'm not going to if you interrupt my reading. So, I'm not going to do that to you here either.  I, of course, would love for your to follow me on any and all of my social media accounts, but I'm not going to harass you to do it. Even If Its a Hobby, Consider it a Job If you're hoping to review products and services or monetize your blog, treat your blog as if it's a job.  Give it attention and act professionally.  The fact that you're actively researching and reading blogging tips for beginners is a step in the right direction.  It shows you care about the direction of your blog. Clean Up Your Blog Post Give your words space, spell check, then re-read and edit your work.  When I began blogging, I wrote what was on my mind and rushed to get it out onto the internet.  I joined a blogging challenge at some point and received one of the best pieces of advice to this day, which was:  I needed to include spaces between my paragraphs, because it appeared most of my posts were just one, long paragraph.  I suppose I hadn't taken an English class recently enough to have remembered that... oops.  I could also go back through my posts and find tons of misspellings and sentences that didn't make much sense.  I'll blame it on being a new-ish mom, but the truth is, I was being sort of lazy on top of being inexperienced.  Plus, at the time, I wasn't doing it for more than simply writing to express myself.  It hadn't occurred to me, then, that I was on a long journey of experimenting and adapting to become a blogger that was going to looking for reviews and readership. Now, I spend more time thinking about my posts, re-wording, and editing to make sure I'm getting my thoughts out more clearly.  I plan posts in advance and I've even remembered to make paragraphs look like paragraphs. Have you received any other simple blogging tips to help move your blog to the next level?  Want to share? #### My Child is Disobedient. What Can I do? Frustrated that your child doesn't listen?  Check out these 4 simple parenting tips on how to deal with a disobedient child. It’s every parents’ dream … children that just obey!  Unfortunately, kids don’t always do as they are told.  Our dreams as parents are squashed pretty early in the parenting game. Your sweet kids learn to test you early, don't they? As toddlers, they're learning the basics of the world.  And, they're just beginning to explore their independence.  The older they get, the more they believe they are their own authority.  While it's okay to give them some space to learn personal responsibility, it's important to maintain control, especially when your child is disobedient. But, I have good news for you.  You can get your children to listen and obey without begging, bribes, abundant threats, or raising your voice. Isn’t that good news?! By the way, you may forget and raise your voice from time to time.  Give yourself grace.  Parenting is exhausting and sometimes these things happen. How to Deal With a Disobedient Child Take a moment to assess whether your child is actually being disobedient or if they're so involved in an activity that they truly didn't hear your request. Although it's still quite annoying to have to repeat yourself, it can change how we deal with the situation when we know and understand that our children aren't being willfully disobedient. When you know you're dealing with a child who is choosing to disobey, there are my tips for dealing with it. 1. Be Versatile Remember that every child is different.  Two children from the exact same set of parents are two completely different beasts (unless you got lucky … and I don’t really want to hear about it).  For that reason, it’s important to be versatile when it comes to getting them to obey. An added challenge is when you have naturally strong-willed kids.  These children will be more apt to test more frequently.  And it will take a bit more work imposing consequences more often before they begin to follow the rules. If you find that a particular consequence doesn’t seem to get your child’s attention, try a new approach.  Keep adjusting until you find something that works best. Remember, too, that not every consequence or act of obedience is equal.  Choose an appropriate consequence for each particular act of disobedience. 2. Choose Your Battles You may find that it’s not as effective to reinforce rules that don’t hold much weight in the grand scheme of things.  For example, it may not be important your older children make their bed first thing in the morning.  Can they make the bed after they’re ready for school?  Or, maybe it’s not important for them to make it at all. However, reinforcing rules that affect health and safety is much more important.  You will want to reprimand the child who chose not to wear a helmet while riding his bike.  And the child who crossed the street alone is definitely getting a consequence. When attempting to get your children to follow the rules, regardless of their ages, issue an appropriate time limit. Simply giving them a list of things to do, without a timeframe attached, can feel as though what you're asking them to do may never get done. 3. Be an Active Listener It’s always important to listen to your children.  If you’re having trouble getting your children to do what they’ve been asked to do, take a moment to sit and talk.  Ask what the problem is.  For younger children, try to ask more direct questions … open-ended questions with a 5-year-old never goes anywhere. Generally, even my elementary and middle schooler both shrug when you ask them an open-ended question. If you experience this, you know how annoying and unproductive this is. Instead, try: Focusing on specifics: "At playtime earlier, you threw the block at your friend. Can you tell me what happened before that?" Offering answer choices: "I saw you weren't wearing your shoes outside. Did you forget to put them on, or did they feel uncomfortable?" Phrases for clarification: "What were you thinking when you decided to...?" "Can you help me understand why...?" Avoid accusatory language: Instead of "Why did you do that?" try "What happened?" Use "I" statements: "I felt frustrated when..." can open communication. Don't forget to try to put things into perspective, for yourself and your child.   When your child is disobedient, asking a few questions and listening to their answers may reveal a lot at the moment.  Of course, that's assuming they haven't reached a meltdown. When you get down to the bottom of the issue, it will make it easier for both of you to begin understanding the steps needed to rectify the problem. 4. Say What You Mean When you tell your child to do something, mean it. Following through is everything. Children who don't obey only learn by being presented with a set of age-appropriate expectations and consequences. No consequences simply mean that they can continue to ignore your requests without any major changes in their routine. In addition, make sure your child is paying full attention to what you're saying. Look him or her in the eye to show you mean business. Many parents make the mistake of yelling commands from another room. Typically, when this happens the request is taken much less seriously. If your child isn't in the same room with you, ask him to come to you or take an extra minute and go to your child. Probably the most important thing to remember is to stand your ground. Never give in, no matter how tense the situation. If you give in once, your kids will remember that the next time they don't want to obey. They'll drag things out until you decide to give in again. 5. Start a Consequence and Reward Jar System Starting a consequence and reward jar system was a big player in how I stopped yelling and created a more peaceful parenting routine. Don’t forget laughter is the best medicine and can cure many moods.  When all else fails, don't forget about parenting teamwork ... request some assistance from your partner.  If need be, take a break and practice some self-care. 6. Is Disobedience Consistent or Occasional? I've realized over the years just how important it is to stay in touch with reality in determining the extent of disobedience. For instance, my daughter could be quite disobedient when she was younger, but she went through phases. My son, on the other hand, was regularly acting out and causing quite the disruption in our family life which only increased in severity as he got older. Turns out, my son needed help beyond what we, as parents, were generally capable of understanding or correcting as he had mild ADHD amongst a few other things. Recognizing patterns and accessing the severity of the disobedience and poor behavior can go a long way toward not just learning how to cope, but deciding whether or not your family needs professional help. 7. Assess Your Parenting Style Whether you're authoritarian, uninvolved, or otherwise, your parenting style can attribute to your child's behavior. And sometimes it's sneaky! What I've learned through my son's ADHD diagnosis, is that our authoritarian parenting style doesn't work with his brain, in spite of the intentions we had to be "good parents". Assessing his needs and seeing how our parenting style was hurting more than helping, we began to change our tune to be more accommodating of our Neurodivergent child. By working towards a more authoritative and balanced parenting approach, we've been able to focus on more of our child's positives and have more reasonable expectations. These are just a few simple things that you can do to get your child to obey you the first time, without the need to threaten or beg. It may take a bit of time to achieve satisfactory results. But, with patience and due diligence, chances are you'll soon see major improvements in your child's behavior. #### My Little Girl is Going to Be a Science Nerd I'm pretty sure my daughter is going to be a science nerd. A couple years ago, I attended a monthly preschool program with S at our local museum of science and history.  As it happened, that day's program included a science show.  So, I took us in, solely for making sure to make the most of our cheap entrance. The show began and the guy conducting science experiments began to seek volunteers to help.  Then, my usually shy daughter, was jumping out of her seat and whining at me that she wanted to go up.  She was obviously heartbroken every time she didn't get called upon.  I sat in amazement not sure I knew this little girl.  Somehow, I had failed to realize her interest in science.  Art, I knew.  Science, I wasn't good at and never bothered to show it to her. (Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links.  If you click on my links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, but will cost you nothing more). Fast forward to now.  At nearly 5, she's increasingly interested in science and I've struggled with ways to incorporate it into educational time.  I mean, I'm no science nerd.  However, this summer, the library put on a wonderful reading program that included lists of books in different categories to read. I pulled a few books from the science category and found a science experiment book for children.  Of all the books we borrowed over the summer, this book was constantly in my face.  "Can we do this activity?" she'd ask.  If I didn't have the tools, S would ask again, page by page until she found one I could agree to do.  If I was able to do the activity, her eyes would then widen and she would beam with excitement. I'm not science minded, so the thought of providing activities for my little science nerd was daunting.  Fortunately for me, I found the book Usborne 100 Science Experiments. Easy science activities for a young science nerd This book was a blessing toward the end of the summer.  S was bored at home.  I've never quite been able to keep up with her need for learning and the new baby made keeping up with activities even more difficult. Thankfully, this book made it more simple to entertain her than I'd imagined.  Many of the activities required tools and props I already had around the house.  Some didn't, but could easily be acquired at a grocery store or a quick trip to Walmart (or quick online purchase on amazon, of course). The activities we did was not limited to making colored foam (see video below) a paper airplane with and without curled wings sugar crystals Making sugar crystals I highly recommend borrowing or purchasing this book if your child is a budding science nerd.  I couldn't believe how easy the activities were.  Plus, you likely have most of the tools needed at home already.  As a bonus, the book makes the science experiments cute, which makes them all the more fun. #### My Son's First Haircut: The Day Our Lives Flashed Before My Eyes After dropping my daughter off to school, I drove through Starbucks to kill some time before my son's appointment.  It was going to be his first hair cut.  At least, the first hair cut that mommy didn't do. I had tried a couple times to tame his hair, but butchered it once and decided not to try again. Have you ever tried to cut a wiggle-worm's hair?  It's really scary and downright impossible to do alone.  It's a really bad idea!  So, the day before he turned 15 months, he went to the hair salon.  It was a day we'd all been anticipating. As the stylist snipped and buzzed, I tried to entertain my wiggly son.  His baby fine hair slowly fell around us. When he began to whine and suck his thumb, I had to find ways to keep him entertained while simultaneously keeping him still.  He was becoming impatient and tired as his nap time crept past us. We were covered in his hair.  All the hair that made him appear to be a girl.  And, I was looking forward to not hearing "she's so pretty" from strangers any longer. When the stylist was nearly done, I looked at my son.  His short hair now opened up his face, making his bright blue eyes stand out even more.  His cheeks seemed ever so much more chunky and edible. I confess, I felt a sudden sadness.  Looking at my boy, I realized not only did this take away his feminine look (which I'm grateful for), but he also no longer looked like a baby. I was staring at a young boy. Some of the tiny hairs made their way around my son's jaw line and chin.  I saw a glimpse of my young boy as a man.  He was so handsome.  Mothers of girls, be warned!  The stylists were all commenting on how handsome he was.  "Lady killer" I heard one say. When the stylist was finished cutting, I asked her to quickly wipe away the faux stubble.  It was too much for me to take.  Instantly, he was a toddler again. Preparing my son for his nap, I realized this was the defining moment!  The moment I had to come to terms with no longer having babies.  That was it!  His infancy  had fallen to the floor with his hair, and I was left with a little boy. It all happened so suddenly. My daughter is nearing 6 years old, and just behind her my son will turn 2.  I'm not even sure where all that time went! They were just babies! Before I know it, my daughter will be in college and my son will be a high-schooler.  And I'm certain I'll feel this strange sense of pain again.  A mama's pain of realization that her babies are growing up.  One day they won't need me like they do today. They were just babies! Maybe those days will bring me back to their first hair cut or first birthday parties.  I'll remember when I thought I'd lost my babies then.  Perhaps I'll laugh at myself ... because what did I know then? I mean, I'm about to lose my babies to the real world. What about when they're both married and have children of their own? I'll know no greater pain (or joy) as my babies are certainly no longer babies.  Everything else may seem so trivial when I get to this stage.  I can only be there for them so much without meddling.  What in the world was I thinking back then?  They were still babies!  THIS... this is when I no longer have babies! I suppose every new phase in our lives will be another moment I feel my babies are no longer babies. But, I must remember that they will always be my babies!   #### My Takeaways from Mom 2.0 Summit 2017 May 2017 will go down in the history books ... at least for me.  I feel as though my life and thought processes have been changed after attending the Mom 2.0 Summit 2017! At the beginning of the year I took a leap of faith and spent a crap-ton of money on a ticket to (what was supposed to be) my first blogging conference.  Mom 2.0 is expensive, but I was ready to turn my hobby blogging into a legitimate business.  I spend a lot of time and energy on SAHM, plus and I wanted to see a return on my investments. Having decided on Mom 2.0 wasn't easy for me.  I nearly had a panic attack thinking about the price of the ticket and proceeded to almost having a heart attack when I factored in the potential cost of the discounted hotel room. You see, I didn't know anyone personally who was able to commit to going.  As an introvert, going to a conference at all is overwhelming.  Going alone was terrifying. Then there was the fact it would cost more to stay at the onsite hotel than the entrance to the event for the 3 days would be. A few weeks before the event, I secured a room with some ladies to help me reduce expenses.  But, I ended up backing out.  Apparently my introversion beat out my complete and utter cheapness.  Then, I was at it again looking for a new roommate. When I posted that I was searching, I had a few groups try to take me in.  For that, I'll be forever grateful.  I was overwhelmed again, but this time, by the sheer openness and friendliness these ladies were extending to me.  I finally accepted a roommate offer with one woman from Oregon. This is where my life has been changed (hopefully) forever! My short drive to Orlando was a breeze and I arrived eager to register and rush into the jumpstart programming.  And, after briefly meeting my roommate, I rushed to my first session with one major goal in mind - learn how to make my blog my business.  This is my year!  I keep telling myself that anyway. My Takeaways from Mom 2.0 Summit 2017 I learned so much from Mom 2.0.  While the educational value from the Mom 2.0 conference sessions was immensely useful, I came home from the summit with unexpected takeaways. Be Yourself The one thing I keep hearing this year is to "be yourself."  Write what you're passionate about and stop being so vanilla. I attended the "Viral Victories" session with BuzzFeed Parents and Today Parents.  Forgive me for forgetting the particular speaker's name who said this, but it drove home what I've been hearing all year. "Write what's in your heart - what you know.  Should I really go there?  YES!" In another session (and again, I didn't include in my notes who said this) "passion makes complacency uncomfortable." My takeaway: Stop trying to please everyone, because your writing becomes dull and lacks passion. "Choose Again" In the keynote from Gabrielle Bernstein she described the pain and disappointment when her life wasn't "going as planned" and her friend told her to "choose again."  I felt similar feelings in my life ... she was speaking to me through her own experiences! Choose again! You can't plan everything in your life.  Choose to honor your pain and see everything as an opportunity.  "Thank you for being an opportunity to lean into progress" she said. "Painful moments are an opportunity for growth" and "proactively choose better thoughts" were two things that stand out from her speech. Not just for blogging, but life in general, I need to remind myself of the good things I have in my life instead of focusing on what's going wrong. Women are really this encouraging? Without digging into the details of my life and sharing a lengthy story of my childhood, I just want to get to now.  I had no freaking clue women were as encouraging and non-competitive. It didn't matter what I said to anyone over the course of the conference days, I was constantly inspired, encouraged, and empowered by women I didn't know. I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Sheinelle Jones from the Today show.  I'd been struggling with the fact that the Monday immediately following my return from Mom 2.0, I  was to make my first appearance on my local news channel.  It was a last minute request that I'd desperately wanted to say "no" to.  My husband and a couple blogging friends urged me to do it, regardless of how I felt as an introvert just wanting to stay out of the public eye. When I told Sheinelle I'd never considered being on TV, she questioned "Why not?"  Her tone insinuated that not doing it was absurd!  I had to relay just how introverted I was and that the thought of it made me extremely uncomfortable.  She just met me and told me "Do it.  Be yourself ... no one wants an expert these days."  People want real, I guess.  And then she finished with "Take it off yourself.  Your purpose is to help people." She was right.  Although I wasn't at all comfortable with being on television, it did kind of help when I thought of it that way.  It's not about me ... take it off myself. Hey!  Did you want to see my appearance on TV?  Don't judge me too harshly ... I had less than 2 full days to focus on the call sheet and ZERO idea of how they were going to handle the segment (no questions were provided ahead of time).  I'm simply proud of facing my fear and doing something I wasn't comfortable with.   Healthy Food Swaps on WJXT4 with Ivy Boyter Because of how friendly people were, I found it very easy to talk to just about everyone. I left the conference inspired, encouraged, and having made new friends.  Additionally, I also left realizing that I need to stop being upset with the people in my life who aren't encouraging or who are jealous.  Instead, I am sorry for them.  And, I won't give them my energy.  I plan to surround myself, beginning immediately, with confident and empowering women as I work to be that woman myself. Mom 2.0 Summit 2017 was exactly where I was supposed to be in 2017.  There was a ton of information that I needed, but I got so much more out of my experience than I bargained for!  I feel as though my life has been changed for the better having attended the summit. In my eyes, all the ladies who made me feel perfect, just as I am ... you deserve an Iris Award too! Did you attend the Mom 2.0 Summit 2017? Were you there?  I'd love it if you'd share your Mom 2.0 takeaways! #### My Transition From SAHM to WAHM It wasn't the plan, to go from SAHM to WAHM just yet. In fact, this was 2 years before I'd intended to go back to work. But, when opportunity knocks... I stumbled into a work from home position. Unlike many people, I wasn't ready to go back to work. I'd been a stay at home mom almost 8 years and was looking forward to another 2 years until my son started Kindergarten. Even then, I had almost no aspiration to do more than work as a part-time employee. I wanted very little responsibility and didn't want to give up the ability to take care of the kids whenever they needed or go on field trips, volunteer at school, etc. Although, I would continually say I did want certain things out of my future job. Must be part-time 2. Preferred a work from home job doing social media. 3. BONUS - work in motorsports (and the dream would be for Porsche). We all know how life works. Our plans are rarely what life holds for us. We must adapt and move forward, right? How I Went From SAHM to WAHM The position of a lifetime became a reality 2 years before I planned to return to the workforce. It checked off all three boxes. It was part-time (hours were up to me), doing social media from home, and I would be working for a local race track I was already visiting regularly. No epic bonus with Porsche, but pretty darned close to my dream job. Opportunity was knocking and I could either decline because I hadn't planned it or I could answer the door early. Despite my plans, I knew life was telling me now was the time for me to enter the workforce. I answered the door knowing the chances of finding a part-time time job with the specifications I hoped for might be hard later down the line. Not to mention, landing a job like that after being out of the workforce for 10 years could prove difficult. It came down to ... take it now and be ahead of my 2 year game plan OR decline and kick myself if I couldn't find an opportunity like this 2 years down the line. Truth be told, I could have waited, but would I have been happy if I had to take a part-time job in retail? Probably not. So, in the blink of an eye, I went from SAHM to WAHM. As you can imagine, I'm swamped being stay at home mom that has to transition to work at home mom a couple times a day. There's very little time left over for self-care, much less writing on the blog. But, I wanted to take a few minutes to share this new chapter of my life with you. When I finally get my schedules and routines down pat, I'm sure I'll find more time to update the blog. When I do, I can't wait to share how I transitioned from SAHM to WAHM, my organizational tips, and more. This is what SAHM, plus ... was created for: a place for me to write about stay at home mom life and to grow it to be whatever life grew for me. I can share my life as a stay at home mom who now also works from home. And, who knows what the future holds from here. I hope you continue to follow me and find value in what I have shared and will continue to share going forward. #### Nail The School Morning Routine Like a Boss My favorite school morning routine tips that keep us sane! In 2015, I sent my daughter to VPK.  It was her first time in preschool and I was due to have our second baby mid-way through her school year.  I knew I needed to get very organized ahead of time so that there would be less confusion once the baby arrived.  The extra time I spent on weekends or nights alleviated many problems typical of the school morning rush.  That's not to say we never experienced those mornings, but they were few and far between.  And, lack of preparation typically wasn't the cause for the rush. A School Morning Routine Is Your Friend Here's how our family has organized for less morning rush with a much better morning routine for school! I've employed these strategies for starting school with less stress when S entered VPK and carried them over for a seamless transition to Kindergarten.  We're even having to wake up earlier for her elementary school days. Your goal should be to have as many grab-and-go items as possible.  You won't be disappointed with the results for the week.  Plus, you might even find some extra time during the week for a little bit of mommy time. Meal Plan At a bare minimum, meal plan at least a week in advance.  If you have a hard time with this, try a meal planning website to get started until you're comfortable doing it on your own. You need to know what you will have on hand for breakfast and plan for several options unless you plan to feed the kids the same thing every day.  Know what's for dinner ... well, that's just what I do because I don't want to hit the grocery store every day or resort to take-out.  Plus, if you make enough for leftovers, you have lunch for yourself (or maybe the kids) taken care of for the following day.  As for lunches, pick a little bit of everything and plan to incorporate fruits and veggies in lunches throughout the week. Sunday Lunch Prep This is one of my biggest time savers!  Every Sunday, I give myself 30 minutes to an hour to prep as much of the 5 days of lunches as I can store in the fridge. For starters, I cut fruits and veggies and divvy them up between the bento boxes.  I even cut a bit extra to place in snack bags that can be easily grabbed for on the go healthy snacks.  Once that's done, I plan out a few of the main courses.  My daughter loves Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches, so I make 1 on Sunday for Monday's lunch. For two other containers, I do an assortment of meats and add some sort of snack-sized cheese item.  Usually, I do one pepperoni lunch and the other turkey and ham.  It helps that my child isn't much into sandwiches.  You could roll the meats around some cheese if you like.  I don't get fancy ... just toss some meat and cheese in and they're done. This leaves two boxes with main items to be decided on toward the end of the week.  You can take care of these later in the week during nightly prep, which I cover next. Our lunchboxes right now are the Yumbox Bento (leakproof) and Sunsella Buddy Boxes (which are NOT leakproof). P.S. - If you'd like some fun school lunch ideas, I've got more coming in the next couple weeks.  AND, I'm sharing a few bonus fun school lunch ideas with my newsletter subscribers!  Want yours? Sign up for my email newsletter for access to my free resource library, including a brand new printable school lunch ideas booklet.  Of course, by signing up, you'll also get the next emails with the other school lunch ideas as you prepare for back to school season. Nightly Prep Let's start with the saying "early to bed, early to rise."  No joke, your children need plenty of sleep and you need time at night that they're not up your butt.  I'll make a whole post about early bedtimes because it's important in so many ways.  But right now, let's focus on the problem at hand. Get the kids to bed at a reasonable hour, then do this night prep thing.  And, you're still going to have some time to take care of yourself. Make it part of everyone's bedtime routine to pick and set out their clothes for the next day.  Mom, this means you, too.  I can't tell you how much time gets wasted in the morning selecting clothes.  I mean, if you stayed up too late or had some extra wake-ups, morning selections through grogginess or irritability is a total bummer. After the kids are in bed, put their water (or other drink of choice) in their container for the next day.  Bonus points if you do prepare 2 or more containers. Now, set out any dishes and utensils you plan to use. Finally, if you need coffee, have your coffee maker filled with water and the basket ready with coffee.  Have the pot or cup ready to just hit the button.  Since I have a single cup coffee maker, sometimes I even put my sugar in the cup. My final piece of advice is to pull the meat out of the freezer for tomorrow's dinner.  Just find a spot for it on a shelf in the fridge.  One less thing to worry about in the morning. School Morning Prep This one is subjective to your family's time needs.  Now, I've been blessed with a husband who gets it and wakes up with the rest of us.  He goes downstairs to help S with breakfast while I am busy nursing the baby and getting him dressed.  And, he's been known to help heat the water for my oatmeal.  I give us right about an hour to get up, get dressed, and get out the door. Build in a 10 or 15-minute buffer for when things don't go as planned. Everyone has a job Your kids are able, so give them tasks.  Even at 4, my daughter was able to get water from the fridge door.  Plus, she feeds the dog before sitting down to breakfast.  (Would you like some chore ideas?  I have toddler chores and chores for 6 and 7 year olds.)  If hubby is helping, he and any older kids can pour and serve cereal or oatmeal, or ration muffins.  Whatever breakfast is, everyone should pitch in to help.  If it's just you, don't be afraid of easy grab and go items, especially if you're packing healthy lunches and cooking round meals at dinner.  Everything in moderation, right? Now, grab lunch for the day and insert snack and dry items.  Put lunch box and drink in a tote or child's backpack. Again, I'm not one for making a major fuss over girly things, so I throw S's hair tie, then have her put on socks and shoes. We've beaten the school morning rush with this school morning routine!  How about you? We're done with the morning, usually with 10 or 15 minutes to spare.  That extra time might get eaten up in car drop off line, but S is usually at her door the moment they open up.  And, none of us are feeling the typical school morning rush.  We're all in generally good spirits, except the baby who is totally ready for his first nap by the time we're dropping S off. Bonus Tip: For all of your family to-dos, consider having an electronic family calendar on your phone like the FREE Cozi schedule and list app! Tell me if these tips for an unbeatable school morning routine sound like they'll work for you.  Is there anything you would add? This post about the school morning rush originally appeared July 2017 and has been updated. Related #### National Reading Month & National Geographic Kids Super Readers #MomsMeet Thinking back to my school years, particularly middle and high school, I remember a few times getting my hands on National Geographic Magazines.  Our family didn't have money for those magazines, so I'm not exactly sure how or where I came across them.  Still, when I did, I remember always being in awe of the amazing pictures. I'm geeked out that I've partnered with Mom's Meet to check out the National Geographic Kids Leveled Readers!  I get to share my love of National Geographic with my young daughter, which makes for a great bonding experience, in my opinion. March 2nd was Read Across America Day, and the month of March is National Reading Month.  Let's talk about how you can celebrate National Reading month with National Geographic Kids Super Readers Program. Disclaimer: I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com), May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my honest opinion on my blog. The opinions posted are my own. S, who is in Kindergarten, has been working on her reading skills for quite some time.  In fact, she began teaching herself how to read rather unexpectedly in Preschool.  She began picking up words and making words pretty easily.  When I asked her Preschool teacher about reading, she said "no, we're still working on Phonics."  So, we began working on reading a little more deliberately from then on. Once she entered Kindergarten, she quickly became a pretty fluent reader. National Geographic Kids Super Readers Program Joining this program is simple.  Simply choose the level for your child, print out the poster for your level choice, and a certificate for your child to choose how many books they want to read and by what date. To join the National Geographic Kids Super Readers program, simply visit this link. Here, you're able to earn prizes, do activities, and play cute online games. Now, I was really excited when I first heard about National Geographic Kids Super Readers Program.  However, I was quite disappointed that the whole program is parent monitored and it requires printing at home.  While we have a printer, it's not great, so our poster is in black and white. Plus, we have to keep up with the "book log" manually, and then print the badges and attach them to the "poster" as we go. In this day and age, it would be much more efficient to have an app to automate all this.  Our printer is pretty crappy, so I can no longer print in color, which makes for boring posters and badges, in my opinion.  I would have loved a tracking app for this program. [tweetthis]#sponsored Celebrate National Reading Month w/ Nat Geo Kids Super Readers & #MomsMeet[/tweetthis] What National Geographic Leveled Readers Offer National Geographic Leveled Readers come in several levels and feature the stunning and captivating photographs you've come to expect from National Geographic.  Plus, they're not just stories, but a way to learn about the world, simply. National Geographic Pre-Reader A Pre-Reader book introduces simpler words and concepts for a new reader.  And, it uses repetition, which I found extremely helpful when I was teaching S how to read.  She couldn't seem to grasp that once she sounded out a word, it was the same every time she saw it.  Books that used a word repeatedly in certain sections really helped her to master reading by sight, rather than sounding everything out.  The pre-reader we received titled Hop, Bunny! Explore the Forest uses the words "Hop, hop, hop" several times in the book.  This would have been an excellent book if she were still learning. National Geographic Level 1 Reader Book A Level 1 Reader book offers a great chance for a parent and child to read together.  One page is specifically designed for parents to read, and the opposite page is larger print with simpler text for a child to read. National Geographic Offers Spanish Language Reader Books In our kit, we received a Level 1 Reader in Spanish.  I think it's great National Geographic wants to be inclusive.  Whether you're a bi-lingual family or hoping to expose your child to another language, National Geographic Kids has you covered. How are you celebrating National Reading Month? Don't forget to sign up for the Super Readers Program I mentioned above and follow National Geographic on their social channels! #### Natural Childbirth Does Not Include an Epidural I'm just going to come out and say it.  You probably won't like my opinion, but if you had an epidural, you did not have a natural childbirth.  Having read some things from women so proud of their accomplished "natural birth," I was confused when they mentioned their epidurals.  Am I living in an alternate universe?  Maybe my idea of natural is different than many others.  Did I misunderstand something? By definition, natural is ("Natural." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 2 Aug. 2016.) existing in nature and not made or caused by people : coming from nature not having any extra substances or chemicals added : not containing anything artificial usual or expected Additionally, Natural Childbirth is defined as a method of giving birth to a baby in which the mother chooses not to use drugs to reduce pain or to make the birth happen more quickly ("Natural Childbirth." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 29 Oct. 2016). Take a moment and let that sink in. I stumbled on an old article Why Having an Epidural Should Count as Having a Natural Birth.  Of course, I felt compelled to read the article.  Was this person serious or was I going to enter into a world of satire?  Unfortunately, for me, she was serious. The author, Mehera Bonner, writes Most people define a “natural birth” as delivering a baby without the aid of any kind of medication. But maybe the definition of “natural” needs to be broadened so that women don’t feel like second-class citizens for requesting an epidural. Are you asking for the dictionary definition of "natural" to be broadened? Don't ask to redefine natural childbirth It doesn't matter to me if you chose to have an epidural, pain medications, or an elective c-section.  If you had a c-section because of issues that posed health risks to yourself or baby, I'm not judging you.  When we do this parenting thing, we all end up doing things we find that work best for us, regardless of plans.  It starts while you're pregnant and will never end. What I don't want you to extrapolate here is that you're not a good mom for having whatever birth you had, or are choosing.  I believe we're all doing our best to be good mommies.  You are NOT a second-class citizen for having any birth.  In fact, I'm in awe of people who are okay with c-sections, because the needles and the cutting terrify me.  In my eyes, you're brave for letting doctors stick you and cut you.  You are amazing. What I do want you to take away from this, is that I don't believe we should broaden the definition of natural, and here's why: My experience with natural childbirth Natural, un-medicated childbirth is raw, emotional, and intense.  My husband was my only support person in labor and delivery, and it was the most intimate part of my life that only he and I share.  I mean, except for the nurses and doctors in the room. [tweetthis twitter_handles="@sahmplusblog"]Natural, un-medicated childbirth is raw, emotional, and intense. [/tweetthis] To ask for natural childbirth to be redefined or broadened feels like you're minimizing my birth experience.  What I did was amazing.  I felt every single contraction.  I had to get through them by breathing, moving, and often making instinctual and ugly noises.  It was painful and intense and the only thing I could do during labor was focus on it to get through it.  I felt the ring of fire and pushed through it. None of my experience was relieved or lessened.  I know, without a doubt, I felt every excruciating moment.  And, I have no doubt that my body was producing every hormone it was supposed to at every step of the process. There wasn't an substance added to my experience which required extra monitoring. I wasn't able to text or tweet updates on my progress.  Even my husband was incapable of answering calls or texts.  We were busy ... fully involved in bringing this baby into the word.  It was work, listening to my body.  Regardless of how tired I was or how much contractions hurt, I was required to move if the baby's heartbeat didn't like a position.  There was nothing dulling the pain.  Every moment in both my 26 hour and 9 hour labors was all about getting those babies out. There was poop, puke, grunting, and cursing.  None of it was caused by drugs, but only by the course nature takes to deliver a baby. In my mind's eye, it wasn't beautiful.  But, it was my natural childbirth.  And, it was something I can be proud of accomplishing. I don't care how you birthed your babies, but... To redefine or broaden the definition to fit everyone's birth stories minimizes, if not eliminates, the amazing feat I, and many other women, experience when we go without drugs and other interventions.  Whether we choose it, or it happens unexpectedly, it didn't happen with a helping medical hand.   A natural, unmedicated birth isn't a miracle, but what else would you call it if we start calling labors eased by epidural "natural"? It's okay if you had an epidural or a cesarean section.  In my opinion, you're one brave mama for allowing someone to inject a needle into your back or endure major surgery.  Seriously OWN IT.  Put on your big girl panties and be happy with your outcome.  You have your baby and your health, right?  And so do I. [tweetthis]It's okay if you had an epidural, but please don't call it natural childbirth[/tweetthis] Our childbirth experiences are exactly whatever they became.   None of your decisions make you a second-class citizen, but they do make you different.  Don't blur the lines of reality just to make yourself feel better about it.  If you feel like you need support because things didn't go as planned, it's okay.  Seek the support you need.  But asking people to change definitions isn't support.  And, it's not fair to those of us who were able to achieve natural childbirth. Other posts you may enjoy #### Newman's Own Organics - Review and Giveaway I love food and I certainly love when I can find organic products to replace non-organic counterparts!  I'm so excited to have the opportunity to review a selection of Newman's Own Organic products.  Read on to learn what I think about these products and then enter the giveaway! Newman's Own Organics began in 1993 as a division of Newman's Own and branched into it's own company in 2001.  NOO offers a large variety of products, and I believe my review will help you to determine which snack choices to make in the future when you're looking for an organic alternative in your snack routine.  Need help locating a retailer that sells Newman's Own Organics?  Check for locations here. Read my review of the products we have been given the opportunity to test and then sign up on the Rafflecopter form at the end of this post for a chance to win some Newman's Own Organics products of your own. *Disclaimer: I was provided free products in exchange for my honest review.  I was not provided any further compensation.  All opinions expressed in this post are my own.   Affiliate links are included in this post.  Making purchases after clicking these links will earn me a commission, which will be used to continue running this blog! Licorice Twists Sour Apple - The first item I opened at the request of my husband.  Not a poor choice!  I could see a slight sprinkle of sugar on the sticks.  Biting into the stick, I quickly realized it was not as sweet or as sour as I had expected.  This is a bonus for me!  I'm not a huge fan of super sugary snacks, so this was very satisfying.  How did it fare with the husband?  I think he finished half the package in one sitting... I think that's a win!   Click here to purchase [easyazon_link identifier="B005X4T4NW" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Sour Apple Licorice Twists on Amazon[/easyazon_link]. Black Licorice -Nothing special.  They were good, but I'm more of a jelly bean black licorice person where the flavor bites back a little. Pomegranate - A nice mild pomegranate flavored licorice candy Strawberry - My next favorite in the licorice sticks!  These weren't strong but had just enough strawberry flavor ... I got a "candy" fix without feeling like I was eating the super sugary overly flavored candy that little kids like. Chocolate Bars consist of 6 equally-sized squares in 2.25oz packages Orange Dark - This was the first I tried in this category.  I was apprehensive as I'm not a fan of dark chocolate, but I was intrigued by the orange.  I was pleasantly ... no, extremely, surprised by how much I enjoyed this chocolate bar!  The chocolate itself was extremely smooth and creamy.  The orange flavor mostly overpowered the bitterness of the dark chocolate, and even though I was still left with the dark chocolate aftertaste, I still really enjoyed this bar!  If dark chocolate is supposed to be healthier for you, this is certainly the way to get me to eat it.  Click here to purchase [easyazon_link identifier="B01K86HY7M" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Orange Dark Chocolate on Amazon[/easyazon_link]. Mocha Milk Chocolate - Super smooth texture.  The mocha flavor was mild, so it wasn't bitter or overpowering. Espresso Dark - Another one of my favorites.  This rich and silky chocolate bar tickles the taste buds as you bite into tiny, but flavorful, crunchy espresso beans.  I'm particular about a medium blend coffee and these espresso pieces didn't overwhelm me!  Big bonus :) Milk Chocolate - Perfectly simple smooth and silky milk chocolate bar when you're not looking for extras!  I like the basics and this could be my go to bar when I'm looking for a bit of simplicity. Dark - Perhaps not a favorite, BUT for Dark Chocolate, it was good.  I liked that there was only a hint of bitter!  I typically associate dark chocolate with a strong bitter aftertaste - this chocolate has changed my view quite a bit about dark chocolate. Super Dark - Consistent with the rest of the chocolates, this was silky smooth with a great flavor.  As is the downfall (in my opinion) of all dark chocolates is that it left me with the bitter aftertaste that I'm not fond of.  But, if you're a dark chocolate fan, this one is sure to please! Milk Chocolate Caramel Cups -  Smooth texture (as I'm coming to expect of their chocolates) filled with an extremely silky, thin caramel that doesn't stick to your teeth. Peppermint Cups - If you're looking for an organic alternative to a York, this is it!  The silky smooth chocolate coupled with a milder peppermint flavor was amazing! Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups - I like a full-flavored peanut butter in my peanut butter cups.  These didn't do it for me, but if you're a dark chocolate fan who doesn't need a heavy peanut butter flavor, these cups may be for you. Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups- This is a lovely subtle peanut butter treat with the perfect silky smooth chocolate. Vanilla Alphabet Cookies - Slightly crunchy, buttery vanilla flavor that I shared with my, now, 1-year-old.  I think these are, by far, my favorite cookies, and I feel better that I'm feeding the baby organic goodness.  Even the hubby tried these and greedily grabbed a handful. Hermits - These are soft ginger cookies with raisins and molasses.  While they were soft, as promised, I felt the ginger was too mild for my taste.  These reminded me of a fig newton type cookie. Hint-O-Mint Newman-O's - This is a creme filled mint chocolate cookie and they aren't kidding about "hint" of mint.  If you're in the mood for an oreo type cookie with a barely there mint flavor, these are your cookies. Chocolate Creme Newman-O's - One word? Amazing!  These are oreo-style cookies with a chocolate creme filling.  I'm not big into oreos, but the chocolate creme was to die for!  Takes me back to my teenage years when I'd eat the creme out of oreos and throw out the cookie.  The difference here is that I actually enjoyed eating the cookie part too. Ginger-O's -Another one of my favorites in the cookie selection!  Just enough ginger - really hit the spot when I was in the mood for a ginger-flavored treat. Double Chocolate Chip - These were your standard chocolate cookie with chocolate chips.  One of my least favorites is chocolate cookies (or chocolate cakes) but these weren't bitter or dull.  The chocolate cookie was a nice mild chocolate with the perfect amount of chocolate chips. Orange Chocolate Chip - After having tried the chocolate bar with orange, I expected more of these cookies, but I got a very strong surprise from this cookie.  Opening up the bag, I could smell a very strong orange scent and I immediately thought of an orange essential oil.  Tasting it was even more surprising... the orange flavor was very overpowering, so when I read the ingredient label to find it was made with orange oil, I was not surprised. The orange flavored lingered long after trying it. This particular cookie was not for me, but if you like a strong orange oil, you'll probably like these. Fig Newmans (Fat Free) - I liked these!  A simple fig cookie and I believe these had a sweeter taste than their non-organic counterparts.  I was pleasantly surprised by these as I wouldn't ordinarily choose fig cookies as a snack but I could see being happy to eat these cookies. Mighty Pretzel Minis - These are a great standard snack, though nothing to set them apart from most pretzels. If you're hooked on organic, you'll be pleased with these pretzels. Traditional Pretzel Thins - I think my impression of these is similar to the Minis mentioned immediately prior. Organic Mints I have to start by saying the tins are super cute and I could see reusing these for organizing little items. Wintergreen - one of my favorite mint flavors and these don't disappoint.  It's not a quick dissolving mint, so if you're impatient, you'll have to bite into them, but I force myself to wait it out and experience the flavor longer.  Leaves my mouth feeling fresh (whether or not my breath is fresh is undetermined since I'm not blowing in my husband's face to check). Cinnamon (HOT) - These are not as hot as the tin might like you to believe, but they do pack a nice punch if you bite right in.  This is another one of my all-time favorite items that I've tried!  If you like cinnamon, this mint is for you! Peppermint - I am not a fan of peppermint, though the flavor of these almost reminded me of those big peppermint things that melt really easily - it's a milder peppermint flavor.  Just like the wintergreen variety, I felt as though my breath was fresher (again, I chose not to test it by blowing in someone's face). Ginger - One must love ginger to enjoy this mint.  Truthfully, these were very strong and quite "hot" - not one of my favorites, but if you're serious about your ginger, you might like these. Are you ready to get your snack on? One lucky person will win a Prize Pack of 4 of my favorite items plus + 1 surprise item.  I wish you all luck!!  Please note: If I cannot verify individual entries, they will be disqualified! Giveaway runs 10/5/12 12:01a.m. EST until 10/14/12 12:01a.m. EST. a Rafflecopter giveaway Terms and Conditions Open to US (age 18 yrs+). Void Where Prohibited. Ends 10/14/2012 at 12:01 am EST. No purchase necessary. The winner will be chosen by and announced on rafflecopter as well as via email as soon as all entries are verified.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. One set of entries per person! Use of multiple accounts and duplicate entries is prohibited and will disqualify you from the giveaway.  Finally, you must remain a follower of all the accounts for the duration of the giveaway in order for your entries to count.  If I cannot verify an entry, it will not be counted. If potential Grand Prize winner forfeits or does not claim the prize, a new winner will be chosen, at Sponsor’s sole discretion. The sponsor (Newman's Own Organics) is responsible for shipment of the prize to the winner, NOT Ivy's Variety.  Winner is responsible for making sure to give correct shipping/mailing address in order to ensure delivery.  Contact website owner/administrator for any further questions. This giveaway is sponsored by the authors. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Google Plus. We hereby release Facebook and the above of any liability. #### No Plans to Stop Using Sign Language As you probably have seen (if you've been following for any period of time), I've been teaching my daughter to sign since she was about 5 months old - she was about 6 months old when she started signing for milk (many thanks to her instructor for recognizing it and getting me to notice).  Baby girl is going on two and still prefers sign language over talking.  She can say words, she's just more inclined to "do" rather than "say".My mother has always been super supportive of me teaching Shelby to sign and many times has thanked me for teaching her as it was the only way they could understand her when she stays with them.  On the other hand, my Mother-In-Law recently asked me if it was time for us to stop signing yet (she doesn't understand sign language, so it's frustrating to her).My response is still a big, fat NO.  I realize people believe Shelby doesn't speak because she gets her way when she signs.  Certainly I've been judged because of it.  I've been made to feel badly as though I've held her back with speech because I rank her sign language higher.The truth of the matter is, trying to force Shelby to actually TALK leads to meltdowns.  I know because I have tried.  We've been in the kitchen with her signing and I have acted as though I don't have a clue and I've brought her to tears and she's screamed uncontrollably.  That's a point I shouldn't be bringing her to.Even when I don't focus on sign language and spend weeks at a time just using words, she continues to use sign language.  I've spoken to her doctor expressing my concern about her delayed speech (and she was evaluated after she turned one) - who am I kidding, it's not my concern, but everyone else is concerned and that makes me feel compelled to think something is wrong with my child (even though I know there isn't).  So, why aren't we stopping sign language?  Her pediatrician doesn't believe there's any cause for concern... he's seen on numerous occasions that she's understood things well above her age range.  I have seen her sign language blossom even on things she and I don't use regularly or consistently ... in fact, she saw one of her signing videos one time that I hadn't seen and was using a sign for quite a while that I couldn't figure out until I happened to watch the same video once. (Note to self - always watch what the kid watches so you're not confused later!).  Further, I believe that if we can continue to build on our sign language, she'll have a great lead on communicating with others. shown here, signing "help" (1st pic) and "wind" (2nd pic)What it all comes down to for us is that she's a smart cookie who has always been more inclined toward physical abilities than with working on speech (never was the cooing babbling babies I've always seen).  I've been seeing a slow emergence in using her voice as she becomes more confident... she called me momma about 2 weeks ago for the first time to my face and wouldn't do it again until my dad taught her to say momma in more of a tune than speaking it. It's just the way things are :)I truly believe that when it's all said and done we're going to love that our daughter talks AND signs!  I'm love it so much that I'm hoping to take some extra classes in the future and perhaps teach other babies and children to sign too!!If you're interested in signing along with your baby/toddler, I highly recommend Baby Signing Time and Signing Time!!Shop Baby Signing Time nowShop Signing Time!Some posts may contain affiliate links, please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### No Work Life Balance for SAHMs  Most days, there's no balance at all.Talk about work/life balance seems to flood social media, business discussions, and blog posts.  At one time, I was in a position where I was able to think about my own work/life balance.  I've come to the realization those days are over ... at least temporarily.  Nearly everything I do is life, but life is work as a stay at home mom, so there is no work life balance for SAHMs. With a newborn attached to my boob much of the day, I find myself daydreaming about getting that pile of laundry put away or the dishes out of the sink.  I get puked on, which just means more laundry to be done... or, at least, daydreamed about. When there's a short break to be had, while the newborn is napping, I can throw lunch together for myself and my daughter.  Then, rush to eat and get her into quiet time, hoping not to wake the little man, or we get to listen to him scream until I can get him. If he's still not awake, it's time to catch up on the housework I've been daydreaming of, assuming I haven't already passed out from exhaustion. Did I mention this is only about noon? Image courtesy of Nenetus at FreeDigitalPhotos.net And it only gets worse from there. No Work Life Balance for stay at home moms Afternoons are filled up by more breastfeeding, picking up kiddo from school or reminding her to clean up from quiet time, snack time, and preparing dinner.  I might get lucky and have the baby down for another nap, but I'm probably attempting any one, or a number, of these feats with him attached to my boob again. If he isn't, and he's awake, I'm more than likely stressed out as I listen to him wailing, impatient that I have something I have found to be more important than him at that moment. Heaven forbid I try to relax for one minute, or accidentally fall asleep ... My 4 year old gets irritated if I haven't done something she wants when I'm not attached to the baby in some form or fashion. I may or may not get to eat dinner in peace and quiet.  Depending on when dinner gets done, you might find me putting the little guy to bed (our babies have early bedtimes), as my dinner gets cold waiting on me.  Let's not forget that dinner time is now dependent on when that baby needs me, too.  I can tell myself I'm sticking to our old schedule, but that doesn't mean the baby is going to allow it. And then there's the bedtime for two kids if hubby isn't home to help.  Baby can take as much as two hours to settle in, and that doesn't always include the time I have to get my daughter into bed.  If he's in a good enough mood and not over-tired or over-stimulated, I might get lucky enough to include him, peacefully, in my daughter's bedtime routine.  Thankfully, hubby pitches in to get the older one to bed as I deal with the little one. Just when you think my job is done, you'd be incorrect.  There's dishes to be done, lunches to be made, and maybe time to squeeze in a shower before the baby needs another feeding or, at the very least, extra cuddles or to be rocked back to sleep as reassurance that he's not alone. And, when I finally get settled into bed, I know that I'm on call.  I might get to look forward to a few hours of uninterrupted sleep, if I'm fortunate.  It's too early in this game to tell if little man is going to be a good sleeper like his big sister was/is once we gave her an earlier bedtime.  So, I'm trying not to count my chickens before they hatch ... though I am keeping my fingers crossed that there's some truth to the magic rule about weight and babies needing fewer feedings at night. Then there's the weekends.  If we plan family time out of the house, I might be able to consider it "life" if we're doing something out of the ordinary and enjoyable.  Though, I'm typically home doing the same routines or going grocery shopping.  I'm looking forward to getting my once a month, one day racing fix, but that also means I have to spend some extra "free time" stuck to the couch pumping when I'm not feeding the little guy. My hope (and I'm sure it's realistic), is that sooner, rather than later, I can at least get back my evenings to play games with my family. I wish someone had warned me about the lack of work life balance for stay at home moms #### Non-Candy Stocking Stuffers for Toddlers If you thought shopping for gifts for toddlers was even slightly difficult, brainstorming stocking stuffers for toddlers that aren't all candy was even more so.  For me at least.  Here's a nice list of toddler stocking stuffers sure to please! My oldest is 6, so it's been a while since I've had to think about having a toddler-friendly Christmas.  I pulled out our toddler felt Christmas Tree for the first time in about 4 years.  Honestly, I almost forgot we had it and it took me a while to remember where I even stored it. Now, my kids really don't need a single thing, so it was tough coming up with a holiday gift guide for toddlers that didn't already include everything we already had.  My son may just get gypped this year for Christmas except that we, luckily, decided to stick to the 4-gift challenge this year.  Not to mention, he's a lucky kid with a December birthday, so he gets ripped off anyway.  But, I found some ideas, including those off our non-toy gift ideas for toddlers and some of the most loved toddler toys. Seriously though, how difficult is it to stuff stockings for toddlers?  Am I the only one that struggled with stocking stuffer ideas for toddlers that was anything other than candy or snacks?  I've got the obligatory candy cane and some kind of chocolate, but I did not want to load him up on junk. Stocking Stuffers for Toddlers Books I'm a huge fan of books, so a small holiday themed book is always a good idea in my house.  My son loves Elmo (I'm not even sure why, because he doesn't watch Sesame Street).  Small books like these are perfect for little hands to hold and have your little ones begging you to read.  Plus, they take very little time before rushing out for all the Christmas festivities of the day. Check out these other Christmas Board Books for Toddlers. Cards, Toys, and Games Flash cards, like these, are perfect for building your toddler's brain but still lend themselves to having fun. Check out other toddler flash cards. Little kids love bubbles.  I'm not sure why they're so fascinating, but they really are!  I love the idea of these small bubble packs that are supposedly "no-spill" ... because walking through the house hoping your toddler doesn't wipe bubble solution all over the walls before making it to the bathroom isn't exactly my idea of fun.  You know what I'm talking about. Bouncy balls.  Flashing lights.  Toddlers.  Perfect mix of entertainment and maybe a brief break for mom ... as long as the toddler doesn't bounce the ball into the trash can or other location you don't want those hands reaching into. Stickers!  Another one of those irresistible toddler gifts.  Even my 6 year old is still in love with stickers, so this kind of stocking stuffer idea is great for several years to come! Check out more Christmas stickers. Personal Care Santa loves placing toothbrushes in the kids' stockings!  Normally we get the Firefly toothbrushes at the grocery store, BUT these are highly rated toddler toothbrushes and come in a three pack, so you'll have 3 months of brushing at the ready. In my house, I've attempted to ditch toxic toothpaste.  I've succeeded in all but my husband's area.  Anyway, I continue to promote flouride-free toothpaste even after children are old enough for it.  Since I wouldn't trust my toddler not to attempt to eat his toothpaste, I think it's still important for kids of this age to be given a natural toothpaste, but you want it to be a pleasant experience, too. Wearables Every year, a special pair of socks in the stockings are well-received!  I loved when I saw these socks with loops to help foster a toddler's independence.  Like them?  Check out all the other EZ SOX. Adorable slippers are all the rage.  Well ... anything toddlers can figure out how to put on themselves is a real treat.  Try any number of the adorable toddler slippers available to keep your tot's feet cozy and cute. Feeding FunBites  Make food fun for picky eaters with a variety of FunBites products.  These can fit in large stockings, making perfect stocking stuffer ideas for toddlers! Give the tot permission to play with his or her food and make it more fun!  This is not something you'll usually hear from me ... but if it means it encourages my kiddo to eat, I'll try anything. Keepsakes My parents started the annual keepsake ornament tradition when I got older and I really enjoyed getting a pretty new ornament every year.  It's one tradition I've decided to carry over to my kids.  This, or any special keepsake ornament will delight your toddler.  Although, you'll probably want to maintain control over the ornament until the toddler is old enough to handle it appropriately. Check out more ornaments for your toddler. More Toddler Stocking Stuffers Tell me in the comments: What are your favorite stocking stuffer ideas for toddlers? #### Non-Toy Gift Ideas Toddlers or Preschoolers Will Really Love You're most certainly going to love these non-toy gift ideas for toddlers and preschoolers! I've most certainly written about how much stuff we have in our home and wondered if I could live in a tiny house.  I know the answer is no, but for the desire for simplicity and the ease of cleaning, I'm still daydreaming.  My child's playroom is growing more like the playroom I'd hoped for her, but I had never realized how much stress it would cause me in how much time I have to spend cleaning and the need for more organizational items (and the skills to implement a better organizational system). All this got me thinking... It's about time to start worrying about Christmas and all the toys we're bound to receive.  The thought made me cringe.  I can hardly bear it.  I've had some difficulty getting rid of the toys my daughter doesn't use and I'm going to have to find room for more?  I need to put a plea out there for fewer toys.  So, here's a list of the non-toy gift ideas I came up with for toddlers and preschoolers.  (Hey family: there's a few hints for you if you're reading this). Non-Toy Gift Ideas for a Toddler or Preschooler *Disclaimer: I have included affiliate links in this post.  If you make purchases after clicking these links, I will earn a small commission, which helps me pay for expenses to run this blog.  Your support his greatly appreciated. Magazine Subscriptions What an amazing way to bring new stories, pictures, and educational materials into the home that doesn't take up a lot of space.  Plus, it's really exciting for the littles to receive their own mail on a monthly basis.  Its like giving a gift every month ... how cool does that make you? Highlights Magazines -  High Five is geared to children ages 2 - 6.  Highlights Magazines offer another subscription for babies ages 0-2 as well. Other good magazine subscription ideas are: National Geographic Little Kids Cricket Media magazines: Babybug for ages 0 - 3 yrs, Click for ages 3 - 6 yrs, or Ladybug for ages 3 - 6 yrs. Games While these might be considered "toys", there's still so much educational value and family bonding experiences to be had with games.  Plus, I still have room for games in our coat closet AND I'm tired of the 3 that we have that are age appropriate for my daughter.  Here are a few toddler games I can recommend. ThinkFun's Move & Groove:  I reviewed Move & Groove a while back and fell in love with the game.  My daughter calls it "the cube game".  Our family had a great time getting up and moving according to the instructions.  This game provides family bonding opportunities, a few giggles, and plenty of opportunities to keep your kid active. Books Aside from the fact that we're completely out of space on our bookshelves, books are always welcomed.  My daughter loves reading so many books, that she practically has her own library and we still borrow books from the real library on a weekly basis.  She's been known to make me sit down and read all of our borrowed books in one day, too.  And, she's good about sneaking an extra book or two in the room at bedtime. Get a [easyazon_link keywords="toddler book" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]toddler book[/easyazon_link] (or a few) that you think they'll love.  Or, have books sent monthly like those from BookRoo. Activities I love the idea of having more activities available to do out of the home, but sometimes the expense of them is a bit of a deterrent.  Some great ideas include: paint your own pottery sessions museum memberships zoo memberships (we already have this and love it) classes - art, swimming, music etc Monthly Subscription Boxes There are plenty of age appropriate monthly subscription boxes that would be a great addition to the work we do at home.  These can range from book subscriptions, crafts, or hands-on projects that I'd be grateful not to have to plan and organize. I reviewed the Little Thinker subscription box which happened to take a lot of pressure off of me to gather and prepare supplies and kept my kiddo busy for a long time! Green Kid Crafts offers subscription box plans as well as discovery boxes in their shop.  These are Craft and STEAM Science boxes designed for ages 3-10. [the_ad_group id="13346"] Kiwi Crate looks like another good service - you can purchase subscriptions of 1 month or up to 1 year, or even purchase single boxes of your chosen them.  We get the Kiwi Crate for the oldest and I've really loved it.  But, they have two other subscription services for the younger crowd: Cricket Crate for Ages 0-2 Koala Crate for ages 3-4 [the_ad_group id="13350"] Even Little Passports came out with an awesome looking new subscription for preschoolers called Early Explorers. [the_ad_group id="13345"] Are there any subscription boxes you would recommend for toddlers and preschoolers? Foreign or Second Language Education Get kiddos learning more than their ABCs.  Try giving a children's kit for learning a foreign language or even sign language.  There are intellectual benefits to learning a second language early on and there are plenty of options suitable for children.  My two favorites are Dino Lingo and Signing Time. The Gift of Sleep Still working on sleep training or having trouble with fears of the dark?  Try something like Dream Team Pets.  Your child thinks they're training their pet to sleep, but they're training themselves. Online Education Our favorites are ABC Mouse and the Agnitus iOS app.  I was lucky enough to have won a subscription, and then recently received another subscription to do a review of ABCMouse.  In fact, as I'm here editing this post, my daughter is playing her games in front of me. [the_ad_group id="13343"] #### Not the typical first time mom: On tumbles and germs A few days after Shelby was born, we had to take her to the doctor for her 1st checkup.  Since we were already out and about, we took her to Target and lunch at Steak N Shake.  From then on, I realized that I wasn't the typical first time mom. Before she had all her shots, I didn't worry much about germs.  We have dogs and I wasn't going to try sterilizing her or the house every time they got near her. The pacifier would fall out of her mouth, and I wasn't rushing to clean it every time it hit the floor.  (Do you know how often those things come out of babies mouths?!?!?)  I would have let almost anyone hold her without using hand sanitizer.  And, as she got older and around more babies and children, I didn't freak out every time one of them knocked her over or slapped her in the face (which happened just about every time we attended play dates).  I will, however, admit that the hitting happened so much in the beginning that I'd already planned to put baby girl in karate as soon as she was old enough... I'd feed her on the floor when convenient, I don't typically run to her aide every time she tumbles to the floor, no constant pacifier wiping, and I still don't mind much when she's greeted with a slap to the face (poor girl is seemingly, by nature, going to be bullied).  She's been known to fall and look at me for a reaction and I can tell that if I act as though something might make her cry she will cry.  Uh uh ... none of that for me, please.  She's fallen and I've told her that adventurous babies are more prone to accidents and it's a good reason to strive to be better.  Sure, the one and a half year old probably didn't understand it, but she sure looked at me as if she did and then accepted the response, just to continue adventuring again. Why?  I know that I'm not always going to be able to shield her and germs are a fact of life.  I can offer her comfort when things really hurt (and could potentially lead to sudden doc/hospital visit) and let her know it will be okay, but I don't want her to grow up thinking that every little bump and scrape is worthy of a full-on meltdown.  And darn it, she seems to be a tough cookie already at almost 2.  She cries when she's hungry, if something really did hurt/stun her, or if she's tired, then everything becomes tragic... otherwise, she's tough and handles her tumbles, bumps, and germs so well. As a parent, regardless of how many, how do you handle germs and getting "hurt"? #### On cranky-tot not napping and taking advice Initially, moving in the new house didn't affect baby girl's sleeping - it seemed like a seamless transition (no surprise since she's regularly staying with the grands without sleep interruption).  For the most part, even still, the move hasn't had much impact on her life, except for the good. BUT, we've been in a really bad phase the last 2 weeks that's driving me nuts (reading prior posts may explain it better).  She's always been a good sleeper and naps were always easy to come by, but lately I can't figure out when she's tired.  And when she seems tired, she still won't sleep.  She's in a crap mood and she's bringing hubby and I down with her. As I'm struggling, I finally get to catch up over the phone with a friend I rarely get to see - even less now with the move.  Talking about the troubles, she suggests that perhaps taking toys out of the crib will help.  I didn't quite understand the concept, since baby girl has always had toys in bed with her and it's never previously prevented her from sleep, so I piped up about it.  She calmly suggested that with her age, she's likely starting to become more engaged with toys than before and it could be keeping her awake wanting to play. The thought hadn't even crossed my mind, but I have noticed that baby girl has been much more enthusiastic about picking her toys for bed and car rides.  So, on to the next tot training course, or retraining for that matter... and just in time for us to move on to our next session of training: "Life without Paci". We may be going through a growth spurt or a new developmental phase, too, which likely isn't helping anyone ... she's starting to repeat more words (about time)!  So, the lesson I learned from this experience is that taking advice can be a good thing, but I need people to approach it from less of a know-it-all stance to more of a "ask questions, size up the situation, and advise based on experience" stance. Since the no-toy rule was put into place (which turned into the "one stuffed animal" rule), she's been napping much more easily again, too! Wish me luck with the rest of it, and if you have any advice or experiences to share, please weigh in... #### Once Again Organic Nut Butters Trail Mix Cookies, Gluten Free Dairy Free #ad #MomsMeet Do you know how difficult it is to find an organic/natural nut butter?  No?  Maybe it's just me, but I tend to find natural nut butters that require me to stir it before use. That's my biggest pet peeve with natural nut butters ... having to stir peanut butter before I can spread it on bread. I've tried several brands when I searched for organic varieties and never could find something I liked.  At least, until now ... Enter Once Again Organic Nut Butters! Disclaimer: I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com), May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my honest opinion on my blog. The opinions posted are my own. I was provided a box of 4 varieties of Organic Once Again Nut Butters to try.  I'll get to my thoughts in a little bit, but first I want to share their amazing Sunbutter Trail Mix Cookie recipe!  I made a couple changes to their ingredient list to make it a little more allergy friendly.  Plus, I changed a small detail about the baking, because I'm a lazy baker!  But, generally this is THEIR RECIPE. For starters, place your baby in an activity seat, pump up some Cotton Eye Joe Radio and get to work.  It won't take long unless you do like I did and try to make a video with an iphone in crappy lighting conditions.  You know ... place all your ingredients in separate dishes before you can dump them into the mixing bowl?  Yeah, I wouldn't normally do that, but to make things interesting I had to try.  And Cotton Eye Joe radio on Pandora sure kept me motivated! Speaking of which, I think my ridiculous dancing kept the little one slightly more entertained than usual.  Or was that a look of concern on his face?  Maybe he thought his mommy was having a seizure?!  I did not take a video of this, by the way.  No sense in scaring you away or having an ambulance called for me.  I did survive the making of these cookies! I digress. Trail Mix Cookies with Once Again Organic Sunflower Seed Butter Trail Mix Cookies, Gluten Free & Dairy Free I've mildly adapted this recipe from a Once Again Nut Butter recipe card.   Always be sure to research your products to ensure food allergy safety. 1 cup Once Again Organic Lightly Sweetened Sunflower Seed Butter1 cup unsweetened, organic coconut flakes (Orig. recipe called for sweetened)1/2 cup dark chocolate morsels (Enjoy Life is my preference) (orig recipe calls for semi-sweet.)1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar1/2 cup dried cranberries1/2 cup dates, chopped (approx 8 dates)1/4 cup sunflower seeds1/4 cup organic maple syrup1 large egg1/2 tsp vanilla1/2 tsp baking soda1/4 tsp salt (I used sea salt) Preheat oven to convection bake 350° - my oven bumps the setting to 325° automaticallyPlace all of the ingredients together in the bowl of your stand mixer.Mix on medium speed until ingredients are well-combinedDrop generous tablespoon-full portions of dough onto parchment-lined cookie sheets.  I literally used a table spoon from my silverware tray and heaped the dough, making larger cookies!Bake for 12-14 minutes until cookies are set but soft.  Mine took 13 minutes.Remove from oven and let cool on the cookie sheets. Using an actual tablespoon will yield smaller cookies, but offer more servings.  Original recipe states 30 servings.  Because I was extra generous with my dough, I only eeked out 18 cookies.Enjoy! These cookies came out moist and delicious.  Plus, the toddler LOVED them.  I mean, it's not like I give him much sugary foods, so this went over extremely well.  My 5 year old though ... she wasn't nearly as impressed.  Totally cool with me ... just more for me and the little guy! © SAHM, plus... Once Again Organic Nut Butters Appeal to My "Crunchy" Side If you ask at least one of my friends, I'm considered "totally crunchy."  No pun intended there.  I consider myself partially crunchy because I believe in balance. While I prefer organic options, buying all organic is not budget friendly. Once Again Organic Nut Butters are Non GMO verified.  With my health issues, and food intolerances (including the substance found in GMO crops), I need as many Non GMO options I can get my hands on, within reason.  Sometimes I sacrifice this necessity because I don't like spending the money on it.  Still, I'm totally in love that these nut butters are Non GMO Project Verified. Because I can't afford to waste money on bread that my daughter doesn't finish in a week, I often buy her the least expensive brand, which I'm sure isn't very healthy.  Knowing that I'm slathering organic, lightly sweetened peanut butter on the toxic junk bread makes me feel a little better about what I'm feeding her. Balance ... it's all about finding a happy medium. No Stir I told you that having to stir peanut butter really irritates me.  I mean, if you're going to make a product that requires stirring, can't you create a lid with a built-in stirrer so I don't have to do the work? Yikes, I bet that product would be expensive ... Thankfully, Once Again Organic Nut Butters are no-stir.  I mean, I can't be more grateful for that.   While natural nut butters will separate, I don't need to stir these every time I open them! Smooth and Creamy Oh my gosh, these nut butters are no easy to spread. Have you ever tried to spread peanut butter on soft bread and the bread just followed the knife, and then sort of ripped?  Even on soft white bread, there's no ripping.  The Once Again organic nut butters themselves aren't very thick, so that helps.  Instead, they're rich and creamy, which makes spreading on bread a dream come true for a mom who makes PB&J at least once a week! #### One Thing Made Me Want to Breastfeed in a Carrier One pivotal event stands out in my mind as the reason I decided to learn how to breastfeed in a carrier.  It's been two years since that date, and I'm still appalled I let it happen.  It was time to feed my newborn and I was shuttled away and confined in a room to breastfeed. It was a stressful time in our lives.  My son was due around Thanksgiving, but be decided to wait.  He held out a few days ... like 13 days late.  I've told you about his late arrival before.  He waited until the morning my Father-in-Law arrived for his annual Christmas trip from Indiana. December is always extremely busy with the multiple Christmas gift exchanges we're subjected to.  Our families can't seem to coordinate a single time to come together at once, so we usually end up with about 4 Christmas celebrations.  It's too much when there isn't a tiny baby involved.  But, this event being just days before one of the many gatherings we'd be subjected to over the month was extremely emotional. I should have been toting around a baby who was a couple of weeks old, which was bad enough, in my opinion.  Instead, I was toting around a baby who was only days old.  We hadn't even begun a breastfeeding routine. We had no routine. I didn't know my son.  We had nothing figured out.  And I was being expected to tote him to my sister-in-law's house for my Father-in-Law's Christmas celebration. We ate our Christmas dinner and rounded the kids upstairs for their first Christmas gift exchange.  The kids barely had a chance to open gifts and our new baby began wailing for his dinner.  So I started gathering the nursing cover in preparation. This one thing made me learn to breastfeed in a carrier The next thing I know, I was being escorted into a bedroom. Now, maybe I should have taken it as I was being given privacy.  Or that this person thought we needed a quiet place to feed.  But that's just not how it felt. It felt as though feeding my baby wasn't allowed in front of the family because I chose (and our baby preferred) breastfeeding. Despite having a cover, I had been robbed of watching my daughter's face as she opened her gifts from her Grandparents.  Until my son was finished eating, I wasn't able to be part of the exchange. Fighting back tears, I made my way back into the room as everyone was wrapping up their gift opening.  I couldn't believe I missed it.  And, my son and I were just getting started.  When we left that night, I struggled to find the words to express how horrible I felt about the whole situation. But, then I became determined.  There was no way I was going to miss out on another beautiful moment with my daughter or husband.  My and my son's choice in feeding would not hamper my ability to "be there." I decided, from then on, I was going to breastfeed in a carrier.  And for nearly a year, every time he got hungry, no matter where we were, I'd strap him into the carrier and feed him. I never let his feeding preference get in the way of another event.  And most of the time, no one even knew he was eating as I walked around merrily.  We didn't miss out on life.  And I breastfed my son in the carrier at my sister-in-law's house every time we went there.  And I hadn't been made to hide in a room again. I don't know if they ever figured out what we were doing.  But, it doesn't matter any longer.  Because I learned to breastfeed in a carrier, I was able to care for my son while ensuring I was continuing to be part of the family.  And I succeeded in not being shuttled into another room against my will again. What carrier did I use to breastfeed in? The Boba 4G was the carrier of choice! #### Online Home Preschool Resources - Free and Paid A listing of free and paid-for online home preschool resources I've used over the years for education at home. It's no secret I was working on a home preschool program with my daughter.  It was informal and was a way to help me teach her things I felt like she might have been missing out on by not being in daycare.  Every year she was home, after she turned two, we'd work on another round.  And, each year we'd deepen the educational value as I prepared her to read or do early math.  Plus, we eventually got into some character education. Now that my second baby is 3 years old (and finally ready to sit down and focus) we're doing it again. So, I wanted to share the online home preschool resources I've used. Bear in mind, these are just a selection of resources I use and certainly doesn't begin to account for the many resources out there. Additionally, I find it useful to use many sources to tailor our program to our needs or moods. Of course, because this is somewhat an informal way for us to educate ourselves, I find it most beneficial to use as many free online resources as I can find.  This year, I have a very large binder I put together of print outs and the only thing it has cost me was printer paper and ink (not counting the preschool art and craft supplies).  I do use several other paid-for educational resources to boost our program and change up our learning options.  I have provided the paid-for resources at the bottom of the list in the form of affiliate links.  If you click those links and make purchases, I will be paid a small commission, but it will not cost you any more than if you went to the site directly.  I wouldn't recommend those resources if I didn't find them useful. My Favorite Online Home Preschool Resources Letter of the Week Preschool Curriculum Letter of the Week was the basic program that I used last year.  I found it helpful and am using the next stage as our base for this year.  I'm expanding the program with other resources to customize for our needs. Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool I found that incorporating All-in-One Homeschool was easy to do as is goes through the alphabet by week as well.  This site gave me other ideas, printables, etc and broke the activities down by day. DLTK's Crafts for Kids This is my go-to source for printables, coloring pages, and craft ideas.  I love that many of DLTK's ideas include templates and instructions, which takes so much of the guess work out of crafting with little ones. If you don't mind spending a bit of money, these are the resources I'd recommend considering to enhance your preschool curriculum.   Sometimes a small investment in education goes a long way. Foreign Language- Dino Lingo A while back, I was provided a Dino Lingo set in Spanish for review.  I chose Spanish because of the big push for children to learn Spanish as a second language in schools.  While the little ones are so young, they absorb so much information easily, so starting a foreign language this early just made sense.  You can get Dino Lingo from their own website or off Amazon in various sets and prices. Sign Language I've been a big fan of Signing Time since my daughter was a baby.  She was signing milk at about 9 months and her sign language vocabulary was amazing during the time she refused to speak with words.  It was a lifesaver in many ways and she continues to use some of her vocabulary at 3 years of age.  Having used sign language, I found it beneficial when we began to learn Spanish as well making it easier to connect the English to Spanish translation. Using sign language "help" and "wind" ABC Mouse Full online toddler and preschool curriculum includes games, puzzles, coloring activities (like color by number or dot to dot that I don't seem to find everywhere), etc.  You could easily integrate the Letter of the Week curriculum to include a few minutes a day, or a week, of ABC mouse activities.  The activities in the "whiteboard" go in alphabetical order so it's easy to follow along with the Letter of the Week preschool curriculum mentioned above. I've had a few chances to work with ABC Mouse over the years, and I've written about them here and here. Join ABCMouse Agnitus We use this as a fill-in type educational system.  Since it plays like games, I have no problem letting my daughter play on occasion without her realizing that she's learning at the same time.  She's getting great educational value out of Agnitus without the feeling of rigid structure. Do you have any great online home preschool resources you believe should be added to this list?  If so, please leave me a comment! #### Organic Product Review: Suja Essentials What is Suja Essentials?Suja Essentials are organic, non-gmo, cold-pressed juice blends.  Health buff?  You might want to check these out.  One bottle retails for approximately $3.99.  Read on to learn about my thoughts on the two bottles I received from bzzagent in exchange for my honest opinions of the product.Suja Essentials ReviewI was happy to get a chance to try these juices through Bzzagent.com.  I've been trying to increase my organic consumption as well as purchasing more Non-GMO verified products.  With my autoimmune disorder, and recently finding out I'm severely intolerant of glyphosate, a chemical found in Round-Up ready crops, I'm trying to be more careful about my food choices.  These are Non-GMO verified by nongmoproject.org and that made me really happy.Unfortunately, my Publix didn't have a great selection, so I ended up with 1 bottle each of Mango Magic and Green Delight.The Mango Magic blend included ginger in the ingredients list.  I tried this one first because I was in the mood for a more tropical blend, however, the entire drink was overpowered by the ginger.  While I don't mind a little bit of ginger, I almost couldn't taste anything else in the drink.  I wasn't a fan, so I'm going to recommend this blend to someone who LOVES ginger.After Mango Magic, I was worried about trying the Green Delight, but I was pleasantly surprised by it.  There was a nice blend of fruits and powerful greens (some of the greens I never eat) and I am happy to report that, to me, this tasted like a tangy, but sweet, tea.  I could see purchasing this flavor again in the future (if I can reintroduce a couple of the ingredients back into my diet).Connect with Ivy on Google+ Liked this article? Sign up for FREE updates!* indicates requiredEmail Address * Email Format htmltext Disclosure: To help support this blog and continue to bring you free content, Ivy's Variety posts may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Our 2018 In Review The good, the bad, and the surprising.  Life and blogging 2018 in review. 2018 was a full year, wasn't it?  I mean, quite possibly our busiest ever.  We've made a lot of great memories this year, but we've also had our share of bumps in the road. I don't know about you, but our family has done a lot in 2018 and we're looking forward to even more in 2019.  Though, simultaneously, I'm looking forward to less. 2018 In Review 2018 In Review: Personal Over the summer, my father took the kids and I on a trip to Discovery Cove and Sea World in Orlando. Our family had a wonderful vacation this year.  We spent the first half of the week playing in Tampa.  Then, we  headed into Orlando to finish our trip at Disney. We stayed in some wonderful places, including the Animal Kingdom Lodge, which was a fantastic experience. In August, I took some time away from the kids to spend some time with my husband at a race event, called Grid Life.  Though it's been a goal of mine to get out on a race track with other cars, I simply tagged along to be a spectator and rode along with my husband. I'd been increasingly finding myself disinterested in Autocross this year, and Grid Life sort of solidified my desire to be out on a track.  So, in early December, hubby took me to Sebring International Raceway for my first HPDE (High Performance Driving Event).  Here, I started in HPDE 1, for beginners and I instantly felt at home! I've been ruined for our Autocross events forever! Shortly afterward, our family joined the YMCA so that I could get back into Yoga and give my son more social experiences while he was in child care.  And then I got hooked on lifting weights and became obsessed with building muscles!  That's been a strange, but awesome experience. Then, hubby and I celebrated our 9 year anniversary!  We sent the kids to spend time with their Papa and we had a low-key (but beautiful) anniversary weekend.  And we began to come up with our ideas for a big 10 year anniversary celebration. Turns out, we're thinking REALLY big by spending a week (or more) in Europe next year! Toward the end of December, our family spent another couple days in Orlando to use the last two days of our 4-day passes.  We also decided this was the perfect way to celebrate our son's 3rd birthday, so we purchased tickets to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas.  It was our first ever experience with the Christmas party, and aside from a few incidents with inconsiderate people, was actually a pretty cool event. While we had some pretty great experiences, I lost my grandfather unexpectedly a few months ago, shortly after returning from our Grid Life trip.  We had just gone to visit my grandparents and we were all talking about cars (and talking my grandfather into trying to use Uber to get around more often).  We also talked about some of his hobbies and took both grandparents out to lunch at one of our favorite pizza places. The suddenness of his passing resulted in a short run with depression and began to have an impact on how I was living.  I felt as though I'd been giving people an inadequate amount of my personal attention, and began to pull away from things that didn't matter and try to focus more on things that did. 2018 In Review On The Blog How about a top 10 list?  Well, it's been an interesting year on the blog as I learned more about Pinterest and analyzing data to see what you guys are reading.  As I began preparing for this 2018 in Review post, I was surprised to find some of my newer posts seem to have caught your attention more than I thought.  This was huge for me because I began writing more marriage content as I tried to dive deeper in this blog to be more rounded. Without further ado, the top 10 posts in 2018 for SAHM, plus... 1.  Should You Get The Epidural During Labor? 2.  Dispelling Baby Myths For First Time Moms 3.  More Than 30 Freezer Meals To Make While Pregnant, Before Baby Arrives 4.  Get Baby To Sleep (Through The Night) 5.  Keep Marriage Exciting (Even After Kids) 6.  Keurig Alternatives 7.  14 Ways To Show Your Husband You Love Him 8.  Chicken And Yellow Rice Dinner Recipe 9.  Tips For a Happy Marriage As Parents 10. How to Cope With The Disappointment When Baby Is Late This year, I really poured myself into my blog.  I tried to make it more of a business and spent countless hours upgrading, spending money, and a bit of making money.  I dove into it.  My goal was to earn enough that I wouldn't have to join the workforce when my son started Preschool in a few years. I had decent traffic coming to read, I was earning a relatively decent income, and I was learning more about blogging than I'd ever known in previous years.  I even started a Facebook group for moms who were looking to ditch the guilt associated with taking time away from their kids to focus on themselves and their marriages. Honestly, I was rocking it. With my Grandfather's unexpected passing, however, my focus became less blog oriented and more family oriented.  All this pouring myself into my blog and social media was taking me away from being fully present with my family. I began to recognize that I was preaching all this "balance" but I wasn't practicing it. As my thought process shifted, I no longer cared about my blog becoming a business.  I wasn't sure how much I has been missing with my son and daughter as I tried to build this empire.  My nights were spent next to my husband on the couch with my nose buried in my computer. I no longer wanted my focus to be there because I was wasting so many opportunities to spend quality time with my family.  And I knew it was time I'd never be able to get back. As I head into 2019, my focus continues to be on my family.  I'll still be here, but I'm no longer trying to build a blogging empire.  If it happens, that's great, but I'm not forcing it.  Instead, I want to be more present with my family. I intend to continue to visit the gym to give my kids more social time (on the weekends for my daughter). I'm also going to give yet another round of home preschool a try with my son.  This time, though, I'm using a subscription box service called The Preschool Box, to deliver preschool activities to work on throughout the month. Finally, I'm going to work on getting better about taking pictures of hubby and I on our trips (or date nights) together.  This will be especially important when we take off on the European trip we're planning for our 10 year anniversary!!! So, while I'm looking forward to more in 2019, I'm also looking forward to less.  Less sadness and less time focusing on things that take up my time while missing out on important parts of our lives. I have loved reviewing 2018 with you and look forward to sharing 2019. #### Our Disappointing Mother Daughter Date There are moments when parenting can be disappointing.  Take our disappointing mother daughter date for example. The moment I heard the new Grinch movie was coming to theaters, I knew I had to take my daughter to see it. As luck would have it, it was releasing just a few days before my scheduled "Mommy's Day Out." As the holidays were rolling in quickly, I also knew there wasn't going to be a ton of time for doing whatever we wanted.  The holiday obligations are plentiful around here, not to mention, having a surprise trip planned for the kids in December.  As soon as we return, hubby and I have to scramble to pack and drive for a long adult weekend away. So, I traded my mommy day out for Mommy-Daughter day. I've been missing my little girl (though at 7, she's on the verge of being a big girl, isn't she?)! With her in school all day and having her (almost) always cranky nearly 3 year old brother at home, she and I rarely get time alone together.  Our days are spent shuttling to and from school, afternoon homework, after school activity, cooking and eating dinner, and getting ready for bed.  Weekends are usually spent doing things as a family or catching up on housework and chores. I can rarely take her to do things like we used to do when she was small ... weekend trips together to experience new places. So, this was the perfect opportunity to trade my day to dedicate my time only to her.  I'd been craving more time to reconnect with her, to show her I love and miss her.  And, I thought she'd appreciate spending time together, too.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Ivy | SAHM Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Nov 13, 2018 at 9:48am PST I planned to go out to breakfast, then take her to the gym, knowing she's always jealous that her baby brother gets to do arts and crafts in the gym's child care during the week.  From there, we'd have lunch then get ready to snuggle in a chair at the movie theater, watching a new Christmas movie. I just knew this was going to be perfect, because she's always listening to Christmas music.  Afterward, we'd chill out and have dinner alone, to finish the day.  In my mind, our day was going to be doing things she loved, together.  And, I was gonna win some mom of the year award.  Well, at least I was going to get a lot of smiles and hugs from a happy girl, glad to be spending time with mom. How the Disappointing Mother Daughter Date Played Out Unfortunately, my girl struggles with needing "stuff" and it gets in the way of her enjoyment of having time with people.   The day went almost as planned.  Breakfast, gym, a detour to get a replacement bra,  lunch and movie.  Then, at random, I decided to swing by the Town Center as they were throwing a holiday event with free family fun activities, hot chocolate, fake snow, and crafts.  There was time to kill before dinner and this event was right up my daughter's alley. Unfortunately, I didn't win any awards that day.  At every turn, my daughter kept asking about buying a toy.  And, I was getting tired of the same response ... "today isn't about buying stuff, it's about spending time together.  I have been missing spending time with you." Activity. Ask about toys. Pout. Repeat. No matter how much we DID together or how many ways I tried to explain what spending time together means, she kept asking if she could get a toy.  It broke my heart that my effort to plan a day around things she liked was met with By the end of the day, I wanted to cry.  I didn't know any other way to make it clear that a mommy-daughter day isn't about getting toys.  The only thing I could think to do to get her to (maybe) understand was to tell her she was hurting my feelings.  I explained how I'd given up my day out alone so that I could spend time with her.  I told her, very honestly, that all I wanted was to spend time with her, but that it hurt to know all she cared about was getting a new toy. And then, she was in tears. I still don't know whether it was because she understood she hurt my feelings or that she didn't get a toy.  I'll probably never know. The only thing I know is that this was a disappointing Mother Daughter Date for the both of us.  I didn't receive appreciation for my effort to give my daughter a special day.  And my daughter ended the day disappointed she didn't have another toy to further clutter her room. Isn't motherhood grand?  In case you're wondering... I'm planning to re-read and jot down some notes from the book [easyazon_link identifier="0802412858" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]5 Love Languages of Children[/easyazon_link].  I'd recently read the book and hadn't had time to actually apply the principles to our children's lives.  But, this event solidified that I may have missed the mark on my daughter's love language which could have easily attribute to our disappointing mother daughter date. I'd like to experiment with finding her true love language (which, at the moment feels like gifts) ... maybe I could save us the heartache, not give up my mommy time, get her a small gift, and save us money in the long run! Wish me luck! And, let me know if you've ever experienced something like this.  How did you handle it? PIN ME #### Our Summer and Return to Blogging I want to start by saying it's SOOOO good to be back at blogging. I would like to fill you in on what we've been working on this summer and let you know how excited I am to be sharing new content with you. You used to follow my old blog, Ivy's Variety. After the birth of my son, I thought I was going to be hanging up my writing for a while. We struggled getting accustomed to having a new baby again while also dealing with other family matters. B arrived with a very strong personality and we spent his first few months breaking him and ourselves in for everyone to adjust. I spent almost the entire summer preparing my daughter for school. It's hard to believe S will be going to Kindergarten in just a few short weeks. I wish I knew at the beginning of the summer what I know now. I wasted so much time registering and un-registering from schools until we got accepted into the Magnet Program we'd had our hopes up for. That meant lots of phone calls, applications, and car rides transferring paperwork from one school to another. If we weren't working on school paperwork, we were participating in our library summer reading program, working on her reading skills, and doing activities for the Girl Scout Daisies. Lots of books and in-library events to attend, as well as at home activities to prepare for a strange (for me) new adventure with Girl Scouts. The last couple weeks, I have been very focused on getting the new website up and running. After getting both kids to bed, I worked to perfect this new blog to the best of my abilities, sometimes with the help of some outside sources. And, I've been doing this trying to make the transition for you, my readers, very easy. Now that it's over, and as soon as S starts school, I can pencil in some time to begin to write again. I have been dying for the moment I knew I could begin this again. I have a list, a mile and a half long, of subjects I want to share. Currently, my weeks are filling up with errands to run, final weekday play dates to fulfill with her friends, and finalizing some details on the blog. Soon, my weeks will include writing, school functions, and Daisies. And, still figuring out how to schedule B's activities and naps around his big sister's things. Still, my mile and a half long list of blogging topics are penciled in and ready for me to set aside regular time for writing.  I have so much to discuss and I feel more focused and creative.  I hope you're as excited as I am for my return.  I miss you! #### Over 30 Awesome Dinosaur Things for Dinosaur Obsessed Kids If your child loves dinosaurs, you probably spend a good deal of time shopping for dinosaur stuff.  You'll love these awesome things I've found for my own kids, who are dinosaur obsessed. When your child loves dinosaurs like mine does, there's a chance you consider it more of a dinosaur obsession.  Seriously, my daughter can't get enough.  We've had to re-decorate her room to incorporate her love for dinosaurs.  The under-bed storage is overflowing with dinosaur toys.  She just can't get enough. Even better?  She's passed on her dinosaur love to her little brother! Do your kids love dinosaurs as much?  Check out all the things I found for your dinosaur obsessed children. [tweetthis twitter_handles="@sahmplusblog"]Over 30 amazing items for the child who loves dinosaurs![/tweetthis] Dinosaur Themed Bedroom Dinosaur Land Full Comforter Set.  We personally own this comforter set and I couldn't be happier with it. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B00MYL83JI" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51y3vir5lLL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Dinosaur Land Full Sheet Set [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B00MYL7YQ6" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/41e5AHvrD3L.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Dino Friends Wall Art Stickers [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="473" identifier="B0053T04I6" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51zjovAdxCL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Dinosaur Land Sleeping Bag [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B00MCHJ1YK" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/5198PqMyXvL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Dinosaur Themed Bathroom Dinosaur Toothbrush Holder [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B00O211P3O" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/31ZicZVU3L.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="433"] Dinosaur Shower Curtain [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B00OG5UXF2" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51FmDd2BBL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Dinosaur Rug [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B002IPGY0A" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/516q5D2BI6QL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Dinosaur Bathroom Accessories [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B00ZNTXY92" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51XiTVdO05L.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="464"] Triceratops Bath Wrap [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="400" identifier="B00GJAUKJQ" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/41BNsqs1QzL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="400"] Dinosaur Bath Robe [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B00GY0NGLA" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/41CLiaXsKqL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Dinosaur Toys and Games Dinosaur Dig with Kinetic Sand [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B00NR9XN00" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/61nRbBuv7LL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Dinosaur A to Z Puzzle - I love how this combines the fun and excitement dinosaurs with a touch of education. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="375" identifier="B007W0Q5A0" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/41sM505tDfL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Dinosaur Dawn Floor Puzzle [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="453" identifier="B00146E6LI" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/61Ie6wI41DL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Wooden Dinosaur Puzzles in a Box - perfect for keeping puzzles organized and maybe even great for taking on vacation. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="321" identifier="B000REP3CO" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51TjH6y7pqL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Dinosaur toy box and play mat in one! [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="400" identifier="B000JXKWYC" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51bsB5pzP1L.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Miposaur - this robotic dinosaur is fun for kids.  I'm going to tell you honestly, adults are likely to lose interest quickly as it isn't very quiet and seems very repetitive. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B0155I29B4" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/41syTYkYwL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Dinosaur Grow Eggs - My daughter loves those toys that grow when you put them in water.  Make them dinosaurs and they're better! [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B00OZUG7YE" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51vGpxXTe7L.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Dino Meal Game.  My husband bought this for my daughter when she was 4.  It's a simple game, but could be considered too intense as T-Rex roars and jumps at various points in the game.  My daughter didn't like it at first. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="373" identifier="B005C3GOIC" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51tMZPGaxeL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Dinosaur Arts and Crafts Dinosaur Craft Apron - because simply creating dinosaur crafts or art isn't enough! [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B00B5PUDOM" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/418l5KZlG1L.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Dinosaur stencils with dab and dot markers Dinosaur Science Discovery Box from Green Kids Crafts Sticker By Number Dinosaur Scene Dinosaur Scratch Art - because mess free creations are mommy's best friends. Dinosaur Suncatchers Dinosaur Figurines painting kit Coloring and Sticker Pad Bundle - not totally dinosaurs, but there ARE dinosaurs! Dinosaur Stickers - what is it about little kids and stickers?  Your little dinosaur obsessed child will have tons of fun and waste these in minutes flat.... because that's what they do! Self-Inking Dinosaur Stamps - make sure you get a ream of paper (or 10) ready for some stamping fun. Wooden Dinosaur Stamp Set - does your kiddo have any paper left?  Make sure you have them put on their craft apron again. Party with Dinosaurs Top a birthday cake with these cute dinosaur candles! Dinosaur shaped silicone mold - perfect for clay, ice cubes, etc Dinoaur Foam Masks Dinosaur Excavation and coloring books - activity for guests and maybe send them home with coloring books? Send your guests home with their own dinosaur to grow. My child loves dinosaurs.  Maybe I do too! I shared a ton of great gift ideas for the dinosaur obsessed child.  Some we own, others I'm putting on my daughter's wish list!  Anything you want to get your little dinosaur lover? #### Over 30 Fun Hobbies for Stay At Home Moms Offering a little encouragement for moms who need to feel like they're more than just a mom! Break out of boring routines and do something you enjoy! Get some inspiration from this big list of hobbies for stay at home moms. Get a job! Wait, no that's not what I want to write about.  Today, I want to encourage you to get a hobby. Do you find yourself bogged down in the day-to-day activities and needs of everyone else?  From the moment you wake up, you're busy filling cups, making food and wiping butts. You probably catch yourself looking off into the distance, longingly, as your coffee mug sits almost full, turning ice cold.  If you're not an iced coffee kind of mom, you're probably learning to be. If you get to finish your own breakfast without sharing even the tiniest bite, you're lucky. Did you get to drink an entire cup of coffee while it was fresh and hot?  You've hit the jackpot! Nothing about SAHM life is remotely selfish.  But, every now and again we deserve (even need) some "selfish" time.  BADLY! Once a month, I get out with my husband to Autocross.  It's NOT enough time away from the kids, but I love sharing this hobby with my spouse.  Plus, I've been learning how to use my Cricut Maker, because I needed something else to enjoy at least once a week. And, I totally recommend all stay at home moms have a hobby.  You should spend some time solely devoted to yourself building a new skill or doing something you love. Most importantly, choose something you'll actually love, regardless of what you believe others will think of it! Hobbies for moms isn't a one size fit all situation because we're so unique! It took me a long time to settle into a hobby that I really loved because I didn't think it was "appropriate for a stay at home mom".  What would others think of me?  You know what?  I'm on fire when I do what I love. If someone doesn't agree with my hobby, we're obviously not suited for each other.  And that's totally okay!  Finding a hobby you're truly passionate about will bring the people into your life that should be there. Remember, I wrote about Accepting That This Is The Mom I Became? Part of that acceptance was recognizing my love for something specific and letting go of the notions that doing what others view as acceptable moms practices just wasn't working for me. Do what you love!  Need some ideas?  Check out this big list of hobbies for stay at home moms! What Do Stay at Home Moms Do For Fun? In order to have fun as a stay-at-home mom, the most important thing is to get out of the house at least once a day. Make plans with your spouse or other family members and friends, or do some of the following: go to the mall, visit a museum, take a walk or jog in your neighborhood. You will feel refreshed and ready for more when you get back! Find new hobbies and activities that can be done from home. Look up instructional videos on YouTube. Try knitting, painting watercolors, cooking exotic dishes from around the world - there are so many things that you can do! You will find that it's easier than you think to have fun as a stay-at-home mom. What Hobbies Should You Try as a Stay At Home Mom? Well, the world is your oyster! You could choose common hobbies like painting, joining a book club or crafting or less common options like stamp or card collecting or racing.  The key to choosing a hobby is to think about things you're likely to enjoy and not see as another chore! Hobbies for Stay at Home Moms The following is a long list of fantastic stay at home mom hobbies!  You may even find some information about how to get started with these projects. Arts and Crafts Coloring Every now and again, sitting down to a coloring book is extremely enjoyable!  Sometimes the quiet activity, even when coloring alongside my children has an extremely calming effect. Brush Lettering Brush lettering as a hobby can be a therapeutic creative outlet.  Once you learn brush lettering, it's fairly easy to fit it into your hectic mom schedule.  Later on, you could turn it into an income source, too. Paper Crafting Papercrafting is another cool creative outlet for moms!  Not only can you have fun, but you can start making your own cards and party decorations.  With the Cricut, even normally non-crafty types can find paper crafting fun and easy! Sewing I remember the days my own mom would sit down with a new pattern and sew clothes for the family.  She was pretty thrifty and would buy patterns and fabrics when they were on sale. Now, as a kid, I hated when my mom would sew my clothes.  But looking back, this was a great hobby to keep her busy and sometimes could save a bundle on clothes. Quilting Who knew quilt making could be so creative? I've always thought that quilting was just putting squares of fabric together to create a blanket!  But, you can make custom baby clothes quilts or memory quilts out of so much more than just fabric you buy at the store. Crochet Wow!  Did you know there are health benefits to crochet?  This sounds like a fantastic creative hobby for stay at home moms, especially if you're suffering from anxiety or depression! Cross-Stitch Just like crochet, taking up a cross-stitch hobby has some mental health benefits. Graphic Design If creating visual content to communicate messages appeals to you, but you don't know where to begin, you could learn graphic design from Skillshare. T-Shirt Making There are so many things you can do with T-shirts.  Plus, if you enjoy making t-shirts well enough, selling T-shirts on Etsy can be a cool way to make some extra money. Painting One of my favorite mom's nights was a wine and canvas night with a friend.  I could see learning to paint in various styles and brush strokes being very soothing after a hard day with the kids. Jewelry Making Learn jewelry-making techniques to craft unique and personalized jewelry pieces for yourself or as gifts for friends and family. Drawing Unleash your creativity and express yourself through pencil or digital art, allowing your imagination to come to life on paper or screen. Embroidery Discover the joy of intricate stitching and design as you create beautiful patterns and textures on fabric, adding a touch of handmade elegance to your home or wardrobe. Knitting Engage in the soothing and rhythmic art of knitting, where you can craft cozy and personalized garments or accessories, infusing warmth and comfort into your family's wardrobe. Pottery & Ceramics Take up pottery and ceramics to create handmade pottery pieces, such as mugs, bowls, or vases, using different molding and glazing techniques. Creative Writing Explore creative writing through journaling, short stories, or poetry to express yourself and unleash your imagination. Learn Calligraphy Delve into the graceful art of calligraphy, mastering elegant lettering styles and techniques that can bring a touch of sophistication to invitations, cards, and other personalized crafts. Home Improvement & DIY Candle Making Candles are great for lighting around the house and they also make fantastic gifts.  Why not learn the art of making candles? Soap Making Feeling a bit traditional?  Learn to make soap!  Using the toils of your labor or being able to gift something homemade is a great feeling. Home Decorating Transform your living space into a haven of comfort and style by exploring various interior design concepts and incorporating creative décor ideas that reflect your personal taste and aesthetic preferences. Restore Furniture Embrace the satisfaction of refurbishing worn or outdated furniture pieces, as you breathe new life into them through refinishing, repainting, or reupholstering, creating unique and revitalized accents for your home. Flower Arranging Cultivate your creativity and bring natural beauty indoors by mastering the art of creating stunning floral arrangements. DIY Home Decor Create DIY home decor projects, such as handmade wall art, decorative crafts, or repurposing furniture, to personalize your living space. Interior Design Learn about interior design principles and techniques to revamp and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. Personal Development and Wellness Learn a New Language Learn a new language through online courses, language apps, or language exchange programs to broaden your cultural understanding and communication skills. I've been using Duolingo for nearly a year to brush up on my Spanish and I absolutely love it! Play an Instrument Discover the joy of creating beautiful melodies and rhythms as you learn to play a musical instrument, allowing you to express emotions and foster a deeper connection with the power of music. Yoga and Meditation Practice yoga and meditation to promote mindfulness, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Exercise Have you considered joining a gym?  I totally believe there are many benefits to joining a gym as a stay at home mom.  But you could easily get some serious benefits even from doing exercises following free exercise videos on YouTube. Stand-Up Comedy or Improv Join a local stand-up comedy or improv group to explore your comedic talents and boost your confidence through public speaking. Volunteer If you're interested in volunteering, try VolunteerMatch to find volunteer opportunities in your area. Entertainment and Leisure Reading and book club Get a list of recommended books from friends, check out the top books of the year, or join a book club.  Time Magazine even put together a list of virtual book clubs you can join right now. Dancing Dancing as a hobby can be a great way to release pent up energy (assuming you have any with littles running around).  Otherwise, dancing is a great way to get in some real exercise that won't feel like exercise at all if you enjoy it! Gaming Whether you sit down playing games on the computer, your phone, or a standalone game console, you're sure to enjoy a bit of "selfish" time! I personally enjoy puzzle-style games on my phone, but I've been known to have a blast playing Diablo with my husband. Photography What's one thing moms do consistently?  Take photos of their kids! You're already never in the pictures anyway, so why not learn how to take stunning photographs?  You can even learn how to edit and manipulate photos you've already taken! Scrapbooking Preserve cherished memories and moments by crafting visually captivating and personalized scrapbooks, combining photos, mementos, and creative designs to create lasting keepsakes for your family. Autocross or any other kind of racing Experience the thrill of speed and precision by participating in autocross or other forms of racing, embracing the excitement of competitive driving and honing your skills on the track. Stamp collecting Dive into the world of philately and explore the art of collecting and organizing unique stamps from around the globe, discovering the rich history and cultural significance behind each valuable and distinctive piece. Lego Building Engage in the imaginative and tactile world of Lego building, constructing intricate and imaginative structures or scenes, fostering creativity and playfulness while enjoying quality time with your family. Technical and Skill-Based Blogging Blogging has been one of my favorite hobbies.  The best part is while building this blog, I learned new skills that helped me to land a job in a different field after spending almost 9 years as a stay at home mom. 3D Printing Once you get a 3D printer set up and learn to use the software, 3D printing is a technologically creative outlet limited only by your mind (and by the size of the printer). Try Investing Explore the dynamic world of investing and finance, learning about stocks, bonds, and other investment vehicles to cultivate financial knowledge and potentially grow your wealth over time. Model Building Dive into the intricate and meticulous craft of model building, assembling detailed replicas of vehicles, aircraft, or architectural structures, fostering patience and precision while enjoying the satisfaction of creating miniature works of art. Restore an Old Vehicle Embark on the rewarding journey of restoring an old vehicle, revitalizing its former glory through meticulous refurbishment and mechanical expertise, allowing you to preserve automotive history and enjoy the thrill of hands-on craftsmanship. Outdoor and Nature Gardening Cultivate a garden or tend to indoor plants to connect with nature and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening. Bird Watching Engage in bird watching to appreciate nature's beauty and learn more about different bird species in your area. Nature Walks and Hiking Explore nearby trails, parks, or nature reserves to enjoy the outdoors and stay active through nature walks and hiking. Astronomy Discover the wonders of the night sky by learning about astronomy and stargazing, and consider investing in a telescope for celestial observations. Now, as much as I like to promote taking time for yourself, I know many of us seek ways to earn an income from home.  If you're interested in that route, check out these hobbies for stay at home moms to make money. But remember, if your new income earning "hobby" adds stress and isn't as "fun" as a hobby, you'll still need to build in time to take up a hobby solely for your enjoyment! The key is to find a more enjoyable balance between your to-do list and your "I like to do" list. Culinary and Food Related Cooking and Baking Experiment with new recipes, culinary techniques, and baking projects to explore your creativity in the kitchen. Take up amateur brewing Learn the art of home brewing to experiment with crafting your own beer, wine, or kombucha flavors at home. Hobbies for Stay at Home Moms FAQS What can stay at home moms do to make money? Sell your crafts, resell items, join the gig economy, sell services online and more.  Learn more about some of the hobbies that you can use to make money while at home. What should a stay at home mom do at home? Generally SAHMs take care of their children's needs, cook meals, clean, grocery shop and do the laundry. These days, stay at home moms can take online classes, participate in a variety of hobbies, and even work from home! What do stay-at-home moms struggle with most? Mommy wars are a real thing and can often be one of the biggest struggles a SAHM deals with internally.  Other things SAHMs struggle with are burnout, feelings of guilt about not making financial contributions, and others being inconsiderate of their time. Loneliness and isolation can also lead to feelings of depression. How can I deal with the loneliness of being a stay-at-home mom? Being a SAHM can feel isolating.  Discussing these feelings with your friends or family members is often a good first step to dealing with them.  It is recommended to take some time out of the house by joining a play group, finding a hobby to do outside the home, or taking classes to connect with other adults. What hobbies do you enjoy, as a mom? Note: Originally published Jan 29, 2018 and updated May 04, 2023. #### Over 50 Fantastic Dinosaur Books For Preschoolers 50+ dinosaur books for preschool aged kids they'll be dying to read again and again. I highly recommend these books for a preschooler’s dinosaur obsession. You can teach them about dinosaurs, shapes, alphabets, and more while incorporating your child’s favorite creatures! I totally lucked out with my kids and their love for dinosaurs (and cars).  When I first found out I was having a girl, I was a bit concerned.  Not being very “girly” myself, I wasn’t sure how I was going to enjoy “girly” things.  I didn’t for myself.  I mainly have interests in cars. But, then I realized my daughter, as a toddler, became interested in dinosaurs.  Now that was something I could get into.  And it was a good thing, because eventually her interest turned into an obsession. We had to learn the names of all the dinosaurs.  We needed all the books.  She had to load up on (imo, an excessive amount of) dinosaur toys. Then, my toddler son began expressing a similar interest in these prehistoric creatures.  So, while we had some books, we needed to load up on more for his emerging dinosaur obsession. Dinosaurs are a hot topic among little ones. From toddler-hood to about Kindergarten age, you may find your little one obsessed with dinosaurs.  If your kids are anything like mine were, you probably have loads of dinosaur toys strewn about the house. My kids have even loved reading as many books with (and about) dinosaurs as they could get their hands on. Check out these dinosaur books for preschoolers that we've loved. 40+ Dinosaur Books for Preschool Aged Kids 1. Rexy the Dinosaur and a New Bike Rexy the Dinosaur and a New Bike is a terrific story that highlights the value of sharing. Tell it in front of a class or read it as a nice bedtime story to your children. 2. Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug Tiny T. Rex has a HUGE problem. His friend Pointy needs cheering up and only a hug will do. But with his short stature and teeny T. Rex arms, is a hug impossible? Not if Tiny has anything to say about it! 3. Don't Forget Dexter! (Dexter T. Rexter) This hilariously neurotic dinosaur will do whatever it takes to get his friend back—even asking the reader’s advice. What an engaging way to get your child to enjoy reading! 4. Rexy the Dinosaur Learns to Brush his Teeth Rexy is still young dino with much to learn about life. He does not believe in brushing his teeth and not even his loving mother and father can change his mind. 5. Dinosaurs Love Underpants (The Underpants Books) The mystery of dinosaur extinction is solved! Scientists have plenty of theories about why dinosaurs are extinct.  But in Dinosaurs Love Underpants, the real answer is the dinos were wiped out in an Underpants War! 6. Little Critter: The Lost Dinosaur Bone Little Critter's class is going to the Critterville Museum of Natural History, and everyone is excited. But when the class arrives, they find out the dinosaur exhibit is closed because of a missing Triceratops bone. Join Little Critter as he searches the Hall of Gems and Minerals, climbs the trees in the rain forest, and sneaks around the Planetarium—all to solve the mystery of the lost dinosaur bone. 7. Dinosaurs (A Mini Animotion Book) In Dinosaurs, bright, graphic illustrations feature friendly dinosaurs doing what they do best -- running, swinging tails, and munching leaves. You'll find five of the most recognizable dinosaurs lurking on the pages: Brachiosaurus, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus Rex, and Velociraptor. No scary dinos here, though. Each and every one is certified preschooler-friendly. Designed especially for preschoolers, Dinosaurs is packed with adventures of prehistoric proportions. 8. We Don't Eat Our Classmates It's the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can't wait to meet her classmates. But it's hard to make human friends when they're so darn delicious! That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all. . . . 9. Pete the Cat: Cavecat Pete Pete lives happily among the dinosaurs. He's friends with everyone. But when Pete organizes a picnic with all his friends and some herbivores and carnivores can't seem to get along, it's up to Cavecat Pete to show them that they can all have fun together. Fans of Pete the Cat will enjoy going back in time with Pete. Complete with over 30 stickers! 10. We Are the Dinosaurs Laurie Berkner, “the queen of children’s music,” (People) pairs the lyrics of her beloved hit with Ben Clanton’s whimsical illustrations in this winning, adorable picture book—a must-have for fans of Laurie, dinosaurs, and all things cute. We’re huge fans of playing Pandora for the kids and this is one of the most songs.  I’m excited to have found the words from the song We Are the Dinosaurs translated into an adorable book for a preschooler’s dinosaur obsession!  Many of Laurie Berkner’s songs are big hits in our house, and now the books are too! Related Reading: 15 Captivating Books for a Preschooler's Dinosaur Obsession 11. What the Dinosaurs Did at School These scampish dinosaurs make the trip to school, hidden in a kid's backpack. Each scene is photographed in meticulous detail, letting viewers joyfully suspend disbelief and think to themselves--just LOOK at what these diminutive dinos did at school! 12. Rory the Dinosaur Wants a Pet When Rory meets his friend Sheldon's pet crab, he realizes he wants a pet of his own. He searches high and low--from tree tops to sand pits--for a creature to love. It's at the end of a long day, when Rory least expects it, that he meets George. 13. How to Catch a Dinosaur "Do dinosaurs still walk among us? Sure, no one has seen one, but if alligators, whales, and even birds still exist, then dinosaurs must still exist, right? Join the daring How to Catch Kids as they try to wrangle a dinosaur in time for the school science fair and prove they're still around! Parents, young readers, dinosaur lovers, and educators alike will roar with laughter in this dinosaur picture book that blends STEAM concepts with hilarity and clever chaos. Do YOU have what it takes to pluck a prehistoric pal? Perfect for kids ages 4-10, this fun story makes a great birthday and back to school gift, stocking and basket stuffer, or read aloud for any occasion!" 14. The Berenstain Bears' Dinosaur Dig When Brother and Sister visit the Bearsonian Museum, they luck out. A real dinosaur dig is taking place! What sort of fossils will they find? A Stegosaurus? A Spinosaurus? The mighty Tyrannosaurus rex? There's nothing like having a good old fashioned story to foster a child's imagination about dinosaurs and dinosaur digs. 15. Little Dinos Don't Yell Little Dino has a loud roar. Sometimes it's amazing and astounding, but sometimes it's just too much. She must learn that yelling all the time is not okay. To me, there's no better way to introduce toddlers important subjects, like manners, than through books that appeal to their personal interests. Related Reading: The Ultimate List of Kids Books About Manners 16. Little Dinos Don't Bite Little Dino has lots of sharp teeth and starts using them to bite objects and other dinosaurs. He must learn to use them in the right way. This book is great if your toddler goes through a biting phase. 17. I'm a T. Rex! (Little Golden Book) A T. rex tells all about his great and terrible self. Facts about the T. rex are humorously presented: "Does the T stand for toothy? Does the T stand for tall? Does the T stand for terrible? I am known as them all!" 18. Dino-Hockey (Dino-Sports) In an ice-hockey match unrivalled in prehistory, this is the tale of the Meat-Eaters taking on the Veggiesaurs. By sorting teams into carnivores and herbivores the author sneaks in a science lesson in this amusing pairing of sport and prehistoric beasts. 19. Dinosaurs!: Second Edition Gail Gibbons presents the most recent and up-to-date theories about the history of dinosaurs and dinosaur discoveries. She discusses the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods and the non-bird dinosaurs that lived during each time. Each dinosaur is explored in just the right amount of detail for young paleontologists, as this book brings these magnificent creatures to life again. 20. Children's Books: THE DINOSAUR THAT LOST HIS ROAR Rhyming Bedtime Story about Dylan the Dinosaur! This is the rhyming story of Dylan the dinosaur that lived in Dino Land! Dylan awoke one day to discover that he had lost his mighty roar! Where could his roar be? How could Dylan have lost his roar?  On the adventure to find his missing roar, Dylan gets help from his sister, some cavemen, some other dinosaurs, and even encounters a mean T-REX! Will Dylan ever find his roar again? 21. Dancing Dinos Go to School (Step into Reading) Dinos dancing in a book.Dinos leaping, look, look, look!Dinos pasting red and blue.Dinos wasting paint and glue! The dancing dinos are back, and this time, when their book turns up in a school library, they leap out and bring their musical mayhem to a kid’s classroom. 22. The Dinosaur That Pooped a Planet! One boy, one space rocket, one very hungry dinosaur: the ingredients for an explosive space adventure of epic poop-portions! But when Danny realizes he’s forgotten Dino’s lunch box, the very hungry dinosaur eats everything in sight, including their only way home: the rocket! How will Dino get them back home? 23. Digger the Dinosaur (My First I Can Read) In Digger the Dinosaur, Digger wants to play baseball with his friends. But he isn’t allowed to go out until he’s cleaned his room. Digger starts cleaning at top speed, but the faster he moves the messier his room gets. His big tail and big feet aren’t helping! Will Digger win the race to tidy his room and get to the game on time? 24. Bradley and the Dinosaur Imagine what you would do if you found a dinosaur in your own garden? Find out what happens when Bradley is sent into his garden by his Mum to find flowers, only to find the biggest creature he’s ever seen! Travel far away, have an amazing adventure, but be back in time for dinner! This rhyming story for growing imaginations pops off the page with beautiful vibrant illustrations by an acclaimed illustrator. 25. Suppose You Meet a Dinosaur: A First Book of Manners A little girl is shopping in a grocery store when—surprise!—she meets a dinosaur. Don't worry. The dinosaur is very friendly. She's polite, too. In this funny story, told in lilting read-aloud rhyme, the girl has numerous opportunities to be helpful to the clumsy shopping dino and demonstrate when to say "thank you," "excuse me," "I'm sorry," "You're welcome," and other niceties of life. Related Reading: The Ultimate List of Kids Books About Manners 26. Never Let a Dinosaur Scribble "Dinosaurs are pretty strong and powerful, so why can't they scribble?This story is about a little boy who keeps hearing, "Never let a dinosaur scribble!" But in his heart believes that people just don't understand how beautiful scribbling can be. He wonders what would happen if he just gave him one crayon to scribble with, and realizes that the dinosaur had other ideas in mind! The dinosaur ends up creating too much, creating a whole new set of problems. But with a little imagination makes an amazing story!" 27. Jurassic Park Little Golden Book (Jurassic Park) Now, the movie's youngest fans and dinosaur enthusiasts can relive the movie in this fun, action-packed--and age-appropriate--Little Golden Book adaptation of Jurassic Park! 28. The Good Dinosaur Little Golden Book (Disney/Pixar The Good Dinosaur) Children will love this Little Golden Book retelling of the film, The Good Dinosaur. 29. Willy the Dinosaur & the Magic Cake: (Children's book about a Dinosaur Who Learns that Sharing is Caring, Bedtime Story, Picture Books, Ages 3-5, Preschool Books, Kids Books, Dinosaur Books) "Willy the Dinosaur & the Magic Cake" is a cute bedtime story for little kids about a dinosaur who learns that sharing is caring.  Written in simple, easy-to-understand language. 30. Dinosaur Bones With a lively rhyming text and vibrant paper collage illustrations, author-artist Bob Barner shakes the dust off the dinosaur bones found in museums and reminds us that they once belonged to living, breathing creatures. Filled with fun dinosaur facts (a T. Rex skull can weigh up to 750 pounds!) and an informational "Dinometer," Dinosaur Bones is sure to make young dinosaur enthusiasts roar with delight. Related Reading: Over 30 Awesome Dinosaur Things for Dinosaur Obsessed Kids 31. It's Show and Tell, Dexter! (Dexter T. Rexter) Dexter T. Rexter is going to school. But will anyone like him? Your kids will get a glimpse into belonging, friendship, anticipation and first-day jitters, with advice to help along the way. 32. Cookiesaurus Rex As soon as Cookiesaurus Rex comes out of the oven, he declares that he is King of All Cookies. He should be frosted before all of the standard-shaped cookies, in a nice bright green. But the other cookies are getting sprinkles, or shiny stars, or even gumdrops . . . WAIT ONE STINKIN' STOMPIN' MINUTE! Cookiesaurus wants a do-over. Problem is, he might not end up with the kind of "do" he wants. 33. My First 100 Dinosaur Words (Dinosaur Train) What kind of words make up Buddy the T. rex’s world? Find out in this book of first words that takes readers on a tour of the prehistoric era! They will learn dinosaur names like “T. rex” and “Triceratops,” words related to dinosaurs like “herbivore” and “omnivore,” plus words related to trains such as “conductor,” and much more! 34. Dinosaur Kisses by Stein, David Ezra (2013) Hardcover WHOMP! An energetic young dinosaur figures out her own way to give a kiss. A new baby dinosaur is exploring her world.  She can stomp and chomp.  Can she learn how to give a kiss without hurting someone?  Instead of vilifying a toddler’s “destructive” behaviors, the author tries to insinuate it’s part of a toddler’s learning process.  Practice makes progress, right?  Another social skill book designed to entice little learners through fun and play. 35. Buddy and Pals (Dinosaur Train) All Aboard! Get to know Buddy the T. rex and his adoptive Pteranodon family as they live and learn in the Mesozoic Era in this Ready-to-Go! Ready-to-Read. This book is the perfect one for little kids who know their ABCs and are ready to begin reading along to their favorite characters from Dinosaur Train. 36. Dinosaurs, Dinosaurs A long time ago there were dinosaurs. Big dinosaurs and small dinosaurs. Dinosaurs with horns on their heads or spikes down their backs. Dinosaurs with long, long necks and long, long tails. This is a very simple, but bright book.  The dinosaurs are brought to life through the author’s vision of what the world would have looked like in a child’s eyes.  And, because he doesn’t bore with specific details, rather keeping his terminology simple, this makes for a perfect first dinosaur book for toddlers or preschoolers. 37. Bones, Bones, Dinosaur Bones Six paleontologists search for bones. When they find them, they dig them up, wrap them, and load them on a truck, bound for the museum. With simple text and vibrant illustrations, young readers explore the process of finding and assembling bone fossils. 38. The Dinosaur Alphabet Book (Jerry Pallotta's Alphabet Books) The perfect way to introduce children to the fascinating world of dinosaurs.   This alphabet book explores both the known and the not-so-well known dinosaurs. 39. Ten Terrible Dinosaurs One by one the dinosaurs leave the scene. Children count down along with the text until there is only one sleepy dinosaur left. 40. Dinosaur Roar! While a short book, this vibrantly painted book illustrates two dinosaurs on each spread to introduce opposites. 41. Dinosaurs Galore! A lyrical picture book takes readers to the prehistoric era where dinosaurs roamed the earth.  12 dinosaurs introduce themselves in funny, rhyming verses. 42. If the Dinosaurs Came Back In this delightful book, a small boy imagines a world where dinosaurs perform public services. This book will give your kids the opportunity to decide what would happen in various instances if dinosaurs came back. Related Reading: 11 Tricks To Make Reading More Fun For Kids 43. Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs (Harry and the Dinosaurs) Harry finds some old dinosaurs in his Grandma’s attic. He cleans them up and makes them his own, carefully (and accurately) naming each one. Harry and his dinosaurs go everywhere together. Your kids will more than likely relate to the idea of finding a treasure forgotten by a family member. 44. Dinosaurumpus! Shake, shake, shudder ... near the sludgy old swamp. The dinosaurs are coming. Get ready to romp!  The whimsical illustrations and the catchy beat will have your kids begging to join the Dinosaurumpus again and again. This is a fun rhyming book that turns those fascinating prehistoric creatures into wild dancers.  If you liked Giraffes Can’t Dance, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one. 45. Dinosaur A-Z: For kids who really love dinosaurs! This colorful book features 26 models from Allosaurus to Zephyrosaurus, specially commissioned from experts in the field.  Your child will enjoy learning fun facts and figures about these large, extinct creatures. 46. Chalk Three children discover a magical bag of chalk on a rainy day.  In this wordless picture book, your children will be able to tell the story as they see it. There's so much value in wordless picture books that speech language pathologists use them for assessment and treatment purposes. 47. Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp Have your children ever wondered what dinosaurs did for fun?  Find out just what it is dinosaurs did on a Saturday night in this fun, rhyming picture book. Sometimes dinosaurs, and their preschool friends, just need to have a good time.  This simple, yet vibrant, book will ensure your little ones immersed in rhyme and dance. 48. National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs (National Geographic Little Kids First Big Books) This book is bursting with fun facts and age appropriate non-fiction information.  Each spread features a different dinosaur, along with simple text in big type that is perfect for little kids. 49. My Big Dinosaur Book (My Big Board Books) A big book perfect for toddlers to learn all sorts of dinosaur terminology.  Great vocabulary building book for a preschooler’s dinosaur obsession. 50. Dino Chomp This is a fun and interactive board book for toddlers and preschoolers to help T-Rex chomp or sing using sliders/tabs throughout the book. 51. Oh My Oh My Oh Dinosaurs!: A Book of Opposites Sandra Boynton is a favorite author for little kids’ books in this house.  Of course, because both my kids have a dinosaur obsession, we have this book and love it.  Not fact based, but tons of fun, as you’d expect from Sandra Boynton. 52. How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Birthday? This is a fun book to help teach kids about good and bad birthday behavior.  As you read about the dinosaur’s bad birthday behavior, you can totally envision your preschooler doing many of these same things!  And your little one will really enjoy the story while getting good behavior advice! 53. Dinosaur Dance! For a while there, this was one of my toddler son’s favorite books to read before nap.  He loved the sounds and movements we’d do for each dinosaur.  Are you ready to do the “Cha Cha Cha”? 54. Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs: As Retold by Mo Willems As soon as I found this book, I knew it needed to be in our home.  My daughter has become a Moe Willems fan after reading several of his Pigeon books.  Instantly I knew this would be well-received and the reviews on Amazon further convinced me of its necessity!  A must-have for the over-stuffed bookshelf full of dinosaur books. 55. Dinosaur vs Bedtime If you’ve ever read any of the Dinosaur vs. books, you’ll be familiar with the story line.  Dinosaur wins against many things, but even dinosaurs get tired …. An adorable book for little kids at bedtime to maybe convince them not to fight sleep.  Even if it doesn’t work, you and your kiddo will enjoy it. 56. Dinoblock (An Abrams Block Book) This is a chunky but small book introducing little kids to dinosaurs using comparisons of things we may see on a daily basis to the size of the dinosaur it will show on the following page. 57. I Love My Dinosaur (Love Meez) We have one Caroline Jane Church book and it’s always been a sweet read for the little ones.  In this book, a cartoon preschooler tells why he loves his dinosaur so much … what makes his so special.  You can teach your preschooler social and emotional skills through this book while still appealing to their dinosaur obsession. 58. Picture Fit Board Books: A Stampede of Dinosaurs: A Clever Opposites Book An opposites book fit for your preschooler’s dinosaur obsession.  This book has tactile stimulation … where one side of the page is raise and the other is recessed.  Your child’s favorite creatures help them discover opposites in a fun and engaging way. Current Best-Selling Dinosaur Books for Preschoolers Are there other dinosaur books for preschool aged kids you recommend? #### Packing Hot Lunches for The First Cool Fall Days Here in Florida, the sweltering summer temperatures are miserable.  After a long, hot summer we're looking forward to the first cool Fall days. With Fall, we can look forward to a change in menu.  Switching out our cooling summer salads, we're turning to warming stews, soups, and chilis.  Why not change up the lunch menu for the kids as well?  Swap out the summery salads, wraps, and cold sandwiches for cool weather alternatives.  As the temperatures begin to drop, packing hot lunches will be a welcomed change for the kids too! © Ivy www.sahmplus.com Recommended Supplies for Packing Hot Lunches An insulated lunch box (we're using this one from Baoni) Thermos Food Jar (we're using the Thermos Funtainer 10 ounce food jar) Foil Hot Lunch Ideas for Kids Soup And A Hot Sandwich Who doesn't love soup and a hot sandwich for lunch on a crisp Fall day?  What are your favorite combinations? If you thought packing a hot soup and sandwich combo for your children wasn't possible, think again!  You just need a small thermos, some aluminum foil and ideally an insulated lunch box. Start with making a soup the day before from scratch.  Or heat up a favorite canned soup in the morning before rushing out the door for school. Get the soup nice and hot.  If you've got the time, run hot or boiling water in the thermos to make sure everything is as warm as possible.  Pour the hot soup in the heated thermos and set in your child's insulated lunch box.  Don't forget to pack a spoon! Lastly, make a hot sandwich.  Some great options include grilled cheese, grilled ham and cheese, or grilled pepperoni and cheese.  My daughter even loves a bologna sandwich.  Fix the sandwich as usual, then wrap it in a couple layers of aluminum foil. If you're worried about soggy bread, wrap the sandwich in a paper towel before wrapping in the foil. Keep the wrapped sandwich and thermos in the insulated lunch box to stay toasty and warm for several hours. Mix and match soup and sandwich combinations for endless cool weather lunch ideas. Chili and Stew Don't stop at soup! Aside from being a warmer option, a hardy stew or bowl of chili will be a healthy, filling lunch option.  Pair it with corn chips or fresh cornbread. Plus, we all make stew and chili in large enough batches that you probably have enough leftovers for several days. If your kids aren't keen on eating much of the same thing during the week, freeze any of the leftovers in individual portions.  Take them out and add them to lunch boxes when needed.  Plus, this makes for a great option to take to work or reheat at home for lunch. You could prepare this packed lunch combo just like you would with the soup and sandwich option. Pack warm leftovers Don't forget leftovers! Leftovers make great lunchbox additions when packing hot lunches for school. You can use any wide-mouthed thermos that will hold a variety of leftover foods.  Try leftover pasta dishes, fried rice, casseroles, etc.  Anything that would work well in a bowl makes a great option. Of course, if your child has access to a microwave, you'll be able to pack just about any leftover to be reheated at school.  You'd simply need microwave-safe containers (not glass) that will fit in your child's lunchbox. Want more ideas? Don't forget to sign up for my email list for instant access to a free resource library.  I've recently added a mini school lunch idea recipe booklet! #### Pamper's Kandoo Wash Your Hands In my latest ambassador kit for Boogie Wipes, there are some new products for my family to try and I want to share one that makes my kid really happy.Since the first time we tried the Kandoo Body Wash in Tropical Smoothie, we were hooked!  Baby girl points to it in the bath and says "yum yum" because I've told her how good it smells (and makes me want to eat her up).Well, the new kit arrived and several products were in the box waiting for us to try them!  Baby girl loves washing her hands, so we eagerly tried the Kandoo "Wash Your Hands" hand soap which came in a lovely Magic Melon scent.  She says "yum yum" to it now too, so I take it she approves!If you're looking for this line, here's a shot of some stock at my local Publix - it'll give you an idea of the price you may expect to pay for these locally Some posts contain affiliate links to help support Ivy's Variety. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Parenting as a Team: Why It's Better for Your Family & How To Do It Right! Discover 4 ways to make parenting as a team actually work.  We explore why parenting as a team is important and how to get started to improve your family dynamics. Our jobs as parents aren’t very easy.  Our duties as parents include providing for our families while also teaching our children right from wrong.  Of course, we also want our children to like us, even if it’s just a little. If you’re in a partnership, parenting and discipline can become a sort of battle if you don’t work together.  How often have you been in an argument with your partner over a difference of opinion on handling a disciplinary situation?  One of you wishes to be “the good guy” while the other is naturally stricter.  These quarrels become an uncomfortable situation for the whole family. In fact, when I think about some of the families I've seen arguing over a parenting decision one has made, I get a little uncomfortable myself.  I've watched the children run off, only to do their own things as the parents have forgotten to deal with the problem at hand. Your children benefit from parenting teamwork as they learn about rules and relationships.  Marriages suffer when partners haven't figured out how to parent together.  There are also benefits to figuring out how to parent as a team, even if you’re co-parenting through separation or divorce. Fortunately, you can learn to work together to bring peace and order to your marriage (or relationships), while better handling the children. What is the Team Method of Parenting? Approaching parenting through teamwork means you both: work together (mostly) agree on parenting approaches make decisions together support each other When raising children together, you'll find that you need to approach many aspects of child-rearing with a team mindset. Everything from bedtime to discipline is easier to establish if you each support decisions and rules. Don't expect perfection, though.  You're certainly both going to experience moments you don't agree on something.  It's not the end of the world and we'll get to how to handle this in a moment. Why It's Important to Parent as a Team When you're working together and have a strong, supportive co-parenting relationship, everyone benefits! Children's stress levels are usually lower. Children who experience consistency within their families may experience higher levels of comfort and security. Parents often find child-rearing less stressful when they have a supportive partner. Parenting requires teamwork because: You model: healthy relationships cooperation conflict management communication skills problem solving and accepting differences Encourage Parenting as a Team With Your Partner Think of your children as the boss in a video game or Darth Vader from Star Wars. Unlike fighting Darth Vader, you're not going to be wielding lightsabers or running around with a furry creature you can't understand (other than the family pet).  Instead, you'll be wielding your minds and authority.  But, just like fighting a bad guy, you've got to be working on the same team to win, right? That's exactly why it's important to parent as a team.  You won't be able to accomplish much if you're not working together. The more you work against each other, the more damaging effects it can have.  Your goal is to make parenting teamwork successful.  Parenting as a team will help reduce the overwhelm and you can both benefit from the positive effects your parenting teamwork creates. Be Insistent Insist that you both come to agreements on how the children are raised.  It’s important that you both agree on house rules and consequences.  Being a team and sharing responsibility in the discipline will reduce tension.  And, your child will be less likely to take sides or find preference in dealing with one parent over the other. Neither parent should have all the responsibility in handling this part of parenting. Don't Argue When you don’t see eye to eye on how a situation is being handled, it’s best to save the argument for later.  Let the parent handle the issue at hand and discuss your feelings on the matter when the children are out of earshot. If you’ve been asked to handle a situation in a specific way, never let your child know that you’re only doing it because the other parent is making you do it.  No bad-mouthing the other parent, which will create more animosity and prevent everyone from getting along down the road.  Own the consequence as though it was your decision. Your children need to know that mom and dad work to parent as a team.  This, in turn, keeps them from playing the system. Don't strip a parent of authority by arguing or questioning in front of the kids! If you need ideas for removing the burden of coming up with consequences, check out the consequence and reward jar system.  You can easily dole out consequences as a team while both of you remain neutral parties.  Suddenly, an inanimate object is the negative force taking away television or electronics. Don't strip a parent of authority by arguing or questioning in front of the kids! #parenting #parentasateam Share on X Instill Confidence Sometimes a parent lacks confidence in their parenting skills and doesn’t get involved as easily.  If this is the case in your house, it’s time to offer a little reassuring.  Let the other parent know that he or she plays a vital role in the disciplinary process.  Encourage their input by letting him or her know you value their opinions. Remind your partner that parenting as a team will make parenting easier on the whole family.  And, parenting teamwork will benefit your relationship together, as well as your child’s understanding of relationships as he grows up. Parenting teamwork instills confidence in all involved Mental Consequences Remember that the “good cop, bad cop” routine is for criminals, not your children.  When you’re working against each other, you only create tension and alienation. Your children are learning important lessons about relationships from you.  And, it will be easier for your children to get into similar routines with their own families in the future. Children tend to suffer from lower self-esteem when parents find it difficult to discipline them.  Your child often perceives that if mom or dad can’t do something, he or she can’t either. It’s totally fine to have different parenting styles!  When it comes to parenting, you can use varying perspectives to create a healthier balance in your lives. Real problems occur when one parent is stuck in their ways and won’t try something different.  Dividing the household in this way is unhealthy for your marriage and your children’s views of relationships.  But learning to work as a parenting team will accomplish so much! The good cop/bad cop routine is for criminals, not children Share on X I think the majority of people can relate to the idea that one parent is usually the fun one while the other is consistently the authoritative one. Learning to parent as a team helps create unity in the family and will build a stronger bond between parents. Learn more about how to agree on parenting so that different parenting styles ruin your marriage. #### Parenting My Last Baby, Thoughts Before Toddlerhood When I think about parenting my last baby, I'm overwhelmed with a variety of emotions and some conflicting thoughts.  My son is soon to become a toddler.  It's right around the corner.  I've been through a lot with my two kids.  There's something special about each of them.  They each have been special and difficult in their own rights.  My first born made me a mom.  I have some special memories only a first baby can incite.  She was my hardest baby.  My son, was and is hard in completely different ways.  But, he's also been quite a bit easier.  Maybe the difference was experience? Either way, I'm not disappointed that I'm not having more babies.  I'm relieved, actually.  But, the realization that my last baby is nearing toddlerhood makes me think about a lot of things differently.  Suddenly, I'm hit with the realization that this is the last time I'm going to experience so many "firsts" and fun milestones in the first year.  As much as I won't miss some of the newborn and infant problems, there are certainly things I will miss.  And, I'm never going to get to experience it again. With this realization comes questions. [tweetthis twitter_handles="@sahmplusblog"]Thoughts about #parenting my #lastbaby: social, emotional, nutritional needs[/tweetthis] As I parent my last baby, I wonder Have I provided enough socialization? It was so much easier with the first.  I was on her schedule unless it was time meal time, which I made sure stayed on my schedule.  It was easy to make play dates and library visits part of a regular routine. My son?  He gets the short end of the stick here, in some ways.  I mean, he has his built-in friend to play with and learn from.  But, he's also forced to be on his big sister's schedule.  Our days of play dates are few and far between.  The most experience he gets around other kids is watching them when we pick S up from school.  Or, the occasional play date with our old friends. Did I provide for their nutritional needs? Is your #breastfed baby getting enough iron? #GerberCereal can help #ad Share on X Breastfeeding didn't work out with S.  I had to put her on a special formula.  It worked, and I was happy for that. With B, breastfeeding is the only way he's getting milk.  There was a period of time he was cool with bottles, but he decided they weren't good enough, and quit them.  While I'm happy he's exclusively breastfed, I'm also aware that he may not be getting enough iron. Our pediatrician tried to have us start those vitamin drops ages ago.  Unfortunately, B hated them and began to refuse eating if I tried to mix it in his food.  I couldn't blame him.  Those things were quite pungent.  And, if I dropped it on anything, it smelled for days! Enter GERBER CEREALS.  This stuff saved me from having to give him those vitamin drops and from having to deal with mom guilt for not providing the vitamins.  B is a great eater, so giving him iron fortified cereal made the most sense.  2 servings of GERBER CEREALS provide about 90% of his iron needs, which helps to support his growing brain and learning abilities.  Be sure to read more information on your baby's need for iron here. That sure makes me feel better. Have they been given enough one-on-one time? I know that before B arrived, I gave S so much special time.  We took mommy-daughter trips and she had daddy-daughter dates.  I spent a lot of time educating her myself.  We did a lot! It's all changed.  B doesn't know any better, but aside from our nightly breastfeeding session before bed, he doesn't really get much special time one-on-one.  At least I didn't think so, until I started reflecting. Sure, most days are mundane and insignificant.  He's on everyone else's schedules.  And all day long seems to be running between school runs, naps, and meals.  Poor guy. Then I realize that not every experience has to be a big production.  A simple shopping trip to Walmart to pick up his GERBER CEREAL can mean just as much as anything else right?  Of course it can!  Look what an amazing time he had helping me shop.  He cooed ... or yelled (he's kind of loud).  Walmart has a huge selection and it was difficult to not just grab everything.  My little helper had a hard time deciding took, but he was happy with the whole experience.  It was just he and I ... and lots of food to choose from. Did I take enough pictures (aka do they know I love them)? We're so busy these days.  I mean, S isn't even in an extracurricular activity yet, and I'm always out of time!  I feel like I don't take nearly the amount of pictures of my son as I did my daughter.  And now, I don't even take that many of her.  I certainly wonder if B will look back and think I didn't love him as much. When I was pregnant, I didn't want maternity photos.  We made sure to have his newborn photos taken at the hospital, just like his big sister had.  But, do I take enough pictures? As I reflect on this, I go through pictures and I see quite a bit of similar photos.  The toothless grins, some of him sleeping, his firsts.  No, I don't think there are as many pictures of him, but I don't love him any less. Both kids are paying the price, really.  And, the school schedule doesn't help time.  Plus, my hands are often too full to grab a phone and snap random photos on a whim. But, I know I take them when they're important! I think I'm doing this parenting thing right At least, I'm doing the best I can.  All the thoughts that revolve around parenting my last baby circle back to remembering what's important.  I'm going to miss some of the cute baby milestones.  I already miss toothless smiles.  Having sleep-trained my babies, I will miss baby snuggles.  Eventually, he's going to say "mama" and "dada" for the first time, and it's going to be the last time it's a first.  I also think I am a good mom. But, I can take comfort knowing I've provided for both my babies as best I could.  At the very least, I know I try everyday. #### Parenting Stress, Hylands Stress Challenge + Giveaway Image source: Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net *Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Hyland's.  I will receive a couple items for my children, but I will not be monetarily compensated for this post.  All opinions expressed here are my own. The thing about having kids is you're bombarded with all sorts of parenting stress.  It's no joke.  Every age and stage adds new challenges for parents.  I keep telling myself it's going to get better, maybe even easier.  But, it doesn't. That's not to say I don't love my children.  I do, really!  I just had no idea how much stress a tiny human being could cause, even when you know you're doing things right. Before your baby is born, you worry about putting together her nursery.  You might even spend a lot of time considering your birthing options. When your baby arrives, you have round the clock feedings, diaper changes, a zillion naps, and doctor appointments.  If you're lucky, you don't have a baby with colic.  I wasn't lucky with either baby... in fact, just the opposite.  I was blessed with two high-need/spirited/challenging/powerful (whatever adjective you like to add) babies. If you have older kids in school, tack on the stress of organizing schedules, packing lunches, homework help, and more.  Even being a stay at home mom, I don't have enough time in the day.  It's overwhelming and I find myself forgetting A LOT.  And, I definitely experience the parenting stresses of knowing I'm doing what's right for one kid at the expense of the other.  Plus, neglecting my husband and myself. The stress is quadrupled when you have two kids. I know, that doesn't seem like logical math, but that's the truth.  I'm constantly worried about the sacrifice I force on one kid when I'm taking care of the other's needs. It's easy to become overwhelmed and overworked.  And then, you find yourself stressed and on the verge of a meltdown.  At least, that's what I do.  But, there are so many ways to reduce some of it. 6 ways to handle parenting stress Sleep.  Have you ever realized how much worse your mood is when you're tired?  Not getting enough sleep opens you up to all sorts of problems, and stress is a big one. Get your 8 hours (or more) of sleep.  Give yourself a bedtime if you need to. Plan ahead.  Instead of rushing around in the morning to select clothes, make lunches, and try to find time to eat, make the time to get a head start the night before.  Choose your clothes, make lunches, and set out breakfast items tonight before you go to bed. Listen to music.  Listening to uplifting, spunky music can do wonders for you.  Bonus points for singing and/or dancing.  I mean, how can you not forget your worries and smile if you're busy singing and dancing like no one is watching. Take a break.  When life starts to feel like too much, I love to lay down somewhere comfortable and turn on calming meditation music.  15 minutes with the sole purpose of clearing my mind is always a huge help.  Bonus points if you actually learn how to meditate. Eat and drink.  Skipping meals isn't good for anyone.  Eating isn't just nourishment for your tummy, it helps fuel your brain.  Make sure you're eating 3 meals a day and snack if you're feeling sluggish.  Your brain will thank you and work so much better if you're not hungry. Do something for YOU.  This is sort of like suggesting taking a break, except I'm telling you to find a hobby.  Do something regularly that makes you happy. Do yourself a favor and check out my tips for beating the school morning rush.  Those tips will help you with #2 - planning ahead.  Additionally, I have some extra tips to help mommy take some time for herself, which you may wish to check out here. Join the 2016 Hyland's Stress Challenge Did you enjoy my tips?  Join the Hyland's 5-Day Stress Challenge to learn more stress-busting techniques.  The challenge begins Monday, September 26th and will include prizes for participants.  Every day of the challenge will include a question, geared to help you learn to #stressless. [tweetthis display_mode="box"]Entering a #giveaway and joining Ivy @sahmplusblog in Hyland's #stressless challenge[/tweetthis] Hyland's Gift Basket Giveaway Now for some fun.  Hyland's is giving my readers a chance to win an Adult Hyland's Gift Basket (ARV $100), to better help you continue reducing your parental stress.  Giveaway runs from 09/20/16 - 09/30/16.  I will select 1 winner on 10/01/16.  Winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize via email, or another winner will be selected. Your instructions Comment on this post, answering the question "What Stresses You Out?" then claim your entry using the rafflecopter form. a Rafflecopter giveaway Please be sure to read the terms and conditions of the giveaway.  YOU MUST answer the question in the form of a comment on this blog post.  The email entry is solely for confirming the email I can contact you at.  Your entry will be invalid if you do not comment on this post. #### Parents, Make Time for Your Kids! As a stay at home mom turned work from home mom, I understand how difficult it can be to make time for your kids. But, your children will appreciate you giving your time to them. For me, the last few months of 2020 was a blur. I was taking a certification class in an effort to move my career forward, working a part time job, and started doing additional freelance work related to the certification I would be receiving. Trying to keep up with the house, kids, and holiday obligations on top of all that became too much to handle. I was going crazy trying to get it all done and became extremely snippy! I had bitten off more than I could chew, but apparently the universe had a plan for me. At the end of December, my part-time position was phased out and just in time for me to take a vacation from all the stress that had been building over the last couple months. And although the financial setback was stressful, I welcomed the time to release stress and begin to re-focus on my family. This year, it's my aim to make more time for my kids and to do so more deliberately and to be more present. I intend for this to be a short series of posts so that maybe you will be inspired to become a more present parent for your children, too. Don't just make time for your kids, learn how to create quality time that will make a difference in your child's life Are You Ready to Make Time for Your Child? Spending quality time with your child has more to do with ordinary daily life than fancy parties, complicated Pinterest crafts, or spending a load of money. Simple and meaningful interactions, like bedtime stories and family dinners, are essential for your child’s development and future relationships. As a parent, you’re preparing them for academic success and rewarding careers. You’re also helping to set the patterns for their adult friendships and romantic relationships. Even if you feel like you’re short on time and juggling multiple responsibilities at home or the office (as most of us are these days), there are many opportunities to incorporate quality time into your daily routines. Start with these practical ideas. Follow These Rules to Make Time for Your Kids Kids will always "love" for you to spend massive amounts of money visiting theme parks, buying crap they don't need, or filling their bellies with junk food. But, this type of attention can be a temporary fix for many. Most kids won't remember the junk or the toys.Instead, people remember activities, adventures, and memories. In fact, "People who have fond memories of childhood, specifically their relationships with their parents, tend to have better health, less depression and fewer chronic illnesses as older adults, according to research published by the American Psychological Association." That's a pretty powerful statement that should have you itching to make time for your child! So, don't just make time for your kids, follow these rules to create quality time for them: Be Authentic Do you feel a little guilty when you see Facebook posts from parents who take their children on exotic vacations or treat them to expensive hobbies? Instead of making comparisons, it’s more constructive to focus on activities that suit your family budget and lifestyle. While you're at it, check out how deleting your Facebook app from your phone will make you a better, happier parent! Pay Attention Let your child know how much you care about them. Listen closely to what they have to say. When you’re together, try to be fully present instead of looking at your phone or thinking about your to-do list. As a part-time work from home mom trying to build a career, I completely understand just how difficult this can be. Technology has allowed us to be reached at all hours of the day and distracts us with notifications from every angle! As much as technology can be good for us, it's also preventing us from fully connecting with the people sitting right next to us. As you learn to set boundaries, it becomes easier and easier to break away from the technological "shackles." Show Appreciation Give your child plenty of praise and positive reinforcement. Congratulate them when they bring their grades up in a subject that has been difficult for them. Thank them for being patient with their younger siblings or for setting the table without being asked. If you find that you're having to constantly nag your children to do their chores, consider a chore chart and make it a rule that daily chores must be done in order to access electronics or other distracting activities. Having a schedule and expectations in place will make it easier to make time for your kids without using it to nag at them. Discover Their Interests Find out what your child likes to do, so you can participate too. You may both enjoy playing video games or listening to bluegrass music. If you know what your children are interested in, you can be an encouraging partner in their developments. This will make it easier to make time for your kids that will also be enjoyable. Make Updates Remember that your child’s needs will change over time. As they grow from a toddler into a teen, they expect more independence, but they’ll probably still welcome an invitation to practice driving or watch a favorite sport. As with everything in parenting, as soon as you get a routine figured out, it will likely need to be changed. Don't stress it, rather embrace every change as an opportunity to learn something new about your child and yourself. Remain Available Quality time can happen anywhere. You’re bound to find promising opportunities as long as you make yourself accessible. Even a simple trip to the grocery store together can become a fun moment. Practical Examples of Quality Time Although there are tons of ways to spend quality time with your kids, here are a few simple ways to make time for them regularly: Eat Family Meals Dine together as often as possible. If you run into frequent conflicts with weekday dinners, try gathering for breakfast or catching up on weekends. There's something to be said for the old school tradition of sitting down to the dinner table as a family. The Family and Children's Center details the importance of family mealtime, which I recommend reading. Share Chores Ask your children to join you when you’re shopping for groceries or painting the garage. You’ll have a chance to talk, and they’ll learn valuable life skills which is just one of the many reasons kids should have chores. Schedule One-On-One Time Arrange to spend some individual time with each of your children on a regular basis. You’ll learn more about them and enjoy meaningful conversations that you would otherwise miss. Travel Together Family vacations and driving to soccer practice both provide time to talk while you’re on your way to your destination. Check in with each other and let the conversation flow naturally. Volunteer as a Family Helping others can draw you closer to your children. Support a cause you both care about or browse online for a local volunteer clearinghouse where you can explore your options. Check out this article about how to volunteer with children. Take Pictures Face to face communications are the most significant but sharing pictures can help you stay in touch too. Send each other funny or moving images you come across during your day. Build an album you can look through together. Connect Daily Even if you work outside the home and see your child for only a few hours most days, quality time pays off as long as you’re consistent. Make it a habit to chat for about 15 minutes when you arrive home or before you go to bed. Make time for your child, focusing on quality, in order to build a positive relationship with your child and give them a solid foundation for becoming a happy and productive adult. Savor the moments you spend together and create memories you both will cherish. Ready for the best news about all these tips? You can pretty much utilize them for creating quality time for any important person in your life! Quality Time with Family Series This is part 4 in the series about family and quality time! Here's what we have: Parents, Make Time for Your Kids (THIS POST)Get Rid of Facebook (Be a Better, Happier Parent)Maximize Time With your FamilyWays to Spend Quality Time With Family #### Paw Patrol Lookout Playset Toy Revew Every now and then, when I let my daughter watch television, we stumble onto Paw Patrol, which she really seems to enjoy.  So, I was excited when bzzagent.com selected us to review the Paw Patrol Look-out Playset.This set comes with the look-out tower, slide, Chase, and his SUV and is rated for use for children 3+.  I received the set from bzzagent.com in exchange for my honest opinions.  I was not provided any further compensation and participation in this program does not sway my opinions of the product.Removal and Building of the Lookout PlaysetRemoval of the Lookout Playset was probably the most time consuming part of putting the toy together.  Several pieces were taped to the cardboard and I had to use a knife to cut into a few of them.  That's really no surprise though.The included instructions for assembling the Lookout Playset were clear and easy to understand.  I estimate my assembly time to have taken about 5 minutes, not including the time I spent removing the pieces from the original packaging.Playing with the Lookout PlaysetFor starters, I read some negative reviews of the toy in regards to the slide falling off during play.  I experimented with play for a couple minutes after assembly and before my daughter came down from quiet time.  I had no issues with the slide falling off.  My initial thought is that you need to be sure you're snapping the slide into place, not just sliding it in.What I had noticed during my own playtime is that sending Chase down the slide meant I needed to physically slide him down the slide.  There wasn't enough of an incline for him to slide on his own.  To be honest, I'm quite okay with toys that require a child to do the work.  The periscope rotates and actually works.  The only electronic device is the paw print that has two sound levels and plays random phrases or a song.Grievances?As I stated before, we didn't have any issues with the slide falling off as I had seen reviews mention on various online retailers.  However, I have noticed that the building itself tips during play.  My daughter never seemed bothered by it, but I caught her several times trying to hold up the building while playing.  Play areas in our house are carpeted, so that may or may not have something to do with the building's lack of steadiness.Purchasing the Paw Patrol Look-Out PlaysetThis playset can be purchase for approximately $40 at most of your typical retailers.  You can purchase additional Paw Patrol characters with their vehicles for approximately $13 each.Connect with Ivy on Google+ Liked this article? Sign up for FREE updates!* indicates requiredEmail Address * Email Format htmltext Disclosure: To help support this blog and continue to bring you free content, Ivy's Variety posts may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Peanut Butter: A Simple Step Towards Preventing Allergies in Our Kids If you’re like me, you’ve probably been through the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with feeding your little ones. As a mom with Gluten and Dairy allergies, I'm no stranger to the daunting task of navigating early food introductions. So, when I came across some fascinating research about peanut butter and allergy prevention, I just had to share it with you all. Introducing Peanut Butter Early: What the Research Says Recent studies from King's College London suggest that giving smooth peanut butter to babies and young children can provide lifelong protection against peanut allergies. According to their research, teenagers who consumed peanut butter up to the age of five were 71% less likely to develop an allergy compared to those who avoided it. Why Early Introduction is Key The idea of giving peanut butter to our babies might sound scary, especially for those of us who know our children are at risk of developing allergic reactions. However, peanut allergies have become increasingly common, now affecting about one in fifty children. The researchers from King's College discovered that our previous approach was actually counterproductive. It turns out that early childhood is a crucial time for the immune system to learn what’s harmful and what’s not. How Peanut Allergies Develop Food allergies occur when our immune system mistakes something harmless, like peanuts, for a threat. This can lead to severe reactions even from a tiny amount of peanut. About 15 years ago, a clinical trial involving 640 high-risk children revealed that early introduction of peanut butter significantly reduced the incidence of peanut allergies by the age of five. Long-Lasting Protection One of the most exciting findings from this study, recently published in NEJM Evidence, is that the protection from peanut allergies lasts well into the teenage years, even if the kids stop eating peanuts after age five. To put it in perspective: Among high-risk children who avoided peanuts, 15 out of 100 developed an allergy. Among those who regularly ate peanut butter as infants, only 4 out of 100 developed an allergy. How to Safely Introduce Peanut Butter to Your Baby Here’s how you can safely incorporate peanut butter into your baby’s diet: Start Early: Ideally, introduce smooth peanut butter after 6 months, when your baby is ready for solids. Frequency: Offer peanut butter three to four times a week, totaling about one and a half to two tablespoons weekly. Safety First: Ensure your baby can sit up and swallow food without spitting it out. Avoid whole or chopped peanuts due to choking hazards. Practical Tips Mix smooth peanut butter into baby cereal or yogurt. Spread a thin layer on a piece of toast or soft fruit. Trust the Process It’s important to follow guidelines and consult with your pediatrician, especially if your child is at high risk for allergies. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases backs this approach, emphasizing that early introduction according to established guidelines can offer lasting protection against peanut allergies. In Conclusion As a mom who's dealt with mild allergy issues, I know how nerve-wracking it can be to introduce potential allergens. But the evidence is compelling: incorporating smooth peanut butter into your baby’s diet could be a simple yet powerful step to safeguard them against peanut allergies. The question is, who is willing to risk it? Has your doctor made any recommendations to try this? #### Pedigree Stackerz Dog Treat Review: Influenster VoxBox What we thought of the Pedigree Stackerz Dog Treat.  An Influenster VoxBox review campaign. You might remember that we adopted a rescue dog right before Christmas last year.  She's a sweet girl and hardly needs more than food and lots of affection, so I take for granted that she could use more treats.  Thankfully, Influenster has provided a sweet reminder by selecting me to receive and review Pedigree Stackerz Dog Treat. I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. Ella loved her treats from the get go.  My daughter loved that we had treats to feed her.  When I showed them to my husband, he said she was going to be snacking better than some people eat.  Since we received the Filet Mignon and Bacon flavored treats, I can see why he'd say that. I noticed the following couple of days our dog began to skip out on eating food, so I'm assuming she was holding out for her Pedigree Stackerz.  I'm going to assume that she found them as delectable as they sounded.   A post shared by Ivy | Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Sep 30, 2014 at 12:01pm PDT   #### Permissive Parenting and Its Effects on Children We're all on this incredible journey called parenting, and along the way, we've stumbled upon this interesting term: Permissive Parenting. It goes by a few names like indulgent or lenient parenting, and it's all about taking a unique approach to raising our little ones.  Grab your coffee or tea, and let's chat about what permissive parenting really means, the ups and downs of it, and how it can impact our precious kiddos.  Plus, we'll explore whether or not we can find a spot between giving your kids freedom and setting some boundaries.  So, whether you're in the thick of parenthood or just curious about different parenting styles, let's explore this journey of raising our kids with loads of love, understanding, and maybe a sprinkle of leniency.  What is Permissive Parenting? Permissive parenting, also known as indulgent or lenient parenting, is a parenting style characterized by a lack of rules, discipline, and structure. Permissive parents tend to be more lenient and allow their children a high degree of freedom and autonomy. In permissive parenting, the emphasis is often placed on the child's happiness and desires rather than setting boundaries or enforcing rules. Permissive parents may avoid confrontation or conflict with their children and prioritize maintaining a close relationship based on acceptance and support. While permissive parenting can create an environment where children feel loved and accepted, it can also have negative consequences. Without clear boundaries and expectations, children may struggle with self-control, responsibility, and decision-making skills. They may also have difficulty respecting authority figures or understanding limits in various social settings. It's important to note that permissive parenting is just one of several different parenting styles, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Understanding the characteristics of permissive parenting can help parents make informed decisions about their own approach to raising their children. Examples of Permissive Parenting Parenting styles can significantly impact a child's development, and permissive parenting, while well-intentioned, can present its own unique set of challenges. Let's delve into some illustrative scenarios that shed light on the consequences often associated with this style of parenting. Scenario 1: The Perils of Unlimited Freedom Consider the case of young Alex, whose parents adopt a permissive parenting style, giving him the freedom to make his own decisions from an early age. While this freedom initially fosters a sense of independence, it also leads to Alex struggling to set boundaries for himself. Without clear guidelines, he finds it challenging to understand the limits of acceptable behavior, often pushing boundaries both at home and in school. As a consequence, he faces difficulties respecting authority figures and comprehending the importance of discipline, ultimately impacting his ability to thrive in a structured environment. Scenario 2: Inadequate Decision-Making Skills Now, let's look at the story of Emily, whose parents, in an effort to avoid conflict, rarely enforce rules or consequences. Growing up in an environment where her desires often take precedence, Emily becomes accustomed to having her way without considering the implications of her choices. Consequently, as she steps into adolescence and faces the complexities of decision-making, she struggles to assess the long-term effects of her actions. With limited experience in dealing with disappointment or setbacks, she finds it hard to cope with the challenges that arise, lacking the resilience needed to navigate life's inevitable obstacles. Scenario 3: Emotional Challenges and Insecurity Imagine the case of young Daniel, whose permissive parents prioritize his emotional comfort over establishing clear behavioral expectations. While this approach encourages a close emotional bond, Daniel begins to experience difficulty regulating his emotions in the face of adversity. With minimal exposure to constructive criticism and guidance, he finds it challenging to handle criticism or rejection, leading to a fragile self-esteem and a fear of failure. As a result, he may struggle with taking risks or asserting himself in various social and academic settings, hindering his potential for growth and development. These scenarios illuminate the complexities and potential drawbacks associated with permissive parenting. While a nurturing environment is vital for a child's emotional well-being, a lack of structure and guidance can impede their ability to navigate challenges and thrive in various aspects of life. As we explore different parenting styles, it is crucial to strike a balance between warmth and guidance, fostering an environment that promotes both autonomy and responsibility, enabling children to develop the necessary skills for a successful and fulfilling future. Permissive Parenting Style: Pros and Cons Permissive parenting may create a nurturing environment and foster open communication between parents and children. However, there are potential negative consequences that need to be considered. Permissive Parenting Advantages: Allows children to explore their creativity and individuality without feeling restricted. Encourages children to express themselves freely in a relaxed environment. Fosters open communication, leading to stronger bonds between parents and children. Permissive Parenting Disadvantages: Children may struggle with self-discipline and have difficulty understanding limits in social situations. Low expectations can hinder their motivation to achieve their full potential. Overindulgence can lead to entitlement issues later in life, as children may not learn the value of delayed gratification or the importance of hard work. Parents need to strike a balance between being supportive and setting appropriate boundaries for healthy child development. The Effects of Permissive Parenting The impact of permissive parenting on children is far-reaching and can manifest in various ways. One of the most notable effects is the lack of self-discipline and poor impulse control. Without clear guidelines and expectations, children raised in permissive households may struggle to regulate their behavior and make responsible choices. This can lead to difficulties in school, relationships, and overall life success. Additionally, permissive parenting has been linked to impulsivity and aggression. When parents fail to set limits or provide structure, children may not what acceptable behavior is. Another concerning effect is the development of an entitlement mindset. Without experiencing appropriate consequences for their actions, children raised with permissive parenting may come to expect special treatment or believe that they are entitled to privileges without earning them. This entitlement mindset can hinder their ability to navigate challenges and setbacks later in life. It is important to recognize that these effects are not inevitable outcomes for all children raised with permissive parenting styles. Every child is unique and may respond differently based on various factors such as temperament and external influences. However, understanding the potential consequences can help parents make informed decisions about their approach to raising their children. Ultimately, finding a balance between providing love, support, and guidance while also setting appropriate boundaries is crucial for promoting healthy development in children. Tips for Balancing Freedom and Discipline in Parenting Finding the right balance between freedom and discipline is a constant challenge for parents. It involves navigating the delicate terrain of setting boundaries while allowing children the freedom to explore and grow. One approach that has gained recognition is authoritative parenting, which combines clear boundaries with love and understanding. Authoritative parenting recognizes the importance of setting limits and expectations for children while also valuing their autonomy. It emphasizes open communication, mutual respect, and collaboration between parents and children. This approach allows parents to establish rules and consequences while still encouraging independence and self-expression. Setting clear boundaries is crucial in maintaining a healthy parent-child relationship. Children need structure to feel secure, understand expectations, and develop self-discipline. However, it's equally important to exercise flexibility within those boundaries to allow room for growth and individuality. Finding the middle ground in parenting styles requires a thoughtful balance of freedom and discipline. By adopting an authoritative approach, parents can guide with empathy, understanding, and consistent enforcement of rules. This enables children to develop essential life skills such as decision-making, problem-solving, responsibility, and self-regulation. Ultimately, striking a balance between freedom and discipline in parenting involves recognizing that each child is unique with their own needs, strengths, and limitations. It requires ongoing communication with your child to understand their perspective while still maintaining firm but fair boundaries that promote their well-being and growth. FAQs About Permissive Parenting Is permissive parenting neglectful? Permissive parenting isn't necessarily neglectful, but it can sometimes be misconstrued as such. Permissive parents are typically very loving and indulgent towards their children, often wanting to avoid conflict. However, the downside is that they might not set clear boundaries and expectations, which can lead to the perception of neglect. It's essential to strike a balance between being permissive and providing structure and guidance. Is permissive parenting harmful? Permissive parenting can have both positive and negative effects on children. On the positive side, kids raised in permissive households often feel loved and supported, and they tend to have good self-esteem. However, the potential harm lies in the lack of boundaries and discipline. Without these, children may struggle with self-control and making responsible decisions. So, while it's not inherently harmful, it can be if taken to extremes without any structure. What is a weakness of permissive parenting? One of the significant weaknesses of permissive parenting is the potential for children to lack the skills needed to navigate the real world. By not setting limits, permissive parents might unintentionally hinder their children's ability to deal with adversity, follow rules, or make responsible choices. It's essential to remember that life comes with its share of challenges, and learning these skills is crucial for a child's development. Is permissive parenting a cause of ADHD? Permissive parenting itself is not a direct cause of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is believed to have a strong genetic component and often emerges early in childhood. However, some studies have suggested that inconsistent parenting and a lack of structure could exacerbate ADHD symptoms in children. Permissive parenting's leniency and relaxed approach to discipline may make it more challenging for a child with ADHD to develop self-regulation skills. So, while it's not a cause, it's essential for parents of children with ADHD to strike a balance between understanding and setting necessary boundaries to help their child thrive. #### Personalized Father's Day Gifts On Etsy He'll Love 9 personalized Father's Day gifts on Etsy that are better than more socks and ties. Why is it men are so hard to shop for?  I mean, my man is!  So yeah, I assume most men are hard to shop for. It's always so hard for me to buy my husband gifts because he literally has everything.  And he probably has doubles of everything because when he can't find something, he just buys a replacement. All.  The.  Time. Anyway, Father's Day gift giving is no different. He doesn't wear ties and he has everything he needs and wants.  It's so bad, he never even knows what to put on his wish list for his own Birthday or Christmas. Even his mom gripes about not knowing what to get him. And, let's not forget that whatever DOES end up on his list, no one can afford.  And it lands there because he's not quite ready to fork over the dough to get it himself. So, I decided to venture out and look for personalized Father's Day gifts.  And, while I often think personalized gifts can be cheesy, it's not like he leaves me much choice. If you're in the same boat, you may like some of these personalized Father's Day gift ideas, too. Personalized Father's Day Gifts On Etsy These are some of the best Personalized Father's Day Gifts I've been able to find on Etsy.  The hard part, really, is narrowing down your choices! Personalized Leather Wallet Have this men's leather wallet personalized with up to 20 words.  You'll turn a useful, practical item into a sentimental piece perfect for Father's Day. Get dad his personalized leather wallet on Etsy Personalized Star Map on Wood Have a wood sign personalized with his child's names, dates of birth, and the exact view of the night sky on those dates.  Makes a really unique Father's Day gift! Get dad a star map on Etsy Personalized Baby Bodysuit for 1st Father's Day Have a baby bodysuit personalized to say Happy 1st Father's Day "signed" by baby!  You can choose your vinyl colors too so that it fits a boy or girl. Get a personalized 1st Father's Day Onesie on Etsy Photo Puzzle Turn a favorite memory into a photo puzzle.  This makes for a really special personalized Father's Day gift! Get dad a Personalized Photo Puzzle on Etsy Daddy's Team Keychain This personalized keychain set includes one pendant that says "daddy's team" with discs for each child's name. Get the daddy's team keychain on Etsy Engraved Wooden Coaster Have a wooden coaster engraved with "daddy" + a child's name and the date they became best friends.  The coaster also has a hand with a smaller hand engraved into the wood. Get an engraved wooden coaster on Etsy Personalized Wood Blocks Have wooden blocks personalized with images that can be cropped to a square shape.  Get 3 blocks and each can have one letter on it spelling out DAD.  This would make a sweet personalized Father's Day gift with 3 top memories with dad! Get wooden blocks personalized on Etsy Best Dad In The Word Mug How about a personalized mug for Father's Day?  If dad's a coffee drinker, maybe he'd like to be reminded his kids think he's the best dad in the world! Personalize the best dad in the world mug on Etsy Rustic Panel With Kids' Birth Dates This rustic wooden panel lists his children's names and birth dates. Personalize a rustic wooden panel on Etsy Honorable Mentions Want something cool for Father's Day, but not necessarily personalized?  Check out these family matching shirts ... you can still customize colors without putting names and dates on them for something unique. What are some of your all-time favorite personalized Father's Day gifts?  Anything you've ever given that was so well-received you've never been able to top them? #### Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation Tips for planning a Walt Disney World Vacation!  The things we did right (and a few we didn't). I was relatively excited when my husband decided that this was the year to take our daughter to Disney World.  She was capable of staying awake later without full-on meltdowns (and often fighting bedtime just because).  Given the circumstances, it seemed like a good opportunity to test our luck and plan a vacation at Walt Disney World. Unfortunately, the magic of planning the vacation quickly dissipated in the actual planning phase.  I couldn't believe how much planning one had to do, just to wait on the actual vacation.  We ran into a few problems too, and I thought I'd share some advice if you're beginning to think about taking a family vacation to Walt Disney World in Orlando. Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation Plan WAY in advance! We thought a couple months prior to our trip would be plenty of time to book our room, book dining reservations, and make arrangements for fast pass selections.  We couldn't have been more wrong. If you're staying on site, Fast-Pass selections are available 60 days in advance and many selections are booked quickly. I believe dining reservations are available 180 days in advance.  Our selections were very limited by the time we starting our booking process.  That's a real bummer when you're thinking about the fact it's your kiddo's first visit to Disney World (at least, that was our case). If you want a dining plan, decide on it BEFORE booking your vacation DO NOT let anyone tell you to purchase your vacation package first to later add your dining plan.  For starters, you cannot place that order online.  Secondly, you must select your dining package at the time of vacation booking as a package. We were still deciding on whether or not we wanted a package and were told that we could add it later.  WRONG.  The only way we could add it later was to cancel our plans and then re-do the booking in order to add the dining plan.  Since we'd already made deposits, it wasn't worth the hassle of cancelling and re-booking everything. The only positive side to it, is that we decided to purchase snacks from the grocery story prior to our vacation and would carry in a few each day to save quite a bit of extra money. Should I Make Reservations for Disney World Restaurants? You'll likely see choices for booking your dining reservations early.  We booked a couple dining reservations in sit down restaurants for things that we really wanted, knowing we wouldn't want to eat at quick service stations all week. Again, going back to planning WAY in advance, because we didn't plan early we had very few selections available at reasonable dining hours for our family. Now, the kicker here is that I overheard that the restaurants only do 10% reservations.  We learned, on our first night of the trip, you can pretty easily walk into a restaurant of your choice with relatively short wait times. Now, we normally arrive at restaurants around 5 p.m. before major crowds, but never did we experience anything longer than a 20 minute wait to be seated. One the first night, we went to our reserved restaurant about 1/2 hour earlier than our reservation and were seated right away because there was almost no one in the restaurant. If you want to eat at peak hours or know somewhere you absolutely must eat at during your trip, I might still recommend reservations.  Plus, if you're dining with food allergies or intolerances, you can include this information on your reservation to make your service more efficient. I plan to write a post in the near future about dining at Disney World with allergies. Can I bring my own food into the park? According to Disney's website, you can bring in your own food so long as it's not food that requires heating.  Imagine the savings if you're not stopping for over-priced snacks throughout your stay. We purchased chips, waters, mini-muffins, cookies and some Paleo friendly snacks which will reduce time spent in lines waiting for food (save your time for the rides!) and money that could be better spent on real meals, special treats, or souvenirs. We ran into zero issues with packing our own snacks. As an example, I purchased a large pack of waters on my last grocery run before the trip.  Let's say I spent $5.00 on a brand name package of bottled water.  The parks were charging about $2.50/bottle.  I took in about 3 bottles in per day, so I saved my family about $7.50 in water, plus the cost of chips, popcorn, grapes, etc. And, we ate our pre-purchased or pre-made breakfast on the run which saved even more time and money.  We were then able to splurge on a more pricey dinner one night and not feel badly about it. The Week Before Your Disney World Vacation Spend the week cleaning house, washing laundry, and packing.  I found it helpful to do one or two last loads of laundry the day before we left, which made things easier on me when we returned home from our vacation. To make the most of your efforts, make a packing list and check things off as you put them away.  Save your last minute items that you need to use regularly (toiletries, etc) until the moments before you leave. Be sure to go ahead and purchase your first aid kit (or make one up yourself) and travel sized items so that you're not taking up space with large bottles of soap, shampoo, lotion, etc.  A small un-themed pack of about 4 band aids will run you about $3 in the park (roughly what you'd spend on a box of band aids in your local store). Place a Hold on Your Mail If you're going to be gone for any length of time, I might recommend requesting a mail-hold with the USPS. I can tell you, from experience, it's not fun removing mail from an over-stuffed mailbox when you've been gone for a week.  You can even have the mail carrier deliver held mail on the day you plan to return or plan to pick it up from the post off yourself. In my experience, the mail hold worked well, but the re-delivery part didn't go without some sort of hiccup.  Our mail re-delivery request was lost so we received our mail much later than requested. Staying On-Site at a Disney World Resort? Free parking and shuttles are great.  If you read on the website that you would have to request an in-room fridge for medical reasons, I've been informed that they finally made in-room fridges standard.  That would have been a nice fact listed on their website so that I didn't have to make the extra phone call in our planning phase. Don't forget that the additional benefit of staying on-site is that you can make your fast pass selections 60 days in advance (and you want to do this if you can!). Disney Resort Shuttles at the value resorts ran about every 15 or 20 minutes between parks.  The value resorts were a bit further from the parks. Things to note about staying at a Disney value resort: 1) No in-room coffee maker 2) No microwave 3) You can purchase refillable mugs for your stay (prices range from $8.99 per day or about $19.99 for a 4 night stay - these prices are not exact as I did not purchase the refillable mugs).  These mugs can be refilled all day (exclusions apply) with coffee or soda at the resorts only). Disney World Parks: Passes and Tickets We arrived at our Disney World Value Resort and tried to verify that our annual passes were linked to our Mickey Bands.  We had issues with linking right after purchasing, so we wanted to skip any headaches entering the parks the next morning for our first time.  The person at the desk said we were good to go. Unfortunately we waited in a ridiculous line to enter the Magic Kingdom only to find out our annual passes weren't linked or hadn't been activated.  Then, we had to wait in another ridiculous line at customer service to have our passes activated.  After all the waiting and frustration, we just made it to our first fast pass selection (we almost missed the kiddo's first Mickey Meet!). Want to skip that hassle?  Check in at Customer Service the evening before you plan to visit the park just to ensure that your passes or tickets are activated.  Otherwise, if your fast passes begin later in the day, you may just want to arrive extra early at the park to give yourself time to clear up any issues. How was your experience with planning a Walt Disney World Vacation?  I'd love to hear any tips and tricks you've found for making your plans! #### PlateJoy Review: Meal Plans for Busy Moms I'm a busy mom, just like you!  That's why I wanted a meal planning service to plan food for me every week.  This is our 1st week PlateJoy review. As I prepare for back to school season, I realize this means my busy season is about to start back.  Shortly after school begins, after school activities, meetings, meet the teacher nights, and homework are about to take over. We took the summer off from sports and didn't put either of the kids in camp, so we're out of routine.  Though I felt as if we needed a break from all the structure, being out of routine helped me get into this rut.  I often throw a few of our family dinner favorites in my weekly meal plans just because I know I won't get complaints from the family.  Then, I'll throw in a whole chicken when I need to make my homemade chicken broth. But, I'm bored of dinners and tired of scouring Pinterest for new recipes in hopes they'll be winners. Being out of routine means we're going to be struggling when my daughter starts back to school.  And I'm really tired of garlic shrimp and breakfast nights on seemingly constant rotation just because I don't want to spend the time searching out new recipes. One thing will remain constant.  Taco Tuesdays are a family favorite.  And, everyone got made when I switched beef out for chicken, so every week is beef tacos.  Actual tacos or taco salads is just a decision one makes on Tuesdays. Long live Taco Tuesdays! But, I digress. I didn't really want to learn [easyazon_link identifier="B00BGGBLXW" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]how to meal plan[/easyazon_link].  I needed a meal planning website that would provide meal plans for busy moms!  I'd gotten lazy and I needed inspiration. I reached out to PlateJoy who gave me a few months of their service to try out, which is why I'm sharing a PlateJoy review.  All opinions expressed here are my own and I wouldn't recommend a product or service I don't actually like.  Affiliate links are included in this post. Our  PlateJoy Review: Done-For-You Meal Plans for Busy Moms First things first, you have to actually get started with PlateJoy.  You can sign up for a 14 day-free trial and get $10 off the subscription of your choice with PlateJoy with code SAHMPLUS10. Getting Started with PlateJoy Once you're ready to start with meal planning with PlateJoy, you'll enter a few details about your family and meal preferences. You'll start with entering how many adults and children, name each member of the family, and tell the system how to calculate portion sizes for each.  There's even a setting for each if one person wants to lose weight. Next, you'll indicate dietary restrictions and foods you'd like to avoid.  Now, when you do this, it affects the meals for the entire family, so everyone will be eating the same thing.  In my case, this is great because I don't believe in making separate meals.  However, I know this can be a problem for others who don't believe the rest of the family should "suffer". I have to avoid gluten and dairy, and listed that I need to stay away from almond, and preferred to avoid soy.  Essentially, my meal plans are going to be border-line Paleo (except we eat potatoes, rice and a few other non-Paleo foods). While I won't make separate meals, I will add sides or bread for my family that often aren't part of a meal plan.  It's my compromise since I take the stance "if it's good for me, it's good enough for you." After entering your dietary preferences, you'll tell PlateJoy a little about your budget preferences.  This is also going to define the variety of options you'll receive from them.  In my case, I somewhat value variety over budget, although I did select that I would like larger meals for leftovers, which was a more budget-friendly option. Aside from options about variety, you'll also get the chance to tell PlateJoy how long you have to prepare meals. For dinner, because I'm a stay at home mom, some days I have more time than others.  So, I selected the option to allow this to vary.  I chose "more than 50 minutes" to allow for slow cooker meals, but they have other options including 20 - 35 minutes, or 35 - 50 minutes.  So if you're a 30 minute chef, PlateJoy will have something for you. Afterward, you'll be looking at some of the initial selections PlateJoy has made for you.  This is the perfect opportunity to remove foods you are certain you won't eat, then search for other foods and have them added to your meal plan.  If variety is your thing, make sure to select enough so that you won't see the same thing in rotation too often. Check out my breakfast choices as I worked on my initial meal plan! 1st Week PlateJoy Review Our family's first week with PlateJoy was interesting.  I'd already pre-planned a few meals that week, so I only needed 3 dinners and requested 1 breakfast that I could make for 2 days.  I chose not to include lunches because I rely on leftovers to get through the week, myself. For dinner, we ended up with 3 pork recipes and I didn't want to mess with swapping meals, so I just spaced those out around the meals I already had planned. Our 1st Week PlateJoy Menu Breakfast Ham, Egg and Spinach Roll-Ups My daughter and I loved these!  The toddler enjoyed it, but not nearly as much and I need to cut his up. I ended up having to scale the recipe down a bit, mainly because the 4 eggs it called for could have made about 5 or 6 of the roll-ups.  So, I removed one egg from the recipe the second day I made this. The best part about this breakfast was that I could break up the spinach and cut the tomato the night before.  This made cooking breakfast a lot quicker in the morning and only took about 5 minutes to prepare.  In total, it only took about 10 minutes with cutting vegetables and cooking the eggs. Dinners Slow Cooker Jerk Pork with Caribbean Salsa Salad I wasn't overly fond of my Jerk seasoning, but I don't blame this on PlateJoy as it was a pre-purchased seasoning mix.  However, the meal itself was pretty good.  Even the picky toddler chose to eat his salad first, which was quite impressive! I scaled the salad down quite a bit for our family because 12 cups of lettuce for 4 people seemed a bit much. Also, a pork roast and salad isn't a very filling meal, so I added white rice and black beans to our meal. Pork and Herb Stuffed Peppers and Quinoa with a Side Salad My husband isn't very fond of stuffed peppers in the first place because he won't eat bell peppers.  And, I worried no one else would eat the quinoa.  So, this meal still required me to create an additional side. Turns out, I didn't mind the plain quinoa and neither did the 6 year old.   Also, this meal ended up making enough that I froze half batch of the peppers for cooking another night.  I attribute this to the "leftovers" selection which appears to create leftovers for the entire family. Even still, the half I made had enough leftovers for myself and my daughter for 1 afternoon. Ginger Glazed Grilled Pork with Spiced Potatoes This meal was surprisingly good, in my opinion.  The glaze was added to the pork tenderloin after you cooked it for a bit. I had worried that adding the glaze later would mean the meat wouldn't have enough flavor, so I'd seriously been tempted to marinate it.  But, I stuck to the recipe and was rather surprised at the results. I think the best part was the glaze wasn't overpowering in the ginger department, which I thought might have been a turnoff.  Instead it offered just enough flavor to know it was there. Again though, I had to add something extra to our meal because we don't consider a side salad filling enough.  I especially struggle to gain and maintain weight, so I need more substance than salads offer. Our Overall PlateJoy Review I think my family really enjoyed the new variety PlateJoy meals provided.  We were introduced to some really healthy foods including fruits and vegetables we don't normally eat, which was really helpful to getting me to eat more Paleo like I should.  Although, because of my food allergies, staying Paleo is impossible because I can't have some of the things Paleo requires. Because I need to gain weight, I need more food than all of the meals planned for.  A meat with a salad just isn't a meal in my mind and doesn't fill me up the way I'd like. Still, PlateJoy saves me time by providing my meal options and then I just add things as I see fit.  This allows me to save a lot of time skimming through all sorts of recipes and prevents me from sticking to things I know. The kids enjoyed each of the salads and surprisingly even the toddler tried some new foods like radish and mango.  That, alone, makes PlateJoy worth the cost, knowing my kids are eating healthy and trying new foods. Hubby doesn't care one way or another.  He eats for substance so he rarely makes a fuss about what we eat and also doesn't make a big deal if something is good.  He's my neutral party. Finally, though I found it extra work to add more sides to our meals, I enjoyed PlateJoy.  It saved me time and helped me to cook breakfast some mornings. Additionally, I found myself craving healthier snacks between meals.  Instead of grabbing a somewhat healthy granola bar, I often chose to eat an apple or banana with the kids.  I think I can attribute it to the cleaner eating I was doing with dinner and breakfast, so it was resetting my taste buds for staying healthy, overall. I have a few months more of PlateJoy and I can't wait to share more of our experiences with you. If you enjoyed my PlateJoy review and would like to try it for yourself, you can get $10 off any subscription with code SAHMPLUS10.  Enter the code at checkout on PlateJoy. [the_ad_group id="13352"] PIN ME Did our PlateJoy review help you determine if it's right for you? Tell me in the comments if this helped or if you'd like more information about PlateJoy!  Was there something I didn't cover that you'd like to know? #### Playing in the streets? I can't believe I even have to talk about this!  Growing up, I lived on a dirt road just at the dead end.  The road itself had very little traffic and given our location on the road, it was nothing for us to play in the dirt at the end.  Sure, we road our bikes over to the few neighbors' houses down the street and kind of ran a muck, but I think it was general knowledge not to play in the streets in town. I'm not sure when the concept of playing in the street became acceptable.  I have been more than perturbed to find recently that a family member's neighborhood is full of people who think letting their kids run around and play in the street acceptable.  More importantly, finding out that said family member was taking my own child's life in her hands by allowing her to play in the street, was the most disturbing to me. This isn't a habit I want OR NEED my two year old daughter to be in.  The moment I realized what was happening, I took my child out of the street and tried to explain why she wasn't allowed to follow the crowd including her cousins and the neighbors.  That created a melt-down and some glares as if I was a terrible mother for stopping my child's fun.  Excuse me for understanding that my child's life is in danger should a distracted driver happen to be barreling through the neighborhood! How about some safety tips from safekids.org?   My daughter is two and I certainly don't expect her to understand the dangers involved in playing in the street, but this site says "Every child is different, but developmentally, it can be hard for kids to judge speed and distance of cars until age 10."  That said, even if you're out in the street with multiple children, you're not going to be able to account for everyone every moment and I wouldn't put my faith in a child's ability to pay attention to the road while they're focused on play. I feel like I need to support my beliefs with more statistics, so here you go!  If you're a parent or caregiver, please use this to educate yourself on the dangers of playing in the street: Regardless of speed bumps and speed limit signs, we cannot control drivers' actions.  Not everyone out there obeys laws and I know there are plenty of distracted drivers out there that aren't always paying attention to the road.  It's common sense that a two-year-old can get away from us in a matter of seconds ... and it's in those seconds that a car can be driving down the road with a driver tired from work, distracted by their own child in the back seat, or texting away.  For those reasons, it's a rule in this house that my child doesn't play in the street! If you're choosing to allow your children to play in the street for whatever reason, you must accept the consequences should anything negative happen.  This also means that you can't blame a driver if the unthinkable happens ... you're at fault as much as the driver in this case. However the choice isn't yours to make when another person's child is in your care.  There are side walks, front and back yards, and play grounds created as a safer place for you and those precious children... if you don't want to use them, stay indoors! Do you agree? #### Please Don't Give Me a Push Present, Unless... "What the fork is a push present?" I asked my husband (most likely not an exact quote).   Of course, Google had the answer and I wasn't loving it. A push gift is one that a woman receives from her spouse (or partner) shortly after giving birth. I found the topic of push presents, or push gifts, to be rather materialistic in nature.  I, still, can't quite grasp the idea that a woman should receive some fancy trinket or bauble because she has given (or will give) birth to a baby, which, more than likely, she wanted in the first place. I don't like the idea of giving or receiving a push present. I say these things as a mother of two.  With my first pregnancy, I enjoyed it rather immensely and I was just so excited to be having a baby that gifts other than what we needed for the baby never even came to mind. I carried and delivered a baby because that is what I wanted to do.  No one forced me to have a baby.  I wasn't doing it out of guilt or obligation.  I was having a baby because it was a dream of mine for as long as I could remember. After having my first, I all but stopped wearing non-essential jewelry because I was too busy cleaning spit up, bathing or feeding baby, cleaning or cooking, or feeling too run down to even think about my appearance.  Forget jewelry.  Forget expensive useless things that will sit around waiting for a date night or other semi-fancy evening without kids. Whatever push present ideas I'd seen, hadn't quite seemed logical in my mind.  What is a new car or expensive jewelry doing to help me feel better in that rough infant colic stage?  I'm going to be getting a new(ish) vehicle by the time the new baby arrives because a Prius isn't going to comfortably (or safely) tote the baby seat and multitude of items, including our soon to be family of 4.  Our next car isn't a gift, rather a necessity to provide comfort and room, which is our responsibility as parents.  And I can say that the next vehicle isn't going to be something I'd like to drive if I didn't have kids. Even though I was expecting baby #2, I still wouldn't request a push gift UNLESS ... It makes my life a little more easy to cope with crying, spit-up, doctor's appointments, and all the other infant madness! If you feel like you must get me a push present, I'd love to receive something like Maid service/Housekeeper a cook or a nanny   to relieve me of some of the duties I'm not likely to be doing very well anyway once the baby arrives.  Just saying ... Did you get, or do you want to receive, a push present?  Tell me about it. #### Popular (Bad) Parenting Advice You Shouldn't Follow We’re getting a flood of parenting advice, but is it always good? Heck no! Common and well-intentioned conversations can simply be, unfortunately, bad parenting advice.  Here’s why… The second you announce a pregnancy, you’ll discover that everyone is a parenting expert. You’ll get advice from all kinds of people, young or old, whether they have kids or not. Some will come as genuine advice, while some will come as criticism. There will always be an endless supply of advice on what you should do as a parent. Some will be good and some terrible. But just because many people say something doesn’t make it accurate. Some of the most popular advice you hear about parenting could be very bad. Consider these common examples: Common Examples of Bad Parenting Advice “Give them what they want. They’re just kids” You’re in the grocery store, and your child starts making a fuss. They want ice cream. You have a “no ice cream before dinner” rule, so you say no. Your child starts to scream. Before long, you hear the voice of a kind old lady say, “Oh, he is just a child. Let him have it.” You feel the stares of people around you and finally you give in. After all, if your kid is screaming because they want something, it can be hard to say no. But giving children whatever they want is not a good idea. If you give your child an iPad, ice cream, or video game just because they whine for it, you raise entitled children. Your children will feel like they deserve to be given things simply because they want them. Kids like these grow into entitled adults who have difficulty fitting into society. “Be your kid’s best friend” Many people think they need to be their child’s friend before they are a parent, and not the other way around. This is because many parents fear their children will not like them. But this also is not good advice. There is a difference between a friend’s role and a parent’s. A friend is willing to overlook minor deficiencies in character, while a parent knows that if you catch certain behaviors early enough, they might not become habits. Parents don’t ignore behavioral issues, hoping their child will grow out of them. That leads to inconsistent parenting. It’s a fine line between friendliness and authority. As a parent, you have to set boundaries and stick to them. As your children get older, they will be grateful you enforced the things you did. “Keep them busy” Some parents have internalized this advice to the point where their children get very little rest. They fill their children’s schedules with so many extracurricular activities that they barely have time to breathe. Many people are afraid of their children being bored or understimulated. But the reality is that boredom is not always a bad thing. For a child, it can give rise to wonderful hobbies. Never underestimate how powerful a child’s imagination can be. Free up their schedules on some days and see what they get up to. You could be quite pleasantly surprised by the outcome. “They’re just a kid; let them win” You let them win any games you play with them. If you don’t let them win, you reward them for a mediocre performance. This is an unhealthy practice. You are robbing them of one of the essential lessons life has to teach about healthy competition. Overcoming failure, learning to deal with shortcomings, and accepting responsibility for losses are important things to learn. You aren’t doing your kid any favors by preventing them from making mistakes or shielding them from the consequences of the ones they do make. “Constantly tell your kids they are intelligent or gifted” From a very early age, some parents do this. The child thus grows up thinking they are more intelligent than everyone else and that life will be easy because they are so smart. Of course, your children aren’t stupid, but they’re also probably not the rare geniuses you told them they were. But here’s the thing. Discipline trumps intelligence in most cases. Being smart doesn’t matter when you don’t have the discipline to work hard or finish what you start. Instead of telling your children that they are smarter than everyone else, teach them about the value of hard work and discipline. The Power of Trusting Your Parenting Instincts Alright, let's dive into a crucial aspect of navigating the sea of parenting advice: trusting your own instincts. Sometimes, the most popular advice might not be the best fit for you and your child. Here's how to do it: The value of intuition in evaluating parenting advice Your parental intuition isn't just about understanding your child; it's also a fantastic tool for sifting through all the advice that's thrown your way. Here's why it matters: It's your inner compass: When you're bombarded with conflicting advice, your instincts can help you determine what feels right for your family. Recognizing what resonates: Pay attention to which pieces of advice align with your values and your child's personality. Those are the ones worth considering. How to tune into your instincts when evaluating advice Now, let's talk about how to tap into your parental intuition specifically when you're confronted with potentially bad advice. Take a moment to pause: Before you jump on board with the latest trend in parenting, pause for a moment. Ask yourself how this advice aligns with your beliefs and your child's needs. Consider your unique situation: Remember that every family is different. What worked wonders for your neighbor's kid might not be a great fit for your own. Trust your instincts to decipher what's best for your unique circumstances. Question with an open mind: It's okay to question popular advice. In fact, it's healthy. Your instincts are like a built-in truth detector. If something doesn't sit right with you, dig deeper. Seeking guidance when you need a second opinion Now, here's the kicker: even when you're relying on your instincts, it doesn't mean you should go it alone all the time. Consult trusted sources: Reach out to experts or experienced parents when you're unsure. They can offer guidance that aligns with your instincts or provide alternative viewpoints. Engage in thoughtful discussions: Talk to other parents who may have faced similar challenges. Sharing your experiences can help validate your instincts and provide fresh perspectives. Balance advice with your own judgment: While external advice can be valuable, remember that you are the ultimate authority on your child. Trust your instincts even when considering outside guidance. You’ll hear some good advice as a parent, but bad advice will always be out there. Your way of parenting may be just what your child needs. Do what works in your house for your kids and ignore the judgment and unsolicited advice, because it’ll never stop coming. Raise your babies your way. #### Potty Training My Tot (almost) Several months ago, I noticed an undeniable level of interest in my toddler toward using the potty.  I held off as long as I could and finally broke down to buy her a Potty Time package which included a Potty Time video, Hopkins Potty Seat, and a watch (if you're following our blog, you know we use sign language and use the Signing Time systems).  At some point, I also downloaded the free Potty Time app. Baby girl's interest was at it's peak and we got started with the package as soon as it arrived.  The first moment I put her on the potty, she "went".  We had a spectacular week of accomplishments and rewards and she was using her sign language to indicate when she was ready to go.  We even had some amusing moments when she would fake a "strain" because she knew the end result was an extra special treat.  Things went so well, family and friends all said she was going to be potty trained in 2 weeks. Then ... she just stopped.  There were no major upsets, nothing ever scared her, she just stopped.  It was almost as if she "got it" and felt there was no need to continue doing it (much like everything else she's accomplished and then dropped).  On occasion, she'll sign potty and I'll get everything ready, and then she'll walk away from the bathroom. Well, it was fun while it lasted. What methods do you (or have you) used to potty train your toddler?  Have you ever experienced such a situation?   #### Pros and Cons of Flu Vaccination Image Pulled From: My Fox Tampa Bay I've been seeing this story in the news a lot lately.  Have you?  This little 9-year-old girl's parents are claiming their daughter became paralyzed 3 days after her flu shot.  After the hospital has run numerous tests, they have found that there is no underlying condition that would explain this, yet they do not accept or deny that the flu vaccination is the cause. I, personally, never get the flu vaccine as I've known too many people get sick after their shots.  If I'm going to get sick, I'd like it to be from natural causes, not because I let a doctor stick me with something.  But that's me.  One year, I allowed my daughter's pediatrician to convince me her flu vaccine was vital.  Despite my own hesitations, I felt I was doing her an injustice by not giving her the flu shot.  Shortly after, she became sick with a cold and I was reminded why I don't take them.  Of course, the guilt I experienced for knowing that my Shortly after, she became sick with a cold.  I was reminded why I don't take them.  Of course, the guilt I experienced for knowing that my decision to vaccinate was what made her sick would have been similar to the guilt I would have felt if I hadn't vaccinated her and she'd gotten sick.  Silly mom guilt. That brings me to my question ... Do you and your children take the flu vaccine? Benefits of Flu Vaccination Aside from hopefully not getting sick from the flu, what other benefits are there for vaccinating? According to the CDC, vaccinating yourself may prevent the spread of illness to individuals who are at greater risk of experiencing major problems from the flu. Babies younger than 6 months of age who are not able to receive a vaccination, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems from chronic health conditions all stand to benefit by your vaccination.  These groups are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill. Plus, if you do get the flu after vaccination, it should be a much milder case. I received this information from CDCs form on the benefits of flu vaccination. Flu Vaccine Side Effects The CDC has a short list of post-vaccination side-effects.  You may experience these side-effects from either the shot or nasal spray. They follow up with "Almost all people who receive influenza vaccine have no serious problems from it. However, on rare occasions, flu vaccination can cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. People who think that they have been injured by the flu shot can file a claim for compensation from the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)." Digging a little further, if you want to know who shouldn't get the vaccine, Flu.gov offers this list: Talk to your health care provider about vaccination if you have: A severe allergy to chicken eggs A history of severe reaction to a flu vaccination A moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (you should wait until you are better to get the vaccine) A history of Guillain–Barré Syndrome (a severe paralytic illness, also called GBS) GBS?  I looked into the link provided to get more information about GBS.  I was intrigued to find that individuals who were vaccinated for swine influenza in 1976 were at increased risk of developing GBS.  The scientific review of this increased link between GBS and swine influenza from 1976 wasn't done until 2003. Final Thoughts on Vaccinations I decided to stop my research at this point.  For the time being, I'm going to continue declining the flu vaccine for myself and my child.  Maybe I'll continue researching flu vaccinations, but reading these things really makes me wonder if place too much blind trust in these vaccinations?  I believe we should all do more research on the vaccinations to make educated decisions.  Even as much as I trust my daughter's doctor, and he's always said he would respect my decision as the parent not to do something, but I don't think he's going to ever tell me not to do a vaccination.  And that makes me realize that I need to be informed about as many of the potential side effects as I can before I simply accept any round of vaccinations in the future. What do you think?  Will you be doing more research prior to vaccinations? #### Purex Crystals - Review, Sweepstakes, and Coupon Giveaway! As a Purex® Insider, I was provided a full size Purex Crystals Fresh Mountain Breeze in exchange for my review AND to bring you TWO opportunities to win with Purex®!  Read more and scroll down to find the sweepstakes link and the rafflecopter giveaway form. This is the latest from Purex® in their line of laundry fresheners.  The benefits of using this product, as stated by the manufacturer are: * Clothes smell fresh for weeks, not days * Does not reduce the absorbency of towels * Natural formula is safe for your family and the environment From the get-go, I'm impressed with the smell straight from the bottle.  It has a strong but pleasant, almost spa-like, scent. The packaging is well designed with a handy pour spout and the lid has lines to measure amounts based on laundry size. I rarely use scented laundry fresheners in the intended amounts because they're usually too strong.  You'll see here, my first trial with this product I used the minimum amount out of habit to ensure my laundry isn't overpowering. When the laundry came out of the dryer, I was pleased that it wasn't too strong, but will definitely use more of the recommended amount for a boost in freshening power (especially since I don't use scented laundry detergent).  Regardless, after a couple days, the clothes still smelled fresh. Since the laundry room backs up to the garage, where my husband is currently working with some strong-smelling chemicals, I'm actually considering pouring a small amount of this stuff into an open container to act as an air freshener too. SWEEPSTAKES Purex® is hosting a sweepstakes where 1 winner will receive $500.  100 second place winners will receive a coupon for free Purex Crystals Fresh Mountain Breeze!  Enter to win your $500 mountain of cash from Purex®. GIVEAWAY I'm giving away a coupon to THREE lucky Ivy's Variety readers for a FREE Purex Crystals Fresh Mountain Breeze. See the complete terms and conditions in the rafflecopter form.  Giveaway begins 1/29/14 12:00 a.m. ends 2/12/14 12:00 a.m. EST. a Rafflecopter giveaway #### Purex Crystals Aromatherapy Review and Coupon Giveaway I received Purex Crystals Aromatherapy recently for review as a Purex Insider.  Although I've begun using laundry items with fewer chemicals and those that are unscented, I missed smelling fragrances from laundry straight out of the washer and dryer.  So, I was happy to review the new crystals as a laundry enhancer, for a change in pace on laundry days.  I was even more happy to find that the scents were made using essential oils, which I've found to be quite useful in so many applications in health and around the home. Purex Crystals Aromatherapy Review: Well Being Scent Purex sent me the "Well Being" scented Aromatherapy Crystals.  Quite fitting considering all the health issues surrounding me.  I love the scent of the crystals, but oddly, I can't even begin to explain the fragrance to you.  Here are the names and descriptions of the new Crystals, straight from Purex: The new scents are: Well Being brightens any mood with the happy fragrance of fresh blossoms Energy helps you tackle any day with the stimulating power of citrus Serenity keeps you calm all day long with the gentle scent of water-lilies I believe the description for Well Being provided above is adequate, though I feel as though it's extra happy like a jug of pink lemonade. Here's hoping the scent stays with the clothes long after washing and helps me feel better throughout the day!  What I did learn about the Crystals is that my "everything in moderation" motto isn't quite right in getting the scent fresh out of the dryer.  It does actually take the recommended amounts (there are convenient lines on the colored lid that indicate the minimum amount recommended).  When used appropriately, the scent out of the dryer is wonderful. I'm excited to try other scents and I would be willing to bet that freshly laundered sheets in the Serenity crystals would be amazing to fall asleep on! What scent are you most excited to try? Purex Crystals Aromatherapy Giveaway Now on to the giveaway!  3 winners will each receive 1 coupon good for a FREE bottle of Purex Crystals Aromatherapy.  Giveaway runs from 10/17/14 to 10/26/14 at 11:59 p.m.  Please note that the coupons are good through 11/30/14, so there's some sense of urgency in the giveaway and claim process. Purex Crystals Aromatherapy Giveaway #### Purex Laundry Help App Review (plus sweepstakes) I'm so excited to be bringing you information on the Purex Laundry Help app (available for both Android and iOS) as your Purex Insider.  Read on to find out what I have to say about it AND look for the information about how to enter the sweepstakes for a chance to be 1 of 3 winners of an iPad Mini.One of my favorite parts of this amazing app is the Stain Guide!  You select the category of the stain, the type of stain, and then the material of the clothing/item your stain is on.  The app will tell you how to treat the stain and wash, including whether or not other items can be washed with your stained item.  Depending on the stain and clothing item, the suggested treatment can be just a couple steps OR can give you very detailed instructions (like how to get crayon out of cotton blend items).  Since I'm totally lost in this area, this will be my GO TO app for stains!Have I mentioned that I'm a Domestic Moron?  Seriously I can't even believe I've made it this long being a stay at home mom or that my husband hasn't just told me to go back to work.  Truthfully, I barely know how to fold sheets.  Thank goodness this app has a special section to show me just how to fold sheets ... and just about anything else I can imagine.  If I actually did ironing, it includes information on how to properly iron different articles of clothing properly too.  Did they make this app for me?  Perhaps ...Aside from my 2 favorites mentioned above, the Purex Laundry Help App includes Product Info, Promotions, a Laundry Timer, Mix-N-Match game, Fabric Care Guide, Label Decoder (awesome for decoding those hieroglyphics telling you how to care for your garments), and a Barcode Scanner.Now, it's time for you to discover this amazing app for yourself and then come back to let me know what YOUR favorite part is:Click here for Android downloadClick here for iOS downloadNow that you've downloaded this amazing new app, how about some more fun news? To celebrate the new Purex Laundry Help App, Purex is giving you a chance to win an iPad mini. Download the app and enter today for your chance at the grand prize! Be one of three winners. To help support this blog, posts from Ivy's Variety may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Quick update on the little's speaking! Hubby and I have been working hard on getting our 18 month old to talk!  She throws out a mama and dada here and there, a few uhoh, and everything else is "ba".She's been signing 2 and 3 word sentences to me - her understanding of language is amazing and her signing  vocabulary quite impressive.  So ... work work work!I began noticing that she mimics daddy SO much more than mommy, so I've tried to explain to him that he needs to work a bit harder at speaking to her and requesting more words from her.  This weekend, she's begun trying to say more than ever.  What a huge weight off my shoulders to know that we may not have to get another evaluation :)  More importantly, mommy isn't going to have to stop sign language classes - to be honest, I enjoy learning as much as she does!What age did your kiddos start talking?  And, did you use sign language prior to their ability to speak?Some posts may contain affiliate links, please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Quit Giving Unsolicited Parenting Advice Over the years, I'd had plenty of scenarios played in my head of how I'd raise my future children, what it would be like, and how receptive family and friends would be.  Those preconceived notions were naive.  Frankly, looking back on them now, it's sort of humorous.  I'd offered advice to friends and I hadn't had children.  It was so easy to do because I took courses in child psychology and had done plenty of reading on the subject of raising children.  Heck, the few times I babysat, I rocked it. Yes, humorous.   Because being a parent, I now realize just how naive I was.  Almost nothing I thought about really worked out the way I expected.  Further, in my first two years as a mother, I learned just how much advice parents like to give and just how little of it has actually applied to our family. I've come across those who dole out unsolicited parenting advice at random just because they feel compelled.  They see something they don't agree with and just blurt out their thoughts.  They give you funny looks if you don't see it their way.  It's as if you should just up and change your ways because it doesn't seem right to them. Worse, to me, are the ones who offer unsolicited parenting advice but haven't reached this milestone they're commenting on.  Then there are the ones whose parenting skills you may otherwise find lacking yourself ... Why You Shouldn't be Giving Unsolicited Parenting Advice You don't know everyone's situation I can't tell you how much advice I was given in the first year of my daughter's life.  She was constantly crying, not sleeping, driving us crazy, and I was at my wit's end in just a couple short months.  We were living a nightmare.  I was a wreck and I looked like it.  That sounds terrible, but it turned out my daughter had issues that couldn't be easily diagnosed.  Any unsolicited advice at the time came off harsh and made us feel as though we were terrible parents, when in fact, there's no way anyone could really have grasped the situation to be making appropriate suggestions or criticisms. People just didn't know. You don't live with the child   I know, I know, you're an expert because you've had 10 children OR you've had one spectacular child.  Really, you're the expert with your own children because you live with them.  You know what makes your kid tick, his motivators, things that set her off, etc.  What works for one may not work for another. You won't end up reaping the rewards or suffering the consequences One point I try to remember, personally, is that every parent has to figure out what works for them by trial and error. At the time I was trying to get baby girl to sleep more as an infant, I went against the grain and put her to bed about 6:30 every night because, it turns out, that's what her little body needed.  I learned to follow her cues, not written schedules.   She quickly became a wonderful 12-hour a night sleeper.  If I listened to those who said keep her awake later (and I tried) I might have suffered much longer. It feels like you're judging  This one is big in the world of parenting as there is already enough judging and comparing.  I especially find it funny (read "annoying") when I receive unsolicited advice from someone whose parenting I don't respect.  Yes, I may think negatively of people's choices, but I aim keep it to myself because what they do with their children doesn't effect me or my child.  Even with the best intentions, you can come off as judgmental or make a good mom feel like she's doing a poor job, when, in fact, she's likely doing a damn good job for her family. End Mommy Wars: Accept and Celebrate Differences Still feeling the need to give advice? Advice is best received among people who respect you and your opinions.  In the midst of a conversation with a friend or someone who has sought out your opinion is a great time to unload your wisdom.  Even then, it's still better when you can pose things as "experiences" rather than stating in a matter-of fact manner the way you believe something should be done. How to Be More Careful About Offering Parenting Advice #### Raising Humans in a Digital World? Give Them a Strong Foundation Raising humans in a digital world? Check out these tips for parenting in the age of digital technology to help kids build healthy relationships with tech.  This is a guest post from Diana Graber, founder of Cyberwise. In this age of algorithms and bots, learning how to be human is more challenging than ever. Text messages are curt, Siri doesn’t expect a thank you, and autoresponders can’t detect when the sender needs a kind word or a hug. But parents can raise kids who will wield technology with empathy, understanding, thoughtfulness, compassion—and all the other age-old human capacities that make life worth living—and it’s easier than you think. It is, in fact, like building a house. A Parent's Guide to Raising Humans in a Digital World Start With a Strong Foundation While we don’t know much about the long-term impact of today’s devices upon young children, we do know what young children need most. They need face-to-face interaction with loving human beings. They thrive when talked to and played with. A screen—regardless of whether it’s a TV, tablet, smartphone, gaming console, computer, or even an internet-connected toy—simply can’t deliver the same experiences as the real world. The research on this is indisputable. Rich experiences in a real, three-dimensional world help kids gain social skills, emotional self-control, creativity, resilience, and most of all, the ability to get along with other people and to see things from other perspectives. These are skills they will need in spades when they go online. Screens Are Here to Stay We can’t change the fact that screens are here to stay and your young ones will be exposed to them one way or another. But, we can be mindful of how we raise little ones in a screen-filled world. Start by following these four excellent tips from the organization, Children and Screens: Set boundaries. Limit exposure for the very youngest children, turn off devices during mealtimes,  one to two hours before bedtime, and make children’s bedrooms media free. Monitor use, behavior, and content. Block inappropriate content, watch and play the video games children are playing, keep electronic media in public places, and talk to the parents of children’s friends about what children do at their homes. Be clear about what is acceptable. Establish and enforce house rules about screen time, and don’t let media interfere with family relationships. Engage and lead by example. Obey your own house rules, and remember children are watching. As Your Children Get Older, Help Them Build A Sturdy Structure With a strong foundation of emotional and behavioral skills in place, children will need a sturdy structure to help them withstand any digital storms that may blow their way. Imagine this structure being held up by these four pillars of knowledge: Reputation Management: Your children must learn that anything, and everything, they post online will stay online forever. It will potentially be seen by anyone, and everyone. And people will judge them by this information. Be certain your children understand this fundamental aspect of online life. Screen Time: Help your children learn how to balance their online and offline lives. They will need your help knowing how, why, and when to disconnect from powerful devices that are designed to hijack their attention. Safe Relationships: Before your kids use technology to make and maintain relationships via online games, social media, and texting, be sure they know how important it is to treat others respectfully and kindly online. Tell them what to when they see others being treated cruelly too. Privacy: Explain to your children what information is safe to share online, and what is not. Even more importantly, be sure they know the cost of joining a “free” social network or getting “free” results from Google. That cost is their personal information. Joining Vibrant Online Communities With a strong foundation and sturdy structure in place, your children will be eager, and ready, to connect and engage with new communities and opportunities online. Encourage them to use digital technologies to learn, to inspire, to be inspired, and to share their unique talents with the world. No one builds a house overnight. Likewise, helping your child build a healthy, and safe, relationship with technology will take time too. Hopefully my new book—"Raising Humans in a Digital World: Helping Kids Build a Healthy Relationship with Technology” (HarperCollins Leadership)—can help. It’s packed with advice from over 40 digital experts and includes simple activities that any family can slip into their busy day to help with this building project. The time you put into building your child’s “digital house” will be worth the effort, I promise. What are your thoughts on raising humans in a digital world? Do you feel parenting in the age of digital technology makes your job easier or harder? Bio Diana Graber is the founder of Cyberwise (www.cyberwise.org) and Cyber Civics (www.cybercivics.com), two sites dedicated to improving the digital literacy skills of adults and children. She created and still teaches the Cyber Civics digital literacy curriculum in Southern California, and is the author of Raising Humans in a Digital World: Helping Children Build a Healthy Relationship with Technology (HarperCollins Leadership). #### Rebranding and Moving: New Blog Will Be Better Than Ever!  Dear Readers, I've been MIA for a while and I'm ready to share some news with you. When I was last actively blogging, I was preparing for the arrival of my new baby.  At the time, my mother was suffering with ALS and my dad was her primary care taker.  Dad was suffering from multiple car accidents and needing surgeries himself. 3 days before my son arrived, my mother passed away, ending her suffering from the horrible disease that left her bed-ridden and incapable of speech. Caring for a new baby, learning to be a mother of 2 children, and tending to matters surrounding my dad left little time (or energy) for blogging.  When I began thinking I was getting the hang of things, summer arrived and I was, once again, without time to blog.  In addition to having both kids home all day, I have been busy trying to prepare my daughter for Kindergarten, which is rather stressful in our city. But, I'm planning to come back and write.  Only, I'm in the midst of a complete re-branding.  I wasn't thrilled with a few aspects of this blog.  I've taken quite a bit of time to consider an appropriate blog name (because Ivy's Variety really didn't convey my writing intent too well).  I'm taking some of my own written blogging advice and switching blogging platforms. I'm coming back, better than ever with new experiences to share and with more purpose.  I'm hoping within the next month to make the complete transition, and working to make it one that requires no effort on your part to keep up with me! I'm very excited about the changes and can't wait to share the new site with you!  I'm confident you're going to love it!  In the meantime, be sure to follow me on my social media channels for updates ... that's where I'll be sharing the news when the new site goes live! #### Redefining Productivity: Self-Care Means Letting Go of Perfectionism Let’s have a heart-to-heart about something that I know many of us struggle with: the idea of being the perfect mom, the perfect wife, and having the perfect home. Spoiler alert—there’s no such thing! Over the years, especially as a work-at-home mom, I’ve learned that holding onto unrealistic expectations of myself only leads to stress, burnout, and a sense of failure. But here’s the good news: It doesn’t have to be that way. The Myth of Perfection We’ve all been there—scrolling through social media, seeing spotless homes, perfectly groomed kids, and women who seem to have it all together. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we need to live up to those standards. But let’s be real—life is messy, especially when you’re juggling work, kids, a husband, and household responsibilities. Trying to do it all perfectly is not only unrealistic, it’s exhausting. Learning to Let Go When I first started working full time, I felt the pressure to keep everything in my life picture-perfect. I wanted to be the mom who could handle it all—work deadlines, semi-clean house, home-cooked meals, and of course, being emotionally available to my kids and husband. But as time went on, I realized that this was an impossible standard. I was spreading myself too thin and constantly feeling like I was failing. It was when I entered perimenopause and my oh-so-fun midlife crisis that I decided to redefine what productivity means to me. Instead of trying to do everything, I focused on doing what’s most important and letting go of the rest. For me, that means ensuring the basics are taken care of—laundry, dishes, and food. Past that, I don’t pressure myself to clean the bathroom or scrub the floors unless I have the time and energy. If something doesn’t get done today, it’s not the end of the world; it’ll get done when it’s convenient or necessary. Embracing Imperfection Letting go of perfectionism has been one of the most freeing things I’ve done for myself. It’s allowed me to focus on what really matters—spending quality time with my family, taking care of my mental health, and being present in the moment. Perfection doesn't make me a good mom. In reality it was turning me into a terrible mom! I’ve learned that self-care isn’t about adding more to your plate; it’s about removing the unnecessary burdens we place on ourselves. Now, when I walk past a cluttered room or a sink full of dishes, I remind myself that it’s okay. My worth isn’t tied to how clean my house is or how perfectly I manage my time. What matters is that I’m doing my best, and that’s more than enough. Redefining Productivity for Yourself If you’re struggling with perfectionism, I encourage you to take a step back and redefine what productivity means to you. It’s not about doing everything; it’s about doing what’s most important. Allow yourself to prioritize the basics and let go of the pressure to have everything perfect all the time. Remember, it’s okay to have a messy house, to take breaks, and to not be “on” all the time. A Healthier Approach to Self-Care By letting go of perfectionism, you’ll find that you have more time and energy for the things that truly matter. Self-care becomes less about adding more tasks to your to-do list and more about creating space for rest, relaxation, and joy. You deserve to take care of yourself without feeling guilty or inadequate and your family deserves someone who has recharged to be the best version of herself for them. And no one can tell you how to become the best version of yourself! So, let’s redefine productivity together, embrace imperfection, and focus on what really counts. Remember, there’s no such thing as a perfect mom or wife—only a happy, healthy, and present one. If you’re ready to let go of perfectionism and embrace a more balanced, realistic approach to self-care, I’ve created some resources that can help. Check out my Self-Care Worksheet, which is designed to help you identify the areas of your life where you might need to make adjustments and let go of unnecessary stress. For those looking to build a sustainable self-care routine that aligns with your real life (not some idealized version of it), my Self-Care Planner will guide you in creating habits that nourish you without overwhelming you. Remember, self-care isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most. Let these tools support you in finding the right balance for your life. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ivy | SAHM Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) #### Rediscovering Your Identity: How Challenging Times Can Lead to Personal Growth If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent years focused on everyone else—your kids, your husband, your household. And while we wouldn’t trade those years for anything, there comes a time when we start to wonder, “Who am I outside of these roles?” I was tired of being a mom and wife because I was feeling lost. For me, that time came during the emotional whirlwind of perimenopause and a bit of a midlife crisis. But what I’ve discovered is that these challenging times can also be an opportunity to reconnect with ourselves in deeper, more meaningful ways. The Wake-Up Call: Perimenopause and Midlife Crisis When I hit my 40s, I started noticing changes—not just physical ones, but emotional shifts too. Perimenopause brought mood swings, anxiety, and a general feeling of being unsettled. On top of that, I found myself questioning my life’s direction. It wasn’t that I didn’t love my family or the life we had built, but something inside me was shifting, urging me to look inward and figure out who I really was at this stage of my life. Unfortunately, perimenopause was a bitch on my marriage and began hurting my kids, so things had to change .... and fast! Rediscovering My Passions: The Hobby Farm Adventure One of the most surprising and fulfilling things that came out of this period of self-reflection was my decision to start a hobby farm. I’ve always loved animals, but I never imagined myself raising chickens in my backyard. Now, I’m not only caring for a flock of hens, but I’m also dreaming about adding mini goats to the mix someday. My husband and I spent months together building a fantastic chicken coop and run. It was not easy ... in fact, it was backbreaking work that I assisted with and I pushed myself with manual labor that I never dreamed I could do. And this work gave me a sense of capability and purpose I'd never felt before. My chickens have become a passion project that brings me joy, a sense of accomplishment, and a deeper connection to nature. It’s funny how something so simple can bring so much fulfillment. Connecting with My Roots: Embracing My Hispanic Heritage Another area where I’ve found new depth is in exploring my Hispanic heritage. After my Cuban Puerto Rican grandmother passed away, I felt a strong pull to connect with that part of my identity. I’ve been learning more about our family history, trying out traditional recipes, and even thinking about how to incorporate more of our culture into my kids’ lives. This journey has been a beautiful way to honor my grandmother’s memory while also discovering more about who I am. Why This Matters: The Impact on Mental Health and Relationships Here’s the thing: rediscovering yourself during challenging times isn’t just about finding new hobbies or interests. It’s about nurturing your mental health and strengthening your relationships. When you invest time in understanding and exploring who you are, you’re better equipped to handle the stresses of life. You become more resilient, more content, and more at peace with where you are in your journey. For me, this process has also had a positive impact on my relationships with my husband and kids. By pursuing my interests and passions, I’m showing my family that it’s okay to evolve, to grow, and to seek out what makes you happy. It’s led to more meaningful conversations with my husband and seems to have inspired my kids to explore their own interests more deeply. I won't say it's not a challenge all its own ... because my husband has sometimes appeared annoyed with my insistence that I'm "suddenly" Hispanic. My ADHD brain probably latched onto the idea hard core and I'm suddenly only listening to Latin Music and dancing like crazy in the kitchen while he knows me as the white girl he married (#sorrynotsorry). He also doesn't fully comprehend the fascination with farm animals as I daydream about someday having so much acreage that we can get lost in it. But we're all learning to accept that this interesting journey is bringing about unexpected changes and that if we don't fight it, we have the greater potential for finding more joy and understanding in our lives! Encouragement for You: Embrace the Journey If you’re feeling lost or uncertain during a challenging time, I encourage you to view it as an opportunity. It’s okay to not have all the answers right now. Start small—try a new hobby, explore an old interest, or reconnect with your cultural roots. Give yourself the space to grow and evolve. Remember, self-care isn’t just about pampering yourself; it’s about nurturing your soul and discovering the person you’re becoming. In the end, this journey of rediscovery can bring greater depth to your life, improve your mental health, and enrich your relationships. So, take that first step toward finding out who you are—because you’re worth it, and your journey is just beginning. If you’re on a journey to rediscover your identity and want to explore what truly makes you feel alive, my Self-Care Worksheet can help you pinpoint the areas in your life where you need more attention and growth. Once you’ve identified those areas, use my Self-Care Planner to create a personalized plan that supports your passions and helps you reconnect with yourself. Remember, challenging times can be an opportunity for personal growth. Let these tools guide you as you rediscover who you are and embrace the new chapters of your life. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ivy | SAHM Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) #### Reduce Waste with Yummi Pouch Cloth Snack Bags - Review I received a 3 pack of adorable Yummi Pouch Cloth Snack Bags for test and review purposes.  I love these adorable little snack bags and can really appreciate waste reduction.  More importantly, it's nice knowing I'll be spending less money on plastic baggies for the little snacks I send in my daughter's lunch box.  Plus, they're easily cleaned in the washer or dish washer.  I prefer to wash them in the dish washer with other items that hold food.  Something about using them in the washer with clothes seems weird to me ... probably because my husband usually ends up with automotive grease or stains on his clothes at some point, and I feel like those two should be separated from each other. These bags come in several adorable patterns, but I chose the Spunky 3 pack. What I've liked about the pouches is that I know they'll save me money in the long run based on 2 factors. 1) I won't be buying as many plastic snack bags. 2) I won't feel compelled to purchase individually wrapped snacks, which are often inappropriately sized for my 4 year old anyway.  And, I know I typically pay a premium for those individually wrapped packages vs larger packs to divide up myself.  I can buy the foods she wants and pack appropriate portions. Added benefits of using the Yummi pouches: Reducing waste - I enjoy knowing that I'm not contributing more waste to landfills, even if it's just a small part. Healthier - Not just healthier for the environment, but potentially healthier for my family with one less chemical exposure. I've run the pouches through the dishwasher, which went really well.  They turned out nice and clean, and almost completely dry when everything else was. Finally, even though it's reusable, I won't be doing any extra work ... I can just pop these into our regular cycle of dish washing that already happens roughly every two days. #### Reinforcing Kindergarten Education with ABCmouse.com How we're reinforcing Kindergarten education at home through ABCmouse.com.  ABCmouse is more than just a fun program for preschoolers. 2 years ago, my daughter was using ABCmouse.com® Early Learning Academy at home as an addition to the home preschooling we were doing.  S needed something to do constantly and home preschool was the only way I found sanity.  It was a lot of work, but online resources helped me a lot!  We're currently using ABCmouse with her after school or on days she's out of school.  (If you're interested in my thoughts on using ABCmouse.com for a toddler, check out my review here). Now that I have baby B, I simply don't have the time to devote to S constantly.  After school, I set S up with homework while I'm putting B down for a nap.  But, sometimes she doesn't have homework and I really don't want her sitting idle watching TV.  When I allow it, I usually end up regretting it.  So, I started her on ABCmouse again.  This allows her to continue learning in a more fun way than just handing over some print outs, lets her use electronics (which she loves), and gives me a few minutes to take care of other things.  Plus, having this resource gives us more to do on breaks from school.  I love knowing I'm providing her educational activities that reinforce her Kindergarten education, even if I can't sit with her.  And S loves the videos, games and activities as they keep her entertained. After you've read our review, scroll to the bottom to find out how you can WIN 1 FREE Year of ABCmouse for your child! Giveaway ended Disclaimer: I was provided a free year of ABCmouse.com® Early Learning Academy in exchange for our review.   All opinions are my own. Set Up Your ABCmouse.com Account For starters, sometimes ABCmouse has deals like a free trial for 30 days or $5 for 2 months.   This is a great deal and perfect if you're looking for some non-toy gift ideas for the holidays or birthdays! Set up is easy! There’s a 5 minute tutorial which guides the parent through the website features, but there’s no fluff.  You can set up your account by creating information for the parent and up to 3 children in the family.   This process took me about 2 minutes, including customizing the avatar for S. You can select the level to start your child’s learning from toddler time to Kindergarten.  If you selected something too advanced or too young, you can change this at any time.  Once your setup is complete, you will be taken to a short tour of how to navigate and use ABCmouse.com. Other settings are date of birth, avatar, gender, teachers, and Holiday decorations. Should you need or want to change any of these settings, you can easily switch to the Parent account (a small "Parents" link on the bottom of the computer screen or on the iPad by clicking options --> settings and then entering your password). In the Parents section A parent can control a lot to customize ABCmouse.com for their child.  Your additional settings options are: Add a shortcut Lesson Builder Activity Blocker Curriculum Overview Here you can also give a gift, refer a friend, or watch how-to videos to familiarize yourself with the site better. Your Child and ABCmouse.com Image source Age of Learning There's a short tutorial on how to use a mouse.  Grab a small mouse for little hands and let them practice.  At 3, my daughter grasped the concept, but had a difficult time with the drag and drop feature.  In time though (especially after doing some of the puzzles), she caught on. Alternately, downloading ABCmouse.com on an iPad would alleviate the need for using a mouse.  We've used it both ways.  Of course, taking along an iPad is certainly more convenient for travel, but using a large laptop at home has helped to reinforce her ability to use the mouse (or mouse pad as is standard these days). Your child can use ABCmouse in the following ways: Head straight into the guided Learning Path.  This area provides instructions for completing tasks in order to help guide your child through a specific lesson. Visit the classroom.  This area shows all the activities your child can do (learning path, pet, games, etc) in a highly interactive screen that looks like a classroom. Click Map, Farm, Zoo, and Basics on the left side of the screen. Click "About Me."  This has options for visiting the pet park, go to "my room", go to the aquarium, visit the hamster, or go shopping with tickets and more. Your child has complete control over what activities they're doing.  If you're using this as a teaching tool, my suggestion is to a) sit and supervise or b) block activities you don't want your child doing.  I can't tell you how many times I've found my daughter spending all her tickets and visiting the more "fun" areas when I'd really have preferred her doing some of the lessons. At 5, though, I can instruct her to do "x number of lessons" before proceeding to play on her own.  Thankfully, Kindergarten has fine-tuned her skills in following instructions!! Reinforcing Kindergarten Education I have my daughter's account on the highest level available on ABCmouse.com (at the time of this writing), which is level 6.  On the nights we're free of homework, I can set her up on the computer (or iPad) and have her work on a few lessons before playing freely.  She's able to continue reinforcing Kindergarten education with lessons on money, how plants grow, and more complex letter sounds (like the way the letter can make two different sounds). The activities also teach my daughter things like how to take care of a pet.  Although, she does a better job taking care of a virtual pet than any of us actually do with our real dog.  S is able to feed, water, and bathe her pets until each situation shows a happy face.  We're good about food and water for our dog, but bathing is another task I find difficult to fit into our lives with any regularity.  Ooops! Bonus Apps Now, I've touted all the benefits of the curriculum geared toward your child's needs.  I can tell you how good it is to have instruction for my kids without so much of my own planning.  But, I love that ABCmouse also began offering separate apps on apple and Android devices. Why? The curriculum-based ABCmouse online version and app limits you and your child to being tethered to the internet.  But, when you're traveling in the car, your child won't have access to that (unless you've got a car with built-in wifi).  Even as techy as my husband is, we don't pay to have Wi-Fi in our vehicles. SO ... ABCmouse has a range of 7 downloadable "satellite apps" that are available free with your existing ABCmouse subscription.  You can learn about 6 of the new ABCmouse Mobile Apps in this article.  They recently added the 7th (Mastering the Alphabet), which wasn't listed in the aforementioned article. On to the Giveaway!! Ended #### Review and Promo Code for iCaughtSanta.com Whether you need help getting your kids to believe in Santa, or you'd like to send a custom greeting card with Santa AND your family, iCaughtSanta.com has you covered! Create your free photos at iCaughtSanta.com and insert a Santa pose (or reindeer) that suits you or your theme.  The best part is, customizing your photos is EASY and right now, you can do so for FREE with code #SantaShare from now until Dec 10, 2013.  Click the read more link and scroll down for more information, including a giveaway from icaughtsanta.com. I was able to create this photo from last year and add in a Santa that looks like I caught him in the act of dropping off presents beside our felt Christmas Tree. There are about 20 Santa/Reindeer images to choose from.  You're able to rotate and zoom either your image OR the images of Santa and the reindeer to help you create the best picture.  Additionally, you can add borders to the images for more customization options. In addition to the FREE code I provided above (which can be used as many times as you like until 12/10/13), you can enter the iCaughtSanta.com 2013 Customer Appreciation Contest via Rafflecopter (iPad Air + Amazon, Visa or Starbucks Giftcards) Over $1,500 in prizes! Enter at http://www.iCaughtSanta.com. Have you ever used this website before?  Or, will you be?  I'd love to see the free pictures you create! I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. #### Review: Belly Support Bands for Active Moms #BellyBandsForActiveMoms One thing I hadn't anticipated with this second pregnancy was back pain.  I don't know if I should blame it on my age or the fact that I wasn't more physically fit prior to getting pregnant, but shortly after arriving into my second trimester, I began feeling more aches and pains.  Most of the stronger pains are in my lower back, but I experience aches all through my back. Ladies, I'm not joking when I say I'm a busy mom.  I'm always on my feet cooking, thanks to the later-in-life onset of food intolerances and Hashimoto's.  But, I'm always up to something keeping my preschooler (almost Kindergartner) entertained!  That said, I really needed to consider investing in belly support bands for active moms. You can imagine my excitement when I was selected to review a Motherload Pregnancy Support Belly Band through Tomoson! (Note: In addition to the receipt of one belly band for review purposes, I was compensated for my work on this post.  All opinions expressed here are my own and are never swayed by compensation.) *Disclosure: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Belly Support Bands for Active Moms According to the Body After Baby website, this belly band "... is for active pregnant women that need to relieve back, hip and abdominal pain and to reduce sciatica. Unlike other pregnancy support bands, the Motherload is especially designed for active pregnant moms. Soft, breathable moisture wicking material moves synergistically with a mom’s growing belly, whether running around town, or getting into a pregnancy safe yoga move. Plus a sleek design means you can wear it under your clothes (even fitted gym clothes), without the whole world knowing."  As soon as the belly band arrived, I opened up the packaging and went straight to putting it on.  I couldn't wait to experience some relief!  I began wearing it throughout most of the day to really put it to the test.  These are my observations while wearing the band: Let me start with the bad so that I can sing its praises afterward!  It did not help me while sitting on the floor to play our almost-nightly family games.  This was one of my biggest concerns because I get about two games in and then I have to stretch out on the couch, excluded from the fun.  I was really disappointed that it didn't provide relief in this situation.  This is the only time I felt like the band failed me, though I can't really fault the band as it was designed to relieve lower back and sciatic pain. Wearing it under my clothes was comfortable.  I didn't find the material scratchy, itchy, or annoying.  Maybe a little warm, but that could be a good thing if you happen to be pregnant in cooler temperatures.  It didn't add enough heat that I couldn't handle it.  Wearing it in the heat of Florida summer, I didn't feel like I was soaking in sweat.  Yes, I admit I sweat, and pretty badly.  The moisture wicking materials do their job. When putting on the band, I notice an immediate difference in my posture.  I've never worn anything like this before, and I did have a little confusion trying to get it put on the first time.  Once I got it figured out, I found the two piece system easy to put on and adjust as necessary.  I could feel the difference in my back and spine, as it gave me a little extra support for my growing belly.  I even felt like it allowed me to more comfortably lift my daughter, which I struggle with as well. To really put the belly band to the test, I took it down to Disney World for a 3-day final hurrah before my daughter turns 4 and heads off to VPK.  I was insane to decide to go during the hottest month, pregnant, and on my own with her.  Seriously, insane.  But, I took the belly band along and wore it every day in the park.  I found that, although the extra layer made me a little extra warm, it did a great job wicking away the moisture and allowed me to pick my daughter up more than I would have otherwise liked to.  I found the relief from back aches to be much more important than the extra sweat, because, let's face it, you're going to sweat if you're trying to handle the FL summer at a theme park with a preschooler while pregnant. Additionally, I took it to race day with me as I'm on my feet a lot during the day.  I noticed no back aches and my body didn't seem tired as long as I wore it. One thing I didn't consider was that even wearing the band under my clothes, it still got in the way when it was time to use the restroom.  Thankfully, removing and replacing took only a few seconds. Overall, The Motherload belly support band did exactly what it said it was designed to do.  Working around the house and lifting a 4-year-old on occasion wasn't nearly as painful for me so long as I used the band.  Since I had never used one before, I was pleasantly surprised by its effectiveness and would certainly recommend it to any moms-to-be experiencing back discomfort in their pregnancies. Do you have aches and pains during your pregnancy?  What did you use to help? Get your belly support bands for active moms here --> The Motherload by Body After Baby[easyazon_link identifier="B00JKNPZOY" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="y" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]The Motherload by Body After Baby[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image align="none" cart="y" cloak="n" height="400" identifier="B00JKNPZOY" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/41E3sncdTwL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="400"] Pin this to share with a tired mama in need. #### Review: Body Merry Age Defense Eye Cream I'm in my 30s, and while I don't like to admit it, I can see signs of aging.  I swear it's all happened within the 3 years since having my daughter.  I'm not one to spend much time primping at the mirror or worrying about how I look, but to be honest, I still find my appearance surprising.  When did this happen?  I have crows feet.  Not terrible, but ... they're there.  They snuck up on me.  So, I was happy when I was given the opportunity to test and review Body Merry Age Defense Eye Cream.  I received no further compensation for this post.When I opened the bottle to use it the first time, I was surprised by how quickly and how much came out.  Over subsequent uses, I was more easily able to regulate how much product I received from the bottle at one time.  Additionally, I instantly fell in love with the mild, natural scent of the cream.The cream itself appeared thick, but rubbed into the skin looking a bit watery.  Looks are deceiving, as my eyes felt very moisturized and the cream didn't feel heavy or thick on my skin.  I found this to be a pleasant addition to my morning routine.  While I typically just get up and run to the kiddo's room to start the day, I found myself making a beeline to my bathroom to apply the eye cream.  It's currently the one thing I do, everyday, that is making me put "me first".  Such a simple and pleasing thing to do before focusing on the kid the rest of the day.  And because it's such a fresh scent, it's not off-putting or overpowering.A bit of information about Body Merry's Age Defense Eye Cream from their Amazon site:IngredientsSome of our KEY ingredients are: Peptide Complex + Amino Acid Emulsification + Antioxidants + Hyaluronic Acid + Retinol + Vitamin C (2 types!) + Vitamin E + Vitamin B5 + Aloe + Rose Hip Oil + Jojoba Oil + Coconut Oil + Beeswax + Cranberry + Licorice + Sunflower Oil + Borage Oil + Flaxseed Oil + Evening Primrose Oil + Lavender + Calendula + Chamomile + Witch Hazel + Glycolic Acid + MSM + Cocoa Butter + Cucumber + Green Tea + Bearberry + Blueberry + Oregon Grape + Eyebright + Coenzyme Q10 + Lemon + Lemongrass + Apple + Sugarcane + Grapeseed Oil + Macadamia Nut Oil + Palm Oil + Tamanu Oil + Raspberry Seed Oil + Avocado OilDirectionsApply a tiny amount gently around the eyes. Can be used morning and/ or night and under make up. For best results, make sure you clean and completely dry your skin before use. Avoid direct contact with eyes. Product contains tree nut oils. If skin sensitivity occurs or if you suspect an allergic reaction, stop use and consult your doctor. Keep out of reach of children and animals.I never noticed any irritation.  I was pleased with the product and it has become a routine part of my day.  That's really saying something since I've never had a facial care routine before now.  After about 2 weeks of use, my crows feet were still pretty prominent, but I noticed less under-eye puffiness.  I hadn't realized how bad the puffiness was until I began to take pictures for this post, so I was glad to see some results once I noticed.  There were no other changes to my day or night either, so I can only think to attribute it to Body Merry eye cream.  A friend of mine recently commented on my appearance, asking if I was feeling better.  Apparently I looked better than I had in a while.  Could it be coincidence?If you're interested, you can find Body Merry Age Defense Eye Cream on Amazon for about $30.I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Disclosure: To help support this blog and continue to bring you free content, Ivy's Variety posts may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. Please see my disclaimer page for more info.Connect with Ivy on Google+ #### Rewarding Potty Training: Ultimate Potty Training Chart Review I received a Potty Training Chart from Victoria Chart Company in exchange for my honest opinion.  This is particularly exciting because S is nearing 3 years and we're still not pushing potty training.  You may remember that I wasn't planning on putting a lot of stress on the family to complete potty training by a certain time.  Unfortunately, that also means S has become completely comfortable only suggesting toilet time when she wants a treat.  And, she will still tell me "no poop in the potty." Yep, it's definitely time to set a routine and get this "potty" started (see what I did there?).  I'm happy to have received this chart to assist me in continuing to reward potty time habits, and hope that it will keep us from adding any stress to the situation. Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.  Affiliate links are included. Potty Training Chart Victoria Chart Company sells all sorts of children's reward charts, including the Ultimate Potty Training Reward Chart that I'm reviewing here.  The contents of the chart kit include: * Handy guide to assist in preparing for potty training and how to use the chart * Potty training wall chart measuring 16.5" x 11.7" * Over 100 smiley stickers * Over 40 Gold Smiley Star stickers * Double-sided sticky pad to hang chart if you choose * Dry-Wipe pen for personalizing chart From the get-go S was very interested in the chart (again with the stickers).  I showed her the chart and stickers and explained that she could put one sticker on for every action accomplished on the list.  Straight away she ASKED to go to the potty and completed all the steps.  I personalized the final step as a BONUS star sticker area - if she did EVERYTHING, she received a star sticker to place on the chart. The benefit was that she immediately asked to potty again, although, she didn't complete every step and then whined when we were done with stickers.  In a matter of two hours, she attempted potty 3 times.  I was happy to see that I could reward her in a way other than with candy every time. The stickers were rewarding, but I had to supplement charting with stickers by giving her other stickers to put on paper.  That girl is obsessed with stickers I tell you. After about a week of use, S went back to being inconsistent and still wouldn't do #2 in the potty.  She would tell me whether or not she wanted to do stickers for going pee pee, so she determines what she wants as a reward for her efforts.  And, is just as decisive about whether or not she wants a reward at all. Regardless, I loved the chart.  It and the stickers are adorable and rewarding ... I just need a child with a less independent and decisive attitude I think (i joke, I joke). Finally, when your child has mastered the potty, you can head over to the Victoria Chart Company's Facebook page in their Free Stuff tab to download and print his or her potty training certificate! Now, The Victoria Chart Company wanted to give you a chance to win this fun and engaging chart to help your child in his or her potty training journey.  1 winner will receive a FREE Ultimate Potty Training Chart kit (ARV $14.99).  Giveaway runs from 5/12/14 to 5/26/14 12:00 a.m. EST.  Winner has 24 hours to respond to respond to email. GOOD LUCK!!! a Rafflecopter giveaway I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. #### Rhien's Paper Crafting Mom Hobby All moms need time for themselves.  They need something special to do just for their enjoyment.  I always urge you to find that time... to be something more than mom.  I decided that instead of simply encouraging you, I would try to share more inspiration.  I'm doing this by bringing stories to you of ways other real moms are finding that time.  Every month, I would love to share a different mom hobby or another mom's story, in hopes that we can help you find a mom hobby you can be passionate about.  And, with the hope you'll actually take some time for yourself!  Last month, I shared my own story of finding my passion in cars.  Today, I share a story of a mom who has found a passion in paper crafting and creating memories. Meet Rhien.  In grad school, she worked 8 hours a day at a daycare and figured parenthood would have been easier.  Not unlike many mothers, before having children she also thought she had a lot of patience.  She hadn't taken into account that the children she cared for in day care weren't going home with her.  Parenting was more than a full-time job and her own children would be better able to push her buttons and test her patience.  Rhien enjoys paper crafting as her mom hobby to help her unwind.  What mother doesn't need that, right? *Dislaimer: This post likely contains affiliate links which may earn me commissions should you click through them and take certain actions. A Word on Motherhood from Rhien Before having children, Rhien imagined herself being a "cool, collected mom."  Instead of talking her children through tantrums or meltdowns, she's felt her buttons pushed more often, but has learned to be more inventive with calm-down and discipline strategies.  She tells me "I definitely never thought parenting would be so hard." Although some aspects of her life have varied from her ideas of motherhood before having children, some things have been similar.  She wanted children close in age, hoping they would have a close relationship. It never gets old seeing my oldest comfort my youngest when he gets hurt.  Or when my oldest proudly introduces my youngest to her friends, saying this is my little brother, Grey. Rhien's Paper Crafting Mom Hobby Rhien turned to paper crafting as a way to unwind and relax.  As you probably know, a mom's job is pretty taxing and never ends.  She believes that moms tend to lose themselves as their focus is usually on their family and home.  Having a hobby is an important way to do something for herself, and shift her focus from "mom, wife, cook, driver, etc." What exactly is paper crafting? Rhien's focus is on nursery mobiles and party décor as she creates paper items "in celebration of life's memorable moments." How much time does she devote to her hobby? This is a daily activity, just on a limited schedule, working during her children's naps or after bedtime.  Even if she only gets 30 minutes, it's her time to create. The Reward of her Paper Crafting Hobby In the, roughly, 5 years Rhien has been paper crafting, she's turned her hobby into a small business.  Her passion, and chance to unwind, allows others to enjoy her work.  Be sure to check out The Kennedy Grey Collection on Instagram or visit her Etsy Shop! Would you like to encourage moms to find a hobby? I want to give you the opportunity to be featured.  Any mom hobby, no matter how mundane you believe it may be, can be an excellent source of inspiration for a mom struggling to maintain her sense of balance.  If you’d like to encourage another mom by sharing your mom hobby, click here to the mom hobby interview. Please follow the rules of the interview – mainly, encouraging moms to join or start a business IS NOT the focus and will NOT be featured.  It’s okay if you make money from your hobby, but NOT okay if you only started something to make money.  We’re trying to free mom from thinking about more obligations. If you have social media following, this is a good chance to get listed ? Take into account I will try to publish mom hobby interviews generally once a month unless interest warrants more frequent posts. #### Ridiculously Easy Homemade Crock Pot Chicken Broth Recipe When I first started making a whole roasted chicken, it was because I was learning to eat a Paleo diet.  I now make a whole roasted chicken at least once a month.  While a whole chicken is relatively inexpensive, the best way to get your money's worth is to use every part of the chicken.  As part of my Paleo diet effort, chicken (bone) broth was highly recommended.  Of course, the best things about this homemade crock pot chicken broth recipe is that I know exactly what's in it, I never salt it, and it can be used for a variety of things later. I hated making chicken broth initially.  Spending the time at night picking off nearly every piece of meat I could find was annoying.  I felt like a hobo scavenging for food.  Now that I've done this for nearly 2 years, I no longer hate it.  It's time I spend in the kitchen quietly picking at the chicken, thinking about the day or planning the next.  And, I look forward to providing healthier alternatives for my family.  I always have a good stash of frozen broth in the freezer ready for anything from a good old fashioned bowl of chicken and rice soup, or chicken and yellow rice dinner .... which I plan to share a recipe for next week (perfect for busy families)!! Let me tell you, making chicken broth is one of the easiest things you can do.  I'm almost on auto-pilot ... barely have to think about what I'm doing these days.  If you decide to make this, be sure your morning is clear so you can spend the time putting the broth in jars and allowing to cool and freeze. So, let's get to it ... before you make the broth, be sure to save any left over chicken meat.  Just pull it off in chunks.  If you're looking forward to the chicken and yellow rice recipe for next week, you'll need to freeze about 2 cups of the pulled chicken.  Bite sized chunks are perfect! Affiliate links are included in this post. Supplies You Need Large Crock Pot/Slow Cooker (I use a really old version of the Rival 6-Qt Crock Pot - seriously mine's over 15 yrs old and still kickin') Reynolds Slow Cooker Liner (makes for easier cleanup) Cleaned glass jars for freezing broth (about 10 if you only do 1 cup portions) Measuring Cup Small strainer to make sure chunks aren't in your broth (I use Cuisinart Fine Mesh Strainers) Sharpie and freezer tape Easy Homemade Crock Pot Chicken Broth Recipe Ridiculously Easy Homemade Crock Pot Chicken Broth Recipe This is a no-frills easy crock pot chicken broth recipe - perfect for making your own soups, stews, etc. 1 leftover chicken carcass (include giblets)2 carrots (unpeeled, rough cut)1 onion (peeled, quartered)1 celery (optional, rough cut)10 - 12 Cups Water Place chicken carcass in a crockpot.Chop ends off carrots (and celery if using) and cut in large chunks.  No need to peel.  Place in crock pot with chicken bonesPeel and cut ends off an onion.  Cut in quarters and place in crockpot with chicken bonesCover chicken with water.  I have a large crockpot that holds 12 cups of water, easilyCover and cook on high about 3 to 4 hours.  Then switch to low for another 10 hours. (I usually switch to low right before I go to bed).Strain liquid into glass jars making sure to leave room at the top if you're freezing them.  I usually freeze in jars filled with 1 cup or 2.5 cups broth.  Label the jars with the amount of liquid and date.  Let cool before storing in the freezer.    Ridiculously Easy Homemade Crock Pot Chicken Broth Recipe This is a no-frills easy crock pot chicken broth recipe - perfect for making your own soups, stews, etc. 1 leftover chicken carcass (include giblets)2 carrots (unpeeled, rough cut)1 onion (peeled, quartered)1 celery (optional, rough cut)10 - 12 Cups Water Place chicken carcass in a crockpot.Chop ends off carrots (and celery if using) and cut in large chunks.  No need to peel.  Place in crock pot with chicken bonesPeel and cut ends off an onion.  Cut in quarters and place in crockpot with chicken bonesCover chicken with water.  I have a large crockpot that holds 12 cups of water, easilyCover and cook on high about 3 to 4 hours.  Then switch to low for another 10 hours. (I usually switch to low right before I go to bed).Strain liquid into glass jars making sure to leave room at the top if you're freezing them.  I usually freeze in jars filled with 1 cup or 2.5 cups broth.  Label the jars with the amount of liquid and date.  Let cool before storing in the freezer.    4 from 1 vote Print Ridiculously Easy Homemade Crock Pot Chicken Broth Recipe This is a no-frills easy crock pot chicken broth recipe - perfect for making your own soups, stews, etc. Course Soup Prep Time 20 minutes Cook Time 14 hours Total Time 15 hours Servings 5 people Author Ivy B Ingredients 1 leftover chicken carcass include giblets 2 carrots unpeeled, rough cut 1 onion peeled, quartered 1 celery optional, rough cut 10 - 12 Cups Water Instructions Place chicken carcass in a crockpot. Chop ends off carrots (and celery if using) and cut in large chunks.  No need to peel.  Place in crock pot with chicken bones Peel and cut ends off an onion.  Cut in quarters and place in crockpot with chicken bones Cover chicken with water.  I have a large crockpot that holds 12 cups of water, easily Cover and cook on high about 3 to 4 hours.  Then switch to low for another 10 hours. (I usually switch to low right before I go to bed). Strain liquid into glass jars making sure to leave room at the top if you're freezing them.  I usually freeze in jars filled with 1 cup or 2.5 cups broth.  Label the jars with the amount of liquid and date.   Let cool before storing in the freezer.  Recipe Notes         #### Rock The Dinner Table with Kid-Friendly Meals from PlateJoy Can you get kid-friendly meals from PlateJoy?  Yes you can, and you'll be happy for it this summer when you need more food choices! It's almost summer and school’s almost out. You know, as well as I do, that you're going to start hearing “I’m bored” and “I’m hungry” a whole lot more over the next few months. Don’t panic, mama!  PlateJoy is here to calm the chaos and take the guesswork out of mealtime this summer.  And, I know that's something moms can use anytime of year. What is PlateJoy? PlateJoy is a meal subscription plan like no other and starts as low as $8 a month. They provide flexibility and go beyond the food by opting out of boxes packed with dry ice and plastic containers to do a little more for our environment. That’s more than a lot of other meal subscription plans can say. Instead, they use technology like their Digital Pantry that remembers what you have on hand to make sure you get grocery lists that smartly reduce food waste. With a ton of choices, you’ll be able to find the right fit for your lifestyle and household. If you want to hear more about our experience with PlateJoy, read my PlateJoy Review!  The condensed version, though, is that it's saved me a lot of headaches, and we've tried a lot more foods in the past few months.  And, we've liked almost every meal we've made! At PlateJoy, you’ll receive tailored plans that include recipes and grocery lists to give you more control, with optional ingredient delivery when you want it. You're not seeing things!  There's no need to usher all the kids into the car for a shopping trip.  Thanks to PlateJoy’s partnership with Instacart, they offer same-day grocery delivery to over 200 cities. Kid-Friendly Meals from PlateJoy? Is it Possible? Yes, you can make kid-friendly meals from PlateJoy.  They will help you get the kids off the couch and, in the kitchen, to learn a new skill and help cook. The best way to find meals with kids in mind is to select the "no restrictions" plan within PlateJoy.  If you're already a member, you can find this in the personalize tab of the website. Is your family always on-the-go? Then relax with delicious slow cooker meals. You can even have peace of mind with their special diet and food restriction options.  We use the no restrictions plan, but I customize my plan further by telling PlateJoy what foods I'm avoiding.  Most of the meals we've made from PlateJoy have been enjoyed by all of the family.  And, on rare occasions I may add a side (like Mac and Cheese) that I can't eat, but are comfort foods the rest of the family loves. And, all plans come with a 10-day free trial, so what do you have to lose? If you’re still not convinced, they’re also offering my readers $10 OFF with code SAHMPLUS10. So, keep your kitchen running smoothly this summer and join PlateJoy today! Learn More  or start your free trial . #### Roll with the Punches! We're losing our minds over all these uncertainties. Our health (mental and physical) is at stake. We're scared, annoyed, and complaining at every turn. Some of us are, and more of us should be, rolling with the punches because life, as we've become accustomed to, is changing. I've bitched. I've moaned. I've been angry. I've been sad. I too thought the country was losing their minds over a cold/flu. Well, the pandemic has spread and at the very least, I recognize that everything is closing and grocery stores are continually running out of supplies. Right now, some of the scare is simply "can I get the food (or toilet paper) we need the next time I visit the store?" No where near the scare of some of you who may be wondering "how can I pay for the food at the store?" when you've been sent home and cannot work ... for the foreseeable future. Schools are working to continue educational services at home by way of virtual learning. Some wine and liquor stores are closing. There's thousands of other things going on that are reshaping our world. And there are thousands of predictions of what the future holds. Some believe we'll go "back to normal" in a couple months while others predict 18 months. But what if this IS our new normal? I mean, if we're dealing with this for 18 months, you can bet that this will take years for people recover financially, at the very least.So, what if we stop making predictions and just roll with the punches? View this post on Instagram Taking a photo walk is a great way to keep the kids busy while schools are closed! ⁠ For Christmas, I handed down my old DSLR to my daughter as we upgraded my new one. My daughter and I took out the cameras and set out with the 4 year old to take a slow walk down our road. We'd stop every so often when something would catch our eyes. (Pictured is my photo - maybe I'll look share one of hers when I get a chance to go through them).⁠ Their unexpected extended spring break has caused me trouble working from home. But, at the same time, it's afforded them opportunities to learn some different things while being home. Let's face it, book smarts are only part of the equation! They have to learn through experiences and to experiment with things they love in order to grow.⁠ If you've been fortunate enough to spend some extra time with your kids lately, what alternative skills have your children been learning?⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #springbreak #coronavirus #covid19 #schoolclosures #schoolsclosed #homeschool #homeschooling #photowalk #photowalks #photography #DSLR #photo #flowers #plantlife #flowers #flowersofinstagram #flowerstagram #flowersphotography #flowersphoto #flowersphotos #getoutside #extendedspringbreak #booksmarts #experience #experiences #experiment #photo #flowerpic A post shared by Ivy | SAHM Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Mar 18, 2020 at 10:08am PDT What if we stop bitching about all the ways people are trying to help us? The government wants to send you an extra thousand dollars. And I see comments like: "wtf is that going to do?" or "I'm the one out of a job ... why does the person who continues to work get the same relief?" Do you think it's worth the government's time and energy to weed out who should and shouldn't get a stimulus check. And better yet, do you think they can take the extra time to verify when that person does end up losing their job to confirm their stimulus benefit? And the school systems have closed and sent your children home. We're bitching because the kids are home. We can't go to work or we're having trouble working from home. The schools are working diligently to provide virtual learning (something previous generations weren't afforded) to maintain some semblance of normal. And we've got moms bitching that we didn't sign up for homeschooling. Even I have struggled with the thought ... you know, because I have two kids at home. One will be doing virtual school while I have to figure out how to entertain the other one more often. We've got moms worried about low income families who don't have the tools they need to do online school. Our school system is providing laptops to those who need them. Comcast has offered free service for those in need as well. And yet families continue to bitch about not having the time to home school. "Why can't we just let the kids enjoy the time off?" "Imagine the inequalities" How about: You were bitching about the time off and how it affects your schedule anyway! So WTF does it matter if they want kids to have a chance to finish their school year by providing distance learning opportunities? They're not asking you to sit down and teach the kids! Our country and our states are TOO BIG to be able to make appropriate choices for EVERYONE. They are making decisions the best way they know how, using the technology that's available. If you don't like that, we need to reconsider how our country is run ... but that's a topic left to discuss some other time and with mature individuals who understand life is not and cannot be "equal" or "fair". There are too many constantly moving parts. There are too many people who think, feel, and act differently. There are too many people who have different needs. At this point, none of us have any idea how any of this is going to play out. And you think bitching about every little thing is going to help the situation? So, how about roll with the punches! None of us asked for this. We're all trying our best. And, we have no idea what kind of ride we're in for over the next few months (or years). Our sense of normal is over and it's time to adjust to a new sense of normal. Try. And if there is a failure, change again. Adapt as our world is taking on a new challenge. #### Screaming Over Splashing Juice We started the morning out as usual.  Morning hugs and kisses, a few giggles, diaper change, and freeing the dog from her cage to head downstairs.  Breakfast selection was made and in the works while the dog was outside to relieve herself.  I gave the kiddo her vitamin, poured her cup of juice, then walked away to let the dog back in the house.  We rarely deviate from the routine in the morning ... it's pretty much auto-pilot except for what Shelby decides she is or isn't eating for the morning.  Routine ... except for today! I walked to the sliding glass door to bring the dog back into the house and I hear S screaming at the top of her lungs as if someone were attempting to murder her.  My mommy brain is now functioning at fight or flight mode and I assess the situation to find out what's wrong.  Instantly I turn to see her running with her open cup of juice, I hear sloshing, and I'm watching as juice splashes everywhere. She was seriously screaming about the juice splashing.  A terrifying scream that made hubby run in with worry.  A horrifying scream that made this mommy's heart skip a beat fearing the worst.  And, all for splashing juice. Forget crying over spilled milk - we scream over splashing juice! In a matter of seconds, I had to assess the situation, console a screaming toddler, and work to soak up the splashes out of the carpet.  I truly couldn't believe her extreme reaction to such a small problem.  What could possibly be so terrifying about juice splashing all over her? Well, a few minutes later, she was her normal jovial self, so I'll assume I handled the situation as rationally as I could, despite the irrational nature of the circumstance. What's the craziest reaction your kid has ever had to something so ordinary or simple? #### Secrets You Need to Know to Prep for Giving Birth Naturally 4 things you know if you're considering giving birth naturally.  Tips from a two time natural birth mama who never believed she couldn't do it. I am passionate about natural, un-medicated birth.  I've had two babies naturally, and yes, I do mean without drugs.  The biggest struggle I encountered when sharing my natural birth plans was the lack of support.  It's really easy to do research to determine what kind of birth you feel is the best fit for you.  But, it's not so easy to find real support.  I had to do a lot of reading, watching videos, and convincing my husband to take a natural childbirth class.  Doctors want to make you think your pregnancy and child birth are events that should be highly managed.  Their insistence perpetuates a sense, in many women, that they're incapable of giving birth naturally.  I was often met with (hopefully unintentional) undermining comments like "you'll change your mind when you're in labor" from friends and family members. For the purposes of this post, when I mention natural birth, I'm considering natural in the sense that we exclude medical induction, epidural or other pain relieving drugs, or interventions.  My aim is to help you get past any doubts in your mind.  Whether doubts were placed there, or you're just a new mom who isn't sure, I want to change that for you.  If you're truly interested in not taking an epidural during labor and giving birth naturally, I want to help you.  Will you let me point you in the right direction? Why I Chose Natural Childbirth When I was young, I thought I wouldn't want to suffer through childbirth.  Suffer.  Television had a negative effect on my perception of childbirth for as long as I could remember.  As I got older, I realized I had a fear of needles that greatly outweighed necessity.  I didn't want to get stitches in my arm that had been sliced open with a box cutter because I didn't want to get a shot.  (There's no special story there - except those box cutters don't retract if your thumb doesn't KNOW to retract). Years down the road, my fear of needles catapulted me on a journey to learn about natural childbirth.  The thought of having a large needle jammed into my back was terrifying.  Yes, I know they're not actually going to stab me maliciously.  I also didn't say my fear of needles was rational. The more I learned about the benefits of a drug-free birth, the more I began to realize incentive wasn't simply to escape the big, scary needle.  Then, I survived, if you will, two natural childbirths.  Being able to convince my husband it was the right move for us was also a huge success story of its own.  And, my passion for natural childbirth grew after having each baby.  And, though I'm finished having babies, it doesn't mean I can't help to inspire and encourage other women, like yourself, to succeed at giving birth naturally. Talking to a couple, last year about the wife's plan to birth naturally was an enjoyable experience.  My husband and I discussed our experiences, and shared how important his role was in our success.  When my husband came home to tell me she did it, I literally got chills.  And, rare as it is, I got a little teary-eyed. Your journey to giving birth naturally I have two suggestions, and I'm not sure which I consider more important than the other.  I believe both of the following resources played equal parts in helping me to understand how inappropriately the medical community treats pregnancy and childbirth. Education Watch videos like The Business of Being Born.  I highly recommend this documentary which helps you to understand the cycle of interventions that hospitals use to "manage" labor and childbirth. Read books about natural childbirth.  My favorite book was [easyazon_link identifier="0399525173" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="y" localize="y" popups="y"]The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth[/easyazon_link] by Henci Goer.  This book thoroughly details the cycle of interventions and really explains how one intervention directly impacts you and/or the baby, which likely causes the next. Take a natural birth class.  I'll reiterate this point again in the next part.  But, a highly pro-natural childbirth class should educate you and your support person on the reasons why you shouldn't opt for medical intervention.  A really good instructor will tell you what doctors want you to know vs. what is real.  And, you should learn some really good tactics for pain management without medication. Arm yourself with as much information as possible.  Education is going play a big part in your success.  Not the only part. Support People naturally wonder about your birth plans.  It's weird how much people want to know when you're pregnant.  And, I feel like most people ask because they want to give you their horror stories or undermine your decision.  Maybe I only feel that way because most people didn't understand natural childbirth themselves. Even with all your research and determination, you will need support.  I don't recommend relying on someone who hasn't experienced a natural birth, or someone who isn't willing to learn about it. Overcome your fear of labor.  Speak with others about positive natural birth stories, take a birth class, and have support.  Your fears and doubts about your abilities will be self-fulfilled if you don't conquer them before. Take a birth class.  Not just any birth class!  Find one that is VERY pro-natural birth.  The one we took locally was taught by a woman who had 4 natural births but had also been a nurse.  She was able to give us the run-down on what the medical community will tell you, and what is real.  The most amazing thing to me is that she endured a Pitocin induced labor without the aid of drugs to make it through it. Your birth support person.  This person is going to get you through your labor.  I recommend a doula, especially for first timers.  For my first birth, my husband was the main support and my doula helped both of us.  The second time around, however, I needed only my husband.  He'd been through the natural child birth class and he was strong enough to know that no matter how much I begged for drugs, he wouldn't let me have them.  Not for torture, but because he knew I'd be disappointed in myself when it was over.  Additionally, this person needs to be able to talk to doctors on your behalf.  You must trust that your support person has been educated and will respect your wishes. Let people know how to support you.  Share this post to let friends and family know how they should support your birth plan.  Of course, telling them what you feel you need is totally acceptable. Strength and Giving Birth Naturally Giving birth naturally isn't all about how strong you are.  Your pain tolerance will be tested.  Sometime during your labor, you will more than likely begin to question whether or not you can do it without medication. I can't stress enough how important it is to remember The pain is temporary. This is a productive pain. Fear drives pain. Share on X Your support person shouldn't rescue you from the pains of labor.  They are natural.  Your body is doing exactly what it's designed to do ... deliver your baby.  By tolerating the pain and getting through without drugs, you are allowing your body to do its natural exchange of hormones. Your support person needs to encourage you.  He or she needs to remind you of everything above and continue to express what a wonderful job you're doing.  Your support person should be your strength when you are feeling your weakest. Your labor support should be your strength when you feel weakest. #birth #labor #naturalbirth Share on X Results of Giving Birth Naturally From my experience, achieving natural childbirth without the aid of drugs was the most empowering thing I've ever done for myself.  I benefited greatly from this, but I wasn't the only recipient of the rewards for this great achievement.  Aside from the obvious benefits, these are the most notable in my mind: Short recovery time.  The day after I had my first baby, I was begging to leave the hospital.  I would have done the same with the birth of my second, but I wanted to spend the allowable days in the hospital being cared for instead of rushing back to work around a 5 year old and newborn. Empowerment.  I solidified my belief that women's bodies are amazing.  A woman's body is made for birth babies!  Giving birth naturally in a hospital setting surprised the nurses in both my births.  It doesn't seem to be that common and I believe it's good for the medical community to see that women are capable.  And, it helps me to empower you to believe in yourself and your body. A deeper connection with your support person.  In my case, I have a much stronger connection with my husband than I'll ever have with another human being.  Plus, I couldn't imagine entrusting such a special event with anyone but him.  He's been through the only event in my life that I will not have shared with anyone, ever again.  It was an intimate (not sexually) event that I believe made us a better team. I would love for you to share your stories with me.  Ask me questions.  Comment here or send me a personal message, because natural birth is one of the things I truly enjoy talking about. I hope, by sharing my stories, I can inspire you to consider natural childbirth for yourself. Do you have any suggestions? Other posts you may enjoy   #### Securing Your Children's Future: The Essential Guide to Setting Up a Will Though no one wants to think about dying, setting up a will when we have little ones is one of the best things you can do to secure your children's future. As a parent, your primary concern is the well-being and security of your children. While it's not something we like to think about, preparing for the unexpected by setting up a will is a crucial step in safeguarding their future, especially when they are small. In this article we delve into the importance of creating a will, the steps involved, and the peace of mind it brings to your family. Why Setting Up a Will is Crucial for Parents The thought of not being there for your children is heart-wrenching. However, setting up a will ensures that your wishes for their care and future are respected and executed. Setting up a will when you have children is more than worrying about assets; it's about making decisions that affect your children's upbringing and well-being in your absence. Choosing a Guardian One of the most critical aspects of a will for parents is nominating a guardian for their children. Making this decision requires careful consideration, taking into account the guardian's values, stability, and ability to provide a loving environment. Consider the potential guardian's relationship with your children. Your children should feel comfortable and safe with their potential guardian. Take into account the potential guardian's ability to provide for your children's needs, including financial support and emotional support. Lastly, consider the potential guardian's values and parenting style, as this will play a significant role in shaping your children's upbringing. It is essential to have open communication with the potential guardian and ensure that they are willing and able to take on this responsibility. Determining Assets A will allows you to specify how your assets should be distributed, ensuring that your children's financial needs are met. Your assets include savings, property, investments, and personal items of sentimental value. Here are some steps you can follow to how you wish to distribute them: 1. Make a list of your assets: This includes bank accounts, investments, real estate, and personal belongings. It is important to have a comprehensive understanding of what you own. 2. Decide how you want your assets to be distributed: Consider how you want your assets to be divided among your children. You may choose to divide them equally or allocate specific assets to each child. 3. Be as specific as possible. The more specific you can be about what goes to whom or when they should receive it, the better.  We would also like to mention that if you have debt, it falls on your estate. Debts are usually paid off using your assets. Therefore, you should be allocating your energy and resources to paying off debt to ensure your children’s future. Discuss money matters with your partner before you even begin to talk about how to distribute your assets. Appointing an Executor An executor is responsible for carrying out the terms of your will. Choose someone trustworthy and organized, who understands your wishes and can handle the responsibilities involved. The executor carries out the instructions in your will, manages your estate, and distributes your assets to your beneficiaries. Choose someone you trust to fulfill this role, as they will have significant responsibilities. Make sure to discuss your decision with the person you choose to ensure they are willing and able to take on this responsibility. Creating a Trust for Your Children Creating a trust can be a great option for parents with small children who want to ensure that their assets are managed properly for their children's benefit. A trust is a legal arrangement where a trustee holds and manages the assets on behalf of the beneficiaries, in this case, your children. Setting up a trust involves the following steps: 1. Choose a trustee: The trustee is the person or institution responsible for managing the trust. It can be a family member, friend, or professional trustee like a lawyer or financial institution. Choose someone you trust to act in the best interest of your children. 2. Determine the terms of the trust: You need to decide how the assets will be managed and distributed. For example, you can specify that the assets will be used for education, healthcare, or other specific purposes until your children reach a certain age. 3. Create a trust document: To establish a trust, you will need to create a trust document that outlines the terms and conditions of the trust. This document should be prepared by an attorney to ensure it complies with legal requirements. 4. Fund the trust: To make the trust effective, you need to transfer your assets into the trust. This can include bank accounts, investments, real estate, and other valuable possessions. 5. Appoint a guardian: In addition to setting up a trust, it's crucial to appoint a guardian for your children in case both parents pass away. The guardian will have legal responsibility for your children's care and upbringing. Setting up a trust can provide peace of mind knowing that your assets will be managed according to your wishes and that your children will be taken care of financially. Consult with an attorney who specializes in estate planning to ensure that your trust is set up correctly and meets your specific needs. How to Set Up a Will 1. DIY Will Kits: For those with straightforward estates, a DIY will kit can be a cost-effective option. However, check that it complies with state laws and covers all necessary aspects. 2. Hiring a Lawyer: For more complex situations, or to ensure that all legal bases are covered, we recommend hiring a lawyer specialized in estate planning. They can provide personalized advice and ensure that your will is legally binding. 3. Online Legal Services**: Websites like LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer offer a middle ground, providing templates and guidance at a lower cost than traditional lawyers. Additional Considerations These are additional recommendations you should consider when drafting or setting up a will for your children. Regular Updates: Life changes, such as the birth of additional children, divorce, or changes in assets, necessitate updating your will. Letter of Intent: This is a non-binding document that provides additional guidance and wishes regarding your children's upbringing. Legal Requirements: Ensure your will meets all legal requirements in your state to avoid complications. Conclusion Setting up a will is a profound act of love and responsibility towards your children. It's about ensuring that they are cared for and your wishes are honored, no matter what the future holds. #### Self-Care Doesn’t Always Look Like Self-Improvement: It’s Okay to Just Be We live in a world that constantly pushes us to be better, do more, and keep improving and it's no wonder we're tired of being moms, wives, and so much more. But what if I told you that sometimes, the best form of self-care isn’t about striving or achieving? What if self-care could be as simple as just sitting still and being present in the moment? I’ve learned this lesson in the most unexpected place—right in the middle of my chicken run. The Pressure of Constant Self-Improvement Let’s face it, the pressure to constantly improve ourselves can be exhausting. We’re bombarded with messages telling us to be the best moms, the best wives, to hustle, to push ourselves to the next level. And while there’s nothing wrong with growth and self-improvement, it can sometimes feel like we’re on a never-ending treadmill with no time to catch our breath. I used to think self-care meant doing things that would make me “better”—whether it was reading self-help books, setting new goals, or squeezing in a workout. But over time, I realized that this constant push to improve was leaving me drained, not refreshed. I needed a different approach, one that didn’t involve adding more to my already overflowing plate. The Art of Just Being Enter my chickens. Yes, you read that right. These feathered friends have taught me one of the most valuable self-care lessons: the art of just being. It started when I began taking a metal chair into their run. I’d sit down, and before long, at least one of the chickens would jump into my lap. As I sat there, quietly petting her or simply watching the others peck and scratch the ground, something magical happened—I learned to just be. There was no agenda, no to-do list, no goal to accomplish. It was just me, the chickens, and the moment. This simple practice of sitting still, being present, and soaking in the peace of the moment has done wonders for my mental health (as long as the kiddos don't wander in to argue over who holds one of the 10 chicks). It’s a time when I let go of the need to improve, and instead, I just exist. Why “Just Being” is Important In a world that values productivity and constant growth, it’s easy to forget the importance of simply being. But here’s the truth: We all need moments where we can let go of the pressure to be more and just appreciate who we are, right here and now. These moments of stillness are crucial for our well-being. They allow us to reconnect with ourselves, to breathe, and to find peace in the midst of our busy lives. For me, these quiet moments with my chickens have become a form of meditation. They help me slow down, clear my mind, and soothe my soul. And the best part? There’s no “right” way to do it. It’s not about achieving anything; it’s about allowing myself to rest and recharge without any expectations. Embrace the Practice of Just Being I want to encourage you to find your own version of this practice. It doesn’t have to involve chickens (although I highly recommend them!). It could be as simple as sitting on your porch with a cup of tea, taking a walk in nature, or lying in bed for a few extra minutes in the morning, just breathing. The key is to let go of the need to do something “productive” and instead, give yourself permission to simply be. These moments of stillness and presence are just as valuable—if not more so—than the times we spend striving for self-improvement. They remind us that we are enough, just as we are, and that sometimes, the best self-care is simply allowing ourselves to rest. So the next time you feel the pressure to improve, to do more, or to be more, I challenge you to take a step back. Find a quiet spot, sit down, and just be. You might be surprised at how much peace and joy you can find in those simple moments of stillness. After all, self-care isn’t always about what you do—it’s also about allowing yourself to just be. How to get started with your self care practice If you’ve been feeling the pressure to constantly improve and want to embrace the art of just being, I’ve created some tools to help you find balance. Check out my Self-Care Worksheet, designed to help you identify the areas of your life where you might need a little extra care. And if you’re ready to create a sustainable self-care routine that truly works for you, my Self-Care Planner will guide you in building habits that nourish your soul, not just add to your to-do list. Remember, self-care isn’t about following someone else’s plan—it’s about creating your own. Let these tools support you on your journey to finding peace, balance, and joy in your everyday life. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ivy | SAHM Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) #### Self-Care is Personal: Creating a Routine that Feeds Your Soul When you hear the term “self-care,” what comes to mind? For many of us, it’s visions of spa days, retail therapy, or those Instagram-perfect moments of relaxation. But let’s be real—self-care isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and it definitely doesn’t have to look like what everyone else is doing. In fact, the most effective self-care routines are the ones that are deeply personal, feeding your soul in ways that truly bring you joy. Redefining Self-Care: It’s About What Makes You Feel Alive Over the years, I’ve learned that self-care isn’t about checking off boxes on a to-do list or adding more chores under the guise of relaxation. It’s about connecting with the things that make you feel alive, passionate, and fulfilled. For some, that might be a long soak in the tub, but for others, it could be something completely different—and that’s okay! Finding What Feeds Your Soul For me, self-care has taken on a whole new meaning as I’ve leaned into my passions. Automotive racing, for instance, is something that lights me up. The thrill, the speed, the focus it requires—it’s exhilarating and gives me a sense of vitality that nothing else does. Then there’s my hobby farm with a few chickens that I hope grows with the addition of mini goats in the future. It’s work, sure, but it feeds my soul in a way that’s hard to describe. And let’s not forget the power of music—listening to Latin music, especially, connects me to my roots and fills my heart with joy. These aren’t your typical “self-care” activities, but they’re what make me feel most like myself. They remind me of who I am beyond the roles of wife and mother, and they bring a sense of balance to my life that I desperately need. Letting Go of What Doesn’t Serve You Part of personalizing your self-care routine is recognizing what doesn’t serve you and having the courage to let it go. Maybe you’ve been trying to fit into a self-care mold that just doesn’t feel right. Maybe the idea of a spa day actually stresses you out because it feels like just another task. That’s okay! In my hormone program, it was suggested I eat more protein, drink more water, and visit the gym more like 5 days instead of my two so I could get more steps into my day in addition to my 2 days of lifting weights. More protein ✅ More water ✅ Visit the gym more often ❌ I was compliant with more water and protein because it made sense, I found easy ways to incorporate them into my day, and I knew I needed it. But, I nixed the idea of more time at the gym because the thought of spending 5 days a week there began to feel like a chore. And every time I tried, I thought I would quit the gym altogether. Knowing I would be caring for chicks anyway, I knew I was going to get more movement so decided that more time at the gym did not serve me and would only overwhelm me. Self-care isn’t about forcing yourself into someone else’s idea of relaxation or tending to your own needs (we have enough of that as tired moms and wives!). It’s about finding what resonates with you and letting go of the rest. Follow Your Heart: Create Your Own Self-Care Plan So, how do you create a self-care routine that’s truly yours? Start by tuning into your heart. What are the activities, passions, or interests that make you feel alive? What brings you joy, even if it’s unconventional? Those are the things you should lean into. Maybe it’s gardening, painting, or hiking. Maybe it’s as simple as a quiet cup of coffee in the morning before everyone else wakes up. Or perhaps it’s something adventurous, like taking up a new sport or learning a musical instrument. Whatever it is, make it yours. Your self-care routine should reflect who you are, not who someone else thinks you should be. Are you not really sure about self-care? Join my newsletter and you'll get access to a resource library full of downloads, including our new Self-Care Assessment! A Personalized Approach to Self-Care The beauty of self-care is that it’s as unique as you are. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. The key is to create a routine that feels natural, joyful, and fulfilling—not like a chore. When you follow your heart and prioritize the things that feed your soul, self-care becomes a source of strength and renewal rather than just another item on your to-do list. So, forget the cookie-cutter self-care plans and embrace what makes you feel most alive. Whether it’s racing cars, raising chickens, or dancing to your favorite music, let your self-care be a reflection of your passions and vitality. You deserve it! Ready to create a self-care routine that truly reflects who you are? Start by exploring what feeds your soul with my Self-Care Worksheet, designed to help you identify the passions and activities that bring you joy. Then, use my Self-Care Planner to build a personalized routine that nourishes you and fits seamlessly into your life. Remember, self-care is personal—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Let these tools guide you in creating a self-care plan that’s as unique and vibrant as you are. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ivy | SAHM Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) #### Sell Used Children's Clothes on Ebay I spent plenty of time sorting through clothes, taking pictures, and loading everything into sites like Craigslist or local Facebook swip swap groups.  I would list my clothing for as little as $1 per piece and wouldn't get bites.  Worst of all, I had some nice Gymboree, Crazy 8, and Baby Gap clothes that were barely worn that I would have been HAPPY to have paid a dollar for (it's practically stealing lol).  That just left me feeling like everyone was looking for handouts. I pulled my listings and began populating eBay.  If I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't have wasted my time with the other sites!  Here's what I've learned in the process, what works for me, and hoping it helps you, too.   GATHER SUPPLIES Paper and Ink for your Printer Plastic Mailing Envelopes (choose a size appropriate for your clothing) Camera or mobile phone camera SORT CLOTHES 1) Most important is NOT to be attached to anything you're planning to list.  I kept some favorite outfits that I didn't want to get rid of - saved me the heartache if they didn't sell well. 2) My most recent sales were clothes for the future.  It's winter when I'm writing this and I've been selling Spring and Summer items.  Apparently, people like to plan ahead. LIST ON EBAY I list each of my items as 7 day auctions starting at 99 cents.  I have no reserve.  While there were plenty of times in the past that clothes didn't sell, or someone got the best deal at 99 cents, I do have some tactics that should help and will mention those shortly. Put in as much of the details as you can!  I always insert information from the clothing's tag and I accurately describe each item. BE HONEST!  As a buyer, I bought clothes from a seller who described a stain on a shirt.  For the right price, a stain on a child's night shirt wasn't that big a deal and I couldn't blame her for falsely advertising the item.  I bought the item AND was able to get the stain to clean up better than I received it.  I appreciated the seller's honesty! Use uninterrupted time!  Do this at a time when you've put your kiddo down for nap or bed.  I've found mistakes in my listings more when I've been distracted.  It's not fun going back to update your listing and finding out you can't correct a title :| That said, I treat the sale of her used clothing as a business ... I try to give it the attention I would give a business transaction.   It has it's time and place and deserves to look as professional as I can make it. PICTURES Currently, eBay allows for up to 12 FREE pictures.  Use as many of those as it takes to accurately portray your item(s).  I use my mobile phone to take my pictures (and list my item) for the simplicity.  Good photos are easy - choose a well lit room (indirect sunlight is my friend).  I take a full front and full back photo.  For girl's clothes, I make sure to take pictures of details PROMOTE 2 key points here!  You could pay eBay to feature your items, but that's going to eat into some of what you're making.  I haven't gotten around to trying it yet to compare results, but here's a few things you can do for FREE! 1) As soon as you list an item, share it to social media.  I always share with a note *newly listed*.  This gets attention and usually gathers watchers quickly. 2) Watch your items!  If the auction is a couple days from closing and has no bids or looks like will be going for a bargain, share it to social media again!  I typically share to twitter (I have a decent following there thanks to the blog) with some kind of note like "going to let this one get away?" or "wow, what a bargain!" It's important you're getting attention.  These tactics cost you nothing but a few extra seconds with the potential to reach more people and hopefully more sales. If you have used the added features of eBay to get extra eyes on your products, please tell me if you've found it worth it!   Did I miss anything?  #### Sendoo iPhone App Review This is a sponsored post to review Sendoo.  Sendoo is a FREE app that isn't like most other photo sharing applicationsSendoo - Send something special - Sendoo Interactive is a fun way to make your photos interactive!  I can use my iPhone to take, or use existing, pictures to make albums, invitations, games, ecards, and customized photos with special frames."Sendoo came about based on the need for a new kind of interactive form of expression. It was a natural evolution to build a mobile application that allows consumers to send customized and original content via mobile device to people they care about. There is no current consumer application on the market today."Here are a few screen shots of the images I created, not including some albums and pictures with frames.  I felt these were the most unique to a photo sharing app, thus bringing more value to sharing the app with you.(Left) Creating picture puzzle game; (Right) Preview of picture puzzle game The picture puzzle game allows you to use your own photos and hide any part of the picture to make a game.  You select your answer for your friends to guess.  They can reveal pieces until they figure out who or what is in the photo.Invitation Preview Amongst other options, I also chose to share a (fake) invitation.  Again, there are a lot of options to choose from, including baby shower, birthday and more.  You insert your chosen image , customize date and location, and add your own text in the spaces allowed.Other creations I chose not to share:* A framed photo of my daughter for fall which included animated leaves* A Thanksgiving album of a few pictures taken of daughter and hubby picking orangesHere's an ecard I found in the Sendoo website gallery: What I like about Sendoo is that you can share your work via Facebook on your wall, as messages on Facebook, or shoot them over to your contacts privately.  There are a few "paid" options, but the free options seem to outweigh the paid options.  Since there are a ton of options in each category, you will get a lot from this FREE app!    It's nice that, once you've shared your creation, it's saved on your Sendoo app (great for my terrible memory!)The only downside I've come across is that, on occasion, the app will freeze or crash.  One time I thought the app froze and I left it alone and a while later my photo posted to Facebook when I wasn't paying attention, so maybe the app is just a little quirky.The one thing my husband said he didn't care for is that he had to create an account to see the photo creations I was sharing on Facebook. Get Sendoo from the  To help support this blog, posts from Ivy's Variety may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Sentimental on the First Day of Preschool It was the night before preschool and, while putting my daughter to bed, I experienced some emotions I hadn't expected.  I'd spent weeks buying school supplies and researching lunch and snack ideas.  I spent the days, leading up to this night, preparing foods to reheat for breakfast to cut down on time needed to get ready in the morning.  The night before, I prepared lunches for the week, because I didn't want to beat the school morning rush.  And, I even planned my doctor's visit to happen right after drop off time, as I was eagerly anticipating having a doctor's appointment where I could concentrate solely on my appointment.  I was excited to finally have some time to myself as I knew in just 3 short months I would have a new baby taking up every bit of it again.  Yes, I was looking forward to getting 3 days a week to spend however I chose.  I was certain I was ready for the first day of preschool! But, the weeks (or months) prior, I watched my daughter grow into a more capable and independent little lady.  I can't recall how many times I heard "I don't need your help."  She began picking out her own outfits, dressing herself, and brushing her own teeth.  She turned four and her independence was ever-growing.  Every night, after reading, singing, and a bit of cuddling, she would kick me out of her room when she was ready to read to herself and go to sleep. This particular night though, she wrapped her arm around my neck and pulled my face closer to hers.  Then, she kissed me and said "I love you mama.".  We don't have those moments often and I began to wonder how many more times I would get that from her.  They never seemed to be enough.  Too many times I practically beg for her affection, but realize she's just not a cuddly girl.  I'm proud of her for all she is becoming, yet, she's still growing so much. And then, her first day of preschool came.  She was excited and smiley.  I reminded her how to try to make friends and she asked more questions.  Will I leave her alone?  Will I pick her up?  Why wasn't she staying the night?  And, right up to our hugs and kisses goodbye, she seemed ready.  But the hugs and kisses prompted anxiety.  Her face went grim and she looked me in the eyes to say "I don't like you leaving me."  I could see it in her face and I knew the reality was setting in as she followed us to, and almost out, the door trying to keep us there with "one more hug and kiss" over and over until her teacher caught on and whisked her away to check out the room. My excitement, too, had become a mix of emotions once she began to understand it was really happening.  As much as I had been looking forward to some "me time," it felt as though she thought I was abandoning her.  Though I knew this was something she's needed for a long time, the anxiety in her face was burned into my memory.  I actually felt sad for her. Was I supposed to feel bad for sending her to school?  Was it okay that I was kind of happy to have some time away from her?  I knew that I only had a few months to enjoy some peace and quiet before the new baby arrived.  I really needed this time as much as she needed to be at school.  I had plans to do more make-ahead meals, menu and grocery trip planning, and I no longer needed to feel guilty if I had to walk away from her to do housework.  Is it normal to expect to be excited only to find yourself thinking of it as a bittersweet moment? My many mixed emotions made me think.  This is the LAST YEAR we'll have days during the week that I can spend with her before Kindergarten.  My heart ached wondering if I'd done enough with her during the time we had.  Would she remember all the special activities we did?  Would she appreciate the many zoo, museum, and Disney trips we took?  Was she going to remember how tired and cranky I was on some of those trips?  Can I make even half as many memories in a single summer as I have in her 4 years?  Will we get to take another special trip to the Tampa Zoo and Aquarium, like we've done in the past? When I picked her up in the afternoon, I asked how she did.  To my amazement, she didn't cry and had a good first day.  She was busy playing with her new school mates and didn't even realize I had arrived.  I was rather impressed at her success on her first day and realized all my worries were so emotionally charged ... I didn't have much to worry about on her end. However, I was surprised to find that the second day of preschool was harder.  As school day approached, she kept telling me she didn't want to go to school.  "I don't like you leaving me" she would say.  She began telling me more and more things that we needed to plan to do ... zoo trips, go back to the museum to see the dinosaurs, and then cried when I said we would have to make plans for it.  She didn't really want to make plans, she wanted us to go right then so she didn't have to go to school.  Her second day, she bawled as she waved to me out the window of her classroom.  I had no choice but to walk away, almost in tears myself and those mom-guilt worries came flooding back.  I spent a good majority of the day cleaning the house, trying to not worry about her.  And, when I picked her up in the afternoon, she had another fantastic day.  She was smiling and excited about the crafts and activities they did at school. What I'm learning is it's an adjustment for both of us.  As much as I was excited about getting some time away from her, I've spent the last 4 years trying to figure out what makes her tick.  4 years trying to make her happy.  4 years feeling like a slave.  Yet, 4 years we've done so much together that we both have to transition to new routines and separation.  Instead of worrying about her so much, I get to look forward to the end of the day when I see her smiling face and hear all about the exciting activities she participated in. How about you? How did you handle the first day of preschool? #### Shakesperry iOS app Review This post was sponsored by a client through Fiverr.com to review an iOS app called Shakesperry.Shakesperry is a cute free app to make custom bouquets to send to a friend or family member available on your iPhoneor iPad.  I was excited to try this app out because who doesn’t like saving money on flowers?  And, these flowers will last!There is a decent selection of free flowers, but a very limited selection of free extras like fillers or vases.  You can further customize your bouquet with a large selection of colored backgrounds.  Also included are a large variety of texts and sizes to add a custom message of your choice.When ready, you’re able to do several things with your bouquet.  You can send it via email, Facebook, Twitter, and more.Once you finally get the hang of sizing, cutting, bending, and layering your bouquet, you may decide to make more bouquets.  At that time, you’ll likely consider adding extras.  Unlocking extras will cost between $1.99 and $2.99, depending on those you wish to unlock.  If you prefer, you can unlock everything for $9.99 at a savings of about $5.I didn’t feel the app was as intuitive as most are these days.  I spent a good deal of time starting and restarting new bouquets because I couldn’t get it right.  Once I visited the Help section, I was able to build a bouquet worthy of saving and sharing.  But, even though I’d found the instructions, I didn’t find the bouquets very easy to make.  Here are two examples of creations I made using only the free items available that came with the download:The flowers are cute and the finished product is delightful, however, this isn’t something you can easily throw together if you want something that looks thought out.  If you do have a few extra minutes, I still recommend trying this app and sending some sweet flowers to someone who might like a special custom surprise. To help support this blog, posts from Ivy's Variety may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Should Kids Have Chores? Yep! And Here's Why... Should kids have chores, or not? Some research tells us 10 good reasons why kids should have chores and the life lessons they'll learn about being responsible. If you have children, you know the deep bond that develops between parents and their children. Because you love your kids, you want them to be happy. You want to give them the world, to feel loved, and to feel special. It's no wonder you struggle with the idea of assigning jobs to your children to do around the house! But, it's possible that if you don't dole out chores, you do your children (and yourself) a great disservice. Many child and family experts believe that having your children help with chores is beneficial to both of you. Although it's important that chores are both age-appropriate and not overly challenging, physically, for their age. How Are Chores Beneficial To Your Kids? I know, these days, plenty of parents are questioning whether or not their children should help with chores. You've likely heard that you shouldn't make your kids do chores because you didn't have kids to do housework. Although it's a joke in our house, I know darn well I didn't have kids just so I'd have help around the house. But, I had kids knowing I would be responsible for raising them to be self-sufficient and responsible adults. Teaching them responsibility is one of the main reasons kids should have chores, at least in my mind. The skills they build doing chores are skills they can take with them into adulthood ... learning to prepare meals, cleaning, organizing and managing their time. Plus, it seems doing household chores has been linked to improved mental and physical health, especially as we age. So, let's discuss the top 10 reasons kids should have chores... 10 Reasons Why Kids Should Have Chores Facilitate physical development. Starting chores at a young age can help your child to develop gross and fine motor skills and coordination. Provide learning experiences. Your kids can learn something new when they perform household chores. Whether they learn why the chore needs to be done or how it's done, your children will gain and retain that knowledge. Help kids feel a sense of belonging. Having your children take part in chores can help them feel like an important part of the family! Go the extra mile by taking notice and doling out positive comments when children complete their chores. Keeps kids busy and out of trouble. "Idle hands make fretful minds." ~ Shelley Shepard Gray There is some truth to the notion that staying busy with household chores means your kids are engaged in a positive behavior that could benefit them in the future. Kids contribute to the home. Doing chores allows your children to contribute to the household in various ways. If you've ever heard a toddler bragging about being able to do something "all by myself," you know children like feeling as though they can contribute. This helps them develop and build pride. Build self-esteem. Regularly giving chores to kids helps build a sense of their own abilities. After all, think of all the things they've learned how to do over the years. Focus on time management Kids who do chores have to learn to delay gratification and to organize their time. These are both vital skills to have as adults. Whether cleaning up after themselves, making their beds, or sweeping floors, children will become successful adults. Chores assigned by parents greatly contribute to a child's positive self esteem. Chores demonstrate the importance of taking care of personal belongings and one's home. The best way to teach a child how important it is to take care of his belongings and home is to assign him chores. And it is in this way that a child observes and experiences how real life is lived. Teach kids responsibility. A child who is solely responsible for getting a job done in the home learns to take responsibility for that task. As they mature, children learn that people (or pets) in the home depend on them to complete their chores properly and in a timely fashion. Children discover the value of cooperation. Show kids how vital cooperation is by participating in family chores, like raking leaves. Doing larger chores together as a family will show them that team work makes large jobs quicker and easier. Taking on big chores together is also a valuable lesson in communication as you work together to do the chore correctly and efficiently. Our family chore is cleaning the boat after taking it out for a day on the water. We all got to enjoy the boat and we all get to clean the boat to preserve it. Introduce children to the world of work. Having chores will be your children's introduction to working. One of the most important things you can do for your kids is to teach them what's it's like to have a job. They need to know what's it's like to have people counting on them to carry out their duties. At some point, your children will learn how to enjoy and look forward to working. Giving chores to your kids will teach them crucial lessons about life, cooperation, communication, and work ethic. Should I Pay My Children for Doing Chores? While payment for chores can be motivating, this is a personal choice parents need to make for themselves. In our home, we pay for chores that: are not tied to personal hygiene benefit the entire family (cleaning of shared spaces, for example) are a necessity of daily living (clean laundry) FAQS About Why Kids Should Have Chores What chores can a kid do? It depends on their age! Start toddlers with easy chores like cleaning up toys. 6 and 7 year olds may be able to help with setting the table or vacuuming . How much time do kids typically spend on chores? According to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, elementary aged students should do upwards of 20 minutes per week day with a slightly higher expectation on weekends and during the summer. They go on to say to expect up to 30 minutes per day for teens with larger chores on weekends. What is a good punishment for not doing chores? If chores are part of your allowance structure, withholding allowance is a good start. It may also be effective to cancel or not make social plans with your child's friends until chores (like cleaning their rooms) are completed. Can you commit to assigning chores to your children and watching as they reap the benefits of chores now and for years to come? This post originally appeared on SAHM, plus ... October 2022 and has been edited. #### Should My Husband Be in the Delivery Room? If you were to ask me "Hey Ivy, should my husband be my labor support?" I'd enthusiastically respond with a "Yes." I can tell you without a doubt having my husband in the delivery room for the birth of our children was the best thing for us.  There were so many benefits, including constant support and building on to our relationship.  When I talk to him about the subject, he's always in agreement. So, I'm floored why this obstetrician would say men should NEVER be at the birth of their child. NEVER?  Really? If you've ever asked yourself "should my husband be my labor support?" the aforementioned article may help convince you of the negative effects of his presence at the birth of your baby.  But, I don't think it's completely accurate. I'm always perturbed by the way the medical society propagates fears in individuals.  This article is no less disturbing, in my mind. Now, having read the article, I can potentially see where in some cases it may be best for the man to be absent during his child's birth.  The reality is that some individuals may not be cut out for the disgusting visuals in childbirth.  As my husband suggested, not every person is capable of being awake for 24 -48 hours.  Further, he reminded me that not all people are able to remain calm. Okay, so I gained a better understanding of why some men wouldn't be suitable as labor support. Still, NEVER is so absolute. Is it really too much for my husband to be my labor support? In the article, Michel Odent states "... there is little good to come for either sex from having a man at the birth of a child." From my experience having two successful natural births with my husband as my primary and only support, as it were for the second birth, this couldn't be further from the truth.  So much good came from having my husband support and coach me through the process.  He was my rock when I was weakest.  Because he knew how much a natural birth meant to me, he learned everything I needed him to know so that he could speak for me when I was unable.  I was able to rely on him as though my life were on the line.  This strengthened our bond! He goes on to state that a woman should be left alone to labor peacefully without her partner. I can see some benefit to it.  Often, I found myself completely tuning everything out to get through the contractions.  However, having chosen a hospital birth, it was imperative I had someone on my side to prevent unnecessary interventions.  Without my husband by my side, who knows how my birth plan would have gone.  If I had chosen a home birth, perhaps I wouldn't have felt the need to have his constant support. Still, I enjoyed his presence.  His reminders to breathe through contractions instead of tense up and fight against them got me through much of my labor more easily.  Those simple reminders immediately relieved pain, and I realize now how much more pain I experienced when I was fighting nature.  Breathing through the contractions and rocking, swaying, or any other instinctual movement eased the discomfort immediately. Odent believes the presence of the father increases duration and difficulty of labors. He states that a man's natural reaction to watching his partner labor painfully is tension and a release of adrenaline.  This negative energy is transferred to the laboring woman, which has ill effects on her ability to labor peacefully. I completely understand the thought process.  However, a good childbirth class will convey the message that labor and delivery are not an event in which we must rush or become anxious over.  Staying calm and in control is in everyone's best interest.  Thankfully, my husband took this to heart. From my experience in my first childbirth, having arrived at the hospital stalled my labor.  I was progressing well until we reached the hospital, then my contractions stayed at the same intensity and timing intervals for HOURS.  I feared giving birth in a hospital as I worried about the increased chances of medical interventions. Scared of Labor? Overcome Your Fears The moment I relaxed after my water broke, was the moment I had my baby.  The warm gush was enough to relax every muscle and it was time to push. Maybe if your man is causing tension or creating fear, perhaps he could be to blame.  But a man who has attended a good childbirth class should know that childbirth isn't generally an urgent event. So, it begs the questions: Are we not providing men enough support and education for being a calm and attentive labor support person? Are we not giving them enough information? Understandably ... men who have not been well-prepared and don't know what to expect may not be suitable in a birth support situation. Why I believe (some) men should be at the birth of their child I would like to say I believe it's feasible a man knows whether or not he's incapable of watching a birth.  Perhaps there are some good reasons a man shouldn't be expected to hang out with you in L&D.  But, NEVER is too strong a word.  Take these factors into consideration when deciding if your husband should be your labor support, or in the delivery room as your birth your child. Does he support your birth plan Will he go to and pay attention in a childbirth class? If your husband or partner has attended childbirth education classes with you, he should come away knowing what to expect in labor and delivery.  He should know your hopes and goals and should be able to speak for you when you're unable. Of course, hopefully, he paid attention to the details.  Did he remember the bits about natural pain relief methods, breathing, and what's normal (baby's heart rate during and after contractions)? Giving birth naturally: What you need to know to prepare Can he remain cool, calm, and collected? Does he remember that childbirth is a natural physiological occurrence?  Going into labor is no reason to rush or become anxious.  If he grasps the concept that this pain is productive and nothing to worry about, he can be an effective support person. Though my husband isn't a cuddler, and rarely rubs my back, he proved to be the most supportive person I could have imagined.  Perhaps it's more his "being useful" personality that made him an awesome labor support person.  During labor, he was tuned in and attentive to my needs. Will he help me with the pain & not be upset if I bark orders? He was great at following directions orders when I needed him to provide counter-pressure on my back during contractions.  If I barked my orders or got snippy, I didn't later have to worry about whether or not I may have hurt his feelings.  He's not sensitive that way, thank goodness. If he can help you succeed through this birth, you'll both benefit from a stronger bond This can be a highly emotional time for you both.  There IS the benefit that you both will share the most intimate bond together.  I mean, he's going to watch some really nasty stuff, but helping you through it successfully will likely build a stronger relationship. If your partner can keep you as calm, relaxed, and comfortable as possible to help you succeed through your natural birth plan, he's going to garner much more respect from you. After he sees you through it, he's going to think really highly of you too.  He'll see a strength in you that he doesn't understand and he'll never see that kind of strength in any other scenario.  You will seem like a superhuman. Should my husband be my labor support? Ultimately, the two of you will need to decide if it's right for you.  I can only tell you, from my experience, that it was absolutely the best decision.  In my case, my husband was my strength.  He was able to make sense of the details (like baby's heart rate during and after contractions) and help remind me to breathe through contractions instead of fighting them. I can only tell you, from my experience, it was absolutely the best decision to have my husband be my labor support.  In my case, he was my strength.  He was able to make sense of the details (like baby's heart rate during and after contractions) and help remind me to breathe through contractions instead of fighting them. My husband was good labor support because he reminded me that the pain or discomfort was a means to an end. By helping me through labor, we've benefited from a greater bond.  And, because we were both worked together and toward the same outcome, there's never a moment of doubt or regret. But, I feel as though both parties need to be 100% dedicated to educating themselves and deciding together what's right in their birthing scenarios.  You have to work as a team! Was your husband your labor support in the delivery room?  How did it work for you? #### Should You Visit SeaWorld With Your Kids? Thinking about taking kids to SeaWorld Orlando?  If you're considering travel with young kids and exploring SeaWorld, check out our thoughts on the kid-friendly entertainment first. Admission to Sea World was included in the price of Admission for our Discovery Cove trip.  The day after we visited Discovery Cove, we headed out for a day at Sea World with the kids. After the drama the kids caused at Discovery Cove, I told them I would be happy to bring them back to the condo to sit inside all day.  If they didn't want that to happen, they weren't to give us adults trouble at the park. This time, however, I decided to head to the park with zero expectations.  The only thing I wanted out of the day was for the kids to enjoy themselves.  If that meant I only rode kiddie rides and viewed animals in the aquariums, that's how it was going to be. Amazingly, the kids' attitudes were better at Sea World than at Discovery Cove, which is, honestly, somewhat annoying since Discovery Cove is where all the money was spent. Here's what you need to know about Sea World Orlando in 2018. First, a confession ... I'm not informed or involved in the controversies or debates over SeaWorld Orlando.  That said, I'm not here to debate either side, but definitely believe there are more sides to the story than just the outrage people have with SeaWorld. I'm a huge fan of zoos and aquariums, so I don't get involved in the debates over whether or not I should support them and places like Discovery Cove or SeaWorld. Confession: I don't know enough about each side of the debate to make an educated decision on which side to stand.  I went because we had free entry after my father took us to Discovery Cove and I feel as if I frequent zoos or other aquariums, I can't say I'm against SeaWorld.  And, that's as much debate as I have in me over this subject *wink*. Our Experience Taking Kids to SeaWorld Orlando in 2018 Food When taking kids to SeaWorld Orlando, especially young children, you're going to wonder about the food! Kids may not eat much at one sitting, but they sure know how to snack, don't they? Go ahead and purchase the All Day Dining Deal!  At $35 for adults and $20 for kids, you're likely to think this is outrageous.  However, when you pay $8 for a kid's meal 3 times a day, you've more than paid yourself back. To make the best use of the dining deal, plan to arrive at the park in the morning for breakfast and have lunch and dinner in the park.  There is one restaurant that opens at 9 am to serve breakfast.  With the 3 meals, you'll have saved 4 dollars.   A full meal is available once per hour throughout the day.  We utilized our dining passes for snack times as well. But, that's not all.  Throughout the day, you can stop at any of the smaller kiosks for drinks.  Fountain drinks, ICEEs, and bottles of Dasani water were free. Fair warning ... if you have a toddler and believe them to be capable of eating enough throughout the day, go ahead and purchase the dining plan for them.  We hadn't done so for my 2.5 year old and I regretted it because we either had to pay full price for his meals or share from our plates.  Personally, I eat a lot so sharing from my plate isn't a feasible option.  Luckily, however, we had several kids and adults with us, so we let him pick off everyone's plates. Finally, be very careful to know what counts as a kid's meal or you'll be forced to pay full price for an adult meal if your child chooses something that isn't deemed a kid's meal.  On one occasion, my daughter wanted a fish sandwich and I hadn't payed attention to realize that wasn't available for kids on the dining plan.  When I placed the order for her in line, I pointed to her directly to let them know she wanted the fish sandwich.  Nothing was said to me until we went to scan our dining plan wrist bands and was then told her meal wasn't covered. Food Allergies There wasn't a single location in the park that we stopped at during the day that wasn't able to accommodate my gluten allergy.  I'm not sure about the small snack kiosks, but all the restaurants had something for me. In order to get allergy friendly menu options for yourself or your kid(s), simply tell one of the staff members about your allergy.  They will get a manager who will help to determine what you need and make a separate plate for you.  Usually  you get your food by the time you reach the end of the buffet line with the rest of your crew. Kid's Rides One of the most important factors in determining if taking kids to SeaWorld Orlando is a good idea is whether or not they have enough rides to keep them happy. When we went in June 2018, Shamu's Happy Harbor was closed for construction, so some rides were not operating.  On the outskirts of the construction, we were able to find about 5 little kid rides.  While the tiny tot enjoyed the few rides we did, they were more like carnival rides.  Even the small kid roller coaster was down. Because of the confusion with the closed down section, we often spent more time walking to find the rides that we did actually riding them.  This was a little frustrating, especially during the time the toddler was missing his nap and getting cranky.  Add the Florida summer heat, and we were all getting worn out. Now, the oldest isn't quite big enough to ride any of the bigger rides, but she just passed with Wild Arctic.  I'm not fond of the motion simulated rides because apparently I'm now getting motion sick on them (thank you, age).  But, my daughter absolutely loved this ride. I'd be interested to see if there are any planned additions to the kids rides in the future. Aquariums The kids thoroughly enjoyed the aquariums scattered throughout the park.  When we entered the first one, I told our friends they were welcome to go enjoy the park on their own time.  I could tell we were going to spend a significant amount of time admiring the aquatic life in the aquariums and didn't want to hold them back. I allowed the kids to ooh and ahhh to their hearts' content.  It made the day a little more relaxing than pressing on to find the next thing, which I really believe helped with the kids' moods! Staff In light of the Happy Harbor closing, there seemed to be massive amounts of confusion among the staff.  On one occasion, a staff member told us that all the kids rides were closed.  After walking further, we found that wasn't at all the case. Additionally, I felt as though the staff is there to do their jobs and collect a paycheck.  Most aren't happy or upbeat, which didn't help the general mood throughout the park because it felt as if no one really cared. At the end of the day, we ran into the fiasco with my daughter's fish sandwich and I was given an attitude about the whole ordeal.  I tried to explain nicely that I pointed directly to my 6 year old when ordering her meal and hadn't been told her request wasn't an option for a kid's meal.  Instead they argued with me and seemed as though they'd rather throw out the food that had been on the tray and let her cry.  It took requesting to see a manager to have it bypassed, but they weren't nice about it at all. While I admit I didn't pay attention to the kid's menu at that particular restaurant, I was taken back by the general attitude of the staff knowing they were going to have to throw the food in the trash if we chose to get my daughter a kid's meal anyway. Crowds In general, the crowd was extremely low when we went during the first week of our summer break, on a weekday.  The one "big ride" we went on had no wait, aside from waiting for the staff member to open up and let us on the ride. The kids rides that we ended up on had fairly short waits of about 15 or 20 minutes, though in toddler-time, it was an eternity. Later in the day, we attempted to board the Empire of the Penguins, which had a 55 minute wait.  Because it was the last hour and a half of our day, we opted out and went searching for more scenic areas.  I knew my toddler son wasn't going to handle an hour wait with any sort of composure. Still, I'm unsure of what the wait times were like for the bigger rides, aside from the kid's rides.  But the park, overall, wasn't very crowded. General Consensus Because the kids seemed to enjoy themselves more thoroughly, it made the trip worthwhile.  I look at my pictures with some fond memories because they smiled and laughed quite a bit at SeaWorld. If cost played into the day, at all, I personally wouldn't consider returning to SeaWorld.  I felt as though, for the money, other parks have much more enthusiastic and helpful employees. I also would have liked to ride more some big rides, but, that's what I get for taking kids to SeaWorld Orlando, anyway. Recap of Taking Kids to SeaWorld Orlando Pros Aquariums - Kids were in awe and spent a good deal of time viewing marine life Affordability - Not as expensive as other popular theme parks and you can save on SeaWorld Orlando Tickets with Best of Orlando Kids Rides - There are a few for little riders Dining Deal - You can save more money by adding the dining deal to your SeaWorld Tickets and have all day dining and certain beverages! Not as crowded as some other parks Chances to learn about marine life and wildlife Cons Staff is just there to do their jobs - that's the feeling I got from them Little Kids Rides aren't much better than carnival rides You must be careful when choosing food options if you have the dining plan With the construction in Shamu's Happy Harbor, it's really confusing to find the little kid's rides Tell me: would you consider taking kids to SeaWorld Orlando? PIN ME #### Signs You Have a High Needs Baby It's absolutely not true that all babies are high-needs.  While it's true all babies are high needs in some areas, not every baby is a high-needs baby.  I speak from experience after having two who seem to fit the definition of a high needs baby according to Dr. Sears. As a baby, my daughter was inconsolable.  She had long un-diagnosed dairy and soy intolerances, which didn't help.  Sleep didn't come easy because of it either.  Still, aside from those issues, she was demanding.  She refused to sleep if we were out of the house.  But, at the same time, was in much better spirits if we were out and about. Her preference for getting attention was to scream.  When she wanted something, she would scream at the top of her lungs, despite the fact she knew baby sign language.  When she learned to speak, she continued to default to the very dramatic. Even as a baby, it was difficult to redirect her attention from something.  When she made up her mind about what she wanted, a simple "oh look at that ..." and pointing to a fascinating new object wouldn't distract her from whatever was on her mind.  Relatives often commented on this amazing personality trait.  Of course, I didn't know any better ... she was my first.  How was I supposed to know you could trick normal babies into forgetting about something? My daughter scared ... no, traumatized us to the point it took us 4 years to decide to try for another baby.  The moment I realized I was pregnant, I experienced panic as all the memories flooded me.  "The second baby is always easier" they'd tell me. In some ways, he was, simply because of experience.  But, he also wasn't.  In many ways, he was much more difficult.  During his first examination just after birth, grabbed onto every device attached to the nurse's clothing.  I can still hear his nurse repeatedly saying "He's so feisty.  Man, I've never seen a baby so feisty.  Oh my god, he's feisty!" as she examined him.  Still in the euphoric state after having given birth naturally, I wasn't quite aware of what it meant for us. Heading home, I replayed that scene in my head over and over.  And, we're nearly 2 years past it and I still hear it like it was yesterday. My son has stayed feisty! He refused naps.  Sure, most babies have difficulty sleeping.  This guy, at 2 months old, was so aware of our nap routine, that simply walking up the stairs sent him into a complete fit.  For two hours he spent cycling through being upset because he was tired and pissed off that I was trying to get him to take a nap.  I was at a loss.  And then, he got so angry that he projectile vomited twice before passing out from complete exhaustion. From that point on, his anger erupted easily and for several months, I swear it took 2.5 seconds to get so mad that he'd projectile vomit.  And I still can't figure out how a 2 or 4-month-old can be so angry! Look how alert our 14 day old was! ©Ivy sahmplus.com Signs You Have a High-Needs Baby [tweetthis]Not every baby is high-needs ... you're not alone mama![/tweetthis] Why do I feel it's important to talk about what a high-needs baby is?  Because most people don't get it.  What most moms tell you most babies will do, never fit our situations. I felt unsupported and completely misunderstood.  And, being a mother two not one, but two, high-needs babies, was very hard for me to handle, especially alone.  The only person who truly understood our plight was my husband.  But, he wasn't home all day to help with the babies either. A high-needs baby can be called other things like strong-willed, persistent, forceful, or powerful.  A lot of the terms for these babies have negative undertones, but there are some really good qualities about these babies.  It's just usually hard for parents to see things in a positive manner, especially during the newborn period and infancy. Dr. Sears describes in great detail the characteristics of a high need baby.  I'd like to cover his points from my experience with my own high-needs babies.  A high-needs baby is: Intense I can't decide if my son's "altercation" with the nurse as a 2 minute old baby was worse than my daughter's persistent screams, even after she knew how to sign or speak.  Intense is one way to put it.  Dramatic definitely describes the first year.  And, I certainly can't think of too many moments in the first year I'd ever describe my babies as peaceful. The cries out of our babies are blood-curdling.  I mean, I'm sure our neighbors could hear us from across the street through both houses.  Cries were never subtle and could easily wake the entire house.  There, also, never was a build-up ... they were either quiet or full-blast. Hyperactive Both of my babies were active and aware way earlier than I could have imagined.  They could go for hours without naps, especially if we were out of the house. I'd laugh at people who would tell me "oh, they'll fall asleep in the car."  Seriously, the car didn't have that effect on either baby.  Instead, they'd stay awake as long as they could just in case they missed anything else exciting.  Of course, that also meant they were bored easily in the car seat. I have no idea what it's like to have a baby that actually falls asleep in the car.  It would have been nice to have that as a fall-back option to soothe them to sleep. Draining S needed direction from a very early age.  If we didn't have plans for the day or something for her to learn, she was a nightmare.  The only sanity I could find was to start a sort of home preschool to keep her so busy that she didn't have time to get bored or irritated.  We were either always on the go or I had to have preschool worksheets or crafts at the ready if we were at home.  It was the only thing that made things look sane at home. Feeds Frequently It's hard to say with S as a baby, but as a toddler, she snacked a lot! B, from the get-go was a good eater.  He was always attached to my boob.  In his first couple weeks, he gained 10% of his birth weight, whereas most breastfed babies lose up to 10% of their birth weight.  And, while his growth slowed some, he's still constantly eating! Demanding What these babies want, they want!  No ifs, ands, or buts.  Demanding and impatient.  They don't just want something, they want it right now! There are no substitutions.  Asking them to wait is inconceivable. Still, at just a few months old, B would starve himself for an entire day waiting for his boob, rather than settle for a bottle. Alternatively, my babies also demanded activities that were beyond their age.  S and B, both at a few weeks old, refused tummy time, but enjoyed doing pull-ups.  Here, B is 3 months old and happy as a lark standing in an activity seat ... and it was the only thing that made him happy that day! 3 mos old standing ©Ivy sahmplus.com Awakens Frequently Let me tell you, with S, I learned way too late that sleep training was an absolute necessity.  I suffered months with her waking up roughly every 30 minutes round the clock, which meant I was lucky if I could get in a 20 minute nap.  Once we did some hard-core sleep training, things improved significantly.  And I made sure to sleep train my son much earlier in his life.  Still, his naps were often cat naps. Unsatisfied I can't tell you how often I asked myself if I was a good mom in the first few years of my daughter's life.  I rarely felt like I was able to do enough.  Despite taking her everywhere and starting preschool work at home, she wasn't satisfied.  She always needed more. My son is somewhat the same.  He'll be unhappy that he's not in my arms, but if I hold him, he's unhappy he's not playing on the floor.  Thankfully, some of that has somewhat subsided in his toddler-hood. Unpredictable Until we had sleep-training down, unpredictable definitely described both my babies.  Still, naps weren't all that predictable as far as how long they'd sleep.  B, especially, could wake up 30 minutes after being put down for a nap, or he may sleep two hours.  I can't set appointments or make plans with any certainly that it will be the right time. Super Sensitive S was sensitive to loud sounds.  I mean through toddler-hood she had a hard time with louder than average noises, especially toilets flushing and hand dryers in public restrooms.  Even when children got loud during play, she'd kind of gravitate away toward quieter areas. B isn't bothered by loud noises.  However, he's an extremely light sleeper. You know how you can often go in to check on a sleeping baby and maybe touch them because you can't help but love on your sleeping baby?  Well ... you absolutely cannot do this with B.  Small sounds or even the slightest of touch wakes him up instantly.  And I mean like wide awake and ready for you to hold him in half a second. Can't Put Baby Down Seriously, holding babies all. the. time.  With baby B, I got wise and requested a really nice carrier.  Practicing babywearing was a real life saver with B, and I'd wished I'd done it with my first.  Seriously, the second I put either of them down, they'd resort to screaming (or projectile vomiting). I had to hold them for everything ... cooking, eating, and sleeping (until I sleep trained them). Not a Self-Soother Actually, neither were easily soothed whether self-soothing or if someone else tried to soothe them.  In fact, this was the real reason we sleep trained.  Having finally realized that they would scream whether or not someone was holding them, we eventually gave up. I know that sounds harsh, but having dealt with little to no sleep for at least the first six months of my daughter's life, I was losing it.  I mean, I wasn't even getting 2-hour stretches of sleep.  What good was it doing to keep getting up if our presence didn't help anyway?  So, I went against everything I believed and began the cry it out method.  That, and practicing a few other tricks to get baby to sleep really ended up working for us. Separation Sensitive This one mostly describes my son.  For the first few months of his life, he wouldn't let anyone, even my husband, care for him.  If mama wasn't available, he was angry.  It was so bad that my husband had a hard time making himself even try to be there for the little guy. And, if mama had to hand the baby over to anyone, he screamed until I got him back. This took a turn for the better when I forced my husband to take him, at 5 months old, and our daughter to his mom's house for Mother's Day.  I'd been a slave for 5 months and I seriously needed my son to learn that someone else was capable of taking care of him. Are you a mother with a high-needs baby? If you're a mother with a high-needs baby, I think it's important for you to know you're not alone.  Someone does understand and sympathize.  And, I want to tell you that you'll get through it.  Maybe you won't recognize yourself later, but you'll survive it.  It kind of gets easier as they get older. There are support groups on Facebook that allow you to vent without fear of judgment.  Those groups helped me to get through my second high-needs baby with a little more dignity.  The truth was, very few of my friends or family could understand.  My complaints and frustration generally fell on deaf ears.  I felt helpless and alone, aside from talking to my husband, until I found those groups! If you're a mom with a high-needs baby and you can't get the support you need, please reach out to someone!  Of course, feel free to private message me or send me an email and I'll be happy to speak with you.  You are not alone. This post originally appeared on sahmplus.com April 2017 and has been updated. #### Sleep Regression Ages: What's Common? If you don't want to be caught off-guard when a sleep regression is on the horizon, you'll appreciate knowing the most common sleep regression ages in your baby's first year (or year and a half). As a parent, there are few things more frustrating than feeling like you have finally found a routine that works for your baby, only to have everything suddenly fall apart. One of the most common challenges parents face is sleep regression. This is when your baby, who previously slept well, suddenly starts waking up more frequently or having difficulty falling asleep. While this can be a frustrating experience, it is a completely normal part of your baby's development. In this article, we will discuss the ages at which sleep regression commonly occurs, how to identify when your baby is going through a sleep regression, and which sleep regressions tend to be the most challenging for parents. Do All Babies Have Sleep Regressions? It is important to understand that sleep regression is a common part of a baby's development. While not all babies experience sleep regression, the majority do. Sleep regression can happen at different times for each baby, but it typically occurs around certain developmental milestones. If your baby is going through a sleep regression, it is important to remember that this is normal and temporary, and that things will eventually go back to normal. Most Common Sleep Regression Ages Age Range Developmental Milestones Potential Sleep Disruptions 4 Months Mastered REM sleep cycle, Increased awareness of surroundings More frequent waking at night, Difficulty falling asleep 8-10 Months Learning to crawl/walk, Transitioning to 2 naps Nightmares, Early morning waking, Resistance to bedtime routines 12 Months Separation anxiety, Testing independence, Dropping a nap More night wakings, Crying for reassurance, Early morning waking 18 Months Mastering walking/talking, Vivid imagination, Object attachment Night terrors, Sleepwalking, Difficulty settling at bedtime 2 Years "Terrible twos", Stubbornness, Resistance to bedtime routines Bedtime battles, Tantrums, Nightmares 3 Years Potty training, Starting preschool, Social and emotional changes Bedwetting, Fears and anxieties, Difficulty staying asleep Sleep regression tends to occur around certain ages when your baby is going through significant developmental milestones. The most common ages for sleep regression include: 4 Months Old: This is a common age for sleep regression to occur because your baby is going through significant changes in their sleep patterns. At around 4 months old, babies move from a deep sleep to a lighter sleep and can wake up more easily. They also may start teething, which can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep. 8-10 Months Old: This is another common age for sleep regression to occur. At this age, your baby is starting to become more mobile, which can lead to separation anxiety and difficulty falling asleep. They may also be going through a growth spurt, which can increase hunger and disrupt sleep. 12-18 Months Old: At this age, your baby is going through a significant developmental leap, including learning to walk and talk. This can cause disruptions in sleep as your baby is processing new skills and experiences. Important notes: This is not an exhaustive list, and sleep regressions can occur at any age. Every child develops at their own pace, so these age ranges are not exact. The listed milestones may not all be present during a sleep regression. Sleep regressions are temporary with consistent bedtime routines and gentle reassurance. How to Know Your Baby is Having a Sleep Regression It can be challenging to know if your baby is going through a sleep regression or if there is another underlying issue. However, there are some signs to look out for that can help you identify if your baby is experiencing a sleep regression: Increased fussiness and irritability during the day Waking up more frequently at night Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep Changes in appetite or feeding patterns Increased reliance on sleep aids, such as pacifiers or rocking If you notice these signs, it is likely that your baby is going through a sleep regression. What Are the Worst Sleep Regressions? While all sleep regressions can be challenging for parents, there are a few that tend to be the most difficult. These include: 4-Month Sleep Regression: This is a challenging sleep regression for many parents because it often comes as a surprise. Your baby may have been sleeping well and suddenly start waking up frequently at night. This regression can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. 8-10 Month Sleep Regression: This sleep regression can be challenging because your baby is starting to become more mobile and may experience separation anxiety. This can lead to difficulty falling asleep and more night wakings. 18 Month Sleep Regression: This regression can be particularly challenging because your baby is going through significant developmental leaps, including learning to walk and talk. They may be processing new skills and experiences, which can disrupt their sleep patterns. Sleep regression is a normal part of a baby's development, and most babies will experience it at some point. By understanding the ages at which sleep regression is most common and knowing the signs to look for, we hope you’ll feel better prepared. Continue reading our guide to sleep regressions: Sleep Regression: What is It and What to Expect 4 Signs of Sleep Regression to Watch For Sleep Regression Ages (this post) Why Does Sleep Regression Happen? How to Deal with Sleep Regression FAQs About Sleep Regression Ages How do I know if my baby is having a sleep regression? Your great napper isn't napping as well anymore or is unusually fussy. These are just a couple signs of sleep regression to watch out for. What causes sleep regression? A lack of or new routines can cause sleep regressions. But that's not all. Find out why sleep regressions can happen here. How do you break a baby sleep regression? Most of the time, you're going to have to ride it out, but ensuring that you don't allow a sleep regression to cause unhealthy sleep habits, making sure to stick to routines and helping your baby learn to self-soothe are a few ways to deal with a sleep regression. Do you let a baby cry it out during sleep regression? Maybe, but not necessarily. If a sleep regression is due to illness, letting your baby cry may not be a good option. However, if a sleep regression isn't due to underlying health issues, you and your baby may find it useful to do some sort of sleep training, even if it's not a CIO method. #### Sleep Thieves in Disguise: Is Screen Time Affecting Children's Sleep? Many parents question how much screen time is healthy, but we're in an age where electronics are hard to avoid, right? Well, is screen time affecting children's sleep, really? How about behaviors in general?  This is how technology and screen addiction can affect your child’s sleep and overall wellbeing and what you can do about it. Did you know that, worldwide, people spend an average of nearly 7 hours looking at screens each day? And data suggests that U.S. children’s recreational screen time doubled in May of 2020 to 7.7 hours.  That’s right, that 7.7 hours doesn’t include school-related computer activities. For those of us who grew up playing Oregon Trail in school or learning DOS programming, these screen time statistics probably come as no surprise.  We remember the days of dial-up … waiting to make a connection just to be told by our parents we had to free up the phone line for an important call. We were not as “connected” as we are today, but it’s likely we all exhibited some form of addiction even back then. Now though, our children are practically born with screens in their faces and they’re getting an even earlier start with exposure to this very addictive technology. We all know kids love screens. But are we putting their health and sleep at risk by letting them scroll and binge?  Do you really want to know the truth when it comes to choosing between entertaining your kid or completing a work project that you’re dangerously close to being late on delivering. Nope, don’t really want to know, but turns out we all need to hear it. The effects of screen time on children may be detrimental to their physical and mental health - leading to obesity, diabetes and depression. Additionally, being glued to a screen before bed is a major contributor to poor sleep in children. Is Screen Time Affecting Children's Sleep? Screen time has been linked to several negative effects on children, from attention problems to obesity. Now, a new study suggests that screens might also be affecting their sleep. The study found that the more time kids spent in front of TVs and computers, the less sleep they got. Researchers found that for every hour spent in front of screens, children slept about 20 minutes less. This is important because sleep deprivation can lead to numerous health problems like depression and heart disease. Developmental psychologist and author of Slaying Digital Dragons: Tips and Tools for Protecting Your Body, Brain, Psyche, and Thumbs from the Digital Dark Side, Alex J. Packer, Ph.D. says “Optimal sleep time for teens is eight to ten hours a night. Yet 70% of teens get seven or fewer hours of sleep a night. This can lead to serious health consequences. Sleep-deprived teens are more likely to be grouchy, moody, anxious, depressed, and forgetful. They’re at greater risk for suffering injuries, making poor decisions, acting impulsively, and “self-medicating” with nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol to compensate for lack of sleep. They have difficulty focusing, retaining information, and thinking clearly. They live in a haze of chronic fatigue and fall asleep during the day.”  Child watching his tablet in the bed. Illuminated child face from device screen. Smiling Boy under the covers hold a tablet. Night time. How Electronics Affect Kids’ Sleep The effects of screens on sleep are a growing concern. Dr. Po-Chang Hsu, MD, and Medical Content Expert at SleepingOcean.com tells us that “[s]creen time involves blue light exposure, which can hinder melatonin production. This often leads to sleep offset, frequent awakenings during the night, and decreased sleep quality.” This is because blue light is the same wavelength as sunlight, which makes it difficult for your body to produce melatonin and disrupts the natural circadian rhythm of sleep. How Long Before Bed Should Kids Turn Off Screens? One question that parents have is when should they turn off screens before sleep? The answer to this question is not as simple as it seems. There are many factors that go into this decision such as what time you need to wake up in the morning, if your child has any screen time restrictions, and what kind of screen you're talking about (TV, computer, phone). Leah Alexander, MD recommends her patients “turn off screened devices 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. This allows time for melatonin levels to increase before attempting to fall asleep.” Dr. Packer suggests that turning off screens 2 hours before bedtime is the ideal solution to combat & prevent sleep issues but that “[i]n the world of reality, even one hour would go a long way towards improving the health of young people.” How Screen Time Affects Child Behaviors Screen time is the amount of time spent on digital devices. It has become a part of our daily lives. We spend hours on our smartphones, tablets, and laptops. But what are the consequences? Yasmin Johnston, a Certified Pediatric Sleep Coach and founder of Mindful Sleep Consulting, says “[t]oo much screen time can have an effect on a child’s brain development.  It can impact their social skills, behavior and emotions.” “Children who are exposed to two hours screen time daily showed slower speech development while children who are exposed to screens for more than seven hours a day showed decreased critical thinking and reasoning levels’” says Rachel Scott, Co-Founder and Medical Practitioner of National TASC LLC. Research studies have shown that screen time is linked to children’s behaviors and mental health. According to BMC, time watching television was found to have the following negative impacts on a child’s behaviors: Rule-breaking increased by 5.9% 5% increase in social problems Aggressive behavior increased by 4% Trouble thinking increased by 3.7% Additionally, these numbers appeared to be greater when more time was spent playing more mature video games. Yasmin continues, “[Screen time] may also lead to weight/physical health, vision, and sleep problems.” How Much Screen Time is Too Much for Children? Because children learn through engagement and interaction, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends screen time be limited to no more than 1 hour per day for children ages 2 to 5. Additionally, the AAP discourages the use of screens with children under 18 months and strongly recommends caregivers use digital media (tv programming and apps) alongside children ages 18 to 24 months. When watching shows or playing online games together, continue to have a dialogue with your children to keep them engaged and thinking.  It’s also beneficial to help them apply what they’re learning in the real world. Excessive screen time can manifest in various physical, mental, and behavioral symptoms. Here are some key signs and symptoms of too much screen time to watch out for: Physical: Eye strain: Headaches, dry or watery eyes, blurred vision, light sensitivity. Neck and back pain: Poor posture from slouching over screens can lead to muscle tension and discomfort. Sleep problems: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up tired, due to the blue light emitted from screens disrupting sleep cycles. Weight gain: Increased snacking and sedentary behavior while using screens can contribute to weight gain. Fatigue and low energy: Overexposure to stimulation from screens can drain your energy levels. Mental and emotional: Difficulty concentrating: Attention deficits and struggles to focus on tasks for extended periods. Impulsive behavior: Difficulty regulating emotions and engaging in impulsive actions online or offline. Anxiety and depression: Social isolation and feeling overwhelmed by online content can contribute to mental health issues. Irritability and mood swings: Frustration and emotional volatility due to constant screen engagement. Low self-esteem: Comparison to online portrayals can negatively impact self-image and confidence. Behavioral: Neglecting other activities: Prioritizing screen time over hobbies, physical activity, and social interaction. Ignoring responsibilities: Difficulty meeting deadlines or fulfilling obligations due to excessive screen use. Social withdrawal: Isolating oneself from real-life connections and preferring online interactions. Gaming addiction: Obsessive video game playing that impairs daily life and responsibilities. Increased internet use: Constantly checking notifications, browsing aimlessly, and struggling to disengage from online platforms. Remember, the amount of screen time that constitutes "too much" varies depending on age, individual factors, and the type of content consumed. However, if you notice these symptoms in yourself or someone you care about, it's important to consider reducing screen time and engaging in healthier activities to promote well-being. Breaking Your Child’s Screen Addiction With the growing collection of knowledge we now have about the negative effects screen time has on your child’s health, behavior and sleep, breaking your child’s screen addiction is clearly important. To do so, breaking your own addiction to screens will become useful.  Try these tips for breaking a screen addiction: Git rid of Facebook and other social media apps on your phone. Take notes from Screen-Free Week and encourage screen-free time daily. Turn off screens when not being used. Provide age-appropriate alternative activities. Block inappropriate websites and apps. With extra attention received and watching you model the attitude one should have about screen-free time, your children will learn to adjust. And although it may take time and your children are bound to express how bored they are, it’s important to remember that boredom breeds creativity. Reversing Unhealthy Sleep Habits Caused by Screen Time Dr. Packer recommends the following to reverse unhealthy sleep habits due to screen time: Turn your phone off 1-2 hours before bedtime. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, sweets, high-intensity exercise, and large meals in the hours before bedtime. Before going to sleep, remove your phone from your bedroom. (To eliminate temptation, give it to a parent or sibling who won’t be influenced by 2:00 AM wails of “I need it back! Just for a minute!”) Use a regular, old-fashioned alarm clock. (Remember, your phone is inaccessible during the night.) Engage in calming activities as you get closer to bedtime. Read a book (no, not an e-book; the kind with pages you turn!). Do yoga. Stretch. Sketch. Sit in a comfy chair, close your eyes, and picture yourself in a place of serene beauty. As you get closer to bedtime, avoid things that are likely to anger, worry, agitate, or stimulate you. (Number one offender: social media.) Establish a calming bedtime ritual to “train” your body and brain to glide into slumberland. This could be lighting a candle or incense, taking a shower or bubble bath; listening to gentle music, meditating, turning off bright lights. Keep a journal (pen and paper, only). Expunging troubling thoughts, feelings, conflicts, and stresses from your system can reduce sleep-stealing anxiety and emotional turmoil. Start school later. This is one of the most powerful and effective things adults could do to mitigate adolescent sleep deprivation. Yet, it rarely happens.  The glow of screens may light up nights, but at what cost to our children's well-being? Sleepless nights, erratic behavior, and declining health paint a stark picture of the potential downside of unfettered screen time before bedtime. So, is it time we dim the digital lights and illuminate a healthier future for our kids? Trade the flicker of screens for the quiet glow of a bedside lamp, swap the endless scroll for the comforting rhythm of deep breaths. Watch their sleep deepen, their anxieties melt away, replaced by the promise of a well-rested dawn. #### Sleep Training with Dream Team Pets: Review I have been provided a Dream Team Pet of our choosing in exchange for my honest review and opinions.  No other compensation was provided to complete this review.I've said, many times over, that my daughter is a wonderful sleeper, though there are nights she certainly fights sleep.  Some of those nights, she's stayed up way past bedtime and then she gets her whole schedule out of whack.  When the days and weeks are longer during those phases, I can't help but wonder what parents do when they've never had a good sleeper.  What sleep training methods are out there?  Are they effective?I was happy to be given the opportunity to try out Dream Team Pets to explore a new approach to sleep training.  I sat down at the computer and showed my daughter the 3 available pet options.  She chose the pink cat and I ordered it immediately.  Which one would you choose? Cat, dog, or lion?  I was hoping she would choose the lion, but pink cat it is ...What are Dream Team Pets?Dream Team Pets are your child's pet that they believe they are training to sleep and rewarding good night's sleep with stickers.  The great part about it is that your child is learning to sleep train themselves in the process.Dream Team Pets is much more than a bedtime toy-it's an innovative kid's sleep aid that helps end the bedtime battles of trying to keep your child in bed. Developed with the help of a pediatrician, Dream Team Pets bedtime routine empowers kids as they reward their Pet with stickers and a certificate for a good night's sleep. If the child wakes up from a nightmare, there are no hard feelings because the responsibility is on their Pet, but when they successfully sleep in their own bed, the kids feel a sense of accomplishment as they reward their Dream Team Pet. What makes this unique is that the kids think they are training their Pet, but really they are sleep training themselves! My Readers receive 30% Off Dream Team Pets with Promo Code: USFGUIDE.Each pet comes with a book of bedtime routines (how to train your pet) and a sleep training certificate.Our Review of Dream Team PetsMy daughter has been a good sleeper since she was about 8 or 10 months old, but this opportunity came to me just as we were preparing for our Disney World Vacation.  I figured a week at Disney was going to mean a total change in sleep habits, so I thought this would be an appropriate item to review.  If you're interested in a new sleep-training technique for your child(ren), keep reading my review. For starters, I let my daughter choose 1 of the 3 pets offered and she chose the pink cat.  When the package arrived, she was extremely excited about her new cat and couldn't wait to read the book and play with the pet.  I felt it was a good start that she was immediately connected to her choice.  In the week that we returned from our vacation, we used the Dream Team Pet set.  It was cute listening to my daughter recite the motto to her pet before bed. At the first reading of the book, we found out the cat had magical powers, turning monsters into flowers.  When I read about that, my daughter told me she didn't like monsters or flowers.  Thankfully the book let us know that the pets can do whatever a child wants, so I told her to teach her pet a different trick.  She decided she wanted the cat to turn monsters into dinosaurs (I'm not sure how that's less worrisome, but whatever floats your boat kid).  I left her with her pet at night and reminded her she needed to help the cat learn to go to sleep.  Within the first couple days, she was falling asleep rather quickly again, and our late nights stopped.Do you have sleep training methods that worked for you?  Do you think this looks effective?Connect with Ivy on Google+ Liked this article? Sign up for FREE updates!* indicates requiredEmail Address * Email Format htmltext Disclosure: To help support this blog and continue to bring you free content, Ivy's Variety posts may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Small to Big Backyard Swing Set Choices A big list of amazing backyard swing set options for backyards of any size.  You're sure to find a swing set you and your kids will love. Still looking for that BIG present for the kids?  We finally decided that it was time to replace our old wooden swing set.  We purchased it used about 4 years or so ago and it's been in need of some repairs.  Instead, we chose to upgrade to a brand new one.  But, it got me thinking about swing sets in general.  There are tons for every budget and different amenities.  I'm sharing a few of my favorites (most with pretty good reviews) from the affordable to the "who the f*** has that kind of money" backyard swing sets. Small to Big Backyard Swing Sets for Every Budget I'll work my way up from the super affordable small metal swing sets to the large wooden swing sets dreams are made of. Super budget-friendly metal swing set with 2 swings, trapeze, and a small slide.  Currently $79 If you need to accommodate more children or just want a couple more options, check out the Sportspower Live Oak Metal Swing Set.  $149 gets 2 swings, trapeze, glide ride, slide, and teeter-totter. Check out the IronKids Inspiration 250!  This metal swing set offers two swings and a trapeze under a shade tent (perfect for protecting yourself from that nasty Florida sun).  To either side, there's a small slide and a small trampoline.  Currently $197.99 At the time of writing this, the Backyard Discovery Prescott Wooden Play Set is offered at $299.00 plus $29.97 shipping.  This offers 2 swings, 1 hanging swing, and a covered platform to climb up to and slide from. The Backyard Discovery Beach Front Wooden Cedar Set is currently $1249 + shipping.  This amazing looking swing set offers, swings, slide, monkey bars, an upper fort, and seating on the bottom. My personal favorite!  This one offers a long open slide, a large enclosed slide, a playhouse with a kitchen on the bottom, an upper clubhouse, and swings.  There's a little something for everyone and perfect for sharing some fun time with your playgroup or neighborhood friends!  Currently, this Cedar Summit Castlewood play set is on sale for $799, which is more than half off! The Backyard Discovery Skyfort II is a really large wooden playset perfect for little adventurers with tons of imagination.  You're sure to keep your kids active outside with this backyard swing set.  Currently, $1455.99 with free shipping or ship to store options. This Gorilla Playsets Catalina Wooden Swing Set is insane.  This is what I would think you would find at a local park.  Tons of activities beyond a swing and slide making it perfect for all your child's interests.  Rope climbing, tick-tack-toe, and more!  Currently on Rollback to $2199.97 + shipping. The backyard swing set we chose was the Castlewood. I loved that it offered more than just swings and slides.   She can play pretend with the built-in kitchen on the bottom (and maybe we'll send out some of the overabundances of play food with her).  While more than I had wanted to spend, I found the value would greatly outweigh the cost.  For the price, I anticipate this should last us at least 6 years (given we had our first used for 4 or 5 years).  That makes it roughly $140 per year for my 2 kids to play,  Plus, there's the benefit of being able to send any cousins or playgroup friends outside to play to save me from cleaning the house.  If the playset lasts longer, the annual cost decreases!  Seems totally worth it to me. Not quite what you're looking for? Check out these small swing sets for small yards or toddlers! Which backyard swing set would you love for your kids to have? #### Sneaking Child Vitamins YOU Approve Of #megafoodies Are you a parent trying to make sense of choosing the right vitamins for your child?   Parenting is difficult these days as we try to do what's right for our families, but live in constant fear of what everyone decides is wrong.  And even when you make a decision you feel you can be proud of, you're probably trumped by how your child feels about it.  I know that struggle all too well, especially when it comes to choosing child child vitamins. It takes me a while to figure out which vitamins I, as a parent, actually approve of.  I do my research to find healthy ones and my kiddo ends up not liking them.  Who doesn't love time and money flushed down the drain?  But, here's where MegaFood Kids Nutrient Booster Powders comes in handy. *Disclaimer: I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com), May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer.  As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my honest opinion on my blog.  The opinions posted are my own. Sneaky Child Vitamins MegaFood offers 3 Kids Nutrient Booster Powders for children 5 years and older: Kids Daily Multi - the general daily multivitamin Kids Daily Immune - said to strengthen your child's immune response Kids Daily B-Centered - intended to support focus, calm, and energy levels These powders allow you to sneak vitamins and nutrients into your child's favorite drinks, smoothies, or treats. [tweetthis twitter_handles="@sahmplusblog"]Sneaking child vitamins with MegaFood #megafoodies #ad[/tweetthis] The Good These MegaFood Powders are, among other things, gluten and dairy free.  They're loaded with goodness that most parents can be happy giving to their children.  MegaFood has partnerships with and uses ingredients from companies like Kauai Organic Farms, Lundberg Family Farms, and Uncle Matt's Organic. Additionally, the MegaFood Nutrient Booster Powders are sugar free and contain no sweeteners, flavorings, colorings, or preservatives. You can easily add any of these powders to your child's drinks or treats.  If your child has difficulty swallowing or just doesn't want to take vitamins, these eliminate that problem. The Not So Good To be honest, blending with juice didn't go over well with my own child.  Even I had difficulty getting past the taste in her juice, and I'm totally accustomed to eating and drinking weird stuff for my own health. So, sneaking these child vitamins into foods may be extra work for you.  The only way I found I could truly use these without her knowing she was taking vitamins was to put it in things like smoothies or treats that overpowered the taste. Some of the best tricks for sneaking these vitamins was to: Blend in smoothies Cook into pancakes Mix in with flavored oatmeal Include in a favorite no-bake treat Check out this amazing recipe I received from MegaFood In Summary I'm still on the fence about MegaFood Nutrient Booster Powders.  I absolutely love the healthy ingredients and that I don't have to worry that I'm poisoning my kid while providing her the vitamins and nutrients she needs.  But, sneaking child vitamins is a bit of extra work that I don't always have time for. If you're a mom whose child is having difficulty swallowing vitamins, has certain food allergies, or simply doesn't like taking them, this is DEFINITELY the way to go.  And, you can feel good about the quality. #### Sometimes I Don't Like Being a Mom: My Terrible Confession Mom confesses: "I don't like being a mom" - but it's okay. The exhaustion of late nights, endless demands, and social media pressure often clash with the love and joy, leaving many moms wondering if they're good enough. This honest account explores the struggles and triumphs of motherhood, from guilt and sacrifice to roller coaster rides and stolen moments of joy. It's a reminder that this feeling is sometimes normal, and there are ways to cope, find support, and discover the moments that make it all worth it. I'm just going to come out and admit it. Sometimes I don't like being a mom.  The sleepless nights with newborns. The crying. The eye-rolling.  The "I wants". The "Why Nots". How in the actual fork can a mom truly enjoy motherhood, anyway? My 9-year-old told me she and her brother are better for daddy because he spoils them more. Gotta love the honesty, but God help me. I can't compete with that!   I spent nearly 9 years being a stay-at-home mom and spending every waking moment with the kids was exhausting. I aimed to please, but the little emotional vampires consistently reminded me that nothing I did was ever good enough. Well, that's how it can feel anyway! The worst part of it is the feeling of loneliness and guilt that comes with not feeling happy and fulfilled as a mother. I Don't Like Being a Mom! Is This Normal? So, the thing is, if you have some honest friends, most of them will tell you being a parent sucks some of the time. But, if you're looking for that sort of honesty on social media, you're likely to feel alone. In the age of social media and "sharenting", it's all about the likes, rarely about raw, honest emotions.   And believe me, parenting comes with a shit ton of raw emotions, both good and bad. So yes, not enjoying motherhood every waking moment is normal!  Why is Being a Mother So Hard? Parenting is hard work and there are so many factors that contribute to making life with kids hard. Social Media We're distracted by and feel compelled to compare (and compete) with all the other parents sharing on social media. Everything is about the likes and comments. And one particularly snooty comment about what you do (or don't do) with your kids can strike a nerve. You'll fall victim to asking the age-old question, "Am I A Good Mom?" Fatigue Late nights, early mornings, and middle-of-the-night breastfeeding sessions all contribute to poor mood. Honestly, the long hours and sleepless nights with a newborn that won't stop crying can easily make any good woman feel like she hates being a mom. Sacrifice Speaking of fatigue, moms sacrifice a lot!   Besides the sleepless nights, moms make a lot of sacrifices, including caring for themselves.  I can't count the number of times I've said "I don't have the time to be sick right now!" Routines Most of us thrive on routines and they're really good for kids. There's breakfast, lunch, nap time, snack time, dinner time, and bedtime routines. There are school morning routines and after-school routines. And for the most part, routines help everyone operate pretty well because everyone knows what to expect. At the same time, living life by routines can wear a person down. And moms have all the weight of those routines that are difficult to break out of. Relationships If we're not careful, being a mom can have some pretty nasty side effects on our relationships. It can be so easy to get caught up in our roles as mothers that we neglect or take our partners for granted.   Guilt Well, we have all the emotions! But guilt is one emotion moms feel at almost every turn. Can't or don't want to breastfeed? You'll feel guilty. You're not crafty? You'll feel guilty. You don't buy all organic foods or you let your kids eat Lunchables? You'll feel guilty. Your baby fell off the bed, down the stairs, or you bumped his head on the car as you put him in the car seat? You're going to feel guilty. Even if there's no one openly shaming you, you're going to feel guilty and feel like you're the worst mother ever. And it doesn't subside as your kids grow. Instead, they'll learn to pile it on and give you some extra guilt trips.  What to Do When You Don't Like Being a Mom The first and most important step is to accept that it is okay to not love being a parent every waking moment!  If anyone makes you feel like a terrible person for not loving motherhood at all times, they're most likely living in a fantasy world (or haven't had children of their own). Some ideas for dealing with the ups and downs of motherhood include: Journal Every night, try to jot down some of the events of the day as you recall the good and the bad moments. You can even challenge yourself to list 5 good moments as you try to build up the habit of focusing on the positive. Take a Break Take a walk, join a gym, go volunteer, join a book club, or take a weekend off. Find a way to break away from the kids and give yourself a little TLC. Spend Time With Your Spouse Try to reconnect with your spouse. A date night or weekend away as a wife can do wonders for your mood and make you feel like a regular adult! Ask Questions When our lives are messy (and no matter how organized you are, your life is a mess with kids), it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Do you hate being a parent or is there a lot going on that makes it feel as though your life is spiraling out of control?   Spend Time With a Friend Choose a non-judgmental friend that won't mind you being brutally honest about your feelings about motherhood. You and your friend can gripe about the kids and offer each other kind and loving support to get through the rough patches. Seek help If you find that the feelings persist or control your thoughts, it's perfectly acceptable and even highly recommended to seek counseling. It's okay to need professional help to work through these. And a trained family counselor may be able to help with some parenting struggles that are causing your unhappiness in ways you hadn't considered. Make Time For Things You Enjoy With the Kids Sometimes you just need to let go of the "must-do" items and take time to find joy in motherhood. Get out of the routine and go do something out of the ordinary. Go to the park, take a family bike ride, visit a cat cafe, or look at the pets in the pet store. It doesn't really matter what it is as long as you all are doing something that breaks you out of routine. Also, take comfort in the fact that sometimes what you're feeling is just a phase. Maybe you don't love the infant phase, but you'll have a blast with your baby when he's 2. Or two feels like the worst but 4 years is the bee's knees! I'll be the honest mom!   I don't always like being a mom. And dealing with infants was just about the worst, in my opinion. Even as they age, I find out new things about my kids and some additional things that I don't like. But, when I get out and do out of the ordinary things with my kids, I often find special moments when I realize that being their mom rocks ... at least until one of them rolls their eyes at me. One of my favorite things to do with my kids is to take them to theme parks and ride all the roller coasters. And it's days like those I can forget that being a mom is mundane and exhausting. Instead, I get to focus on enjoying being with my children. So, find more time for enjoyment!  Is it normal to not like being a mother?Yes, it's completely normal to not like being a parent all the time. Parenting is challenging and exhausting. But the good news is that you don't have to love being a mom all the time in order to be a good mom.What is depleted mother syndrome?Simply put, this is mom burnout! There are so many demands placed on moms that lead to exhaustion, both mentally and physically, which can attribute to feeling unfulfilled.What to do when you're tired of being a parent?Ask for help! Remember that asking for help or support doesn't mean you're a failure! Moms are human, and we weren't meant to raise kids alone! #### Sparkly Me - Children's E-Book Review I was given the opportunity to review an e-book called Sparkly Me by Ally Nathaniel.  I received the e-book version free from the author in exchange for a spot on my blog and to share my honest opinion of the book. Let me start by saying this is a short picture book perfect for very young children.  It's likely to appeal mostly to little girls as the character is a young girl who talks about sparkly things. Initially, I was turned off by the character's almost materialistic display of how much she loves her sparkly things.  She described everywhere she likes sparkly things and where she keeps them.  BUT, as I read to the end, the sparkly things became "wrinkled" and the message that was delivered was that it's okay because her personality is what really shines. Perhaps the message is a little deep for my 2-year-old to grasp, but I felt better knowing that I had delivered a message that our possessions aren't what make us "sparkle".  I see this as a perfect book for the young girl who loves very girlie things and perhaps plays dress up as a princess. T #### Spend Less Time at the Dinner Table Without Sacrificing Quality Family Time Photo Courtesy: coolclips.com The thing about parenting is that you're always navigating your way around life like it's an endless adventure.  Adventure?  Crap, that sounds almost nice.  I guess we can call it an adventure, like a choose your own adventure book, blended with a bit of gaming terminology.  We are always going from one quest to another.  It's not always fun or entertaining, but I suppose there's always the reward for defeating each level, right?  So, we have different levels and each stage of our kid's life is like beating a different boss. I know most kids spend too much time playing at the table at some point or another, and I feel for you if you're in one of those moments. Most recently, we were working on the stage where we get the tiny cranky boss to feed herself independently.  For weeks on end, we've been planted at the table for what seems like hours unless we help the kid-boss by feeding her ourselves.  She starts out strong, feeding herself, then becomes needy and depends on us to finish the job.  She would stop, then look at me and ask "can you feed me?" in a super-sweet tone, following up with "I'm not a baby."  I fell for it one too many times and found myself enslaved to her and her utter laziness.  It's tiresome (and annoying) being stuck at the table long after you've finished your meal.  The dishes sit in the sink and could be cleaned off, but instead, I'm spending the next 20 minutes feeding a kid that's completely capable of doing it herself. Even more recently, when I asked her why she needed me to feed her, she responded with "because I love you." ... I'm speechless.  I mean really, how does that make any sense?  Yet, how can I be upset with an answer like that? Hubby and I finally decided that we've got to get serious about tackling this stage before years of food-feeding slavery go by.  There's no reason dinner should take an hour or more, but the kid also needs to be more independent, because she's been feeding herself for 2 years already.  I'm a stay at home mom, but I'm not a slave.  And, kiddo, if you really love me, you'd appreciate that I already do so much for you and sometimes I just want to eat my own dinner and leave the table because I've already spent 2 hours in the kitchen just making the dang food. What are we doing?  Our plan of action is to cut dinner off about 30 minutes after we sit down to eat.  No more help.  Any plan for after-meal-time treats will be denied if she doesn't feed herself.  This morning, for example, I refused to feed her (she started out strong, as usual and then just quit).  We were planning to go out to a few stores to run a few errands and I told her we would be staying home if she didn't finish feeding herself.  She cried.  I walked away.  She requested (and sometimes demanded help) and she was met with one more response that we couldn't leave until she ate her food.  I mentioned that I needed to finish getting ready, myself.  And then, further requests and crying were ignored.  I just pretended I didn't hear her. I can't believe that she finished her entire bowl of oatmeal in 5 minutes and then I heard her yell "I finished!" followed by giggles and a clap for joy.  Subsequent meal times have gone almost as well.  We're reminding her less often, and we're finding that everyone is much less aggravated by the time dinner is over.  In about a week's time, we've only had one dinner that went unfinished because she was more interested in snacks and chose to go without anything else if she couldn't have candy.   Amazingly, she didn't give us too much trouble when we didn't give in, either. Within about two weeks, her requests for help all but stopped.  On occasion she nearly whispers the request, knowing that it's against the rules.  I may have to explain to her that mommy can't help for one reason or another.  I remind her that she's a big girl, and if she wants X (treat, going somewhere, etc), she has to feed herself. It's working! I hear a little happy success tune in my head right about now! How do you and the kids handle meal times? Do you have strategies to make meal times less stressful, more productive, or more timely? #### Spring Cleaning with ARM & HAMMER #BakingSodaTips Who doesn't know Arm & Hammer Baking Soda is a great odor neutralizer?  I used it in our diaper pail when baby girl was much smaller (the smell from those baby diapers get down right horrifying at times) and on occasion, have had to add a splash to our kitchen trash can to squelch the stench so that we didn't have to take it out to the outside garbage can before it was full. Well, I'm happy to report that I was supplied a box of ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda and a special plastic container for baking soda dispensing from Smiley360 to help me deliver some other ideas on how to use baking soda for your Spring Cleaning needs. Here are a few ways I utilized my Arm & Hammer kit to jump into my spring cleaning: 1) Cleaning my porcelain kitchen sink.  That sink is atrocious (you may remember me mentioning it in a previous post) ... it's really old and doesn't appear to have been well cared for.  Unfortunately, since we only moved into the house last June, we're not planning on any replacements or updates for a while.   I let some scum build up before the kit arrived ... partially because things got really busy, and partly because I wanted to see what Arm & Hammer could do to it. Unfortunately, I haven't found a miracle product to take back 30 years of abuse on that sink.  But, using baking soda did clean the sink of the most recent gunk and there was no harsh fumes.  Because it's mildly abrasive, it helped to clean the rubbery pieces leading to the garbage disposal pretty well. 2) Cleaning the kid's bathroom.  While baking soda didn't do much for all the stains in the bathtub, I was extremely impressed with how well it removed soap scum from the tile walls that I haven't been able to take off since we've moved in.  Those soap spots on the tile drove me crazy, but I didn't have enough strength to clean them myself (although, I probably could have used a razor blade, now that I think about it).  All I did was sprinkle a little baking soda on a warm, wet sponge and rub.  Those spots came out quickly.  I couldn't have been happier. The best part about cleaning the kid's tub with baking soda, is I don't have to worry about any harsh, toxic chemicals that may be left over when she's ready to bathe.  Since we've used it IN bath water for bad diaper rashes, I know there's no harm in any being left over from cleaning!  That's brings me some peace of mind anyway! Some other fabulous uses for Arm & Hammer: Deodorize.  Just like neutralizing odors in the trash cans, keeping baking soda in your linen closet will help it to continue smelling fresh.  Or, to neutralize odors in the kitchen drain, pour a half cup down while running warm tap water. Laundry.  A cup of baking soda in your wash will help neutralize odors and clean better than your liquid detergent, alone.  I could really use this in our wash when hubby's clothes come in after he works on the cars.  A half cup in the rinse cycle will freshen sheets and towels. The best part of using Arm & Hammer baking soda for cleaning is that it's relatively inexpensive.  A 1 pound box will typically run about $1. Click this link if you'd like more Arm & Hammer spring cleaning tips and a coupon.   #### Sprout Organic Toddler Meals Review I typically like to try to feed S whatever we're having at dinner, but sometimes we make poor decisions for dinner, so I like to have toddler meals on hand.  And, if not overly expensive, I will choose organic options.  Read my review of some of the new Sprout Organic Toddler Meals here. This year, Sprout launched their line of organic toddler meals and I was lucky enough to get my hands on some to try.  As I said previously, I know I don't always make the most healthy decisions for the family based on time crunches with a fussy toddler and my own poor eating habits.  And, I know, those poor eating habits shouldn't be passed off lightly, so I love to feed S pre-made meals with the vegetables I know she's lacking at times.  And, I love organic options!  These meals claim to have no additives, preservatives, artificial flavors, or added sugars. Sprout provided me with free products to facilitate this review - there was no compensation and my opinions are completely my own. You can view the Sprout Organic Toddler Meals lineup here as the following is just a sample of what is offered.  The link will take you to the list of offerings, and you can navigate for nutrition facts and more! The first box we opened was the Vegetable and Potato Chowder with Chicken. At first, she really seemed to like it, opening her mouth before the spoon was full of food again. But, after a few bites, she was refusing it. I chalked it up to not being hungry and saved the pack for lunch the next day, but not before tasting it myself. It was a nice mix of textures and happily I could taste seasoning in it.At lunch, we tried again with some success, but she didn't seem to care much for the chunks of potatoes. If I fed her bites without those chunks, she ate a bit more. I'm stumped though, as she likes potato and typically doesn't have issues with chunks.  Aside from that, there were plenty of vegetables to eat and that's typically more difficult for me to get her to eat these days.   Our second box was the Sweet Potato and Apple Risotto with Turkey. We got 3 bites in and refused after. I tasted for myself, and was pleasantly surprised. It tasted like a hearty fall dinner I would personally like and was tempted to finish it off myself.   Next, we tried the Pasta, Zucchini, and Tomato Sauce with Beef. Once again, we got three bites in and S began refusing to eat, though I could tell she liked it. After a couple minutes and refusing more food, I handed her the bowl and spoon and helped her scoop the food in and move it to her mouth. From that point forward, she was feeding herself. Amazingly, she ate nearly half the bowl, including the zucchini (after I just confessed that she rarely eats veggies)! Finally, we tried the Vegetable & Barley Stew with Chicken.  It was another instant hit (so long as she was feeding herself).  It smelled great and there weren't any meat bits being spit out! Once I figured out S's issue with eating, dinners have become much easier and she thoroughly enjoyed her Sprout organic toddler meals!  It's been great knowing she's eating both meat and vegetables without issue and these will be go to meals when our home cooked or delivery options aren't in her best interest! My only complaint (and not geared toward Sprout) is that the two grocery stores I frequent weekly don't stock enough options from the wonderful brand.     #### Stay At Home Mom Burnout? How To Cope You're snipping, yelling more, and you're not enjoying even the usually fun parts of the day. Guess what. Stay at home mom burnout is real. Do you know how to cope? Being an at home parent may be the most rewarding and important job you’ll ever have. But it’s HARD work and you're not always going to see the rewards of all that effort so quickly. You’re on call 24/7. When you go on vacation, you still have the same responsibilities. If you have a home business, or work at home job, life can be even more challenging. Banish Stay at Home Mom Burnout The first step to coping with stay at home mom burnout is preventing it in the first place! Keep A Reasonable Schedule Don’t overfill your schedule with activities for the kids or yourself. I know how easy it is to feel like you're not doing enough for your kids when you see other moms doing ALL THE THINGS. If you're forever tempted to keep up with your friends, neighbors, and family, maybe take a look at your social media habits and consider deleting Facebook or at least refrain from checking in so often. Stop comparing yourself to others and maintain a schedule that makes sense for you and your family. Take Time For Yourself Go ahead and mark up that calendar to make yourself a priority! You don’t need to be alone, but you do need to relax a little. Whether this may be during the kids’ naps or when they’re in school, even taking just a few minutes for you can really help. Then, you can take advantage of the time to get things done with a clear head. Keep Expectations In Check Make sure your expectations and those of your family are realistic. If you find that you're falling victim of others being inconsiderate of your time as a stay at home mom, help them to understand this is no less a full time job than if you were to go into an office! Be ready to set boundaries. If you’re running a home business or have a work at home job, keeping up with housework and cooking will look differently than that of a full time stay at home mom. You may have to pick a day to do the laundry, the vacuuming and other housework that doesn’t need to be done on a daily basis and leave it until then… unless the urgent need arises, of course. You may even have to get vigilant with a housekeeping schedule and employ the assistance of your family by doling out chores! Accept Your Emotions When you're in stay at home mom burnout mode, your emotions can really get crazy. When you get angry, give yourself grace! This doesn't make you an imperfect or bad parent. We all get angry sometimes. What is more important is how you react to the anger. Get Enough Sleep Are you getting enough sleep? The more tired you are, the more stress you are going to feel, and the harder it will be to cope with stay at home mom burnout. If necessary, take a nap at the same time as the kids do. At least this way, you know they’re not getting into trouble for lack of supervision. Everyone riding Dumbo Get Out And Have Fun Plan fun activities once in a while to relieve stress. Depending on your needs and the needs of your family, this can be alone or with the entire family. Go to the beach, a park, zoo, mall, wherever it is you can relax and just have fun. Meal Planning Consider meal planning or even cooking meals and snacks in advance. It’s easy to give your children healthy snacks if you have sliced vegetables and/or fruits ready to go in the fridge. A few minutes’ work early in the week can save you time. Meals may also be prepared in advance and frozen for those nights when you’re simply too tired to cook. Plan your meals for leftovers that will freeze well, and say goodbye to expensive frozen dinners from the grocery store. If you've got something extra in the budget, consider using a meal planning website to help you with one extra step. Many of them will also help you by gathering your grocery list and transferring the data to a grocery delivery service. If writing out your schedule helps you, then keep a written schedule. If it makes you feel overwhelmed, then don’t. Just because your best friend says it keeps her on schedule to have a calendar with everything she needs to do on it doesn’t mean the same will work for you. Finally, don’t let other parents make you feel you owe them favors just because you’re at home and “have time.” You ARE doing a full time job taking care of your family, not just loafing. Your schedule may be just as full as theirs, if not more so. You've got this mama! Are there other ways to cope with stay at home mom burnout? #### Step2 WaterWheel Activity Play Table - Review Hubby recently splurged and bought baby girl a water table after realizing how much fun she has with other kid's water tables.I would typically tell you that buying used toys for your toddler is the way to go, and I still would have been okay with a used water table, but if there is something that I'm not disappointed with spending extra money on, it's this water table.He purchased the Step2 WaterWheel Activity Play Table at Amazon and set it up promptly.  Here's my honest review:Baby girl is absolutely in love with this toy.  I set it up on our covered front porch and quickly realized that we needed to set down a non-slip mat of some kind.  I don't know why it's so exciting to dump out water by the bucket loads all over the floor, but that's exactly what my girl does.What do I not like about it?  The water wheel stand doesn't attach to the table, so if your little one insists on playing with it, it's not going to stay in place.Quirky feature: If the sails aren't straight, the boats sink (shown here).What else do I not like about it?  I don't have a chair on the front porch as of yet.  Okay - that really doesn't have anything to do with my feelings about this toy, does it?!Truth is, I love it for my daughter.  On days when I'm simply too lazy to do much, we head outside and she'll spend as much time soaking herself and the floor as I allow.  I have only seen one time that she'd gotten tired of it before I got bored to tears and was ready to leave it.  Most times, I'm having to pull her away from it as she screams and throws tantrums.This cute set comes with the table, 2 different colored sail boats, a bucket, water wheel and tower.  The tower bucket has a single hole to properly activate the water wheel.  That bucket is also not attached, so often baby girl will remove the water tower bucket, fill it from the table, and dump THAT everywhere with the pouring bucket dumping water from the other hand.She's always completely drenched within about a minute of play time with this toy - this is a great thing for living in FL since we don't have a pool.My only other minor gripe about the boats are that the piece that holds the sails come apart easily and I'm forever "fixing" the boats.If you like my review, check the table out now on Amazon! Some posts may contain affiliate links, please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Stop Comparing Your Child's Behavior to Others': It's Just A Moment As a parent, I find that we're quick to judge ourselves or our children based on the moments we see with our own eyes of another family having a good moment.  But, it's important to remember to stop comparing your child to others, because it's really just a passing phase.  Parenting is difficult enough without making unfair comparisons of yourself and your children in moments of turmoil. During a recent trip to the The Florida Aquarium in Tampa, I spent an hour on a boat with my daughter waiting to see dolphins that never appeared.  So, the novelty of the boat ride itself wore off quickly.  Like many moms on that boat, I found myself pulled about the boat searching for ... well, who really knows what a 3 year old is searching for.  On this boat ride, I experienced the first mini-meltdown of the day and suffered through briefly until we went inside the boat to wait for the end of the ride. Nearing the end, I saw a mother struggling with one daughter about the same age as mine and her older daughter (I'm guessing about 6) quietly goofing off in the seat next to her.  The woman approached me as we were about to disembark and remarked about how well behaved my daughter was being.  I couldn't simply say thank you though.  Instead I reply "this was after she cried and screamed outside."  And then, the woman and her family walked away and missed my daughter's second meltdown. Stop Comparing Your Child to Others We take pity on the moms we watch going through one of those "moments" and when we're going through them ourselves, it feels like an eternity.  In those moments, I feel as though we look around to compare our children to the others who appear to be so well behaved while ours seem like monsters, wishing we were in that mother's shoes.  So I want to remind you that someone was probably watching your children the moments before they turned into monsters, wishing they were in your shoes.  You'll be in that spot again just as soon as that moment for your kid passes. Maybe I'll never say thank you when I'm approached, but I should work on my words of encouragement in those moments.  I need to remind the next mom that every parent experiences those moments they think another kid is more behaved than their our own.  Surely in 5 or 10 minutes, we'll be trading places and I'll be looking at the next mom wishing I wasn't in that moment.  The good news is, compared to the amount of time in a day, IT REALLY IS JUST A MOMENT.   Just moments before her meltdown Comparing yourself and your children to others can be stress-inducing.  You're certain to feel like a failure as you look at the mom with the 4 children who are sitting quietly across the way.  I know it's probably natural, but don't you think you handle a situation better when you're not comparing yourself (and essentially judging yourself), rather focusing on making it through the current tantrum or upset? The next time you're in that moment, be in that moment and work through it without adding the stress of comparison.  I promise, you will get through this and be on to the next thing, whatever that is!   #### Story of Girl, Dog Attack Victim, Thrown Out of KFC May Be False How many of you heard the story about the little girl thrown out of KFC for "scaring" the others customers with her facial scars left after being attacked by dogs? Photo pulled from leader-call.com When I first heard the story, I was saddened to think anyone could be so cruel to a young child.  As a mom, I was infuriated by the KFC employee's ignorance and insensitivity.  My daughter is going on three, the age of little Victoria in the story, and I couldn't imagine the damage that this kind of treatment could cause short and long term and it broke my heart.  The poor girl and her family already suffered so much after being attacked by dogs.  But then, I found out that the story may be falsified. According to a post written by leader-call.com, the story may be a sham.  To summarize, they're placing Victoria at a children's hospital on the date that the grandmother alleges the incident occurs, store video reviews for the day don't appear to find children matching Victoria's description, and no orders were placed matching her story of mashed potatoes and sweet tea.  KFC hired an external investigator, and investigations are ongoing.  While they haven't made any conclusions, it seems there's plenty of evidence suggesting this event never occurred. Assuming the story is completely false, these things infuriate me: The family has since racked up over $130k in donations and gifts, plus receiving free surgery.  It always seems good people are taken advantage of.  I feel sorry for the people kind enough to want to help only to find out that it may have been a ploy to gain extra attention and to rack up more donations than their funding site was getting before publicity.   The store managers and employees suffered a great deal of stress.  It was reported that they had drinks thrown at them and were receiving death threats.  To be honest, even if the story weren't a hoax, I don't think it appropriate to publicize such things that cause these people stress or potential harm. What are you teaching this child?  Lying for financial gain is okay? Essentially, she could learn to get things we want, we have to prey on people who have a big heart.  Simply teaching her to lie at all just isn't right.  I know my almost 3 year old understands more than we give her credit for sometimes, so I know that she's picking up on what we're saying or doing.  As a responsibility to my child to become a good upstanding citizen, I wouldn't want to teach her to take advantage of situations and people for our own gain. I, for Victoria's sake, hope that this story isn't a hoax as suggested by the media.  Fortunately, I'm not naive enough to simply believe everything I see posted on Facebook.  I'm not a bleeding heart that goes throwing money at every "cause" on the Internet, and it's cases like this that are a good reason not to believe it all. What are your thoughts on the story? Disclosure: To help support this blog and continue to bring you free content, Ivy's Variety posts may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. Connect with Ivy on Google+ #### Stress Management for Parents: Tips That Work Welcome back!  Last week, I shared information about the importance of managing parenting stress and overwhelm.  Keeping stress under control is good for your overall health. Discover how to cope with parenting stress and be a better parent for your kiddos! I believe one of the first steps in the process is getting your partner on board with parenting teamwork and sharing responsibilities.  It will help you both have the chance to break away when you need. Regardless of your current parenting situation, there are products and services that can help you manage parenting stress.  And you know what?  I'm not going to give you the run of the mill self-care suggestions you can find everywhere!  I urge you to give these a try!  I've included options ranging from FREE to expensive, so you have plenty to choose from! Effects of Parental Stress On parents: Increased risk of mental health problems like anxiety and depression (Source: [1]) Difficulty managing emotions and regulating behavior (Source: [2]) Weakened immune system and increased physical health problems (Source: [3]) On children: Increased risk of behavioral problems and emotional difficulties (Source: [4]) Lower academic achievement and cognitive development (Source: [5]) Difficulty forming healthy attachments and social relationships (Source: [6]) Parental Anxiety and Stress: A Complex Interplay Parental anxiety and stress are closely linked, often feeding into and reinforcing each other. Here's a breakdown of their relationship: 1. Stress as a source of anxiety: Daily pressures: The constant demands of parenting, financial worries, and juggling work-life balance can create significant stress. This stress can trigger feelings of anxiety and worry about various aspects of child-rearing. (Source: [1]) Uncertainties: Parents often face uncertainties about their children's well-being, academic performance, or future. These uncertainties can fuel anxiety and intrusive thoughts, further exacerbating stress levels. (Source: [2]) 2. Anxiety as a stressor: Heightened vigilance: Parents with anxiety may be more vigilant and hyperaware of potential threats to their children's safety, leading to chronic stress and difficulty relaxing. (Source: [7]) Negative coping mechanisms: Individuals struggling with anxiety might resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms like social isolation or substance abuse, which can further contribute to stress and strain family dynamics.  3. The cyclical nature: Stress worsens anxiety: Chronic stress can deplete emotional resources, making it harder to manage anxious thoughts and emotions, creating a vicious cycle. Anxiety intensifies stress: Anxiety can lead to physical symptoms like fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and irritability, further impacting coping abilities and increasing stress levels. (Source: [8]) It's important to note: Not all parents experience anxiety in the same way, and the severity of stress and anxiety can vary greatly. Individual factors like personality traits, social support systems, and access to mental health resources can influence how parents manage stress and anxiety. How to Cope With Parenting Stress I can tell you, it's not uncommon for me to experience stress as a mom. Between work, household chores and shuttling kids to and from doctors appointments, the overwhelm and anxiety piles on. And when I neglect caring for myself, this stress turns me into an angry mom! That's not good for anyone. So, these are the ways I have learned to cope with my own parenting stress. Change Your Mindset Spire As a parent, I've been there: the constant juggle, the overflowing to-do lists, the feeling of being pulled in a million directions. It's no surprise that stress can easily take hold. What I've also learned is the importance of taking proactive steps towards managing stress, and that's where the Spire Stone has become a game-changer for me. This unique device goes beyond simply tracking steps or calories. Spire Stone uses biofeedback to monitor my breathing patterns throughout the day, acting as a kind of personal stress coach. When I start to tense up, I receive a gentle notification, prompting me to take a moment and engage in a guided breathing exercise or calming visualization. It's like having a pocket-sized mindfulness guru, helping me recognize stress in the moment and take steps to de-escalate before it spirals out of control. Beyond the real-time feedback, Spire Stone also helps me track my overall stress levels over time. This allows me to identify patterns and triggers, and adjust my routines or self-care practices accordingly. As a parent, being aware of my own stress levels is crucial, as it directly impacts my ability to be patient, present, and supportive for my children. If you're a parent looking for a practical tool to manage stress, improve self-awareness, and cultivate calmer days, I highly recommend checking out the Spire Stone. It's a small device that can make a big difference in your overall well-being, and in turn, positively impact your parenting journey. Mindfulness: A Journal As a parent, mental space can feel like a rare commodity. Between the constant demands and the never-ending to-do list, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and out of touch with the present moment. I knew I needed a way to quiet the mental chatter and cultivate more calm amidst the chaos. That's when I discovered the power of journaling, specifically "Mindfulness: A Journal" by Catherine Price. This beautifully designed journal wasn't just a blank space to vent. It provided gentle guidance through a series of prompts, exercises, and inspirational quotes, each one nudging me towards greater self-awareness and present-moment focus. What I loved most was the non-intimidating approach. The journal didn't preach or pressure; it simply offered a safe space for me to explore my thoughts and feelings without judgment. As I filled the pages, I started noticing a shift. I became more attuned to my emotions, recognizing stress triggers before they spiraled out of control. I found myself better equipped to handle challenging situations with patience and understanding, both for myself and my children. "Mindfulness: A Journal" wasn't a magic bullet, but it was a powerful tool that helped me reclaim precious moments of peace and clarity in the midst of the everyday hustle. If you're a parent seeking a practical and accessible way to cultivate mindfulness, I highly recommend giving this journal a try. It might just be the key to unlocking a calmer, more present version of yourself. Watch an inspiring video I came across this one recently and I absolutely loved it!  Practice an attitude of gratitude!   Gratitude: The Short Film by Louie Schwartzberg from ecodads on Vimeo. Sit down to a cup of happy Chamomile Tea As a parent, I've learned that feeling stressed is practically a rite of passage. Between the endless to-do lists, the constant demands, and the ever-present worry for our children's well-being, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. That's why I'm always on the lookout for natural ways to unwind and find moments of peace amidst the chaos. One of my go-to strategies is brewing a cup of Traditional Medicinals' Organic Chamomile Lavender Tea. This isn't just any tea; it's a carefully crafted blend of chamomile and lavender flowers, both known for their calming properties. The taste is delightful – a delicate balance of floral notes with a hint of lavender, making it a truly sensorial experience. But beyond the taste, what I appreciate most is the tea's calming effect. As I sip the warm brew, I can feel the tension gently melt away. It's like taking a mini-vacation from the daily grind, allowing me to recharge and refocus. Here's what I love about Traditional Medicinals' Chamomile Lavender Tea: Organic and ethically sourced ingredients: I can feel good about what I'm putting into my body knowing the herbs are grown and harvested responsibly. Caffeine-free: This is a huge perk, especially for evenings when I want to relax and unwind without worrying about disrupted sleep. Convenient tea bags: Perfect for busy moments when I need a quick and easy way to de-stress. If you're a parent seeking a natural way to manage stress and find moments of calm, I highly recommend giving Traditional Medicinals' Chamomile Lavender Tea a try. It might just become your new favorite cup of tranquility. Wine Dang, I threw in one of the boring standard tips, didn't I?  Ah well, I suppose one isn't a bad thing, right?  And "they say" there are health benefits to a glass of wine a night.  BONUS! Manage Parenting Stress Through Creativity I'm a huge fan of coloring, but there's something extremely satisfying about coloring in my own books.  Bonus when they're filled with swear words.  But, there are tons to choose from if you're not into that sort of thing! Adult Coloring Book: Designs I'm often juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities, leaving little time for myself. I discovered that coloring for adults offered a surprisingly effective way to unwind and tap into a sense of peace and creativity. "Designs" by Two Hoots Coloring Co. quickly became my go-to coloring book. It features a diverse collection of 48 unique pages, ranging from intricate mandalas and geometric shapes to whimsical patterns and abstract designs. Each page is beautifully printed on single-sided, high-quality paper, preventing bleed-through and allowing for worry-free experimentation with different coloring mediums. What I love most about this book: Variety of designs: The diverse range of illustrations caters to different moods and preferences. I can choose something calming and intricate on days when I need deep relaxation, or opt for a more playful and stimulating design when I want to spark creativity. High-quality paper: The thick, single-sided pages provide a smooth surface for coloring, allowing me to use pencils, pens, markers, or even watercolors without worrying about bleed-through. Compact size: The convenient 8" x 10" size makes it easy to take this coloring book with me wherever I go, whether it's enjoying some quiet time at home or relaxing at a coffee shop. Coloring isn't just about creating beautiful artwork; it's a form of mindfulness that allows me to de-stress, focus on the present moment, and tap into my inner creativity. If you're looking for a way to unwind, unleash your artistic side, and cultivate moments of calm amidst the daily chaos, I highly recommend giving adult coloring a try. "Designs" by Two Hoots Coloring Co. is a fantastic starting point with its beautiful designs and high-quality materials. Take Extra Work Off Your Plate to Manage Parenting Stress There's nothing like a ton of unfinished chores to derail any plans for stress reduction!  I totally believe, though, that a great way to manage parenting stress is to let technology handle some of the extra grunt work. My book How to Conquer Your Family's Schedule: A Stay at Home Mom's Guide to (Almost) Getting it All Done discusses the many ways in which I save time (or do less).  And, I always find time for doing things I enjoy (like autocross). No one likes to vacuum.  Wait, I hope that's a true statement.  I feel like I have better things to do, so I let my Roomba vacuum the downstairs for me. Truth be told though, I'm kind of in love with the Samsung POWERbot Essential App-Controlled Self-Charging Robot Vacuum Use a Grocery Delivery Service I discuss this quite part a bit in my book, but I feel it deserves it's own spotlight in this post.  In the hour a week I'm not grocery shopping (because someone else is doing it for me), I can either catch up on other housework or spend more time with my family.  Win-Win! I use Shipt.  If you're interested in having your groceries delivered with Shipt, I'll give you $10 back when you sign up through my referral link. Set boundaries Read a book What things do you use to help you manage parenting stress? Sources [1]: Mothers' and Children's Mental Distress and Family Strain: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10670161/ [2]: Parenting Stress and Child Behavior Problems: A Transactional Relationship Across Time: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22264112/ [3]: The Allostatic Load Model of Stress and Disease: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15677391/ [4]: Negative Effects of Parental Stress on Students: https://bau.edu/blog/effects-of-parental-stress-on-students/ [5]: Parenting stress during infancy is a risk factor for mental health problems in 3-year-old children: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7670792/ [6]: Parental stress and child mental health: a network analysis of Romanian parents: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12144-022-03520-1 [7] The Role of Parental Anxiety Disorders in Child Psychopathology: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181862/ [8] Anxiety and Stress Disorders: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961 #### Stuck At Home: What It Was Really Like What has family life been like for us while stuck at home during the pandemic? Better than we could have hoped! And we learned a few things along the way. Being stuck at home during the pandemic has been far from a joke. Our routines and schedules were completely changed up on us, whether we liked it or not. Some of us had our hours reduced if not jobs completely eliminated. We had to learn to ration food and basic supplies. Virtual school was a nightmare that had to be figured out in a hurry if you didn't want your kid to be left behind. Although a lot has changed in the wake of the pandemic, I've seen a lot of good come out of being stuck at home, too. What about you? What We Did While Stuck At Home During the Pandemic Here are some changes we made while being stuck at home during these strange times! Some have been good. Some have been fun. Some have been a learning experience. 1. I learned we wasted a lot of food! Prior to the pandemic, it was nothing for me to make dinners using meat packages as they were sold. That said, it was also nothing for a lot of food to go to waste, even if I was vigilant about eating leftovers for lunch. Well, when food and other basic supplies became difficult to find in the store, I knew rationing was the only logical thing to do. So, I stretched out our food purchases! We bought meat in large packages at Costco and froze them in smaller portions than you'd typically buy in a grocery store. To help reduce waste and stretch our budget, I also would take thick cuts of meat and cut them in half. One thick New York Strip Steak would be sliced in half to become two thinner steaks. I found that two thin steaks was plenty to feed two adults and two young children. I'd do the same for our thick pork chops, only it took two boneless chops sliced in half to make a decent meal. Sometimes we'd have leftovers for me to eat the following day for lunch, sometimes we wouldn't. Additionally, I learned how to parboil diced potatoes for freezing. When I was finally able to buy a bag of potatoes, I parboiled a bunch ready to use for mashed potatoes in the near future. 2. Potted plants for butterflies and bees For Easter, the kids each received pollinator kits from the Easter Bunny. They planted their Cosmos seeds that very day and we all enjoyed watching the seedlings grow over the course of about two weeks. Then, I had a stroke of inspiration and decided I needed to transplant them into a large flower pot outside. And because the pot was so huge, I would buy milkweed for butterflies. Well, I do not at all have a green thumb, but decided I'd try for the kids. At Ace Hardware, I relied heavily on instruction for transplanting and was also informed that the large flower pot would be too big for my seedlings and the one milkweed. So, I came home with milkweed, a Cigar Plant (Cuphea), and Salvia. All the plants are butterfly, bee, and hummingbird attractors. Unfortunately, I managed to kill the Cosmos seedlings. However, the milkweed and Cuphea have taken to transplant fairly well. The Salvia? It's in a constant state of uncertainty. But, that I have managed to keep 3 of the 4 plants alive is pretty impressive. In the weeks since they've been planted, we've been sure to visit them and check on our caterpillars almost daily! 3. Virtual School Is Pretty Awesome Some days we have difficulties and we're still learning, but we're making work at home and home school actually work! The first week was a huge adjustment, but we've since found good routines and my daughter is usually finished with her work for the day by lunch time! My son has days he loves doing his home preschool, while other days is more of a struggle to get him to settle in for it. Still, I think we all enjoy the extra time in the day to explore our own interests. And the kids have been enjoying much more freedom doing things outside. 4. We created A New YouTube Channel Because we obviously didn't have enough to do, I thought it would be fun to create a new YouTube channel. On our channel, Boyter Buzz, we'll be sharing all sorts of the crazy activities we get into. My daughter has shared her first video about her new Leopard Gecko and has ideas for the next video. We've also shared a video about our family boating day from Jacksonville to St. Augustine. Of course, that meant someone had to learn to piece together videos. And, because it was my idea, I decided that person would be me. I've been learning how to stitch together photos and videos, created an animated subscribe button, and am learning audio manipulation. Currently, I'm learning on our old software, PowerDirector 11, but will probably upgrade in the future. 5. Made Time for Exercise I struggled with the idea of exercising at home for a couple weeks. I mean, I bought into a gym membership for a reason! After a couple weeks, I realized all the hard work I'd done to build muscle (and firm up my butt) was going to go to waste if I didn't exercise at home. So, I made the time! At least two days a week I spend a minimum of ten minutes following exercise routines on YouTube. Although I loved the weight room at the gym, my goal while stuck at home was to not increase my middle section. Plus, I wanted to try not to lose all the work I'd done to firm up my butt at the gym. Because of which, I mainly stuck to ab and booty workouts. My favorite was with Chloe Ting. What It Was Like Being Stuck At Home We did a lot of cool things. We learned a lot. It started out really hard being stuck at home. It took some time for my husband and I to figure out what days we each were less available to the family because we had deadlines for certain things on those days. But once we got many of those things figured out, we kind of breezed through the current normal. Sometimes it didn't even feel like we were stuck at home. Instead, I guess it felt like we weren't living in modern times, and it was kind of peaceful. #### Summer Rainy Day Activities To Bust Boredom A few summer rainy day activities - fun ideas when summer weather doesn't want to cooperate. Is there anything worse than being cooped up in the house with the kids on rainy days in the middle of summer break? Here in Florida, the odds for rainy summer days seems greater than days without rain. It doesn't matter if you’re staying at home or you’re on vacation somewhere, rainy days in the summer can be quite the bummer.  If you’re dealt several days of non-stop rain, it’s time to come up with some summer rainy day activities. Summer Rainy Day Activities At Home Rest and Relax Give yourself permission to chill out! Why permission? Modern motherhood seems dictated by social media.  And social media dictates everyone is busy doing something. And let's face it, fear of missing out coupled with mom guilt sets in and you're worried what people will think if you and the kids are doing nothing. Well, stop giving in to the false realities of social media and get real.  You need time to relax. Use the occasionally rainy day at home during summer to relax and recharge.  Snuggle up on the couch, read, watch a movie, catch up on your favorite TV show or play some board games. If the mood strikes, take a nap. Get Creative Although rest and relaxation is both warranted and needed, being cooped up in the house for several days might mean it's time to get a little more creative.   This is particularly important when you have small kids at home. T If yours are anything like mine, they go stir-crazy pretty quickly. Build a fort, get out the art supplies, run a movie marathon, create an obstacle course through the house, make homemade pizza together, bake some cookies, or encourage the kids to put on a play. Find a theme for the day (i.e. William Shakespeare Day where you encourage your older kids to read one of his plays, fix English food, and end the day watching Romeo and Juliette), and make the entire day about that theme. Related Reading: Over 70 Fun Summer Activities Out And About Don't let the rain keep you from heading out to have some fun.  Instead, find some indoor activities that you can easily drive to. Museums Museums are great for rainy days and many have special exhibits during the summer months.  Spend a rainy afternoon exploring art or local history and end it with lunch or early dinner at a favorite restaurant. Library Don’t forget your local library. Spending the day browsing and reading can be a pleasant way to stay busy. Give them a call or look online to see if there are special events and activities set up for the kids that day. Most libraries have summer reading programs and special summer activities for kids. You can even meet up with friends and hang out talking quietly and checking out books. Some libraries also have gaming rooms where kids and adults alike can play board and video games. Indoor Energy Burners Need to burn off some excess energy? Head to the local aquatic center or indoor pool. Visiting an indoor playground is another great option, as is a trip to the mall. Last but not least, don’t forget to check local movie theaters and regular theaters to see what performance and shows they offer.  There are quite a few that free or discounted summer kids movies! With a little creative thinking, even a few rainy days can become enjoyable summer experiences.  If you're in Florida, you've probably already experienced some summer rains that ... well ... rained on your parade.  But, now you can be prepared by making note of these summer rainy day activities for next time! #### Summer Reading Programs for Kids Looking for entertainment options for your kids this summer.  For one idea, have your kids get lost in books with this list of summer reading programs for kids. It's hard to believe summer break is almost here!  At the end of the month, my kids will be out of school and summer boredom will begin. I never really know just what we'll do over the summer.  I mean, we're in Florida.  On the one hand, it's too freaking hot to do just about anything outside, making indoor activities rather appealing. On the other hand, there are usually plenty of water and outdoor activities if we wanted to suffer through the heat. Two thing's are for sure though. I always have my kids participate in at least one summer reading program! I have the oldest write in a summer journal Since I worry about the summer slide and I need some downtime, reading is an important part of our day.  It's especially important that the oldest take some time to read while the little one is down for a nap.  And, I require some reading time before she gets to indulge in screen time. If you're anything like me, and value reading time, you'll love this list of summer reading programs for kids.  I mean, getting your kids to read for more than just screen time is a bonus for everyone! Summer Reading Programs for Kids Public Library Check with your public library, either in person or online, to see if they're offering a summer reading program for your kids! Our library has a summer reading program that encourages kids to read so many books (or so many hours) in order to earn a free book.  Plus, the reading program includes extra prize entries based on certain criteria (like number of books read or minutes read) depending on the program for the year. Generally, I like our public library summer reading programs for kids because they also set up special activities and events throughout the summer to keep them entertained. Barnes & Noble Summer Reading For Kids Barnes & Noble offers a summer reading program where kids earn a free book for reading a certain number of books.  In 2018, a child had to read a mere 8 books to receive a free book from the dedicated list of freebies. The free book selection was broken into grade levels so that you could help your children make the best choice for their reading level. Check out the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Lists then download the summer reading log. Chuck E. Cheese's Reading Rewards Program While not exactly a summer reading program for kids, Chuck E. Cheese does offer incentives with special reward calendars!  Included is a reading rewards calendar.  When your child reads for 2 weeks, they will receive 10 tokens for game play (purchase is required to redeem free tokens). Please double check to make sure you get an up-to-date calendar to participate. Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge Scholastic brings your children a themed summer reading challenge every year, and it's going into it's 13th year in 2019. In 2018, in order for children to participate in the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge, all children must have been registered by an educator, public librarian, or community partner organization leader. Children ages 4-14 can long reading minutes, however, if you read aloud to younger children, you can log reading minutes for them. The Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge in 2020 started on May 4, 2020. Books*A*Million Summer Reading Adventure The Books*A*Million summer reading adventure in 2018 allowed children to read any 4 books in the summer reading adventure section (in stores and online).  Once completed, children were given a free pencil case with pencils. Check out what the Books A Million summer reading adventure will consist of this year. Six Flags Read to Succeed While Six Flags offers a free summer reading program for kids, it's not without a special set of rules.  Important to note, a traditional school or homeschool must register for the program for your children to be able to participate.  Additionally, this program is only available for grades K through 6. So, if you fall within the parameters and qualify for this summer reading program through Six Flags, your child can log 6 hours of recreational summer reading to earn a free ticket to Six Flags in the Six Flags Read to Success program! Check the program eligibility rules and see if your school will participate in the program. Half Price Books Summer Reading Program Half Price Books offers a free summer reading program for kids in the form of Summer Reading Camp. This online summer reading program includes summer reading lists by age group and includes reading activities. You can register to your online summer camper to receive reading lists and activities to keep them busy! Showcase Cinemas Bookworm Wednesdays If you're around Showcase Cinemas, look into Bookworm Wednesdays.   The program appears to have been cancelled for the time being, but definitely worth a look for the future. Participating in this program entitles kids to free admission to a select children's film when they present a book report at a participating Cinema de Lux, Showcase, or Multiplex Cinemas box office. Accompanying parents or guardians and children under six years of age receive free admission and do not need to submit a book report. Pottery Barn Kids Book Club This reading program may be temporarily cancelled due to the Pandemic. Pottery Barn Kids has a weekly story time at 11 am.  (there's a different schedule for the NYC location) and is not a summer only program.  The weekly event includes reading, activities and more. By joining the Pottery Barn Kids Book Club, you'll receive a special surprise after attending 5 events. H-E-Buddy Summer Reading Club H-E-B is offering children who are Texas residents a summer reading program called H-E-Buddy Summer Reading Club.  It's for children ages 3-12. In 2018, the rules were that children had to read 10 books and have the parent initial the log to receive credit for the books read.  Once complete, children would earn a t-shirt. Parents, you have to mail the log in to the address the website provides. Lifeway Stores Summer Reading Quest Lifeway Stores is offering the Summer R.E.A.D (Reveal. Explore. Amaze. Discover.) In 2018, the program was geared towards toddler aged kids through 6th grade, but all ages were welcomed to join the adventure. To participate in the program, you go into the store to grab your FREE summer reading journal, bookmark, and pencil. Last year's challenge was to read 6 books and memorize six Scripture verses.  Once complete, you bring your summer reading journal back to the store to pick up a book and new bible. Other Summer Reading Programs for Kids Pizza Hut Book It! Summer Reading Program TD Bank Summer Reading Junie B. Jones Reading Club Have you ever participated in these summer reading programs for kids? What other ways do you pass the time in the summer? #### Sunkissed Vox Box - Review (Influenster) I recently received a Sunkissed VoxBox from Influenster!  I had only recently joined Influenster, so I was surprised to find out I had been chosen to test out products for my opinion on them, and get to share my thoughts with you.  I received complementary products from Influenster to try out and provide a review of them, as well as completing some tasks to help promote them.  If you've followed me on some of my other social media accounts, you may have seen some posts from me. Here's my VoxBox and it's contents:    As you may know, we recently moved and I've had no chance to get out of the house for some ME time in about a month. The first thing I opened was the Sinful Shine nail polish in "All the Rage".  I couldn't have been more happy to receive this color as it is one of the few pink colors I like!  I painted my toe nails one night instead of doing more work - it made me feel like I cared about myself again, even though I don't really have time to care about myself.  Here's what the final product looks like with just one coat: One of the next things I did was use the knotted hair ties by Goody's.  You'll remember I'm a mom to a toddler, so my hair style is quite boring typically - time, again, isn't on my side. What I love about these hair ties is that using the same one in a week didn't result in a band that was so stretched out that I couldn't use it anymore.  You know the routine ... use the same one a few days and it stretches so much that you end up twisting it about 6 times and it still doesn't hold?! I was planning on making some similar ones, but I'm quite content with these!! Sadly, with our move, toddler getting sick, hubby traveling for work, and weaning off the pacifier all in a month, getting out, much less dressing up in high heels, was out of the question.  I did spend a few minutes trying the Dr. Scholl's for Her High Heel inserts.  While they may be comfortable, take heed in this warning: I tried to put them in a super favorite pair of closed toed heels that fit well, only to find myself feeling like a step-sister trying on Cinderella's glass slippers ... I could barely squeeze my feet in because my toes became too cramped.  I had to find a pair of shoes to slip them in that didn't already fit well.  So, my recommendation is to add these inserts to shoes that don't fit perfectly (I'm a woman, I know that sometimes we buy a great looking shoe at the expense of some comfort hehe). Finally, my review of Olay Fresh Effects {BB Cream} isn't as exciting as I had hoped.  This "skin perfecting tinted moisturizer with sunscreen" smelled great going on, and did moisturize my face.  I applied it several times in the course of the month and once for a trip to the zoo and I never felt "perfected."  My face didn't burn at the zoo since it had some SPF, despite the fact I only applied it once (instead of the every 2 hour recommendation).  In my early 30s and exhausted with a toddler, I feel like I need more than a tinted moisturizer to "perfect" my skin.  Additionally, on the ride home from the zoo, I started to feel a burning sensation in my eyes - the only thing I wore on my face that day was the BB cream, so I can only assume it was melting into my eyes.  On the few occasions I wore the BB Cream, I felt a similar burning sensation in my eyes, though I'm careful to not put it near my eyes.  I dislike publicizing my "tired mommy face", but I always say I'm up for getting out of my comfort zone, so here you go: Pictured here: Before and After using BB Cream All in all, I had a blast trying out these great new products, and I do find myself completely in love with the Goody's Ribbon Elastics and even more so, couldn't live without the Sinful Shine nail polish! What product, discussed above, interests you the most? #### Support Your Pregnant Friend's Birth Plan Does your pregnant friend have a birth plan you don't really get?  How to offer real support for a birth plan, even if you don't understand it. When it comes to the support we give for a woman's birth plan, we have it all wrong! A woman's birth plan is as individual as she is.  Whether her plan is no plan or a home birth, she has an idea about what she expects of her labor and delivery. Generally, I like to assume a woman has done her research, to the best of her abilities, to determine how she would like her birth to go.  Why do I assume that?  I remember spending countless hours reading books and watching videos that gave me a load of information to support my natural birth plan. Unfortunately, I rarely found the topic to be supported by women I came into contact with.  Even well-meaning friends or family didn't realize some of their comments weren't exactly positive or supportive.  I received a lot of advice that sounded supportive, but had an underlying negative/doubtful tone. I need to share that many women need more support than they're receiving.  Your soon-to-be mom friend is just starting to get a glimpse of how judgmental other moms can be.  Do you really think she needs to start that journey with those close to her second-guessing her ideal birth?  She needs to know you're going to be someone she can rely on from the beginning of her journey as a new mom. Please realize, these things came from my own experiences when I discussed my plans for a natural birth. How Not to Support a Birth Plan "We'll see how you feel when you go into labor."  I can't tell you how many times I heard that I'd change my mind as soon as I went into labor. What I got out of statements like this is that either you weren't well-prepared, you were afraid, or you just couldn't find a way to handle the pain. Telling birth horror stories.  Who doesn't love a good horror story?  I mean, tearing, trauma, preeclampsia, and life-saving c-section stories are all relevant right? Reiterating myths surrounding childbirth.  Things like "I'd be surprised if your doctor allows you to have the baby naturally ... you're too small."  Spouting off scientifically untrue statements about ones inability to pass a baby helps no one. Comments disguised as support.  "It's okay if you need the drugs."  "As soon as I got the epidural I was able to relax and progressed more quickly."  This kind of fits into #1, but is better masked to sound supportive.  You're insinuating someone can't do something.  How to Support Your Friend's Birth Plan How to offer REAL support for a #naturalbirth plan #birthplan #pregnancy Share on X Can I just say this?  Ladies, we seem to be the worst at offering REAL support when people need it the most.  Too many times, I heard backhanded advice.  And, it's all being passed down from generation to generation.  Younger women are regurgitating the same un-supportive, comments we've received from parents, grandparents, and aunts.  What your friend needs is your support, no matter what her birth plan is.  These are tips to help you (effectively) support her plans to bring her baby into the world. Tell her you love it.  First and foremost, tell your friend you love her birth plan.  Let her know you support her decisions without question! Save your negative thoughts.  Please don't project your own fears or inability to tolerate pain onto your friend. Save your horror stories for a therapist.  Just because something happened to you in labor and delivery, doesn't mean it happens to everyone.  If you're traumatized by it, seek counseling.  Don't strike fear into the heart of your loved one.  If you feel the need to share your story, be kind enough to tell her that you want her to know your experience (if you know of a way to avoid it), not that you believe it will happen to her. Do research before commenting.  Don't perpetuate unfounded myths about a woman's inability to birth her own child.  Things like your hips won't pass a baby are just untrue. (I can vouch for this falsehood as I was a mere 92 lbs when I got pregnant with my second baby.  He was born at almost 8 lbs and I had NO trouble delivering him naturally). Don't tell her it's okay if she caves.  Telling someone ahead of time its okay to take the drugs insinuates you don't believe they can do it.  Please don't try to help a mother doubt her ability. I am all for encouraging women to choose natural childbirth.  Because I had two of my own, I don't understand planning anything but un-medicated births (not that I'm even considering more than the two I have).  Still, when someone tells me their plans to take drugs, I don't insist I know any better.  If that's what they're choosing, I might ask questions about why to try to get a better understanding of their logic.  But, I don't tell them they're wrong.  I don't try to make them feel inferior or incapable or that they're making the wrong decision.  Their body, their baby. I'm just begging you, ladies, to please be more considerate and respect a mother's birth plans.  Choose your words more carefully, and let's stop passing down fear of birthing our babies. To truly support natural birth, we must stop creating doubt in the minds of mothers #pregnancy #childbirth #support Share on X What else would you add?  How do you think your friends could better support your birth plan?   #### Supporting a Friend Through an Unexpected Pregnancy: What Really Helps When your best friend calls, your heart pounds. Her voice is tight, maybe a little shaky. She just told you she's pregnant, and you both know it wasn't the plan. In that silent beat after she says the words, you might freeze, not knowing what to say or how to act. That’s okay. This isn’t about having the perfect words; it’s about being a good friend when her world feels shaken. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just be there. How to Support a Friend Through an Unexpected Pregnancy Listen Like You Mean It She doesn't need a speech. What she needs most is someone who truly listens. So when she opens up, put your phone away, look her in the eye, and let her talk. Don’t say, “It’ll all be fine,” because you don’t know that, and neither does she. Try saying something real like, “I imagine you must feel freaked out, but I’m here for you.” Listening without judgment is one of the strongest things you can do. React With Calm, Not Chaos Your reaction can either make her feel safe or make her want to shut down. Even if you’re surprised, try to stay calm. Take a breath before answering her. Ask gentle questions like, “How are you holding up?” or “What do you need right now?” She’s probably scared, confused, or both. Showing her that you can handle the moment helps her believe she can too. Show Up in Small but Real Ways Sometimes love looks like showing up with snacks or offering to go with her to an appointment. Other times, it’s helping her figure out who she can talk to next. Don’t just say, “Let me know if you need anything,” because chances are, she won’t. Think ahead. What would you need if you were in her place? There are also groups like Embrace Grace that support young women going through unexpected pregnancies, giving them a community that understands. Sharing something like that (if she’s open to it) could really help. Keep Normal Life Going Too Pregnancy can make someone feel like their whole life has just flipped upside down. One of the kindest things you can do is help her stay connected to the parts of herself that still feel normal. Watch a movie together. Go for ice cream. Talk about music or school or anything, not about pregnancy for a while. It’s a quiet reminder that she’s still herself, just facing something big. Respect Her Choices, Even If You Don’t Agree You might not understand every decision she makes. That’s okay. It’s not your job to fix things or convince her of what’s “right.” What matters most is that she knows you respect her and that she’s not alone. Everyone’s situation is different, and judgment only makes things harder. Real support means standing beside her, not above her. Be the Friend Who Stays People often rush in with support when something dramatic first happens, but they fade away after a few weeks. Don’t be one of those people. Keep checking in, even months later. A simple text like, “Thinking of you today,” can mean more than you realize. Consistency tells her she’s worth sticking around for. Love Her Through It All You don’t have to have all the answers. Your role isn't to fix her situation, but to share the weight of it. Just keep showing up, listening, and reminding her that she matters. When everything feels uncertain, real friendship can make all the difference. Because being there for someone in their hardest moment? That's not just a kindness - it’s what defines a true friend. #### Survival Food Storage Ideas for Families in a Disaster Your family's safety and survival plays an important part in your parenting role.  Check out these survival food storage ideas if you're facing a disaster or emergency with your family. In a disaster or emergency situation, having adequate food and water should be your top priority for your family! You can survive without power and many of the creature comforts you're accustomed to, but you cannot survive without food and water.  So, regardless of whether you choose to stay at home or in a shelter, or even get stuck in your car during an evacuation, you must think about your food and water supply.  I want to help you with survival food storage ideas so you'll be prepared for an emergency. Having emergency or survival food storage doesn't have to be a costly or complicated process.  In fact, you probably have a lot of what you'd need right in your own pantry. Before running out to the store (or ordering a massive supply on Amazon), figure out how long you want to prepare for.  Generally, having at least a week's worth of stored food and water is great during a natural disaster.  During your planning, you must keep in mind that you have to ride out the storm and be prepared for any extra time it takes for clean up, rescue efforts, and power restoration.  This is part 3 of an Emergency Preparedness for Families Series: Discussing the types of disasters to prepare for as a family How to Make an Emergency Preparedness Plan For Your Family Survival Food Storage Ideas for Families in a Disaster (this post) Must-Have Supplies for Your Family Disaster Survival Kit How to Stay Positive During an Evacuation Trip with Kids How to Be Ready for a Disaster With These Survival Food Storage Ideas Before we get started, I'm sharing a 14 page Family Disaster Preparedness Workbook.  Just join my newsletter and you'll get it for FREE.  But, that's not it.  You'll get instant access to a library of free printable resources for parents! Water Supply Your number 1 priority should be water.  You can live longer without food than you can without water!  So, when preparing for a disaster, make sure you are always thinking about this survival resource. Though we hope, in any emergency, we'll have running water, it's not a guarantee.  Don't depend on your home water source as the only way to get drinking water. It's never a bad idea to have store bought water bottles on hand.  Just be sure to cycle through them before their expiration date. If you have warning that a disaster is likely, begin filling up milk jugs, soda bottles, and/or other clean containers you have around the house.  Filling up a clean tub is another great way to have plenty of available drinking water in the event you're without power for an extended period of time. Non-Perishable Food Items Once you've ironed out details about your water supply, it's time to think about non-perishable food items your family will eat.  You want to choose foods you can eat as-is as well as offer some protein.  These can be: Crackers & Peanut Butter Canned beans, soups, etc Canned tuna or chicken Bread with non-perishable sandwich toppings Granola/protein bars Beef Jerky Think of things you can eat straight out of the package. If a family member has food allergies, make sure to stock up on an assortment of items for them as well. Plus, if you have a baby or toddler who takes formula, it's a good idea to stock up on extra water and formula packets! Cooking If you have a [easyazon_link keywords="camping stove" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]camping stove[/easyazon_link] or outdoor grill, you might also stock up on foods to heat and serve.  Think about items that you can heat with hot water like: Instant oatmeal Coffee or hot chocolate Soups Instant Rice Special treats When surviving a disaster with kids, it's always important to think of ways to alleviate stress for them as well.  Keeping them full and happy will make the entire process go a little more smoothly.  Stock up on a few special treats like: Chips and Pretzels Chocolate candy bars Cookies Muffins Snack cakes These items might make getting through a disaster with kids a little more bearable for everyone. In summary, make a list of things you know your family will eat.  These should be things you know you'll use up even after the disaster is over. Afterward, round out your stockpile with things that will keep the family full and healthy. What if I don't know I need the food? A good plan of action is to purchase a small supply of food you will go through easily.  Make it part of your regular grocery shopping list and eat the food during the week as you normally would.  During each grocery shopping trip, replenish your stock. Do not stock up on items you're not certain you'll eat.  If you're not a fan of tuna, save your purchases of items like this for a time you're more likely to need it.  In our case, I wouldn't buy a can of tuna until right before hurricane season. Lastly, make sure you have your family give you input on their survival food storage ideas.  Giving everyone a sense of control and responsibility will help keep the peace in what could be a stressful situation.  The last thing you're going to want to do in a disaster event is to fight over food when there are no other options. #### Tacky Box in Action! Plus Enter the Giveaway After reading Margo's Magnificent Choice and decorating our Tacky Box (did you miss my first Tacky Box Review?), it was time to put the story to action. Read about how we implemented what we learned while using our Tacky Box, then, scroll down to enter to win a set for yourself! You might be thinking my daughter, at two and a half, is too young to participate in this activity.  I'd be inclined to agree, but what better way to teach, even someone so young, than to practice the very things we wish them to learn?  Yes, Tacky Box is geared to children older than my own, but that doesn't mean we can't use it for any age. What I learned through the use of the Tacky Box is that I have a tangible way to show my daughter how to stop using words and phrases we shouldn't use.  That meant, I was practicing for all of us.  We did write the two major words that I have issues with her using ("mine" and "no") and we've been working on more polite ways to express ourselves. You see, we have put "mine" and "no" in the box, and we're using words like "share", "please", and other, nicer things to say than "no." I chose to remove my words ... I've got a few expletives that I've needed help removing from my vocabulary when I get aggravated, but showing those wouldn't quite be appropriate here.  While I still have a hard time completely removing them, it's important to note that the book and box come to mind when I use these words that I had committed to putting away.  I think that says something about the effect the book can have on all age groups. My daughter still needs reminding, but I'm glad that this book has given me a good way to deal with it when she's able to grasp the concept more fully.  I expect to read Margo's Magnificent Choice quite a bit in the next couple years and am certain this will give our family a positive way to deal with bad words and phrases if that time comes.  With Tacky Box, I won't be unprepared! How will you handle your child(ren)'s tacky behavior? GIVEAWAY TIME!!! 1 lucky reader will win a Tacky Box set in their choice of Margo (girl) or Max (boy).  This giveaway begins on 2/5/14 at 12:00 a.m. EST and ends 2/24/14 at 12:00 a.m. EST. a Rafflecopter giveaway To help support this blog, posts from Ivy's Variety may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. Please see my disclaimer page for more info.Connect with Ivy on Google+ #### Tacky Box: Help with Childrens' Bad Behavior and Bad Words Chris Phelps and Cindy Kent created the books Margo's Magnificent Choice and Max's Magnificent Choice to help parents to teach their children how to be kind.  Their project went beyond teaching children not to use four-letter words, rather any unkind words and phrases that a child speaks or hears.  And, Tacky Box was born. I was provided a Tacky Box set in exchange for publication of my review and experience with the product.  Opinions in this post are my own The books illustrate the character exhibiting poor behavior and then learning from a wise old owl about "tacky" words and phrases that make people feel bad. Tacky Box comes in a book and box set for boys or girls at approximately $29.95.  You're instructed to read the book with your child(ren), decorate the box (included), then begin committing to being nicer, and to put the tacky words and phrases into the box. As a family, you can begin working on being kind and having good manners in a fun and creative way. I read the book to my daughter (29 months) who actually sat still for the whole book.  I couldn't believe it.  She's normally running around or reading her own book while I read another one aloud.  The story was easy to follow and used some great examples of tacky words and phrases that can go into a tacky box, then provided encouraging ways to be nicer.  High fives work in this house, so giving high fives like the Wise Old Owl in the story went over really well. Decorating our very own Tacky Box was lots of fun.  I pulled out the finger paints first and had my daughter put on her paint smock (an over-sized, cheap-o t-shirt we picked up a while back). After she determined she'd had enough paint, we used stickers to decorate to her heart's content.  And now, our tacky box is ready for us to implement the process. At almost three, and because she's not around many children, we're able to control a lot of what is said around the house.  That said, the two major words I want her to stop using are: - mine- no I'll be participating as well, so I'll be working to take out the cuss words that are so hard to break after so many years of use. If you, like the creators, believe in the value of this set and what it can do for young children, check them out and share them with friends. Want to follow The Tacky Box? Let them know I sent you. http://www.tackybox.com   https://www.facebook.com/TheTackyBox   https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/103666763911892099187/103666763911892099187/posts   https://twitter.com/thetackybox    http://www.youtube.com/thetackybox   www.pinterest.com/thetackybox What system do you have for correcting bad behavior, stopping unkindness, and nix use of bad words? #### Tap and Learn ABC Children's Educational iOS App Review I was given the opportunity to test and review the Tap and Learn ABC educational iOS app, available for iPhone and iPad.  There's a wealth of alphabet apps out there, and sometimes it's hard to determine which one you should bother downloading, especially when it costs money.  This is a 99 cent app that delivers easy to understand alphabet content to young children.  It's simple but effective. This app is geared toward toddlers and preschoolers with it's adorable pictures corresponding to their alphabet.  There's a friendly female voice that calls out a letter, then a word that starts with that letter.  Each letter has several objects and typically a verb that starts with the letter shown.  After the object is called out, you can press the screen to play another of the words or go to the preceding or following letters. The graphics and animation are perfect for small children.  I was especially pleased with the easy to understand voice that called out the letter and words.   Everything is animated and includes appropriate sounds.  Where most alphabet apps like to focus on only objects that start with the letter, this app used action words at times!  For example, J is for Jump.  My favorite was K for Karate.  What a good opportunity to introduce sports to your child, right?! And, I like that I had options as to what I wanted my daughter to see.   In the settings menu, I was able to choose if the voice was going to say "A for" or "A as in."  Additionally, I could select whether she would see capital or lowercase letters.  This is perfect if you're past the point of recognizing upper case letters. You can download this app on iTunes for your iPhone or iPad. This is a sponsored post to review Tap and Learn ABC.  I was compensated a nominal fee and provided a free download of the full version of this app in exchange for my honest review.   #### Teach a Child to Read: My 6 Favorite Tips I'm a big fan of reading and there are so many benefits of reading for children. So, I aim to make regular reading part of my kids' world early on by having a pretty large selection of books at home. Ready to teach a child to read? I keep telling my 9 year old that the better she is at reading and comprehension, the easier the rest of her school subjects will be. Math isn't always going to be number problems and she's seeing that more with word problems. But, she's always been one to love to learn and has always made teaching new subjects pretty easy. My son, on the other hand, was way more physically active and hard to pin down to sit still. It took so much work to get him to sit still to even listen to stories unless it was bedtime, that I didn't spend nearly as much time with him on reading as I did with my daughter. But, VPK is helping him to mellow out, to some degree and I'm finally seeing signs that he's ready to work on reading! I don't think I could be more excited! I've picked up on a few tips to help you teach a child to read over the years and these tips should help you no matter where your child is in the process. Want to know my secrets for teaching a child to read? When Should I Start Teaching My Child to Read? While most kids start reading at about 6 or 7 years old, I believe it's never to early to teach a child to read. Even if they're not ready, does it hurt? Heck no! Giving your kids a solid reading foundation early can only benefit them, in my opinion. Still, if you're going to start early, do so with zero expectations. If your child displays an interest, teach on! If your child isn't ready, just keep teaching them without the pressure of expectations. Really, just have fun! Your child will learn to read when they are ready. And, you'll probably notice some signs that they're ready to learn when you least expect it. That's a good feeling! How to Teach a Child to Read These are some of the things I do, starting at an early age, with my own two kiddos to help them learn to read. These are my tips to teach a child to read with less frustration. Reading Apps Even as toddlers, I exposed my little ones to educational apps that helped them form the basis of learning to read through recognizing letters and letter sounds. My son's favorite app as a toddler was Hooked on Phonics. In this year's update, the app became much more engaging and exciting, so he continues to be fascinated with the app, and he's about to turn 5. Hooked on phonics uses simple games, songs, and stories to teach the basics of letter sounds and blending as your child progresses through the app. Plus, Hooked on Phonics can use a variety of media online and offline to teach your child to read. We've also used ABC Mouse, which now has Reading IQ for ages 2 to 13. ReadingIQ includes reading level assessments and over 7000 books for kids of all ages and reading levels. You can have up to 3 children on one account and the program is available on desktop, tablets, or your phone. Snag your first month of ReadingIQ for free! Another popular reading program is Reading Eggs. This is another program geared to children ages 2-13! They have Reading Eggs Junior for ages 2 to 4 and Reading Eggpress for ages 7 to 13. Read Often Starting from an early age, read to your children often. Before they can learn to read, you're doing them a favor by building their vocabulary. Plus, it's great to see mom and dad reading and you can use nightly reading for additional bonding and togetherness. One of my favorite things to do with the kids as toddlers was to visit the library and let them pick out new books as often as once a week. This kept them interested in books because they constantly had a rotation of books. But, they each had their favorite books at home that they'd cycle through pretty regularly. Read and Spell Small Words I have a habit of picking a one or two small words (two or three letter words) out of a short book that I want my kids to focus on. When reading, I'll come to the word (or words) I want to focus on and I'll point to it, read it, spell it, and then read it again. I might even ask my kid what word I just read. I've figured out it's time to focus on teaching your child how to read a little more when they're able to tell the difference between the two words you pick out in a book. Ask What Letters a Word Starts With Beginning sounds are a great way to teach a child to read and this can be treated as a game. Ask these questions in a variety of ways: What letter does (insert your child's name here) start with? If a child isn't sure, enunciate the beginning sound of the name or word. For example "What letter does Bradley start with? Buh buh Bradley ..." Word Cards One of my favorite activities was using letter cards with pictures of things that began with that letter to work on the sounds of letters as they were used in the word. Kids have more fun with that too! Don't Force It While you might be ready to teach your kid how to read, he might not be ready to learn. Don't put pressure on him. Instead, make reading fun, take your time, and don't stress it. It will happen! #### Teach Children How to Put Things into Perspective An important childhood lesson is learning how to put things into perspective.  I'm sharing tips and a perspective activity. “The only thing you sometimes have control over is perspective. You don't have control over your situation. But you have a choice about how you view it.”  Chris Pine "Mommy, that cloud looks like a duck." I'm confused.  I see a blob that doesn't look like anything distinguishable.  As I open my mouth, fully prepared to disagree, I realize now is the perfect time to talk about perspective.  From where I stand, it's just a blob.  Maybe from where she stands, it does look like a duck.  And, this is a simple lesson in perspective to help me with the subject in more difficult situations. How true it is ... it can be very difficult to put things into perspective.  As a parent, I know I struggle with this quite a bit. Life has a way of turning all your plans upside down in an instant. As an adult, these unexpected roadblocks can be annoying.  But, as a parent, I feel they’re much more daunting.  Adults can more easily work through though situations.  But, when children are involved, it’s your job to protect them and help them make good decisions. One of the best ways to handle the unexpected twists and turns is to put things into perspective.  If you have difficulty with this yourself, how can you be expected to teach your children to put things into perspective? First, you need to understand that putting something into perspective will help you to see a problem more clearly.  The more you understand a problem, the better you can decide how to handle it.  In order to do this, remember that you’re basically comparing your current situation to a similar situation.  Plus, you have to take into consideration how others may perceive this situation. The better you do this, the easier it will be to teach your children. The following tips will help you learn to put things into perspective.  Practice and teach your children according to these steps. Put Things into Perspective For children, the unexpected can leave them more emotionally distraught than we are.  But, we can teach them to put things into perspective by modeling our own techniques.  Here are some simple strategies for putting things into perspective, for yourself and your children. Stay Calm It’s crucial to remain as calm as possible to gain perspective on any subject.  Anxiety or fear will cause emotional reactions and inhibit your ability to see things clearly. Think about the last time you lost something.  Were you frantic trying to find it?  How did that work out for you?  Not only did you probably not immediately find whatever it was you lost, but you probably also became more upset with the passing time. What happened after you calmed down and gave up? You found the object, didn’t you?  You didn’t have tunnel vision and things were much clearer, weren’t they? Any time you encounter a problem, remind yourself that the intensity of your emotions will only build and cloud your judgment. Take a few deep breaths to keep yourself calm.  Focus on inhaling and exhaling fully for three or four full breaths.  You can envision the air filling and leaving your lungs.  Or, envision yourself relaxing at your favorite beach or other destination that relaxes you. Being calm will allow you to stay in control of the situation and see a clearer resolution more quickly. Consider the Feelings of Others Can you imagine what it would be like to be the other party involved in whatever issue is at hand?  Being considerate of other’s feelings will help you gain another perspective. Think about others by asking yourself the following questions: What do they fear? What are their motives? Why are they behaving this way? What situation might they be in to see things differently? Because we’re all different, no one will see a situation the same way. When you take a moment to consider other people’s feelings, you’ll be less likely to say something hurtful.  This will make a difference for everyone involved. How to Teach Diversity to Young Children Take a Break If you feel like you’re losing control, take a break! If your children are at home, have them take a nap or quiet time.  If your children are older, send them outside to play.  Whatever you choose, this will give everyone a chance to cool down and think more rationally. During your break, practice your breathing and/or meditating to help you calm down.  Remind yourself that overreacting will only make the situation worse. You’re the adult!  Your children are going to be learning how to handle problems by watching you.  If you become anxious and frantic, they’ll follow suit.  If your mood affects them negatively, it will only make the situation worse. We’re not going to experience stress-free parenting, but that doesn’t mean we can’t try to make things better.  All you can do is to practice ways to manage parenting stress. By learning the techniques to put things into perspective, you’ll be better capable of teaching your children how to do it.  And, you’ll be a calmer role model in the process. Perspective Activity for Kids   Practice putting things into perspective through activities that focus on physical objects.  My favorite was selecting a flower outside on a bush as it was easiest to explain perspective to my 5-year-old through visualization. If you're looking for an inexpensive digital camera you won't mind the kids using, check out the Vtech Kidizoom Camera Pix.  It is rugged for kids and is rated 4.3 stars. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" cloak="n" height="312" identifier="B01D11ZOAK" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51wgGAkS6nL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] To download your perspective activity for kids FREE printable, sign up for my email newsletter.  You'll receive access to a free resource library for parents which includes all sorts of printables, including this one.     #### Teaching Our Kids the Power of Kindness and Patience During Hurricane Helene As Hurricane Helene rapidly approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush of preparation—stocking up on supplies, securing our homes, and figuring out our next steps. The storm, predicted to be one of the largest to hit Florida’s Gulf Coast in over a year, has the potential to leave a massive impact. But beyond the material damage and logistical challenges, there’s a critical lesson we can pass on to our children: the power of community, kindness, and patience in times of crisis. A Massive Storm with Widespread Impact Just like previous storms, Hurricane Helene isn’t just targeting Florida—it’s forecasted to spread its reach across much of the Southeast. Communities from South Florida to Georgia are bracing for potentially historic flooding, damaging winds, and power outages. The storm will likely make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, leaving many families in its path. With thousands of people already evacuating and the clock ticking for last-minute preparations, emotions are running high. It’s in these moments—when patience can run thin, and stress levels peak—that we have the best opportunity to teach our kids about the importance of staying grounded in kindness. Lesson 1: Extend a Helping Hand In times like these, we have the opportunity to model for our children what it means to be a good neighbor. Whether it’s helping someone board up windows, sharing supplies, or simply offering comforting words, acts of kindness can go a long way in alleviating the anxiety and fear that natural disasters bring. As the storm barrels toward us, remind your children that not everyone will be able to prepare equally. Some families might not have access to the same resources or the physical ability to get their homes ready. Encourage your kids to help out where they can, showing them that community support is one of the strongest tools we have during challenging times. Lesson 2: Patience in the Face of Fear Hurricanes like Helene have a way of testing our patience—not just in the days leading up to the storm but in the aftermath, too. Power outages, delays in supply deliveries, and the uncertainty of when life will return to normal can lead to frustration and stress. For kids, this waiting period can feel overwhelming. As parents, we can use this time to teach patience—reminding them that while we can’t control the storm, we can control how we respond to it. Whether it's playing games, reading books, or spending quiet moments together, these small acts of connection will help ease the anxiety while also teaching valuable life skills. Lesson 3: Preparing Together as a Family Preparing for a storm is a family effort. Including your children in these preparations can help them feel empowered rather than scared. Whether it’s filling sandbags, gathering flashlights, or making sure everyone knows the emergency plan, these activities teach responsibility, teamwork, and foresight. As Helene approaches, involve your children in age-appropriate tasks. Not only does this create a sense of ownership and participation, but it also shows them that they are capable of contributing to the family’s safety and well-being. Lesson 4: The Importance of Gratitude In the rush to prepare, it’s easy to lose sight of gratitude. Remind your children to be thankful for the things they have—shelter, family, community—and the efforts of those who are working tirelessly to keep everyone safe. Helene may cause significant damage, but it will also pass. In its wake, there will be more opportunities to rebuild, to help those in need, and to strengthen connections we share with others. Teaching our kids to be grateful during times of crisis will give them perspective, helping them to navigate future challenges with resilience and hope. Building a Stronger, Kinder Community Hurricanes like Helene remind us that we’re all in this together. The storm will eventually subside, but the lessons of kindness, patience, and community will stay with our children long after. As you prepare your family for the days ahead, take the time to instill these values, ensuring that the next generation grows up understanding the power of compassion, especially in the face of adversity. By teaching our kids to be kind, patient, and helpful in the face of a massive storm, we’re not only helping them cope with the immediate challenges but also equipping them with the emotional tools they’ll need for the rest of their lives. #### The #1 Reason Sleep Training Fails - It's Not What You Think In this guest post, Natalie of Mommywise, shares what she's learned over the years the top reason sleep training fails. If you're ready for your baby's sleep to improve, here's what you need to know! When I was a new mom in 2004, I was exhausted and determined to sleep-train my firstborn at 8 weeks old. I know that’s bananas, but my pediatrician gave the green light, I had read all the books and methods, and I was beyond ready to sleep again. I had a plan and contingency plans. But when my plans didn’t work, I was truly shocked. I’m a smart person who is used to succeeding at most things. I had done so much research.  Why didn’t sleep training work for us? Why was my baby still up crying at night? I could go on about all the reasons why sleep training fails but today I’ll share the #1 reason I know from over 12 years of helping families sleep train their babies in their homes. Sleep training your baby is exceptionally challenging. If you’ve been reading and following sleep training experts online or trying different sleep training methods, you know what I mean. There are so many theories and methods, all promising a sleeping baby in the end. But frankly, most of these theories and methods don’t work because of one fundamental reason - fear of crying.  Culturally, we think crying is bad. We associate crying with pain, sorrow, and trauma. As parents, we will do whatever it takes to quiet our baby's tears. Of course we do, it’s natural and normal! But no matter how much we try to stop it, sometimes babies just need to cry. It’s their only form of communication and crying often means, “I’m tired, I need sleep!” Some tears are inevitable with sleep training, but many of the sleep training methods you’ll find are branded for parents who want to avoid Cry it Out sleep training methods. Brands like the No Cry Sleep Solution, “Gentle” sleep training, the Chair Method, and the Sleep Lady Shuffle - all these methods mislead parents to believe that they’re going to avoid tears while sleep training. But it’s just not true - all babies cry when they’re learning new sleep skills, no matter what method you follow! Why is sleep training not working for my baby? If your goal is to avoid tears while sleep training, you’re going to get stuck, and there will be more tears than you expect. Perhaps you tried sleep training with intermittent checks, a la Dr. Richard Ferber. What happened? Let me guess. Every time you went in and out of their nursery, your baby cried harder and harder until you gave in and ended up soothing your baby to sleep. Or maybe your baby eventually fell asleep crying, only to wake up crying 40 minutes later. There are SO many tears, most parents give up at 3 am and either soothe their baby back to sleep or end up with the baby in their bed because they feel terrible about letting their baby cry for so long. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone!  "What happens when sleep training doesn't work?" I know from my own personal experience that when sleep training doesn’t work, we blame ourselves. We feel guilty, and defeated, and worry that we’ll never sleep again. We may try a few different sleep training solutions, but repeated failure makes you feel even worse. If this is you, here’s my suggestion: take a break from sleep training and do whatever you need to do to get a little extra sleep before you try something new. All of you probably need a break! "Is it really okay to let my baby cry?" When we explain to parents that all babies cry during sleep training and there’s really no way to avoid it, the most common question parents ask is, how long should we let our baby cry? The answer isn't so easy because you have to first allow your baby to cry without jumping to shush their tears out of habit or fear. From there, you have to study your baby’s body language and voice and try to rationally assess if they actually need something from you, or if their cries are just normal learning how to self-soothe cries. If the latter, then you can try giving them more time to settle. What I’ve learned over the years about crying and sleep training comes down to this: all crying is not bad. Allowing your baby to speak when they’re tired and frustrated isn’t harmful. The short-term discomfort with crying during sleep training is an opportunity to get to know your baby, understand their habits and needs, and learn how and when to respond to them thoughtfully when they need something from you.  #### The Authoritative Parenting Style: Explained Ever heard of authoritative parenting? It's a balanced parenting style that's all about setting clear rules but also being super responsive and supportive. Unlike those strict or overly laid-back approaches, it's all about creating a space where kids can grow and figure things out on their own. By mixing this rule-setting with open chats and understanding, it's meant to help kids be independent, responsible, and good at getting along with others. So, in this article, we're diving deep into how authoritative parenting can totally shape your kid's world. We'll explore how it boosts their self-esteem and smarts, and even how it helps them learn to take on responsibilities. Plus, we'll uncover some practical tips on how you can strike that perfect balance between being their rock and letting them spread their wings. Get ready to discover how this parenting style can make a real difference in your child's life! What is Authoritative Parenting? Authoritative parenting is a well-known and widely studied parenting style that emphasizes a balanced approach to raising children. It is characterized by parents who set clear expectations and boundaries for their children while being responsive, nurturing, and supportive. Unlike other parenting styles that lean towards strict control or permissiveness, authoritative parents strive to create an environment where children can thrive and develop into independent individuals. They establish rules and guidelines but encourage open communication, mutual respect, and understanding. This parenting style promotes healthy child development by fostering autonomy, self-discipline, and social competence. Authoritative parents provide guidance and structure without being overly controlling or harsh. They value their child's opinions and emotions while still maintaining parental authority. Through this approach, authoritative parents create a nurturing environment that allows children to explore their interests, make decisions within reasonable limits, and learn from both successes and failures. This balance between setting expectations and being responsive helps children develop important life skills such as problem-solving, self-confidence, empathy, and resilience. Examples of Authoritative Parenting Authoritative parenting is often regarded as one of the most effective and beneficial approaches. This parenting style emphasizes a balance between setting clear rules and expectations while providing warmth, support, and open communication with children. Examples of authoritative parenting can be seen in various aspects of a child's life. For instance, parents who adopt an authoritative approach tend to  Establish consistent rules and boundaries for children. Set clear expectations regarding behavior, chores, and academic performance. Take the time to explain the reasoning behind rule to their children. Encourage children to express their thoughts and opinions, fostering open communication within the family. Imagine this: little Emma is trying to understand why she can't have a second piece of cake before dinner. Instead of a simple "no," her mom, practicing authoritative parenting, takes the time to explain the importance of balanced nutrition and the joy of savoring treats in moderation. Emma, though a bit disappointed, starts to understand the reasoning behind her mom's decision. Now picture young Alex, who forgot to complete his homework for the third time this week. Instead of facing harsh punishment, his dad, an authoritative parent, sits down with him, discussing the importance of responsibility and time management. Alex learns that his actions have consequences, but he also feels supported in finding better strategies to stay organized. Contrast these with Sarah, who feels restricted and misunderstood because her parents never allow her to voice her opinions or make decisions independently. Sarah's struggle to express herself often leads to pent-up frustration and a lack of self-confidence. Without the chance to understand the reasoning behind rules, she finds it difficult to grasp the importance of discipline in a nurturing environment. Similarly, picture John, whose parents give in to his every demand without teaching him the value of patience or hard work. While he enjoys the immediate satisfaction, John gradually struggles with managing expectations and facing challenges independently. Without clear boundaries, he finds it challenging to understand limits, leading to difficulties in navigating social situations. In these examples, it's clear how authoritative parenting fosters understanding, responsibility, and resilience in children, setting them on a path towards holistic growth and development. Authoritative Parenting Pros and Cons One of the key advantages of authoritative parenting is that it promotes healthy development in children.  Authoritative Parenting Advantages: Promotes healthy development in children by providing structure and guidance. Helps children develop self-discipline, responsibility, and independence. Fosters open communication and encourages children to express their thoughts and feelings. Creates a positive parent-child relationship based on mutual respect. Builds trust between parent and child, leading to a stronger bond and better overall emotional well-being. Authoritative Parenting Disadvantages: Requires a significant amount of time and effort from parents. Setting consistent boundaries and explaining rules can be demanding on parents' energy levels. May not work for every child or family dynamic, as some children may require more structure or flexibility depending on their individual needs or temperament. Parents need to be adaptable in their approach while still maintaining the core principles of authoritative parenting. The Characteristics and Benefits of Authoritative Parenting Clear Expectations and Rules: In any household, clear expectations and rules is crucial in shaping children's behavior and development. Authoritative parents understand the importance of setting boundaries and establishing guidelines for their children. By doing so, they create a structured environment that promotes positive growth and responsible decision-making. Parental expectations serve as a guiding light for children, helping them understand what is expected of them in terms of behavior, responsibilities, and achievement. These expectations can cover various aspects of life, such as academics, chores, social interactions, and personal values. By clearly communicating these expectations to their children, authoritative parents provide a framework for success while instilling important life skills. Household rules are another essential component of creating a harmonious family environment. These rules set the boundaries within which children can operate and help them develop self-discipline and respect for others. Authoritative parents establish rules that are fair and reasonable while taking into account the developmental stage of each child. By setting clear expectations and enforcing household rules consistently, authoritative parents create an atmosphere where children feel secure and supported. This approach encourages open communication between parents and children, fostering mutual understanding and trust. It also allows children to develop autonomy within defined boundaries while learning the importance of responsibility. Warmth and Support: Creating a nurturing environment for children is crucial in their emotional development. Warmth and support from authoritative parents play a vital role in building trust and connection with their children. When parents provide emotional support, they create an atmosphere where children feel safe to express themselves and share their thoughts and feelings. This helps foster a strong parent-child relationship based on trust, empathy, and understanding. By offering warmth and support, parents can help their children develop resilience, self-esteem, and emotional intelligence. When children feel emotionally supported, they are more likely to navigate challenges with confidence and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Authoritative parents who combine warmth and support with clear boundaries create an optimal environment for their children's growth. This parenting style encourages open communication while providing structure and guidance. Open Communication: Open communication is a vital aspect of effective parenting, particularly when it comes to fostering healthy relationships with our children. Practicing active listening and encouraging dialogue can create an environment where their children feel comfortable expressing themselves and sharing their thoughts and feelings. One key component of open communication is developing active listening skills. This involves giving our children our full attention when they are speaking, maintaining eye contact, and showing genuine interest in what they have to say. By doing so, we validate their experiences and demonstrate that we value their perspectives. Encouraging dialogue is another essential aspect of open communication. Rather than simply dictating rules or decisions, authoritative parents create opportunities for discussion and negotiation. This approach allows children to express their opinions, ask questions, and contribute to the decision-making process within appropriate boundaries set by the parents. Open communication from authoritative parenting provides numerous benefits for both parents and children. It helps build trust and mutual respect between family members, strengthens emotional bonds, and promotes the development of effective problem-solving skills in children. By fostering open communication within the parent-child relationship, we empower our children to become confident communicators who can express themselves effectively in various contexts throughout their lives. Reasoning and Consistency: When it comes to parenting, reasoning and consistency play a crucial role in shaping a child's behavior and understanding of consequences. Explaining the consequences of actions to children helps them develop a sense of responsibility and empathy, while consistent enforcement of rules establishes clear boundaries and expectations. Authoritative parenting, which combines warmth with reasonable discipline, emphasizes the importance of reasoning with children. By explaining why certain behaviors are acceptable or not, parents can help their children understand the underlying values and principles behind the rules. This approach encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as children learn to consider the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Consistency in enforcing rules is equally important for effective parenting. When parents consistently follow through with consequences for certain behaviors, children learn that there are predictable outcomes for their actions. This consistency helps establish trust between parent and child, as well as a sense of security in knowing what is expected of them. Reasoning and consistency work hand in hand to create a nurturing environment where children can learn from their mistakes, understand cause-and-effect relationships, and develop self-discipline. By employing authoritative parenting techniques that emphasize both reasoning and consistency, parents can guide their children towards becoming responsible individuals who make thoughtful choices based on understanding the consequences of their actions. Effects of Authoritative Parenting Authoritative parenting has a profound impact on the socio-emotional and cognitive development of children. This parenting style tends to have a positive impact on various aspects of a child's growth. Authoritative Parents Foster self-esteem and confidence in children by providing consistent support and encouragement. Help children develop a strong sense of self-worth and belief in their abilities. Promote cognitive development through setting high expectations and encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making. Cultivate a sense of responsibility in kids by establishing clear rules and expectations, fostering accountability for their behavior. Nurture independence by encouraging age-appropriate decision-making and providing guidance when needed, helping children develop essential life skills. This approach allows children to develop essential life skills such as decision-making, time management, and problem-solving abilities from an early age. Distinguishing Authoritative Parenting from Other Parenting Styles  Understanding the different parenting styles is crucial in shaping a child's development and overall well-being. One such style, authoritative parenting, stands out as a balanced approach that promotes healthy growth and independence. It is important to distinguish authoritative parenting from other styles, such as permissive parenting, to fully grasp its benefits and impact on children. While permissive parents may be characterized by their leniency and lack of structure, authoritative parents strike a delicate balance between setting boundaries and fostering independence. They provide clear guidelines for behavior while still allowing their children to explore and make decisions within those boundaries. Unlike permissive parents who may avoid discipline or have inconsistent rules, authoritative parents understand the importance of discipline as a means of teaching responsibility. They establish fair consequences for actions while also taking the time to explain the reasoning behind those consequences. Furthermore, authoritative parents prioritize open communication with their children. They actively listen to their thoughts and feelings, providing guidance and support when needed. This approach helps foster a strong parent-child relationship built on trust and mutual respect. In contrast, permissive parents may struggle with establishing effective communication channels with their children due to the lack of structure in their parenting style. This can lead to misunderstandings or difficulties in addressing important issues that arise during childhood and adolescence. By distinguishing authoritative parenting from other styles like permissive parenting, we can better understand its positive impact on child development. Authoritative parents provide a nurturing environment that promotes self-confidence, emotional intelligence, and responsible decision-making skills in their children. Embracing Authoritative Parenting for Raising Well-rounded and Confident Children Embracing authoritative parenting can have a profound impact on raising well-rounded and confident children. Adopting a positive and nurturing approach can create an environment that fosters growth, resilience, and emotional well-being. Building strong parent-child relationships is at the core of authoritative parenting. This involves open communication, active listening, and mutual respect. When children feel supported and understood by their parents, they are more likely to develop a sense of security and self-confidence. Authoritative parenting also emphasizes setting clear boundaries and expectations while allowing room for independence and autonomy. By providing guidance rather than control, parents can empower their children to make responsible decisions and develop critical thinking skills. Furthermore, this parenting style encourages the development of important life skills such as problem-solving, empathy, and self-discipline. By teaching children how to navigate challenges effectively, they are better equipped to face adversity in the future. In a world that is constantly evolving, it is crucial for parents to adapt their approach to meet the needs of their children. Embracing authoritative parenting helps raise well-rounded individuals and meaningfully strengthens the parent-child bond. By nurturing our children with love, support, and guidance, we set them on a path towards success and fulfillment in all aspects of life. FAQs About Authoritative Parenting Why is authoritative parenting better? Authoritative parenting is considered advantageous because it fosters a healthy balance between structure and nurturing. This style promotes independence, self-discipline, and social competence in children while also maintaining a positive parent-child relationship based on mutual respect and understanding. Is authoritative parenting the same as gentle parenting? While there are some similarities, authoritative parenting and gentle parenting are not exactly the same. Gentle parenting often focuses on avoiding punishment and using a non-punitive approach to discipline, whereas authoritative parenting emphasizes setting clear boundaries and expectations while maintaining warmth and open communication. What is another word for authoritative parenting? Another term often used to describe authoritative parenting is 'balanced parenting'. This term highlights the balance between setting rules and expectations and providing emotional support and understanding for children. Are authoritative parents strict? Authoritative parents are not typically characterized as strictly authoritarian. While they do set clear rules and expectations, they also prioritize open communication and understanding. This approach helps children develop a sense of autonomy and responsibility within a nurturing and supportive environment. #### The Benefits of Babywearing Lugging around a new baby can be exhausting with everything a mom already has going on. And, when you're a tired new mom, the weight of carrying around a baby can be even more taxing. This is why we're covering the benefits of babywearing. From dispelling a few myths and answering some questions you may have about babywearing, we're sure you'll love to know about these babywearing benefits for mom and baby! What Is Babywearing? While babywearing is connected to the beginnings of humanity, it is a safe and practical tool that most new moms utilize as they care for themselves and their tiny babe. Babywearing is a hands-free method of staying close to baby throughout the demands of your new role as a mom, and even more helpful if you already have littles at home. With so many options on the market, moms can choose from carriers, slings, or breathable wraps to keep their little one close.  Ergonomic carriers are probably the easiest to use. This carrier features a pocket for baby, two straps for mom’s arms – think forward-facing backpack, and one belt-like piece to secure around mom’s waist. This method is easy, quick, and great for transferring your sleeping baby to her crib, with little to no startling. Slings are an excellent choice for those who have super cuddly babies. A sling is simply a piece of fabric connected by a metal ring and creates a cozy seat or pocket for your little one. Slings also promote comfortable nursing for when baby wants to be held, and mom is attending to other duties. Lastly, wraps are another option. Using a wrap is the most challenging of the three, but once you get the hang, it can be the most flexible. Because baby is wrapped to mom’s body, it is the most secure babywearing method available. This is beneficial for moms caring for other small children and those who find themselves in a season where baby wants to constantly be held as life happens.  While this may seem overwhelming, it is as simple as trying them out and seeing which one works best for you and your baby.  Related: How to Choose a Baby Carrier You'll Love  Is Babywearing Safe? As with practically everything, babywearing is safe if mom follows safety guidelines. The acronym “TICKS” is an easy guidance tool as you prepare to babywear: Tight: The sling or carrier should be tight enough to hug baby closely. In view: Baby’s sweet face should always be in sight. Close enough to kiss: When mom tips head forward, she should be able to kiss the top of baby’s head or forehead. Keep chin off chest: Baby’s chin should never be touching their chest as it can restrict their airway. Supported back: Baby’s back should be supported naturally, with tummy and chest facing mom. While babywearing is a great way to keep baby close throughout the day, improper babywearing can increase your baby’s chances of hip dysplasia. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute recommends the M-Position, also referred to as the Spread-Squat or Jockey position, while your baby is in his carrier or sling. The M-Position practice is when baby’s thighs are spread around mom’s torso, with hips bent, so that baby’s knees are higher than their buttocks. This method may decrease the risk of hip dysplasia in your infant.  What Are the Benefits of Babywearing? There are many benefits to babywearing for baby and mom. It encourages health in both baby and mom. Not only does wearing your baby prevent flat head syndrome, but it also aids in promoting good digestion. As baby is snug close to mom, baby learns to utilize core muscles needed for balance. As for mom, oxytocin levels are naturally increased as mom and baby engage in physical contact, lowering mom’s risk for postpartum depression. It reduces crying for baby. I don’t know about you, but the most challenging part of the newborn stage for me was hearing my little one cry. More times than not, when I picked her up, she stopped. Practicing safe babywearing allows baby the comfort of being with mom, gives extra snuggle time and allows for bonding outside of the womb. It is a great way to support breastfeeding. While there is nothing dreamier than sitting in an oversized chair, nursing your babe as he grabs your finger, sometimes life is busy. Babywearing is a great option for nursing mothers in the thick of life. Not only does it allow discreet nursing while running errands, but it is an easy way to allow baby to nurse on demand while keeping mom hands-free.   It promotes cognitive development. Babywearing allows a front-row seat to the world that their mom or dad sees. Because babywearing is excellent for soothing, baby will cry less, allowing more time to interact and study facial expressions from those in their environment. It makes mom's life easier.  Everyday activities are much more difficult when you're holding a baby in one arm.  Being able to hold baby while having both hands free allows for mom to take care of the house, other children, cooking or other chores she needs to handle. If mom is breastfeeding, she's able to multi-task if necessary. Related: One Thing Made Me Want to Breastfeed in a Carrier  Can You Wear Your Baby Too much? The short and long answer is no.  New moms are often gifted the thoughts of those within their extended families, friends, and even interested strangers in Target. But the truth is, sometimes these thoughts and suggestions aren't gifts at all! You can wear your baby as often as it is comfortable for both of you. Holding your baby is encouraged, especially in pre-term babies and newborns. Remember that the benefits far outweigh the opinions of others.  How Long Should You Babywear? You can babywear as long as it is something both you and your baby enjoy!  However, the most important thing to remember is that baby is in a carrier or sling that supports a healthy positioning.  Also, as baby grows into a toddler, there will be a weight restriction of around 40 pounds that you will want to consider when choosing a baby carrier. You may even want to purchase a specific toddler carrier.  Can Babywearing Help Mom Lose Weight? Yes, babywearing can help mom lose weight, which is a huge benefit of babywearing! As you wear your baby throughout the day, you use various muscle groups to balance yourself, not to mention the added pounds as you walk and climb stairs! You can even engage in babywearing workouts as you connect with your babe. Remember, as baby grows, you will get stronger.  Does Babywearing Affect Baby Sleeping in Her Crib? Keep in mind that baby’s sleep is usually disorganized until they are about four months old, sometimes longer. Babywearing shouldn’t affect the baby’s nighttime routine.  If baby is having a hard time falling asleep, Dr. Sears suggests that mom wears baby in a sling, in the least stimulating position, while walking around the house until baby enters a state of deep sleep. Once your little one is fast asleep, gently transition them to their bed. Are you considering babywearing for the benefits to you and your baby?   If you're still uncertain about the carrier you need, how to use one, or how they'll fit, you can find a local babywearing group for support. Any other questions about the benefits of babywearing or other baby concerns? Comment or reach out to see if we can help! #### The Best Housekeeping Schedule is One You Build A while back, I shared a housekeeping schedule perfect for new moms.  One of my largest pain points as a stay at home mom was finding a housekeeping schedule that worked for me.  I would scour the internet, but never once did I find a schedule, made by someone else, that was right for me.  And, as my house got larger and I added another kid, my needs changed again. I'm willing to bet you're here for the same reason.  The truth is, if you're searching for housekeeping schedules, you've likely found a variety of schedules.  If you're lucky, you might have found one that suits you.  In my case, I've never actually found one that made sense.  And, I've always had to customize or change up at least a few of the elements to make it work.  Instead of giving you a blanket schedule and pretending it's one-size-fits-all, I actually want to give you the tools to create your own schedule.  You'll be able to recreate and change your schedule as any new situation warrants.  This way, you'll never have to search out a housekeeping schedule that doesn't work again.  Instead, you're building the best housekeeping schedule for you, as you work around your own family's schedule. *Disclaimer: Affiliate links are included in this post. Build The Best Housekeeping Schedule! Please bear in mind that I build a SAHM schedule this way.  I completely customize my housekeeping schedule around naps, school drop off and pick up, and extracurricular activities.  And, when situations or schedules change, I can rebuild my schedule easily! Print a monthly calendar (OR use a scheduling app) Start by printing a single month calendar page (not month specific is fine) OR select a scheduling app.  My preference was to use a scheduling app called Due - Reminders, Countdown Timers (currently $4.99).  My logic for using a scheduling app is Your schedule goes everywhere (this is particularly helpful if you're constantly on the go). After plugging in a task, set it on repeat according to your schedule. Set it to remind (or nag) you every few minutes (or however often you choose) until you complete the task. It keeps you accountable. I can set it to a specific time, working around naps and school schedules. Schedule absolutes first The first part of building a workable housekeeping schedule is to start with working around absolutes.  These are things like trash and recycling pickup.  Block off days and times when you're unavailable.  I usually block off Saturdays for spending time with the family.  And, I like to build in some time one day a week that I don't have as much to do. What tasks do you need to complete and how often? Make a list of housekeeping tasks that need to be done.  Beside each task, determine how often you need or want to do them.  You'll find that no one has the same recommendation on how often chores need to be done.  After having two kids, I learned that there are some things I can live with a little dirtier than others.  Why?  Because some things get dirtier more quickly than others based on use.  Here's my list as an example: Sheets - Weekly Towels - Weekly Clean Kid's bathroom - every other week Clean downstairs bathroom - weekly Clean master bathroom - weekly Deep clean kitchen - weekly Clean out fridge - weekly Mop - every other week Take out trash - weekly Take out recycling - every other week Dust - monthly Vacuum upstairs - every other week Vacuum downstairs - weekly Clean light fixtures - monthly clean windows - monthly 15 minute cleaning challenge - daily (straighten, organize, throw out) Laundry - as needed Dishes - as needed This is what my housekeeping schedule looks like.  I prefer to leave Saturday and another day during the work-week semi-clear... it builds in time for me to rest, spend more time with family, or do some extra work. But, check out how nice it is in the Due app!!! Questions or comments about building the best housekeeping schedule?  Let me know! Did you catch the first three posts in this series? I've been telling you this e-book was coming.  And now, it's GO TIME!  I've launched my new e-book which will include the 5th topic (and my favorite) in this series.  Plus, I include a few free resources that you can't get here from any of these posts to supplement some of the stuff I have discussed. To celebrate the launch, I'm promoting the book for free March 10th, 11th, and 12th on Amazon!   Check out my introduction to the book, which is essentially about time management for parents to decide if this book is right for you! If you're a parent struggling with time management, you're going to want this book.  I share my secrets as a stay at home mom who tries to get it all done, including finding time to spend with my family and making time for my own hobbies and self-care.  But, why pay for the book if you can get it free?  Go ahead and sign up to receive my newsletter and I'll tell you when you can get your copy for free or on discount! #### The Best Maternity Subscription Boxes Mom To Be Will Cherish 10 best subscription boxes for baby showers to promote self care for moms and healthy development for babies. Great ideas for every mom. Look, you should absolutely get an expectant mama gifts off her baby registry.  There are baby essentials she's going to need to get through the first year with her sanity.  But, perhaps you're looking to give her something special?  A gift that comes every month for a little while for her and her new baby to enjoy? As a mom of two, I can say sticking to a baby registry is the smart way to go.  We need lots of stuff for babies and, honestly, we can't really ever have too many diapers.  But, if mama's registry is nearly complete, you should certainly feel comfortable including a subscription box in the mix of her gifts.  I promise, these are the best subscription boxes for baby showers that mom and baby will absolutely love to receive! The Best Pregnancy Subscription Boxes With so many subscription box services out there, how do you decide what to gift?  I've done some of that research for you and found that these are some of the top rated subscription boxes perfect to give an expectant mama at her baby shower!  These are, what I believe to be, the best subscription boxes for baby showers according to reviews and ratings as I did my search.  And, I can certainly attest to the fact that I'd loved to have received any of these subscription boxes as a gift. Ecocentric Mom - Mom and Baby (0-18mo) Ecocentric Mom subscription boxes are available for any phase of motherhood, including pregnancy by trimester!  Give a subscription length of your choosing in the Mom and Baby phase.  This monthly box will introduce mom and baby to eco-friendly products they both can enjoy.  Check out my Ecocentric Mom subscription box review here.  Gift an Ecocentric Mom Subscription Colson and Joe The Colson and Joe is a subscription box for moms who plan to breastfeed.  I know breastfeeding is a very personal (and potentially touchy) subject.  If you know mom is planning to some variation of breastfeeding, let her know you support her decision with this thoughtful and helpful subscription box! Get the Colson and Joe Box Mama Bird Box The Mama Bird subscription box is available in three formats: pregnancy, mom and infant, and a mommy only box.  As a mom, I know so much emphasis is placed on the care and excitement over a newborn.  Maybe show mom you care about her well-being too and get her a mommy only box from Daisy Bee!  It's definitely important that we support and encourage mom's to practice self-care from the beginning. Get the Mama Bird Box Pampered Mommy Box Another great subscription box to help promote self-care for moms is the Pampered Mommy Box.  This box includes at least 5 full sized items and is dedicated solely to mom's personal physical and mental health, wellness, beauty and more. Get a Pampered Mommy Box Have you ever given a subscription box as a baby shower gift? [the_ad_group id="13341"] I'd love to know what you think the best subscription boxes for baby showers are!  Did I miss any good ones?  Did you receive a subscription box as a gift as an expectant mom?  What did you get and what did you love about them? #### The Best Mickey and the Roadster Racers Gifts for Toddlers You're sure to love this selection of the BEST Mickey and the Roadster Racers gifts for toddlers.  From plush friends to race tracks and tool sets, these were the best gifts I could find for the Roadster Racers toddler pit crew. My son just turned 2.  His feelings about Mickey and the Roadster Racers waxes and wanes, but he's a complete Mickey Mouse Clubhouse freak.  I would still like someone to explain to me what it is about Mickey Mouse that nearly every toddler loves! Anyway, we picked up some awesome Mickey and the Roadster Racers gifts for him and then I found more to add to his wish list. In my opinion, these were some of the better Mickey and the Roadster Racers gifts for toddlers I could find. Awesome Mickey and the Roadster Racers gifts for toddlers [easyazon_link identifier="B0716T3W7Y" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]LEGO DUPLO Brand Disney Mickey Racer 10843 Building Kit (15 Piece)[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" cloak="n" height="500" identifier="B0716T3W7Y" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/61yAHhGt7dL.jpg" t A post shared by Ivy | Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Dec 10, 2017 at 7:41am PST ag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] We're big fans of building toys and cars in this house.  I love Lego Duplo for toddlers because they teach them valuable building skills (once you get them past tearing everything apart).  And, because we're huge car nuts, the Mickey and the Roadster Racers Duplo set is perfect for our toddler!  We received this as a gift for my son when he turned turned and he wouldn't wait for us to "beeld" it together. As with every Lego and Lego Duplo set, there are several configurations available with the blocks, so your toddler (or you) can build different scenes. Duplo sets are affordable and geared toward ages 2-5 years. This is my absolute favorite Mickey and the Roadster Racers gifts for toddlers for the value. [easyazon_link identifier="B06XKPDVQ3" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Just Play Mickey & The Roadster Racers Racing Plush[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" cloak="n" height="422" identifier="B06XKPDVQ3" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/512RTiwPEL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] This plush was larger than most people expected when they purchased it for their Roadster Racers fans.  But, this isn't just a fluff plush toy!  Mickey sings and talks.  Kids can make him stand and play a race to the flag game OR sit him in his roadster and watch him drive at the tap of his helmet.  His head turns side to side as though he's really driving! This is geared toward Mickey fans ages 3+.  And, although isn't the least expensive gift you could get your Mickey and the Roadster Racers fan, they're sure to love it! [easyazon_link identifier="B01M2WSPZM" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Disney Mickey Roadster Formula Racer[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" cloak="n" height="375" identifier="B01M2WSPZM" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/41ePAeTh4L.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Your toddler can be part of the racing team with his own Mickey's roadster ride-on toy!  This has flashing lights and realistic engine sounds which are sure to excite your toddler. This is a bit more of an expensive gift, but geared to ages 1-3 years, they'll get plenty of use out of it. [easyazon_link identifier="B06WD51NNP" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Mickey and the Roadster Racers Cartoon Plush Figure Mickey Mouse-Minnie Mouse-Donald Duck-Daisy Duck Collector Toy Set of 4[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" cloak="n" height="260" identifier="B06WD51NNP" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51Lve2P75FL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Little kids love stuffed animals.  My daughter, for one, needed one of those kritter keepers to help keep most of hers off the floor.  We're being much more selective of the stuffed animals with the second kid because I don't want hubby to have to build another keeper that doesn't hold all the stuffed animals. But that's the best I can do ... limit the amount of stuffed animals we give the kids.  When I saw these plush pals, I knew my son would love them ... all his favorite Roadster Racers that he could travel with, keep in his crib, and toss without worry about breaking anything. All the racers are decked out in their silken drivers uniforms.  For the price, getting 4 plush friends is really a good deal, in my opinion. [easyazon_link identifier="B06XVZRNMF" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Crayola Color Wonder Mess Free Coloring, Mickey Mouse Gift[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" cloak="n" height="478" identifier="B06XVZRNMF" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/61rGT4QXAwL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Geared toward ages 3+. this Mickey and the Roadster Racers gift set from Crayola will not disappoint! Starring your toddler's favorite character, you can encourage their artistic interests in a mess-free way.  Hand over the special markers that won't color on anything other than the Color Wonder paper.  As the mom of a boy who has been known to deviate from his coloring station, this is an extremely important feature for both of us. The gift set includes coloring pages, poster pages, stickers, and markers for mess-free creativity. [easyazon_link identifier="B01JA5XNZY" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Fisher-Price Disney Mickey and the Roadster Racers - Mustard Run Track Set[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" cloak="n" height="268" identifier="B01JA5XNZY" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/41bEmumfzEL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] This 5-star track set includes an exclusively designed die cast vehicle.  It also works with other Roadster Racers die cast vehicles and connects to other Mickey and the Roadster Racers track sets. This set is geared toward ages 3 years + and is said to be easy to put together and take apart for easy storage when not in use. [easyazon_link identifier="B01JA5XNM2" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Fisher-Price Disney Mickey and the Roadster Racers - Roadster Ready Pit Stop Playset[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" cloak="n" height="226" identifier="B01JA5XNM2" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/41ZZ8l6xQLL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] This adorable pit stop play set comes with Mickey and Goofy figures, Goofy's couple, service station, gas pump, and attachable car parts. If your little Roadster Racer is also an aspiring mechanic he or she will delight in this play set.  It's perfect for the car enthusiastic family (like us). [easyazon_link identifier="B01L8VXTZ2" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Disney Mickey and the Roaster Racers Talking Tool Belt[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" cloak="n" height="380" identifier="B01L8VXTZ2" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/519GShZ14XL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Speaking of little mechanics, let your toddler immerse themselves into the Roadster Racers crew with their own tool belt and tools!  The tool belt talks at the touch of a button and the tools are similar to the real thing ... the drill has interchangeable socket and screw bits. [easyazon_link identifier="B06XL1D2DN" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Just Play Mickey and the Roadster Racers Pit Crew Workbench Playset[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" cloak="n" height="387" identifier="B06XL1D2DN" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51o8Rm7X23L.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Now, if your mechanic has a larger project, he's going to need a workbench complete with tools and play engine.  Your tot will really enjoy being part of Mickey's crew helping the Roaster Racers get ready for their next race. I love that there's storage areas for all the toys when your child is done playing too, because there's nothing worse than needing to find places to put all the toys.  Or having to dig through toy boxes to find the toys that go together later. [easyazon_link identifier="B06XRQH7XM" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]The Wonder Forge Mickey & The Roadster Racers Bump 'N' Race Game Board Game[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" cloak="n" height="500" identifier="B06XRQH7XM" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/61J3oXMlu5L.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="449"] Give yourself a few minutes and a lot of extra space to play with this long game board.  If you're like us, you like introducing little ones to games pretty early.  The game play is easy to follow and understand, so it can keep your little one's attention.  However, it may not be suitable for older children with longer attention spans. This game will teach your young child about cause and effect in a cute game staring their favorite racers. [easyazon_link identifier="B01MTY8H6X" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Disney Mickey and the Roadster Racers Playmat & Vehicles Play Set[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" cloak="n" height="500" identifier="B01MTY8H6X" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51GGPlVe5xL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] I recently shared ideas for Pottery Barn Play Rug alternatives.  If your child is into play rugs AND the Roadster Racers, add this one to your list! This play rug comes with Mickey and Pete in their vehicles and cutout accessories to bring the racing scene to life.  The vehicles also feature pull-back action for extra fun. Tell me in the comments if you've found any other awesome Mickey and the Roadster Racers gifts for toddlers that we absolutely need to know about! #### The Best Tips for New Moms Our comprehensive tips for new moms offers essential advice aimed at helping you to navigate the challenging, yet rewarding journey of the first year of motherhood. It blends practical advice with humorous anecdotes and real-life experiences, empowering and reassuring new mothers. Covering everything from rest, being a good wife, and taking care of yourself, this should guide you through most of the new mom phase. Ever feel like you're drowning in a sea of spit-up, sleep deprivation, and unsolicited advice? Yeah, me too, and twice over! That's right, I've braved the sleepless nights and mastered the art of the diaper blowout escape (with varying degrees of success, I might add). But before you picture me as some kind of superwoman, let me assure you, my journey was far from picture-perfect. There were meltdowns (both mine and the babies'), questionable fashion choices (hello, yoga pants and leggings for life!), and enough coffee to fuel a small village. Take, for instance, the one morning I was smugly preparing to take my newborn upstairs for a nap, remembering all I'd learned about laying babies down before they were overtired. I knew I was going to get some rest and I was excited about it. But at just a few weeks old, my son realized exactly what was about to happen, and began crying so violently that he ended up projectile vomiting all over me and his bed. Instead of getting much needed rest, I ended up spending the next hour cleaning the bed, bathing my son, and taking a shower myself. This, my friends, is what it is to be a new mom: unpredictable, messy, and strangely enough, filled with moments of unexpected joy. But hey, through the chaos, I learned a thing or two. So, if you're a new mom, feeling overwhelmed, and wondering if you're doing it all "wrong" (spoiler alert: there's no such thing!), then this guide is for you. Consider it a battle-tested survival manual from one mama to another, filled with honest advice, a healthy dose of humor, and the unwavering belief that you've totally got this, even if it feels like you're winging it most of the time (because, trust me, you probably are!). So, grab a cup of coffee (or wine, no judgment here!), put your feet up (if the tiny human overlord allows it), and let's dive into the wonderful, messy, and utterly hilarious world of new motherhood, together! What is the Best Advice for New Moms? Forget the baby whisperer books and the latest internet trends, mama. The real secret weapon in your arsenal? Your own gut instinct. Trust me, it's far more reliable than anything you'll read online, especially in a moment of desperation at 3 am. Think about it: you spent nine months growing this tiny human, so who else knows them better than you? Sure, you'll get bombarded with advice from everyone and their dog – your parents, in-laws, friends, even the cashier at the grocery store who swears by a particular brand of swaddle (spoiler alert: they all work, or they don't, depending on your little bundle of joy's unique preferences). But here's the thing: when your baby throws a meltdown that sounds like a banshee audition, and every "expert" has a different opinion, who do you turn to? Yourself, mama! You know your baby's cries, their feeding cues, their sleepy yawns. Trust that inner voice, even if it's telling you to ditch the fancy baby food and just mash up some banana because, let's be honest, sometimes that's all they'll eat anyway. Of course, seeking advice from professionals and experienced moms is always helpful. But remember, you're the ultimate decision-maker for your little one. So take a deep breath, trust your gut, and rock this whole motherhood thing, even if it means rocking back and forth while singing show tunes at 2 AM. You've got this, mama! What Do New Moms Need Most? Picture this: You're knee-deep in dirty laundry, the baby is crying like a banshee, and the only "meal" you've had today is a lukewarm cup of coffee and a few rogue Cheerios you found hiding under the couch. Sounds familiar, right? New moms need a lot of things, but here are the top contenders in my book: 1. The Super Squad: This isn't your average superhero team, mama. We're talking about an army of angels disguised as friends, family, and even the friendly neighbor who always seems to have a casserole in hand. These are the folks who'll whip up a meal, fold a mountain of laundry, or magically whisk your tiny tyrant away for a few glorious hours so you can take a nap or, dare I dream, shower in peace. Remember, don't be afraid to ask for help. A little goes a long way, and trust me, your Super Squad will be happy to swoop in and save the day (or at least the afternoon). 2. A Listening Ear (and a Non-Judgmental Heart): New moms often feel like they're drowning in a sea of emotions – exhaustion, overwhelm, and yes, even the occasional burst of frustration. What they need is someone to listen without judgment, someone who understands the rollercoaster ride that is motherhood. This could be your partner, a close friend, or even a therapist. Just find someone who will validate your feelings and offer encouragement without launching into unsolicited advice (we'll get to that later!). 3. Patience (for Themselves and the Tiny Human): Let's be honest, mama, learning the ropes of parenthood takes time. There will be meltdowns (both yours and the baby's), there will be sleep deprivation, and there will be moments where you question your sanity. But remember, be patient with yourself. You're doing an amazing job, even if it doesn't always feel like it. And extend that patience to your little one as well. They're learning and growing every day, and sometimes that means a few bumps along the road. 4. A Moment of Peace (and Maybe a Hot Shower): Sometimes, all a new mom needs is a moment to breathe. Whether it's a hot bath, a walk in the park, or simply a cup of coffee enjoyed in silence, these small moments of self-care can work wonders for your sanity and well-being. Don't feel guilty about taking time for yourself, mama. A recharged and rejuvenated you is a better you - for your baby and everyone else. 5. Realistic Expectations (Because Let's Be Honest, "Blissful" Doesn't Always Apply): Newborns are adorable, yes, but let's not sugarcoat it: they also come with sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and the occasional meltdown that would make a rock cry. Setting realistic expectations for yourself and your baby can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and disappointed. Remember, motherhood is a journey, not a destination, and it's okay if things don't always go according to plan. 6. A Sense of Humor (seriously, you'll need it): Because let's be honest, mama, there will be moments that will make you want to laugh or cry (or maybe both at the same time). But trust me, having a good sense of humor will help you navigate the inevitable meltdowns, both yours and the baby's. So don't be afraid to laugh at the absurdity of it all, it's the best medicine (besides actual medicine, of course). The key thing to remember is that every new mom is different and what one needs might not be the same for another. The most important thing is to be there for them, offer your support in whatever way you can, and let them know they're not alone. Essential Items for New Moms We all know the registry basics – the diapers, wipes, onesies galore. But let's be real, there are some unsung heroes out there that can make your new-mom journey a little smoother (or at least, prevent a complete meltdown). Add these battle-tested essentials to your list: 1. A Comfortable Nursing Bra (or Two, or Three): This one's a no-brainer. You'll be living in this thing, so choose comfort over cuteness (although, hey, who says you can't have both?). Choose supportive, breathable fabrics that make feeding a breeze (or as close to a breeze as it gets with a tiny human attached). I really liked wireless nursing bras like these. 2. A Nursing Pillow (Your Arms Will Thank You): Those early days of feeding can be marathons, mama. This plush friend will prop up your little one, freeing your arms from the constant ache and giving you a much-needed break (and maybe even allowing you to multitask, like scrolling through endless baby photos, because let's be honest, new moms deserve a little distraction!). I loved my boppy nursing pillow with removable/washable covers! Plus, it was a lifesaver when my babies would fall asleep after a feeding session (see picture above). 3. A Carrier or Wrap (or Both!): Whether you're a pro-babywearing mama or a complete newbie, a carrier is your secret weapon. It allows you to keep your little one close while staying hands-free, perfect for errands, chores, or simply snuggling on the couch. Just remember, there's a learning curve, so don't get discouraged if it takes a few tries (and maybe a YouTube tutorial or two) to master the art of the perfect wrap. Check out this article for help on choosing the best baby carrier. A baby carrier was THE NUMBER ONE item that saved me from so much chaos with baby #2!! 4. A White Noise Machine (Drowning Out the Chaos): Your household might be a bit noisy to a newborn, and sometimes you both just need a little peace and quiet. A white noise machine can be a lifesaver, masking household sounds and creating a calming environment for your little one to drift off to sleep (and maybe even you, mama!). 5. A Diaper Caddy (Organization is Key): Diaper changes happen everywhere, mama, so be prepared! A portable caddy stocked with all the essentials – diapers, wipes, rash cream, and maybe even a few entertainment essentials for the little one – will make those diaper duty moments a breeze, no matter where you are. 6. A Multipurpose Nipple Cream (Because Ouch): Sore nipples are a common struggle for breastfeeding moms. This cream can be your knight in shining armor, providing soothing relief and helping you continue your breastfeeding journey more comfortably. 7. A Large Water Bottle (Hydration is Queen): Between feedings, diaper changes, and the general chaos, staying hydrated can easily fall by the wayside. This oversized water bottle serves as a constant reminder to drink up, mama! Choose one with a fun design or motivational quote to keep you going throughout the day. This one is my favorite! 8. A Sleep Training Course (Sleep is Essential for All): All the advice about getting baby to sleep sounds so counterproductive, but it works. Want to hear it from an expert? Invest in a reputable sleep training course when your baby is about 6 months old, because it's much harder to sleep train after that! How Long Does it Take to Get Used to Being a New Mom? Think of it like learning a new language, only instead of "Hola!" and "Adios," you're mastering the art of deciphering baby babble and understanding the universal language of a dirty diaper. It's a crash course in everything from sleep deprivation to spit-up removal, and let's be honest, some days you might feel like you're failing both Spanish and parenthood simultaneously. Studies and surveys say the first few months are the "Everest" of the new-mom journey. You're figuring out feeding schedules, sleep routines (or lack thereof), and the ever-present debate of swaddle or no swaddle. But remember, these are just averages, not a strict timeline. Some mamas might feel like they've got the hang of things after a few weeks, while others (like yours truly) might still be questioning their sanity after a year (don't worry, it's perfectly normal!). The key thing, mama, is to be kind to yourself. This is a huge life change, and it takes time to adjust. Celebrate the small victories, like finally getting your baby to sleep through the night (even if it's just for a glorious two hours). And remember, even veteran moms like me still have moments where we feel like clueless newbies. So, don't compare your journey to anyone else's. Embrace the chaos, trust your gut, and know that you're doing an amazing job! After all, who else can say they can speak fluent baby and survive on minimal sleep and questionable fashion choices (hello, yoga pants, my new best friend)? The 5 Best Tips for New Moms Who Want to Be Good Wives Balancing your roles as a new mom and a wife can feel like juggling flaming chainsaws while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. And if you're not careful, you can destroy your marriage by not giving your spouse the attention he deserves. Trust me, I know what harm is caused by not prioritizing my husband and it's a mistake I aim not to ever make again. But fear not, mama! Here are some new mom tips that might help: 1. Communication is Key: Talk to your partner openly and honestly about your needs and feelings. Let them know what kind of support you need, whether it's a listening ear, a helping hand with chores, or just some "me time." Remember, they're on this journey with you too! 2. Redefine "Quality Time": Forget the fancy restaurant dinners and movie nights (for now, at least). Quality time can be as simple as cuddling on the couch with your partner while the baby naps, or sharing a quiet cup of coffee while taking turns feeding. 3. Embrace the Team Mentality: Think of yourselves as a team, not just individual parents and spouses. Divide and conquer tasks, be flexible with schedules, and don't be afraid to ask for help from each other. You're in this together! 4. Keep the Spark Alive: It's easy to let romance fall by the wayside when you're sleep-deprived and covered in spit-up. But don't forget to nurture your relationship. Steal a few kisses, leave each other little love notes, participate in a shared interest, or plan a simple date night when you can (grandparents or babysitters, anyone?). 5. Be Gentle with Yourself (and Each Other): This is a new and challenging phase for both of you. Be patient with yourselves, forgive each other's mistakes, and celebrate the small victories. A happy and healthy relationship starts with self-compassion and understanding. Bonus Tip: Don't be afraid to seek outside help. Talk to a therapist, join a support group, or hire occasional childcare. A little assistance can go a long way in reducing stress and creating space for your relationship to thrive. Remember, mama, balance is a myth. There will be days when you feel like you're excelling at one role but neglecting the other. Not only is this okay, it's totally normal! The most important thing is to communicate openly, support each other, and focus on what truly matters: your family and your love for each other. What Do You Say to a Struggling New Mom? As a mom who's been through the trenches (and still occasionally finds herself there!), I know how tough it can be when things feel overwhelming. So, what do you say to a struggling new mom? Here are a few things that might resonate: 1. "You're not alone." This might seem simple, but it's incredibly powerful. Remind her that every mom feels overwhelmed and out of their depth at times. It's a normal part of the journey, and she's not alone in her struggles. 2. "It's okay to not be okay." Sometimes, all a new mom needs is to hear that it's perfectly okay to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or even scared. Don't try to minimize her feelings or offer platitudes like "everything happens for a reason." Just acknowledge her struggles and let her know it's okay to feel them. And if you don't always like motherhood, she might find that nugget useful as well. 3. "What can I do to help?" Instead of offering unsolicited advice, offer concrete support. This could be anything from cooking a meal, watching the baby for a few hours, running errands, or simply cleaning a few dishes. Even small gestures can make a big difference. 4. "You're doing an amazing job." New moms often doubt themselves and feel like they're not doing enough. It meant the world to me when someone told me I was a good mom, especially when things were rough! Remind her of all the amazing things she's doing for her baby, even if they seem small or insignificant. Acknowledge her efforts and celebrate her strength. 5. "You're a strong and capable mama." Sometimes, all a new mom needs is a little pep talk. Remind her of her inner strength, her ability to adapt, and her capacity to overcome challenges. Let her know you believe in her. Bonus Tip: If the mom seems particularly overwhelmed, encourage her to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can offer additional support and guidance during this challenging time. The most important thing is to be supportive, empathetic, and understanding. Sometimes, just being there to listen and offer a hug can make all the difference to a struggling new mom. Let me leave you with this: Remember, motherhood is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be days when you feel like you're winning at this whole parenting thing, and others where you'll be questioning your sanity while singing the "Wheels on the Bus" for the 100th time. But hey, that's the beauty (and chaos) of it all! So, embrace the journey, mama. Savor the snuggles (even the ones that come with a side of explosive diaper), and remember, you're doing an amazing job! And hey, if you need a little extra dose of laughter, support, and maybe some tips that go beyond "sleep when the baby sleeps" (because let's be honest, that never happens), then sign up for my email newsletter! It's like a virtual hug from a friend who's been there, done that, and maybe even bought the T-shirt (stained with who-knows-what, but a T-shirt nonetheless). #### The Best Tips For Summer Safety For Kids Don't forget to brush up on these tips for summer safety - looking out for your children's health and well-being. Summer is upon us. More than likely, your kiddos are going to spending a good deal of time outside. I'm all for screen-free activities outside, but safety needs to be an important consideration, too. Summer is a fun time, but it’s also a time when a lot of accidents happen.  While you plan on entertaining kids over the summer, check out these tips for keeping your children safe. Top Tips For Summer Safety For Your Kids Without further ado, let's talk about the important summer safety tips for children you need to brush up on.  This will ensure your kids make it through the summer more happy and healthy! Water Safety View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ivy | SAHM Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Jun 21, 2018 at 8:45am PDT If you have a pool (or plan to be around the water at all), make sure all security and safety devices are in place. All gates must be locked, and alarms installed, especially if you have children at home who cannot swim or are not strong swimmers. Set ground rules for your children that are to be followed around any body of water.  These rules should include: 1. No running or horseplay near the pool. 2. Kids only swim with an adult watching them. 3. Of course, if lightning is possible, leave the water until the weather risk passes. 4. If your children are swimming in the ocean, follow the flag warnings and be cautious of the tides. One more tip: Make sure your children are taking swim lessons that teach, not only the basic strokes but also survival strokes and basic water safety as well.  All American Red Cross certified programs incorporate water safety into their swim lessons. Sun Safety The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that more people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer annually than all other cancers combined.  Even just a few sunburns can increase a person’s risk. On average, the likelihood of developing melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, doubles after more than five sunburns. View this post on Instagram When do you receive a "thank you" for putting sunscreen on your kids? (AD) Until recently, slathering sunscreen on my kids was just another thing mom has to do to keep them from playing the moment they're ready. But today, my daughter said "thank you for letting us draw on ourselves!" when we used the @barerepublic Neon SPF 50 Sunscreen Sticks we received from our @momsmeet kit. . . Bare Republic makes 6 neon colored SPF 50 sunscreen sticks perfect for getting kids excited about protecting their skin (even if they don't know it). Plus, they're water-based and created with non-nano minerals for chemical-free protection from the sun. And, they smell fabulous without synthetic fragrances! This makes my crunchy mama side happy :D . . But, that's not all! Bare Republic Neon Sunscreen sticks are biodegradable, reef-friendly, cruelty-free, and paraben-free. So, I know I'm protecting more than just my kids ... I'm helping to protect reefs and ocean life. . . You can get your own sticks at http://gobareoutside.com, Amazon (visit my recommendations link in bio), Target, and Walmart for about $8.99. . . #BAREYOURCOLOR #GOBAREOUTSIDE #momsmeet #sunscreen #outside #kids #playoutside #ecofriendly #reefsafe #sahmplus #playoutside #skinscare #safe #chemicalfree #neon #fun #cute #love #sweet #thankyou #funny #adorable A post shared by Ivy | SAHM Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Jul 6, 2018 at 9:30am PDT No matter how old we are, or how careful we are, the sun can be quite surprising and we’ll suffer a burn. Some simple rules to keep your children safe in the sun are: 1. Always apply sunscreen (this is my favorite and they have it for babies) even if it’s a cloudy day. 2. Have your kids wear a t-shirt and hat, especially if they have fair skin. 3. Make sure you have waterproof sunblock on your kids if they’re in the water. 4. Apply sunscreen often, especially if your kids have fair skin or are playing in the water. 5. Keep your kids hydrated to prevent heatstroke.  Provide them with plenty of water, juice, or popsicles. Bicycle Safety Some simple rules to keep your children safe on their bikes are: 1. A helmet is a must. Ask any nurse in an Emergency Room and you’ll find out why. 2. Wear a whistle around your neck.  If you’ve got a child who daydreams and you see him or her being unsafe, you can blow the whistle. This is a much more effective approach than trying to yell. 3. Look for bike paths in the woods. These allow your child to ride freely without the hazards of traffic. Pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it. So many life-changing accidents are preventable.  Make it a safe, and fun, summer when you follow the summer safety tips for children above! What others tips for summer safety should be shared? #### The Child Tax Credit May Change - Here’s What Moms Need to Know (and My Take on It) If you’re raising kids, you’ve already felt the pinch - groceries, gas, rent, child care, everything is more expensive. And now, depending on what Congress decides, the Child Tax Credit (CTC) could shrink in half after 2025. Yep, just as everything costs more, some lawmakers are debating whether to slash one of the only tax breaks that actually helps parents keep up. So, what does this mean for moms? Let’s talk about it - the facts, the politics, and my own take on whether families should even count on these tax credits in the first place. The Basics: What’s Happening to the Child Tax Credit? Right now, the Child Tax Credit gives families $2,000 per child under 17. This is thanks to Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. But here’s the kicker: if Congress does nothing, it drops back down to $1,000 per child after 2025. That means families would lose $1,000 per kid in tax relief. There’s bipartisan support to keep the credit at $2,000, but no guarantees. Some lawmakers want to expand it, while others think it should be cut entirely. So, we wait. Should Families Rely on Tax Credits? Look, I won’t deny that tax credits help. When everything costs more, every little bit counts. But should families rely on government tax breaks? Nope. You know the saying, “Nothing is certain except death and taxes”? I’d add, “...and the government finding ways to take more of our money.” We’ve owed taxes for the last two years, so tax credits don’t feel like much relief to me personally. I know our income and withholding choices play a role, and it’s our job to meet with a tax professional to make the best financial decisions for our family. I think tax credits should be treated as a bonus, not a guarantee. If they help, great. But you can’t count on the government to give you back what they’ve already taken. The Bigger Issue: Inflation and Cost of Living If the cost of living keeps climbing, does it make sense to drop tax credits back to pre-inflation levels? Absolutely not. It feels like common sense - if it costs more to raise kids, the credits should at least stay where they are. Instead, we might get stuck with higher costs and less tax relief. Honestly, I’d rather see lower taxes across the board than these temporary relief programs. But that would require less government involvement, and let’s be real ... that’s not happening anytime soon. The Debate: Who Should Get the Child Tax Credit? One of the biggest debates is who should qualify for the credit. Some lawmakers want to expand it so that even parents who don’t work can receive monthly payments, like during the pandemic. Others think it should only apply to families with at least one wage earner. Personally, I think the tax credit should go to any family with a working adult—whether it’s a single-income household or a two-parent family. If a parent is working (whether outside the home or staying home while their partner earns income), they should benefit. But here’s where it gets sticky. Should people who choose not to work at all still get tax credits? If they’re genuinely struggling to find a job or facing hardships, that’s one thing. But if they’re choosing to live off government assistance instead of contributing to society? That’s where I draw the line. I believe in fairness—if you’re working to support your family, you should get the benefits. But benefits shouldn’t just be a handout for those who opt out of working when they’re fully capable. What Moms Should Do Now Since we have no control over what Congress decides, here’s what I suggest for moms who are worried about these changes: Don’t Count on the Credit. Assume nothing. If you get it, great. But plan your budget as if you won’t. Meet with a Tax Professional. If you’re worried about owing taxes, find out if adjusting your withholdings or estimated payments makes sense. Look for Additional Income. I was motivated to earn an income even when I was a SAHM. There are so many side hustles and remote jobs that allow moms to earn extra money while staying home with their kids. (I even wrote a post about hobbies that can make SAHMs money!) Stay Informed. Follow what Congress is doing so you’re not caught off guard when tax season rolls around. Final Thoughts The Child Tax Credit debate highlights a much bigger issue—how much control the government has over family finances. I’d rather see lower taxes than rely on whatever tax breaks politicians decide to throw our way. For now, I’m treating the CTC as what it is—a bonus, not a guarantee—and focusing on what I can control. Moms, what do you think? Are you worried about the possible changes? Do you think the tax credit should be expanded or cut back? Let’s talk about it in the comments! #### The Disgusting & Frustrating Adventures in Potty Training I've posted previously that we're on a mission to potty train.  Each time we've been on the mission, I have truly believed that my daughter was ready.  She gets it and she's completely understood the concept since just before she turned two.  We have some weeks of success and then she quits and we start all over again later. We're in it for the long haul this time.  Just before turning three, we gave her some big girl panties and made it very clear that it was time to use the toilet for everything.  We've continued praise, candy, and treats to keep up the encouragement.  She was excited about wearing big girl panties but we upped the ante by offering a trip to Disney World if she learns to poop in the potty.  Plus, I have a set of Minnie Mouse panties for her that she's not allowed to wear until she learns to do all of her business in the toilet. After one pee incident in her big girl panties (and all over 1 cushion of the couch), she's been on a roll doing number 1 in the toilet consistently.  Accidents have happened, but she's holding it appropriately and finally got to the point I wasn't having to remind her all the time.  She picks up and goes when she's ready.  I'm certain it's helped that the undies are much easier to remove than her pull ups were, too. Unfortunately, as much as she understands what's on the line for doing number 2 in the toilet, we're still having problems.  I've never been so unprepared for anything in my life, but potty training a toddler is frustrating and down right disgusting! This kid learned to hold her poop for a few days just so she didn't have to try to use the toilet.  After about 5 days, she was making herself sweaty ... and she was just going to continue to let it make her sick so long as I kept an eagle eye on her.  I tried to have her sit on the toilet for a few minutes, but she insisted she didn't need to go.  And then?  When she knew I was buried in the kitchen starting dinner, she hauled butt upstairs and let go of 5 days worth of crap into her panties.  When I was finally able to go upstairs to start her bath that I promised, I realized what she had done before I saw her because she wouldn't answer me to tell me where she was. When I found her, she was hiding around the corner in the bathroom with a monster-sized bulge of crap weighing down her undies.  I don't know how they didn't fall off her tiny butt.  I sat there a moment in disbelief.  How was I ever going to get those off her booty mess free? The answer was, I wasn't.  I slid them off ever so gently and made sure her feet didn't touch on the way out.  I was certain I was in the clear, but somehow it all went wrong and I still can't figure it out.  There was poo on her feet, the bathroom rug, the side of the tub, and smeared on the toilet seat when I set her down.  That's after I dumped much of it into the toilet. In retrospect, I should have put her in the tub to do the undressing.  Instead, I gave myself more work.  Live and learn.  I was so completely lost and confused.  I was angry that she knew she was hiding so that I couldn't get her to poop in the toilet.  Where was the disconnect?  She happily does number 1 in the toilet ... what's so horrendous about number two in the same place?  She can't (or won't) tell me either. So, maybe you can help us?  What are some potty training tactics to get my kiddo to poop in the potty? Here's some things we've already tried: * Rewards: Treats, candy, stickers, iPhone games * Praise * No more pull ups/ diapers except at bedtime We also currently switched up and instead of fighting her on it, we give her a diaper to go in, but she absolutely must do it in the bathroom.  She is not allowed to pee in a diaper since she has that part of potty train pretty well down.  And, I haven't been able to convince her to sit on the toilet in her diaper to do number two. What advice do you have? Connect with Ivy on Google+ Liked this article? Sign up for FREE updates! * indicates required Email Address * Email Format html text Disclosure: To help support this blog and continue to bring you free content, Ivy's Variety posts may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### The Florida Aquarium in Tampa: Pre-Visit I decided to take my daughter on an overnight trip to The Florida Aquarium in Tampa, FL.  The decision to take a trip, just the two of us, was prompted by the fact we were missing out on a trip to Dallas, TX that we'd been somewhat planning for a couple months.  Hubby's work moved back his work trip and it conflicted with schedules so we had to call off the family vacation part of the plan.  I was disappointed because there's a great aquarium in Dallas that I couldn't wait to visit. So, I wanted to make up for it by taking a nearly 4 hour trip to the Tampa aquarium.  The idea of travelling alone with my toddler was a little nerve wracking, but decided to try it anyway.  I'll be doing a follow up post about our experience, but I wanted to share why I chose The Florida Aquarium in Tampa in case you are looking for some kid-friendly summer activities in Florida. For starters, who doesn't love aquariums?  While I love visiting zoos, the idea that we'll be in an indoor space is perfect for us to escape the Florida summer heat.  I love looking at animals and I seem to share that with Shelby, so this made sense for us. Aside from the various habitats to explore, the aquarium offers several other features including: Water Fun Zone - Explore a Shore is a 2-acre splash park where children climb on aquatic animals and a 2 story pirate ship.  The splash zone includes a toddler play area. Animal Shows - Checking out the schedule, you can find the times of various programs including a penguin promenade and talks on various animals and fish. Dining - 2 dining areas including an outdoor cafe at the splash park and an indoor sit-down dining area.  Outside food and drink is not allowed unless you have special dietary needs or are feeding formula or baby foods to your littles. Extras Wild Dolphin Cruise - approximately one hour cruise twice a day to see the dolphins that call Tampa Bay their home.  There is an added cost but you can get a discounted combo pass. Extended Fun Thursdays - because the trip is estimated to take us about 4 hours, I decided that visiting on a Thursday would maximize our play time.  For the same general admission, we're able to stay in the aquarium after normal operating hours for extra shows.  If you go to the aquarium in Tampa at 4:00 p.m. you can enter at a highly reduced rate while they offer Extended Fun Thursdays. Children 2 and under are free, so this made the decision to visit the Tampa Bay aquarium much more affordable before Shelby turns 3. Ways to Save I found several ways to save on entry to the Tampa aquarium. There is a small discount by purchasing your ticket online and you can pick up your ticket at will call. If you are a member of any zoo or aquarium that is part of the AZA Reciprocity Program you could enter at 50% or 100% discount.  Jacksonville Zoo members are labelled at the 50% reciprocity rate, but you should call the aquarium to verify that the program is still applicable. Occasionally, Living Social and Groupon will run deals for The Florida Aquarium If you are staying in or near Tampa for an extended period and planning to visit several Tampa Bay attractions, purchasing the Tampa Bay CityPASS may be a great option for you. I was not compensated  for this post.  I wanted to visit The Florida Aquarium with my daughter and all travel expenses were paid myself. Disclosure: To help support this blog and continue to bring you free content, Ivy's Variety posts may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. Connect with Ivy on Google+ #### The Focus Trick: How Giving My Son a Choice Ended Our Daily Homework Battles I'll be honest: some days, keeping my son focused feels like I'm trying to catch water with a colander. If you’ve ever felt like you're repeating simple instructions three, four, or five times, only to realize your words were heard but not truly processed, then you know the daily struggle. The biggest parenting "opportunity" (as I like to call a struggle when I'm feeling optimistic) right now is helping my son stay focused on the tasks at hand. This lack of focus shows up everywhere: Schoolwork: The amount of focus required to tackle an assignment often feels more draining than the actual academic work itself. Chores: Getting dressed, clearing his plate, making his bed - it can feel like I'm trying to guide him through a maze of basic steps. Listening: That moment when you realize your child has completely drifted off mid-sentence. I used to just feel frustrated. I’d repeat myself, raise my voice, and we'd both end up feeling frazzled and angry. I knew that just repeating the same pattern wasn't going to solve the root problem. We needed a new framework. I've learned that changing my own approach to clarity and consistency is the key to teaching him self-control and responsibility. This focus on guidance and teaching is core to our overall philosophy on discipline, and it's what ultimately led me to make three major shifts. I realized that my own lack of clarity or consistency was often feeding his lack of focus. We needed a shared framework for how we get things done. From Frustration to Forward Motion: My 3 Simple Shifts I'm learning that my approach has a huge impact. I realized that my own lack of clarity or consistency was often feeding his lack of focus. We needed a shared framework for how we get things done. Here are the three simple, powerful shifts I’m making that are helping us create more calm and clarity in our home: 1. Offering Choice to Foster Ownership This has been a complete game-changer, especially with homework and chores. Instead of nagging or forcing, I present a structured choice that puts the power in his hands. For example, I'll say: "Homework needs to be done before dinner. You can do it now, or you can do it later, but you have to decide what time you want it to impact your play time." The task still has to be done, but he chooses the timeline. It takes the pressure off me, empowers him, and transforms a potential power struggle into an active decision. 2. The Power of Crystal-Clear, Single-Step Instructions I've traded in the vague, multi-step directions for single, simple commands. Instead of saying, "Go clean up your room and then get your homework out," I say: "First, put the books back on the shelf." I also immediately follow up with: "Can you tell me what I just asked you to do?" This forces him to move the information from a passing thought to an active concept, confirming that he truly heard and understood the instruction. 3. Consistency is Our Shared Safety Net Focus thrives in an environment of predictability. We’ve been working hard to establish a consistent schedule. Bedtime, wake-up time, after-school snack, homework block, chore time ... it's all broadly the same every day. We don't always hit the exact minute, but we all know the rhythm of the day. This cuts down on the constant negotiation and helps us all know what to "expect." Your Story Matters This journey of parenthood is one of constantly learning, adapting, and forgiving ourselves when we fall short. The moment I started being more intentional and clear with my son, our dynamic began to shift. It's not perfect - not by a long shot - but we are moving forward together. We’re all in this wild, wonderful, exhausting club together, and I know many of you are navigating similar challenges. I’d love to hear from you in the comments below: What’s your current struggle (or "opportunity") as a parent right now? What's one small shift you've made that has made a big difference in your home? Let’s share our stories and keep learning from each other. #### The Hidden Burnout No One Talks About: Mom Brain and How to Reclaim Your Focus Motherhood changes everything, your priorities, your schedule, your sense of self. But what no one really warns you about is how it changes your mind. Not just emotionally, but cognitively. Suddenly, your thoughts feel like they’re walking through fog. You forget why you entered a room. You reread the same sentence four times and still don’t absorb it. You’re not lazy or distracted, you’re running on a mental operating system that’s constantly buffering. Welcome to mom brain, the hidden burnout most women live with but rarely name out loud. Via Pexels Why Motherhood Can Quietly Drain Your Mental Bandwidth Motherhood is essentially one long multitasking marathon. You’re holding mental tabs open for everyone else, appointments, lunch boxes, socks that need mending, that one form you can’t forget to sign. The problem is that your brain’s bandwidth isn’t infinite. Every micro-decision: What’s for dinner? Did I reply to that teacher? What time am I picking up the kids today? eats into your cognitive load. Add sleep deprivation, overstimulation, and constant emotional labour to the mix, and it’s no wonder your focus feels fragmented. You’re not failing, your brain is just maxed out. And when you live like this for months or years, the fog doesn’t just stay in your head; it starts showing up in your mood, your patience, even your confidence. The irony? Many moms mistake this mental fatigue for personal weakness. But the truth is physiological , your body and brain are in a constant state of alert, and your nervous system never really gets to exhale. Daily Habits That Rebuild Mental Clarity and Calm The first step to reclaiming your focus isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing less, better. That might mean turning off notifications, creating pockets of quiet, or finally saying no to overcommitting. But there’s also science-backed support you can lean on to help your brain recover. Small shifts make a big difference: staying hydrated, eating real food, prioritizing movement, and giving yourself at least ten minutes of stillness daily. Some moms also explore supplements like fasoracetam to support cognitive health, a compound studied for its potential to enhance focus, motivation, and memory when mental fatigue sets in. It’s not about chasing superhuman productivity, it’s about helping your brain function the way it was meant to before the chaos took over. When you treat your mental energy as something to protect, not to spend recklessly, you start noticing small windows of clarity open up again. That’s where the magic of focus begins to rebuild itself, quietly, in moments of stillness you once thought were impossible. How to Set Small Boundaries That Protect Your Focus Let’s be honest, boundaries can feel impossible when tiny humans depend on you for almost everything. But boundaries aren’t walls; they’re clarity. They remind everyone (including you) where your energy begins and ends. Start small. One focused morning routine that’s just yours, even if it’s five minutes of silence before anyone wakes up. A rule that you don’t answer messages during dinner. A promise to stop multitasking when you’re exhausted. These aren’t selfish acts; they’re survival skills. You can’t reclaim your focus if it’s constantly scattered in a hundred directions. Boundaries pull that focus back home, to your mind, your body, your peace. And when that happens, your presence deepens. You show up sharper, calmer, and more yourself, not because you’re doing more, but because you finally stopped trying to do everything. The Truth About Mom Brain Mom brain isn’t a flaw, it’s a symptom of a system that expects women to give endlessly and recover instantly. Reclaiming your focus isn’t about “fixing” yourself; it’s about acknowledging how much you’ve been carrying and choosing to lighten that load. You don’t need to remember every detail or bounce back instantly. You just need to pause long enough to remember you. Because when you do, the fog lifts, not all at once, but one clear thought at a time. #### The Hidden Dangers in Your Child’s Favorite Apps: What Every Parent Needs to Know As parents, our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our children. We meticulously scrutinize every aspect of their lives, from the food they eat to the friends they play with. Yet, in today’s digital age, one of the biggest threats to our children’s privacy and safety may be lurking in the very devices we hand them to keep them entertained. Recently, a video game app developer agreed to pay $500,000 for violations related to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and deceptive advertising practices. This news is a stark reminder that even the most seemingly innocuous apps can pose significant risks to our children’s privacy and security. The Case at Hand The app developer in question was found to be in violation of multiple regulations designed to protect children and minors online. These violations included the collection of personal information from children under 13 without parental consent, inadequate privacy policies, and deceptive advertising practices that targeted minors. The hefty fine underscores the seriousness of these violations and serves as a wake-up call for parents everywhere. Why This Matters Invasion of Privacy: The unauthorized collection of personal information from children is not only illegal but also a severe invasion of privacy. This information can include anything from names and addresses to more sensitive data such as browsing habits and location. Deceptive Advertising: Children are especially vulnerable to deceptive advertising practices. Ads that are designed to look like part of a game or app content can manipulate young minds into making unintended purchases or developing unhealthy consumer habits. Lack of Transparency: Many apps do not provide clear or understandable privacy policies. As parents, we have the right to know how our children’s data is being used and who has access to it. What You Can Do While regulatory bodies are working to hold companies accountable, there are several steps you can take to protect your children’s privacy and ensure their safety online: Research Apps Thoroughly: Before downloading any app, take the time to research its privacy policies and user reviews. Look for any red flags related to data collection and advertising practices. Use Parental Controls: Most devices offer parental control settings that can help manage what apps your child can download and how they can use them. Familiarize yourself with these settings and use them to create a safer online environment for your kids. Educate Your Children: Talk to your children about the importance of privacy and the potential dangers of sharing personal information online. Encourage them to ask for permission before entering any information or making any purchases. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest news and developments related to online privacy and child protection. Websites like sahmplus.com can be valuable resources for staying informed and proactive. Report Concerns: If you come across any apps that you believe are violating privacy laws or engaging in deceptive practices, report them to the appropriate authorities. Your actions can help protect other children from similar risks. While we have one child on near total lockdown of electronic devices, our other kiddo is offered a bit more freedom. But, that's not without scrutinizing the majority of the apps and services on the device(s) allowed. We've also discussed how important it is with our children that information is not divulged online with people they don't know and have locked some apps down to not allowing friend requests or requiring approvals from our end before friend requests are accepted.We also tell the kids we reserve the right to monitor and remove any suspicious activity, person, or app from their devices as a precautionary measure. And as much as one of the kiddos hates it, we've also explained that the kids are to have zero expectation of privacy on their devices. If they think a conversation, image, or any other form of communication/expression should be private, it's likely they're not supposed to be participating! We can't control everything, but we can take preventive measures to safeguard ourselves and our children. Conclusion The digital world offers countless opportunities for learning and entertainment, but it also comes with its own set of risks. As parents, it’s our responsibility to stay vigilant and informed about the apps and online content our children are exposed to. The recent case of the app developer’s hefty fine is a reminder that we must advocate for stricter regulations and better practices to ensure the safety and privacy of our children. By taking proactive steps, we can create a safer digital environment where our children can thrive without compromising their privacy and security. #### The History of The Star Tree Topper and a Giveaway Do you know the history of the star tree topper? It's been a really long time since I've thought about the true meaning of Christmas.  I admit, I don't go to church any longer.  Our Christmas season is filled with stress over holiday gatherings, a sneaky tattletale of an Elf who reminds me to lie to my kids and makes me feel like a failure of a parent.  And lets not forget the overabundance of toys and begging family to PLEASE, for the love of God, have mercy on our home and supply the kids with non toy gifts! Inundated with all that Christmas has become, I've lost sight of everything that Christmas really is.  I'm sorry, but it's true. But, I hope the next time I put a star or angel tree topper on the tree I think about it as more than a beautiful decoration.  The history of the star tree topper is a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem.  This star guided the Wise Men to the Manger.  I like to think there's more to life than the stuff we're collecting and the plethora of holiday gatherings that stress us out.   Hosted by: Queen of Reviews, Homeschool Insights & Deliciously Savvy Sponsor: Soft Surroundings Welcome to the Metal Star Tree Topper Giveaway Prize: Metal Tree Topper RV $29.95 This shining star echoes a cherished heirloom, befitting the topmost spot on the tree. Faceted bijoux and glittered bottle brush detail the snowflake design. A final swirl of metal fits securely atop the tree. Dates: 12/2-12/9 Open to: US Residents 18+ Enter to win using the widget below. Good luck! Entry-Form Disclosure: SAHM, plus... did not receive compensation for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Tell me: Will you think about the history of the star tree topper the next time you place one on your tree? #### The Impact of Fatherhood: Why Dads Are Essential for Child Development As we approach Father's Day, I wanted to reflect on why active fathers are important in their children's lives. This is how dads contribute to the growth and development of their children. Don't forget to thank a father figure for the positive things they do for their kids! We all know the importance of mothers on the development of children. Mothers are typically more nurturing. Mothers are often more involved in education. Mothers usually coordinate the majority of responsibilities. Many of our roles comes from a long history of stereotypical behaviors and expectations as women have been the ones to stay home with children.In recent years, we've seen men transforming into better partners and more involved fathers. Maybe it's the fact that so many women, these days, have lofty career goals. Maybe women have gotten more outspoken about what they expect the men to do for their children. During the pandemic and safer at home orders, I saw more memes and genuine conversation about how men finally understood what it was like to stay home with kids all day. In turn, men become more appreciative and helpful around the house and with children. More women were rejoicing in this time over this one small thing more than I've seen in the 9 years I'd been a parent. Maybe being home all this time helped to highlight the importance of fathers to their children. 3 Reasons Active Fathers Are Important to Children Do you have fond memories of your dad when you were growing up? Was your dad not around when you were growing up? In either situation, you can probably list a few ways in which you feel your fathers presence or absence affected your childhood. You can also pinpoint reasons fathers play important roles in their child's life. But, we want to highlight some important reasons to reassure a special man in your child's life exactly why dads are important to their kids! Teaching Through Play We all know that mothers are busy doing what needs to be done. Dads, on the other hand, seem to be hardwired to play! Moms can lament that "dad's the fun one and I'm home all day working and being the 'bad guy'." But, play is an essential part of every child's life. It's how they learn about the world around them and dads are usually ready to oblige. Kids learn valuable life skills through rough-and-tumble play with their fathers! Rough-and-tumble play has been linked to: better emotional regulation higher levels of prosocial behavior Cognitive Development Children with good dads are smarter! Active and engaged fathers play a huge role in the intellect of their children. Such fathers increase the influence of problem-solving skills and fewer behavioral problems in schools. Although dad is typically the most fun, he can also be the most structured. Sure you've experienced the kids behavior improve the moment dad steps in the door... Self Esteem This study mentions that girls are more adversely affected by absentee dads when it comes to self esteem. Because of which, being an active and engaged father must help with self esteem. Playing with a father will help build a child's trust and self-confidence. Dads usually take greater risks and are more likely to allow kids to take bigger risks themselves. What better way to help promote kids' abilities to get out of their comfort zones and learn new things or get better at something? Fathers can also teach their children about self-respect and how to treat others. A father can teach a son how to treat women while he shows his daughter what to expect out of men. The better job a man does, himself, the better his kids will grow to know and expect the same or better for themselves. Other things dads do for their children Fathering a child is just the beginning of an incredible journey for their families. Those men who are involved and make an impact on their children's lives for their greater good earn the respected title of DAD or DADDY. Dad's are often: Role models Protectors Enforcers Effects of Absentee Fathers To really drive home the importance of fathers, Edward Kruk, Ph.D., in is article Father Absence, Father Deficit, Father Hunger states that the absence or loss of a father can cause problems, including but not limited to: Feelings of abandonment Behavioral issues Problems at school Increase in criminal behavior Early sexual encounters and increased risk for teen pregnancy I'm constantly grateful for my husband and our meaningful and loving marriage because of what we're able to model to our children about love and treatment of others, especially our spouses. Do you know someone who could use some encouragement or a simple reminder as to why dads are important to their kids? If so, don't forget to share! Why Fathers are Important - FAQs What are the roles of a father? Dads can play many roles, but traditionally fathers are providers, protectors, and role models. Good fathers also aim to balance the scales by offering encouragement and friendship to their children. Why are fathers the head of the family? Traditionally, fathers have been the providers of the household and model to their children how to be a partner or what to expect in a partner as the first man in their lives. Studies have shown that active dads are beneficial for their kids' futures. What is the most important thing for a father? Dads needs to remember to be active and engaged in raising their children. Although not a comprehensive list, dads should: spend quality time with their kids provide discipline balanced with positive reinforcement Be a role model This post originally appeared on SAHM, plus... in 2020 and has been updated. #### The Importance of a Consistent Bedtime Routine for Babies As a mother of two, I understand the importance of a good night's sleep for both babies and parents. It's no secret that sleep deprivation can take a toll on our mental and physical health, and it can be especially challenging for new parents who are already adjusting to life with a newborn. That's why establishing a consistent bedtime routine for your baby is one of the best things you can do for both you and your little one. What is a Bedtime Routine? Simply put, a bedtime routine is a set of activities that you do with your baby each night before putting them to bed. The goal of a bedtime routine is to help your baby wind down and get ready for sleep. Some common elements of a bedtime routine include a warm bath, a story or lullaby, and cuddles. Why is a Bedtime Routine Important? A consistent bedtime routine can have numerous benefits for your baby's overall health and wellbeing. Firstly, it helps to regulate their internal clock, making it easier for them to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. This, in turn, can lead to improved sleep quality, reduced stress and anxiety, and better overall health. Furthermore, studies have shown that babies who have a consistent bedtime routine tend to have better sleep habits as they get older. This can translate into better academic performance, improved behavior, and fewer problems with obesity and other health issues. In addition to the physical benefits, a bedtime routine can also have a positive impact on your baby's emotional and social development. It provides them with a sense of security and comfort, as they learn to associate routine with the feeling of being safe and loved. This, in turn, can help to build trust and strengthen the bond between you and your baby. In general, bedtime routines for babies can: Help regulate their internal clock, making it easier for them to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Improve sleep quality, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote overall health. Establish healthy sleep habits that can continue into childhood and beyond. Improve academic performance and behavior in later years. Reduce the risk of obesity and other health issues. Provide a sense of security and comfort, strengthening the bond between parent and baby. Foster emotional wellbeing and promotes healthy development. Encourage relaxation and reduces fussiness or restlessness. Create consistency and structure in the baby's day, providing a predictable routine that can help them feel more secure and less overwhelmed. Can be a calming and enjoyable bonding experience for both parent and baby. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is an important part of your baby's overall sleep hygiene and can set the stage for healthy sleep habits throughout their life. By helping your baby wind down and get ready for sleep each night, you are not only promoting their physical health but also fostering a sense of security and emotional wellbeing. Tips for Establishing a Bedtime Routine Establishing a bedtime routine can take some time and effort, but the benefits are well worth it. Here are some tips to help you create a bedtime routine that works for you and your baby: Start Early: It's never too early to start establishing a bedtime routine for your baby. Even newborns can benefit from a consistent bedtime routine, and it can help establish healthy sleep patterns from the start. Be Consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to establishing a bedtime routine. Try to do the same activities in the same order every night so that your baby knows what to expect. Keep it Simple: Your bedtime routine doesn't have to be elaborate or complicated. Stick to a few simple activities that you and your baby enjoy, such as a warm bath and a lullaby. Adjust as Needed: Be flexible with your bedtime routine and adjust it as needed. For example, if your baby is going through a growth spurt and needs to eat more frequently, you may need to adjust the timing of your bedtime routine to accommodate those needs. Involve Your Partner: If you have a partner or co-parent, involve them in the bedtime routine. This can help your baby bond with both of you and establish a sense of security and comfort. Bedtime Routine Ideas Firstly, determine your baby’s ideal bedtime.  Although you may desire specific times, what I’ve learned is that your baby will determine when they are tired, and if you try to keep them awake later to fit your schedule, you can disrupt their internal schedule and hurt everyone’s ability to sleep effectively. Newborns need up to 17 hours of total sleep per day while preschoolers need between 10 to 13 hours of sleep within 24 hours.  Learning to recognize sleepy signs and trusting your baby’s nature will help you to get your baby to sleep sooner and longer. Alternatively, fighting your baby’s nature will lead to an overtired baby who fights sleep. Once you’ve figured out your baby’s ideal bedtime, begin your routine sooner so that you’re ready to lay your baby down in his or her crib as close as possible to their optimal bedtime. Here are some bedtime routine ideas that you can try with your baby: Warm Bath: A warm bath can help relax your baby and prepare them for sleep. Story Time: Reading a story or singing a lullaby can be a soothing and calming activity for both you and your baby. Choose books or songs that are calming and gentle and avoid anything too stimulating. Massage: A gentle massage can help relax your baby's muscles and promote sleep. Use a gentle baby oil or lotion and massage their arms, legs, back, and tummy. Cuddle Time: Spend some time cuddling with your baby before putting them to bed. This can help your baby feel secure and comforted, and it's a great opportunity to bond with them. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine for your baby is one of the most important things you can do for their health and wellbeing. Not only does a bedtime routine help your baby establish healthy sleep patterns, but it can also provide you with some much-needed downtime and relaxation at the end of a long day. Remember to be patient and flexible as you establish your bedtime routine, and don't be afraid to adjust it as needed. With a little effort and consistency, you can help your baby get the sleep they need to thrive and give yourself some much-needed rest as well. Sweet dreams! #### The Last Day of Winter Break How often is it that I share updates about my family?  Like, personal ones?  I don't feel like I've given you the opportunity to really get to know us.  Thankfully, I've joined the Ultimate Blog Challenge and I am supposed to blog every day for the month of January.  This gives me the motivation to get more out to you and a chance to fill you in on things that I didn't have planned.  So, today is a more personal post.  I'm actually kind of excited to not be sharing knowledge, rather, giving you a glimpse into our world. Adventure on the last day of Winter Break It was Wednesday, and the last day of Winter Break.  I would be sending S back to school on Thursday, so I'd made a plan, over the weekend, to visit the Jacksonville Zoo.  The very last day of her break was supposed to be cool and sunny, perfect for an outdoor adventure. For the duration of her break, if we weren't doing holiday events with various parts of the family, we were cooped up at home.  Cooped up by choice.  My husband was busy working around the house or on the vehicles, as he was on vacation as well.  I admire his hard work, but if he's not going out with us, I generally don't choose to take both children out alone.  They're both a bit difficult.  Baby B is quite a handful and is about as demanding as S can be.  Unfortunately, because he's not talking yet, he cries and screams a lot.  S, at least, can eventually be calmed enough to understand what her problem is. Anyway, I decided I would take the predicted beautiful day, and pack my kids up to enjoy a day out at the Zoo.  And, I was going to do it alone, because my husband had returned to work. The morning started out questionable as S began to make funny faces.  I could see she was trying to keep herself from crying, which usually means the uncontrollable tears were in the works.  Trying to keep us on track for the day, I quickly asked if there was a problem.  Fighting back tears, she told me something was wrong with her pants ... something about falling down.  I needed to act fast. "Go up to your room and find pants that fit, and then come back down so we can go to the zoo." I didn't give her enough time to process anything further.  We didn't have the time if we were going to leave before B started fussing for a nap.  Getting him in the car before being cranky was essential in making it there at all.  S quickly changed and, surprisingly, came back down as though nothing ever bothered her. Beautiful day at the zoo Aside from being able to score a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks, our morning went almost as planned.  We left a little later than I'd anticipated and had a bit of a mishap getting onto the highway, which took us on a bit of a detour. Though we got there later than planned, the rest of the day was perfect.  There was no line to wait in for renewing our membership and there weren't as many people as I'd expected either. My children were on their best behavior.  Even my son was content sitting in the stroller sucking his thumb and twirling his hair as he watched the animals, and laughed at his big sister on occasion.  Missing his nap, which is usually a big deal, barely phased him.  He even made it all the way through lunch before he began to fuss. My usually demanding and needy daughter tried to argue with me once.  I'm sure the use of our consequence and reward jars was part of her good behavior.  But, I could tell she genuinely was out to please. I wasn't stressed out and I didn't want to rush home and put the kids in their rooms!  The cooler weather wasn't exhausting me.  And by lunch time, between coffee and Dr. Pepper, I was so over-caffeinated that I was beginning to get jittery.  I was feeling even more energetic than the unusually active animals. The animals!  I haven't ever seen the animals at this zoo all so spry and active.  Florida's heat usually has all the animals (and myself) so drained and lifeless, reserving their energy for the short walk they need for food.  But, on this particular day, it was as though we weren't even in Florida. Reflecting on our day When I told my husband about the day, the only way I could explain just how good, was to express that I was certain I hadn't brought our kids with me.  I was sure I had gotten lucky and swapped my usually crabby and cantankerous kids out with some well-mannered, polite, and fun kids I'd never met before. I went to bed that night, not completely drained, feeling like I'd made the right decision to take them out.  Maybe I could conquer the world with two kids in tow?!  But, I'm grateful at least one has returned to school for now, before I actually tried to pull off and fail at another day like that! #### The Lucky One in Our Marriage #BehindTheBlogger My husband, who I will call B1, and I married in 2009.  I said "I do" to a man who was (and is) my best friend. I met this man at an event held at a shop that my boyfriend owned at the time.  I was only there to meet up with a friend of mine who was participating in the event.  She introduced me to a few of her car friends and B1 was one of them. Have you ever had an immediate connection with someone and just felt comfortable with this person?  B1 was lively, witty, and hilariously inappropriate.  He was a kid at heart.  I enjoyed his presence and the ease with which he made me (and the rest of the world) laugh.  Although, if you're easily offended, B1 is not the kind of person you would like.  But, that was exactly what I needed in my life ... a friend who hadn't been overcome by the everyday expectations of adulthood.  He was able to make me laugh and he brought out my adventurous and playful side that I'd begun to tuck away. Our friendship remained strong through my comfortable relationship and he was there for me when I determined being comfortable wasn't getting me anywhere.  Little did I know (or want to admit) he was waiting for me to realize my relationship with the other man, while pleasant, wasn't IT.  When it finally happened, he made his move almost immediately. The funny part of our story is that his proposition to "date" was almost turned down.  I knew I needed his friendship and I was afraid of ruining it by subjecting it to the inevitable changing terms of a relationship.  Should things not work out, I didn't want to lose one of the few friends I enjoyed so much.  And, I'd expressed my concerns with another friend that, while I knew he would be fun to date, I didn't expect him to take life seriously. I expected that in a few months, maybe a year, I'd be starting at square one.  I desperately wanted to marry and have children, so the idea of being nearly 30 and potentially single again wasn't desirable. But, I took the chance. Fast forward to today and we've been married going on 8 years in September.  Our lives have changed so much in the time we've been together. If you ask my husband, he'll tell you he's the lucky one in our marriage.  The man has a nasty habit of spending money, trading vehicles almost as much as one changes underwear, and spending tons of money and time on building and racing cars.  He'll tell you he's lucky because most women wouldn't put up with it.  Not only do I put up with the craziness, I understand and often encourage it.  Being married and having children hasn't completely changed my outlook on the expensive (and sometimes dangerous) choices he makes.  And, I encourage and challenge him to pursue greatness and live up to his potential and push for things he deserves.  I love him because of his craziness. While I agree he's lucky, I wholeheartedly believe I'm the lucky one in our marriage! I'm lucky because... I found someone I could settle down with.  I haven't gotten bored of him.  How could I?  He's exciting and still hasn't let adulthood completely change him.  He's thoroughly surprised me with his capability to take life seriously when it's necessary.  We still joke about how I didn't think he would ever be serious enough for marriage and parenting. He's an amazing friend.  Our marriage hasn't changed the fact that we're still best friends.  We talk, we fight, we get over it, and we love each other regardless of our faults and flaws.  We don't always see eye-to-eye, but we're accepting of our differences. He encourages me.  Not only did we make the decision for me to stay home to raise our children, he encourages me to do things I love.  He allows me to do more than be a stay at home mom and pushed me back into blogging because he knew it brought me joy.  He was also the driving force to get me into autocross racing when I felt like I was losing my sense of self in motherhood. I'm loved.  In nearly 8 years and after having two children, his love and attention hasn't faded.  I don't look or feel like the same woman he married, but he never makes me feel like anything has changed. We adapt and overcome.  There are constantly hurdles and changes in our lives, just as any marriage with children can expect.  From one kid to two, extracurricular activities, and the changing situations with our ability to have "dates," we're always evaluating our lives together and working to make things as good as they can be. He offers support.  Even if he doesn't understand, he tries to learn and offers his love and support even if he "doesn't get it."  Without his willingness to learn, I likely wouldn't have experienced the two amazing natural births I wanted.  And, though he doesn't totally understand blogging, he supports my desire to do it.  He's always supportive of my most important needs (or desires).Thank you for reading a story from #BehindTheBloggerHop. Every 2 weeks a group of bloggers is given a writing prompt. These prompts are very open ended, so our bloggers can write about whatever they desire. The main rule is that their blog post directly relates to the topic of that week. The pointof this hop is for our readers to get to know us on a personal level.Please hop along and read all of the blog posts in thisweeks hop. Just click the links below. If you want real and raw emotion, then you will find it here. After you read each post, please comment and share. We want to get to know you too! Areyou a blogger looking to join our future hops? Sign Up Here! #### The Magical World of Sebella - Review and Giveaway This is a bit out of my realm as I'm learning still to see life like a toddler/preschooler does, but I'm always up for a little challenge, so today I'm providing a review of The Magical World of Sebella by Thea Berg.  Read my review and then scroll to the bottom of this post to enter using the Giveaway Tools entry form.The Magical World of Sebella is geared for ages 7 and up.  My first, and seemingly only, difficulty with this book was to make myself think like a young child (since I'm certainly far from that) but not quite as young as my little one.  From the get-go, the reader is thrown straight into the life of a young witch, Sebella, her new friend, cousin, and younger (vampire) brother on a quest to save the Magic Castle.From an adult's perspective, this is an easy read at only 69 pages.  What I really enjoyed about this book is that it moves quickly.  It's as if Thea purposely writes so as not to lose her reader's interest.  The action started early in the book and barely stopped, right to the end. This book is full of "magical" adventures with witches, magicians, ghosts, and dragons with a fun twist at the end.The end of the book features some questions - I found this to be an added bonus if your child needs to work on reading comprehension and memory.  I'm not sure how many children's books do this, but this was one of my favorite parts of the book as a parent always looking for ways to boost educational value.  If you've read the story with your child, these questions would be a fantastic way to learn to discuss what you have read together, which I believe to be an even bigger bonus.Review and Giveaway - Thea graciously offered a free copy to me for my review and is offering 3 (three) lucky Ivy's Variety readers a chance to win a paperback copy of her book in the following giveaway.  Please use the Giveaway Tools form, below, to enter only once (unless a task allows for multiple entries).  I will announce the 3 winners by 7/31/13.  Please read and play by the official rules in the Giveaway Tools entry form. GOOD LUCK!!!If you can't wait to read the book, you can buy it herein Kindle or Paperback form.Entry-FormRules?  Go here for full giveaway rules Some posts may contain affiliate links, please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### The More Children You Have, The More Your Parenting Style Changes Do parenting styles change when we have more children? Yes, as families grow, parenting styles naturally adapt, shaped by each child's uniqueness, parental experience, and evolving family dynamics. This fluid process involves fine-tuning approaches to maintain a harmonious balance. Parenting is like a never-ending adventure ride – just when you think you've got the hang of it, another twist appears. And guess what? It's often the number of kids in the mix that serves as the catalyst for serious parenting style transformations. It's like learning a new dance with every child joining the family. Let's dive into what makes this shift in parenting style such a lively and evolving phenomenon. Factors That Influence Parenting Individual Child Characteristics You know how they say every child is different? Well, it's not just some cliché! It's the real deal. Each little one comes with their own quirks, talents, and challenges. So what worked like a charm with your first might leave your second giving you the side-eye. Adapting your style to each kid's unique groove becomes key. Parental Experience and Confidence Remember when you were a rookie parent, cluelessly trying to figure out the best way to soothe a crying baby or handle a tantrum? With each addition to the brood, you've been there, done that, and probably have the stained t-shirt to prove it. You start trusting your instincts more and become a pro at juggling different personalities and their needs. Evolving Family Dynamics Ah, the ever-shifting dynamics of a growing family. With more tiny feet pitter-pattering around, the household vibe changes. Sibling rivalries, varying stages of development, and the logistics of managing a mini-platoon demand some serious parenting acrobatics. Suddenly, being a pro at the 'divide and conquer' strategy becomes a crucial survival skill. Cultural Influences Amid the colorful tapestry of cultures, parenting styles often bear the imprint of societal norms, traditions, and values. Whether it's the emphasis on collectivism, discipline, or independence, cultural backgrounds shape the lens through which parents perceive and approach child-rearing. From Eastern philosophies that prioritize obedience and respect to Western ideals of individualism and self-expression, cultural nuances add another layer of complexity to the art of parenting. Navigating this intricate interplay between cultural expectations and personal beliefs becomes a delicate yet vital balancing act for parents seeking to raise children with a strong sense of identity and belonging within their cultural context. Why Do Parenting Styles Change With Multiple Children? Increased Understanding of Diverse Parenting Approaches When you've got more than one kiddo to handle, you start seeing that there's no one-size-fits-all solution to parenting. What worked wonders for your eldest might just fall flat with the youngest. You become this cool, versatile parent ninja, armed with a repertoire of diverse strategies to handle each kid like the unique superstar they are. Fine-Tuning for Maximum Effectiveness Adapting your parenting style isn't just about keeping up with the little rascals; it's about being the most effective parent you can be. You fine-tune your approach, constantly tweaking and refining it to ensure each child feels seen, heard, and understood. It's like being the conductor of an ever-evolving symphony, ensuring each instrument gets its moment to shine. Creating a Harmonious Family Orchestra Your ultimate goal? Creating a beautiful family orchestra where each member plays their part to perfection. Adjusting your parenting style becomes the secret sauce that keeps the melody flowing. You become the master coordinator, ensuring harmony prevails, even during those chaotic crescendos that multiple kids are so good at orchestrating. Choosing to Change Your Parenting Style At a crossroads and contemplating a conscious shift in your parenting approach? Remember that change can be a positive and empowering choice. Embracing a new perspective often brings with it a fresh wave of understanding and connection within the family. If you're curious about how to steer your parenting style in a new direction, this comprehensive guide on How to Change Your Parenting Style can provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to navigate this transformative journey seamlessly. Parenthood is a remarkable odyssey, with each child contributing a unique chapter to the adventure. Embracing the changes in your parenting style as your family grows can create a harmonious environment that nurtures and supports the individuality of each child. So, keep rocking that parenting dance, because, in the end, it's all about creating a symphony of love, understanding, and endless belly laughs that reverberate throughout your bustling household. #### The Most Helpful Advice on How to Breastfeed a Baby A collection of valuable advice from moms who want to help you successfully breastfeed a baby.  Breastfeeding tips, tricks, hacks, and confessions from real moms. Hey, mama!  Are you a first timer or more experienced? I know, it doesn't really matter when it comes to how you breastfeed a baby, does it? Every baby is different. Heck, you're different whether you've had your first baby or your 2nd and subsequent babies. Circumstances change don't they?  You're here because you want to know how to breastfeed your baby. I totally get it.  How much time have you spent online already searching for how to breastfeed a baby?  And there's so much information out there.  I mean, where do you start?  Well, how about here?  I've rounded up a few articles I've enjoyed reading and hope you find them helpful. If you visit any of the articles, and enjoy them, please be sure to leave them a sweet comment and let them know I sent you! General Tips on How to Breastfeed a Baby For starters, check out an OB Nurse's Guide to Breastfeeding via The Mama Nurse Samantha, from Modern Day Hippie Mama, shared a bunch of wonderful tips for breastfeeding a baby. Jessi, from The Coffee Mom, is a mom of two.  She shared her breastfeeding advice ... I especially love her advice not to supplement if you can help it! Speaking of supplementing, check out how this mom raised the fat content of her milk.  I wish I had seen this in the early days of my breastfeeding experiences... I totally would have given it a shot! via Joyful Abode Are you a mam with twins?  Jenn from Two Came True shares some really amazing tips for tandem nursing twins. Worried about your milk supply?  Oh man ... keep calm and drink some water.  Then, head over to read Ashley's tips, from Spit Up and Sit ups, about how to increase your milk supply. Amanda at The Accidental Mrs shares some interesting tips and tricks for breastfeeding baby.  Oatmeal water?  I haven't heard of that until this post ... Traveling with a newborn?  Jasmine shares tips on how to travel and breastfeed a baby. Pumping for work?  Carly shares the tips she learned about how to pump and store milk for breastfeeding a baby for a year. Are you going to travel internationally without baby?  You might like these tips from Baby Castan on Board.  Melissa's baby was exclusively breastfed and she had to travel without the baby for a week. Can you breastfeed while treating a cold?  Not only can you, but you should!how to treat a cold while breastfeeding  Over at Joyful Abode, learn . Check out this weird trick to overcome nipple confusion from Gym Craft Laundry. Breastfeeding Tips for Traveling via Tapped out Travellers   Learning from Other's Mistakes How My 2nd Breastfeeding Experience Was Better - In a previous post, I share why I believe my second breastfeeding experience was successful vs. my first. How Others Can Help You As You Breastfeed Your Baby When you think of breastfeeding a baby, you don't often think about anyone but a mom and her baby.  But, other family members and friends have a huge, and often unspoken, responsibility for supporting a breastfeeding mother. A Dad's Role During Breastfeeding - Travel with the Russells shares an amazing perspective on dad's role in supporting his wife's decision to breastfeed. If you have about 10 minutes, check out Mama Robin's video rant about the need for breastfeeding support.  I think you'll really enjoy the message she's trying to convey! How People Feel about Breastfeeding Sometimes, we just need to know we're not alone. I want to start with one of my favorites ... Tiffany from Short Sweet Mom shares her breastfeeding surprises (and a few breastfeeding tips). Jasmine shares her top 5 reasons she's had a love hate relationship with breastfeeding. I've had my own trouble with breastfeeding.  My breastfeeding success made me feel guilty - after being successful with my son, it hurt that I, in my mind, failed my daughter. Maybe you're just afraid to breastfeed!  After a really difficult first experience, I was afraid to breastfeed again when I decided to have a second baby. Image courtesy of Jomphong at FreeDigitalPhotos.net Do you breastfeed a baby in public or in private?  Krystal from Healthy Happy Thrift Family shares the reasons she prefers to breastfeed in private. Inez from Diary of a New Mommy shares her confessions of a breastfeeding mommy. Breastfeeding through pregnancy via Joyful Abode A Personal Breastfeeding Journey via Shahira Challenges Breastfeeding a Toddler via Healthy Happy Thrifty Family Essentials and Gear to Breastfeed a Baby Whether or not you've heard that the ACA supplies a breastpump, you might like some assistance in figuring out HOW to order your pump through insurance!  Julie can help you with one way. Andrea from Messy Nest Mama shares her 10 breastfeeding tips and breastfeeding essentials.  I TOTALLY agree with the glider recommendation, too! Yasmine from The Gentle Nursery shares her breastfeeding essentials, which includes a lot of natural, organic, and non-toxic options. Are you a working mama who is also breastfeeding?  Check out the breastfeeding essentials for a working mom, shared by Julie from Fab Working Mom. Are you a working mom?  Check out Julie's list of pumping bag essentials for you! More Breastfeeding Essentials: Breastfeeding Must Haves via All About Baby's World All in One Nursing and Hands Free Pumping Bra via All About Baby's World Momzelle Breastfeeding Apparel via SAHM, plus... Using a contact nipple shield via All About Baby's World Breastfeeding Essentials via My Silly Monkey Breastfeeding, Pumping, and Supplementing Julie shares her struggle getting her baby to breastfeed, but how she still triumphed as she supplemented. Breast Pumping Tips via My Little Monkey Lactation Recipes & Products Julie has this cool Overnight Oatmeal recipe for lactation ... because making oatmeal in the morning takes more time than a nursing mama has! Milkmakers Lactation Cookies Review via All About Baby's World Did any of these breastfeeding tips help?  Need anything else? Other posts you may enjoy 10 tips to get a baby to sleep! No, babywearing didn't create this mama's boy! How to end mommy wars Have you thought about starting a mom blog? #### The Most Unexpected Advice You’ll Hear As A New Parent When you’re expecting your first baby, the advice starts pouring in before the crib's even been delivered, and it’s always going to be a mix - some of it’s helpful, some of it’s outdated, and some of it makes you wonder more than you did before. And of course, you’ll hear the main ones over and over - sleep when the baby sleeps, stock up on diapers, trust your instincts, and so on, but then there’s a whole category of advice that catches you off guard but that could be really useful, and with that in mind, keep reading to find out what some if it might be. Take Breaks Without Feeling Guilty  Nobody tells you how hard it can be to leave your baby in someone else’s care for even an hour, but it’s also important to remember that you need breaks, and you definitely need moments where you’re not on high alert (and even if you don’t realize it, that’s how most parents live all the time). So being able to take a shower without rushing, have a coffee in silence, or perhaps walk to the shop on your own is actually more important than you might think.  So the advice here is to plan small, regular breaks and take them without feeling guilty, and do it even if you don’t feel like you need them yet, because getting into the habit will save you when the exhaustion really hits (which it will).  Don’t Fight The Phases  Your baby’s routine will change more times than you think possible, and just when you have naps sorted, they’ll switch things up. A lot of new parents spend weeks trying to get back to what was working before, only to find that the old routine just doesn’t fit anymore. The unexpected tip with this is to not try to force them back into a previous pattern, and instead, see each change as a new starting point because it’s less stressful and much more likely to work in the long run. Think About The Room You’ll hear plenty about feeding and sleep schedules, but not as much about the space your baby sleeps in, but the thing to remember is that the infant sleeping temperature, the level of light, background noise, and so much more all matter more than you’d think. Babies are sensitive to these environmental cues, and getting them right can help everyone sleep better. It’s not just about comfort either; the fact is that a safe, consistent sleeping environment can make those longer stretches of rest more likely, which means fewer wake ups in the night, and that’s better for everyone.  Have More Muslins Than You Think You Need  Every parent has a drawer, cupboard, or basket of things they bought and never used, but muslins are something you’ll use every single day, multiple times a day, and you might get to a point where you run out. These are such great things to have around because they’re not just for burping - they’ll be blankets, sunshades, emergency bibs, changing mats, and comforters. You’ll grab them when the baby is a bit sick, when you need to mop up milk, or when you need something soft to rest their head on, or really for anything else.  The tip here is simple: buy more than you think you’ll ever need, and maybe one more pack on top of that, because you’re sure to use them.  You Can’t Always Sleep When The Baby Sleeps  Yes, it’s great advice in theory, but in practice sometimes the only time your baby naps is the only time you have to load the washing machine, eat something, or just watch half an episode of a show you’ve been trying to finish for a while. The more realistic advice is this: rest when you can, in whatever form works. Maybe that’s a nap, maybe it’s lying on the sofa scrolling on your phone, maybe it’s just sitting down with a hot drink... You don’t have to be asleep to be recharging, so just do what you can.  Don’t Keep The Good Outfits For Special Occasions You’ll get gifted some beautiful baby clothes, and your instinct will be to save them, but babies grow at lightning speed, and sometimes those lovely outfits are outgrown before you’ve even had a chance to use them at all.  So the advice really is to put them on your baby now, and let them wear the nice things for naps, for walks, for just lying on the play mat. They’ll make a mess of them, of course, but they’ll do that with the plain clothes too, and at least you’ll get to use the nice stuff more often.  Trust A Small Network You’ll find every possible opinion online, often completely contradicting each other - one site will tell you to feed every two hours, another will say every four, one article will say a certain toy is essential, another will claim it’s dangerous… It’s overwhelming, and sometimes it stops you trusting your own instincts, so instead, find a small circle of people - maybe a midwife, a couple of friends with kids, or your own parents - whose advice you trust. Ask them when you’re unsure, and skip the online forums that will just make you more confused and stressed.  Take All The Photos  Even on the days that feel long and blurry, take photos. Take too many. Most of them won’t be perfect, but they’ll capture things you’ll forget otherwise, like the way your baby yawned, the first time they grabbed your finger, the way they looked at you when they were feeding, and so on. Later, you’ll be glad you didn’t wait for the right moment to take out your phone. Remember It’s All Temporary  When you’re in the middle of cluster feeds or teething or endless diaper changes, it feels like it will never end, but the reality is that every phase passes, and one day you’ll realise you can’t quite remember when it changed, just that it did. This doesn’t mean you have to love every moment, but it does mean you can let yourself ride it out, knowing the hard times will eventually give way to something else. And you’re allowed to miss them when they’re gone, even if you moaned about them at the time.  #### The One Thing I Wish I'd Known Before I Became a Mom What I wish I'd known before I became a mom ... because parenting isn't for the faint of heart! I spent many years ready and waiting to become a mom.  As the time drew nearer, people began to shower me with advice and their experiences about children.  Of course, because I had never had a child, I had my own ideas of how raising a baby was going to be.  I thought the sleepless nights were something you get to used to. Now that I've had two babies, I'm grateful for the "warnings".  Still I feel like there was a huge piece of advice that had been left out. The One Thing I Wish I'd Known Before I Became a Mom We've all heard: "It's Hard Work", "Get plenty of sleep now...", "It's rewarding", and any other seemingly tall tales parents like to tell us soon to be first-timers.  There's all sorts of advice about how to get baby to sleep, breastfeeding, and potty training. If you thought having kids was going to be fun, there was certainly at least one person to tell you otherwise. But, the real straight-forward truth?  That's not something people dole out willingly.  Though in retrospect, it should have been mentioned often. You know what I wish I'd know before I became a mom?  This is exactly what I needed to hear, and I think you do, too! This is it: Becoming a mom is going to make you crazy!  Don't expect that you're going to always be smiling and happy.  The images you see of motherhood only paint part of the picture.  You're going to look disheveled some days, you're going to be lost and confused, and that's perfectly okay!   A post shared by Ivy | Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Apr 18, 2018 at 9:02am PDT You're going to go through periods where you ask yourself why you thought having a baby was a good idea. You're going to want to get away from the one thing you've been waiting for all this time. And, you're probably going to feel like a shitty parent for having all sorts of nasty thoughts about having become a parent. You're almost always going to wonder "Am I a Good Mom?" I'm telling you this because, no matter what kind of warnings I received beforehand, when my daughter came along (after a mostly wonderful pregnancy), I was hit with a reality no one warned me about. To be fair, some of what we dealt with no one could have guessed would have happened. (In the following links, you can read more on unexpected milk & soy intolerance that couldn't be diagnosed because there was no "allergy" symptoms AND a misdiagnosis of partial malrotation leading to an unnecessary surgery,: Part One and Part Two). Here's my advice to you if you're a soon to be new parent or a parent in the midst of the first few months: Allow yourself to have your negative feelings about becoming a parent and express them (some other clueless new mother might just appreciate your honesty). I would have given anything to not feel like I was the only parent out there that hated the first 6 months of our daughter's life!  Trying to make the most of our situation was extremely hard and it never helped that people couldn't just be honest and tell me that the first few months may be the least enjoyable time in a new mother's life! It doesn't make you a shitty parent for having some negative emotions because having a baby truly IS hard work that will test you in ways you can't prepare for. AND THEN - when you make it through all the first time mom or new baby stuff - you'll come across another phase that sucks. BUT, you will get through it and it is rewarding!  One minute I can't stand to be home with my daughter because she's in "fuss-butt mode" (as I like to call it) and then she'll turn around and do something amazing or sweet.  My heart melts and I nearly forget that things sucked just moments ago. Then, I was crazy enough to have baby #2, and I'm going through all the same feelings I had, multiplied by 2 because it's a roller-coaster ride between them all day.  And I'm pretty sure I have no sanity left in tact at this point.   A post shared by Ivy | Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Sep 24, 2015 at 8:52am PDT But that's what I wish I'd Known Before I Became a Mom... What about you?! #### The Stress-Free Guide to Keeping Your Baby’s Skin Happy and Healthy If there's one thing we all know about babies, it’s that they have super soft, super sensitive skin. It’s why we love booping their cheeks and kissing their heads, so much, right? Well, because little ones have such delicate skin, it is really important that we take extra care of it so that they do not end up with sore, painful skin. Below, you will find some basic tips to help you do just that and ensure that your baby’s skin is loved, cared for and smooth as…well, smooth as a baby’s behind. Pexels - CCO Licence Baby Skin 101: Why It Needs Extra TLC Newborn skin is thinner, more sensitive, and loses moisture faster than ours, which is why your baby can go from glowing cherub to flaky snowflake like that and you are left wondering why. Until their natural skin barrier matures, you'll want to treat their skin like it's the most precious silk in the world. Because honestly… it kind of is. General rule: gentle, gentle, gentle. If a product could exfoliate your elbows, it does not belong near your baby. Less Is More: Keep Bath Time Minimal Babies don't need daily bubble baths - shocking, but true. In fact, bathing too often can dry out their skin. Aim for two to three baths per week (unless your little one has a secret mud-wrestling career we don’t know about). Bath Tips for Baby-Soft Brilliance Use lukewarm water, not too hot, not too chilly. Skip harsh soaps; go for fragrance-free, tear-free, hypoallergenic cleansers. Keep baths short - about 5-10 minutes. Pat dry, don't rub. That baby skin deserves spa-level gentleness. And no foam explosions. We know it’s tempting to make your baby into a bubble beard champion, but we can save that for toddlerhood. Moisturize Like You Mean It The vibe: soft, snuggly marshmallow cheeks.  Moisturizing is your best friend, ideally right after bath time while skin is still slightly damp, like you're sealing in all the softness. Go-To Hydrating Heroes Simple fragrance-free baby lotions Rich creams if your baby’s skin is extra dry Natural oils like coconut or sunflower (patch test first!) Avoid anything heavy on fragrance, glitter, or fancy adult-skin buzzwords like anti-aging peptides. Babies do not need retinol, they are born perfect. Diaper Area = Prime Real Estate Let’s talk about the danger zone: the diaper region. It sees… a lot. And it needs consistent care to avoid redness, irritation, and that parental internal meltdown moment when baby’s bottom looks sore. Nappy-Care Game Plan Change nappies quickly (no marinating!) Use fragrance-free wipes or warm water and cotton pads for newborns Let that tiny tush air out daily - sunlight for houseplants, air for baby bums Barrier cream with zinc oxide = soothing magic Also, diaper-free wiggle time? Best excuse ever for adorable photos of squishy legs kicking in celebration. Those Flaky Scalp Moments Some babies develop flaky scalp skin, which often gets confused with dandruff in babies. More commonly, it's cradle cap - harmless, totally normal, and often gone before you finish your first packet of teething biscuits. Cradle Cap + Baby Flakes Care Tips Use a gentle baby shampoo 2-3 times a week Loosen flakes with a soft baby brush Try a little baby oil beforehand if flakes are stubborn Unless it’s severe or spreading, no panic necessary. Your baby is not secretly auditioning for winter-flake hair commercials. It happens. Dress Smart (AKA Don’t Let Fashion Start Fights) We love those adorable baby outfits too - tiny jeans?! Heart melted. But sometimes cute clothes aren’t skin-friendly. Dress Baby Skin Like a Pro Choose soft cotton and breathable fabrics Wash new clothes before wearing (baby detergents are your new religion) Avoid scratchy seams, tags, and overly snug outfits Comfort > couture at this stage. You can save the mini fashion diva moments for birthday photoshoots. Take Sun Protection Seriously Baby skin is super sensitive to sunlight. Under 6 months, sunscreen isn’t recommended, so the best SPF is Sit in the shade, Put on a hat, Find a sunshade. For older babies: Choose baby-safe sunscreen (mineral-based, fragrance-free) Apply generously, reapply often Hats and rash guards are your allies Baby sunglasses? Optional, but extremely cute. And honestly, what’s parenting if not occasionally accessorizing your child for your own joy? Watch for Irritation Sometimes babies react to detergents, lotions, or new foods. If you spot redness, tiny bumps, or dryness, switch to simpler, fragrance-free products and see if it clears. And of course, ask a pediatrician if anything looks worrying, Google isn’t a dermatologist and neither is Aunt Brenda. Hydration and Air Matter Too Babies don’t need gallons of water. In fact, stick to breastmilk or formula during those early months. But environment counts. Use a humidifier if your home is dry Keep baby’s room smoke-free (obvious, but worth saying) Avoid blasting heaters directly at baby. Toastiness is good, toasting is not Think “cosy and hydrated”  for both baby and parents, actually. When to Call in the Pros If you notice: Persistent rashes Blistering Unexplained swelling Oozing or crusty skin Baby seems uncomfortable or in pain Reach out to your pediatrician. You’re not “bothering them”. Their literal job is baby skin drama and parental peace of mind. Enjoy the Snuggles Skin-to-skin time? Still one of the best things you can do. It regulates baby’s temperature, helps bonding, and - fun fact - it's brilliant for your stress levels too. Plus, those tiny cuddles don’t last forever. Enjoy every soft-cheek press and sleepy nuzzle. The Bottom Line? Simple, Gentle, and Soothing Wins Every Time Baby skin doesn’t need complicated routines or twenty-step influencer rituals. It needs consistency, comfort, and a little common sense. Gentle washing Regular moisturising Comfy clothes Quick diaper care Sun and weather awareness Lots of love (and snacks for the tired parents) Your baby’s skin will thank you, and you’ll feel like the confident parent you already are, even on days when you’re googling “white spot on baby leg panic??” at 3 am. Now go enjoy that impossibly soft little human, and maybe sneak a cheek boop for good measure. #### The Top Question You'll Get When You're Pregnant It never fails.  Pregnant women are always asked about their birth plans.  And, while you're trying to decide between epidural or natural birth, you're going to get someone's opinion, whether you like it or not. If you were to ask me, "Hey Ivy, Epidural or Natural?"  I'm going to immediately say "Natural."  I couldn't possibly be more enthusiastic about my response.  The thought of a something being jammed into my spine scares me.  Then, there's all the risks of an epidural that really lead me to tell you "don't take the epidural."  I've heard enough complaints from women about having back issues after receiving the epidural.  Look, I have enough issues without someone (or something unnatural) creating more for me.  Thanks anyway. But, at the same time, I understand if you want to take the epidural. The idea of birthing a baby without drugs sounds scary.  I know you've heard all the birth horror stories.  If you've ever expressed interest in natural birth, you've likely been told things like: "You'll change your mind." "Just wait until you go into labor" Maybe someone's snickered at you and told you how terrible the ring of fire was.  They felt like they "were being torn apart." "What are you trying to win?" "You know you don't get a medal, right?" The mental images others give you over the birth process can sound horrifying and leave very little to the imagination ... except for anything good to imagine other than the moment it's over and your baby is in your arms. And you're certain to hear from at least one woman "just get the epidural." Because of which, you're uncertain if you can actually go through with a natural birth. I know these doubts.  I didn't struggle with the desire to have a natural birth and I wasn't unprepared.  But, I did struggle with the lack of support when I made my birth plans known.  Why do women ask your birth plans if they're going to scoff at the answer, anyway? I can't tell you for certain whether epidural or natural birth is right for you.  I can tell you, however, that natural birth is possible under the right mind set (and of course, birth situation). Epidural or Natural? I guarantee "epidural or natural?" is one of the top questions you're going to get when you're pregnant.  It's likely to feel like one of the most important questions you ask yourself during your entire pregnancy!  To decide whether epidural or natural birth is right for you you need the following in place: Learn about the risks of epidural Understand the problems with induction (including that pitocin will make contractions hurt more) Overcome your fear of labor Have friends and family support your birth plan Consider having your husband in the delivery room (if he has taken a class and can support you wholeheartedly) Finally, check out these secrets to prepare for giving birth naturally I can't tell you what's right for you.  Making the decision between epidural or natural birth is a task not to be taken lightly.  And, no matter what you decide, there's always a chance things don't go as planned.  All you can do is make your decision, know the possibilities, and hope for the best.  But make your decision based on your heart, not what any naysayer decides for you. Tell me: What did you decide when you were asked about epidural or natural birth? Related content: Do You Have These Baby Items For New Moms On Your Registry? 7 Items Every New Mom Needs to Make Life Easy With Baby 8 Smart Ways Mom-To-Be Should Prepare for Her New Baby 11 Terrific Tricks You Need to Get Baby to Sleep #### The Ultimate List of Kids Books About Manners Is it time for some life lessons in manners?  Check out this list of over 20 kids books about manners. No matter where we go, I am constantly reminded of why I teach my children manners.  It seems like everywhere, kids are running rampant without their manners upsetting others in the process.  It also becomes pretty clear whether or not parents try to instill these manners in their children. It's frustrating, to say the least when your children have been waiting patiently in a line to do an activity, only to be cut in front of by children who just don't know to be thoughtful of others.  Beyond that, though, it's irritating when the parent acts like it's not only normal but acceptable. And, then I have to explain to my kids that some people don't understand manners, but those who use manners make it a practice to be kind and thoughtful and that this isn't their world.   We share, take turns, and say please and thank you.  And, people will be appreciative of their efforts to use their manners way more than if they didn't try at all. And, now that my kids are in school, I get regular reminders of why we work so hard to teach our kids manners.  Every one of their teachers has thanked us at least once for having well-behaved and well-mannered children. They listen when they're supposed to, talks when it's okay, and say please and thank you. They do make mistakes and talk out of turn or get excited and forget about lines.  They're kids, after all.  But, we're always reminding them how important their manners are. Manners are important for kids to learn, but I don't teach them solely through actions at home.  We use books as teaching aids. My daughter catches on to subjects and concepts pretty easily, so reading books is our go-to-activity when trying to explain something new.  And, we use this technique when we have to work on important childhood lessons. It's hard to gauge whether or not my son understands in the same way.  But, we continue to read. We rely on books.  So, I'm sharing a big list of children's books about manners with you. Over 20 Kids Books About Manners We have read some of these books about manners with our kids.  Others on this list are ones that look like things we'd enjoy reading and have gotten some pretty good reviews.  I'd love to know if you've read any of these books to your kids. Do you find that reading books helps your children understand things better? Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners "In her smart, playful style Laurie Keller highlights how to be a good friend and neighbor―simply follow the Golden Rule! This title has Common Core connections." This book has over 900 reviews on Amazon with a 4.8-star rating.  There seems to be some consensus that this book is heavy on text and probably better suited for kids 4 years to 9 years with longer attention spans. Manners Time (Toddler Tools) "Manners start with a smile—then you add the words. There are polite words to use when you greet someone, ask for something, or (oops!) make a mistake. There’s even a nice way to say no. This book gives toddlers a head start on manners, setting the stage for social skills that will last a lifetime." Manners Time is rated 4.8 stars on Amazon and is written for ages 4 and up. Dude, That's Rude!: (Get Some Manners) (Laugh & Learn®) "Kids today need manners more than ever, and Dude, That’s Rude! makes it fun and easy to get some. Full-color cartoons and kid-friendly text teach the basics of polite behavior in all kinds of situations—at home, at school, in the bathroom, on the phone, at the mall, and more. Kids learn Power Words to use and P.U. Words to avoid, why their family deserves their best manners, and the essentials of e-tiquette (politeness online). It seems like light reading, but it’s serious stuff: Manners are major social skills, and this book gives kids a great start." This book is suggested for the slightly older kiddos from 6 to 11 years of age and is currently rated on Amazon at 4.6 stars. Manners at School (Way To Be!: Manners) "Find out how good manners make your school a nicer place." With more than 150 ratings, this book for 3-6 year olds is currently rated with 4.6 stars on Amazon. 365 Manners Kids Should Know: Games, Activities, and Other Fun Ways to Help Children and Teens Learn Etiquette The Berenstain Bears Forget Their Manners Manners A Smart Girl's Guide: Manners (Revised): The Secrets to Grace, Confidence, and Being Your Best (Smart Girl's Guides) Manners Can Be Fun Manners on the Playground (Way To Be!: Manners) Manners with a Library Book (Way To Be!: Manners) Manners aren't restricted to how we act in front of others!  Teach kids they have to treat library or borrowed books well!  The mistreatment of books affects more than just the child.  Replacing destroyed books can be costly and isn't fun for other kids who could potentially borrow books that they can't read. Manners in the Lunchroom (Way To Be!: Manners) Manners at the Table (Way To Be!: Manners) Manners in the Library (Way To Be!: Manners) How Rude!: The Teen Guide to Good Manners, Proper Behavior, and Not Grossing People Out Manners in Public (Way To Be!: Manners) Excuse Me: A Little Book of Manners (Lift-the-Flap Book) Manners on the School Bus (Way To Be!: Manners) Margaret Wise Brown's Manners (Little Golden Book) Table Talk: A Book about Table Manners (Building Relationships) Manners Are Not for Monkeys Clifford's Manners (Clifford 8x8) Learn Good Manners with Charles Say Please, Little Owlet: (Children's book about the Little Owlet Who Learns Manners, Rhyming Kids book, Bedtime Story, Picture Books, Ages 3-5, Preschool Books) The Please and Thank You Book (Little Golden Book) A Parent's Guide to Manners for Kids: Lessons, Games, and Activities for Home, School, and Beyond "Manners and etiquette for the modern age―a parent’s manual for teaching their kids Getting a compliment about your well-mannered child is one of the best feelings you can have as a parent―but it doesn’t come easy. Teaching manners to young children can be tough. Let the fun lessons, games, and activities inside A Parent’s Guide to Manners for Kids help make learning proper etiquette a pleasure instead of a chore. You’ll first understand the best ways to teach manners, and why they make happy children into successful adults. Then, dive into chapters that address all the situations where manners matter most―from the “magic words” to everyday scenarios like getting on an elevator or going out to eat. Look forward to watching your child flourish with excellent communication skills―and get prepared for even more compliments and invitations." Have you read any kids books about manners? What were some of your favorites in this list of kids books about manners?  Do you have others that we should add to the list? #### The Ultimate List of Non Toy Gifts for Kids I hear you, mama! You're overwhelmed with the ever growing pile of stuff the kids don't play with.  You've considered not giving the kids more gifts.  Trust me, I've been there.  We've begged our family members to have mercy on us. Over the holidays, we had a pile of gifts and I still have a corner in our dining room of gifts that haven't been touched.  It's ridiculous isn't it?  That's why I think it's important to beg your families to check out this great list of non-toy gifts to give for the next birthday or holiday.  They take up WAY less space and will get more use than the 2.5 seconds they play with a particular toy. The Ultimate List of Non-Toy Gift Ideas! Magazine subscriptions make great non toy gifts What an amazing way to bring new stories, pictures, and educational materials into the home that doesn’t take up a lot of space.  Plus, it’s really exciting for the littles to receive their own mail on a monthly basis.  Its like giving a gift every month … how cool does that make you? Highlights Magazines Highlights Magazines offers different subscriptions for all ages! Hello! is for ages 0 - 2.  Hello! is a much smaller magazine made of much more durable material to stand up to teeth, drooling, and High Five is for ages 2 - 6 Highlights (the original) is for ages 6 - 12 (or for adults wanting to relive their youth.  I won't lie ... I want to renew for myself lol) Other good magazine subscription ideas: National Geographic Little Kids - everything you love about National Geographic, but for your kids ages 3 - 6 years. National Geographic Kids - adorable and jam packed with educational stuff for ages 6 - 12 years. Image Source: National Geographic Store ZooBooks offers a variety of magazine subscriptions for ages 0 -12 years.  These include: Zoobies for ages 0 mo to 3 years Zootles for ages 3 - 6 years Zoobooks for ages 6 - 12 years and Zoodinos for ages 5+ Cricket Media magazines – These educational magazines are available in 5 different subscription levels based on age from 6 months to 15+. Babybug is for ages 6 mo - 3 yrs Ladybug is for kids ages 3 - 6 yrs who love adventure and stories Click, also for ages 3 - 6 yrs, is geared toward kids who like art, nature, and science. Ask and Spider are magazines for ages 6 - 9 years.  Ask is for the kid who asks "why" a lot!  Spider is for your budding reader who loves stories! Cricket Media has several magazines for older kids too, offering plenty of options for various interests! GAMES While these might be considered “toys”, there’s still so much educational value and family bonding experiences to be had with games.  Plus, I still have room for games in our coat closet AND I’m tired of the 3 that we have that are age appropriate for my daughter.  Here are a few toddler games I can recommend. ThinkFun’s Move & Groove:  I reviewed Move & Groove a while back and fell in love with the game.  My daughter calls it “the cube game”.  Our family had a great time getting up and moving according to the instructions.  This game provides family bonding opportunities, a few giggles, and plenty of opportunities to keep your kid active. Think Fun has tons of other educational games for all ages too. But, of course, there are all the [easyazon_link keywords="classic family board games" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]classic family board games[/easyazon_link]. BOOKS Aside from the fact that we’re completely out of space on our bookshelves, books are always welcomed.  My daughter loves reading so many books, that she practically has her own library and we still borrow books from the real library on a weekly basis.  She’s been known to make me sit down and read all of our borrowed books in one day, too.  And, she’s good about sneaking an extra book or two in the room at bedtime. Looking for some great book suggestions?  I recommend the following: For babies and toddlers, Sandra Boynton books are an absolute must.  They're short and often very sing-songy (is that a word?  Let's go with it). For preschoolers or elementary children, my daughter loves The Pigeon books by Mo Willems!  We have quite a few and we're always adding another to the library. Don't forget about personalized books!  Check out I See Me! Personalized Children's Books and gift sets! For fewer physical books, our favorite service is Epic! Books! Read unlimited books every month with a low monthly subscription.  Aside from not having to worry about space to store thousands of books, you can easily travel with them.  Making this a gift that your children can use anywhere they have access to a tablet! Looking for more educational stuff for elementary aged children?  National Geographic Kids Books are great.  There's tons that offer a wide variety of educational subjects. ACTIVITIES MAKE PERFECT NON TOY GIFTS I love the idea of having more activities available to do out of the home, but sometimes the expense of them is a bit of a deterrent.  Some great ideas include: paint your own pottery sessions museum memberships zoo memberships (we already have this and love it) classes – art, swimming, music etc paint night experience or adventure - think Crayola Experience, Disney, camping or traveling! MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION BOXES INSTEAD OF TOYS There are plenty of age-appropriate monthly subscription boxes that would be a great addition to the work we do at home.  These can range from book subscriptions, crafts, or hands-on projects that I’d be grateful not to have to plan and organize. I reviewed the Little Thinker subscription box which happened to take a lot of pressure off of me to gather and prepare supplies and kept my kiddo busy for a long time! Green Kid Crafts offers subscription box plans as well as discovery boxes in their shop.  These are Craft and STEAM Science boxes designed for ages 3-10. Kiwi Crate is another good service!  You can purchase subscriptions of 1 month or up to 1 year, or even purchase single boxes of your chosen theme for ages 3 - 16+.   My daughter received a Kiwi Crate Subscription as a gift and it's been full of amazing activities in each month's box.  What I love about it is that it shows how much adult supervision and mess is required for the activities, so you can decide which activities you want to do based on how much time you have to help. Aside from being a fabulous non toy gift idea for kids, it's really educational. Even Little Passports came out with an awesome looking new subscription for preschoolers called Early Explorers. Are there any subscription boxes you would recommend for toddlers and preschoolers? FOREIGN OR SECOND LANGUAGE EDUCATION NON TOY GIFTS Get kiddos learning more than their ABCs.  Try giving a children’s kit for learning a foreign language or even sign language.  There are intellectual benefits to learning a second language early on and there are plenty of options suitable for children.  My two favorites are Dino Lingo and Signing Time. ONLINE EDUCATION Our favorite is ABC Mouse Early Learning Academy.  I've done a couple reviews for them and am happy to announce that they have expanded their curriculum up to 2nd grade.  You can find my latest ABCmouse review here and another here where I discuss how we used ABC Mouse to support Kindergarten education at home.  Go ahead and sign up for a 30-day free trial.  The best part is, signing up for a few months or a year will keep the kids busy for longer than a week!! Foodie Gifts EZPZ offers feeding mats for little hands and picky eaters.  They're cuter than plates and you can purchase a book with tons of ideas for filling your child's mat with enticing foods. FunBites makes food really fun!  And this isn't just for enticing your picky toddlers either (although we do use them for that purpose as well).  We love using FunBites to make school lunches more fun or snacks more exciting. #### The Ultimate Time-Saver: How Telemedicine is Revolutionizing Healthcare for Busy Parents Every parent knows the drill: a child wakes up with a cough, you suddenly need a specialist referral, or your own recurring health need is stressing your already maxed-out schedule. The thought of taking time off work, coordinating childcare for the other kids, driving across town, and sitting in a germ-filled waiting room for a quick 15-minute appointment can feel impossible. That’s why telemedicine has been one of the biggest advancements in healthcare for families in the last five years. Since the world shifted in 2020, teleconferencing technology became the norm, but its most critical application has been in healthcare, finally bringing medical care to us. In 2025, telemedicine continues to evolve and improve. There are now hundreds of trusted companies offering a huge variety of treatments, making the landscape a little bewildering for a newcomer. This article is here to help cut through the noise. We've focused on the areas where virtual care can offer the greatest relief for parents. Here are the top five treatments and services available through telemedicine today. Top Five Treatments Available Through Telemedicine in 2025 Image Credit: Pexels 1. Mental Health Counselling and Therapy In a demanding world, it’s no surprise that mental health concerns are a growing issue for both adults and children. Unfortunately, we live in a time where mental health problems are at an all-time high (there are thought to be over one billion people suffering globally), and finding a qualified therapist with availability nearby is a common struggle. Telemedicine provides a lifeline for families. It allows you to access qualified therapists and counselors from all over, right from the privacy of your own home. Imagine your teenager being more willing to talk to someone from their own room, or you finally being able to fit a crucial therapy session into your lunch break without a single minute of travel time. From CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) to support for anxiety, it’s easier than ever to get the care your family needs without disrupting the school run or your work commitments. 2. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Patients can now receive doctor-prescribed HRT through telemedicine, and that’s a big deal. For a busy parent, juggling family, career, and personal health can feel like too much. Gone are the days of lengthy in-office assessments! A person can now be assessed almost entirely online with the ability to get lab work done much faster and receive their treatment within a significantly shorter timeframe than is the case with physical consultations. This makes managing your own long-term health needs, like HRT, less of a logistical mountain. 3. Dermatology How many times have you looked at your own skin, or your teenager’s, and thought, Is this mole serious? Is this acne ever going to clear up? but simply didn't have the time to book an in-person appointment? Telemedicine has allowed for a quiet revolution in personalized skincare. Instead of feeling self-conscious about having acne or a suspicious rash evaluated in person, you can now consult privately with a qualified dermatologist online, often by just sending in a high-resolution photo. Many services even allow you to get a monthly subscription of tailored skincare products (like those for anti-aging or chronic conditions) delivered right to your door. 4. Chronic Disease Management If you or a child has a chronic disease, such as asthma or diabetes, the need for regular, in-person follow-ups with your GP and specialist can feel like a part-time job. Today, those routine visits, general well-being checks, and prescription modifications can often be conducted over a telemedicine call. This greatly reduces the burden on patients and caregivers. Instead of spending two hours round-trip for a 15-minute check-up just to confirm a medication is working, you can log in, get the guidance you need, and get back to your day. It’s all about turning a major logistical headache into a small, manageable block of time. 5. Preventive Care and Basic Check-ins While no one would suggest skipping vaccinations, a lot of other routine preventive care - like discussing new symptoms, general check-ups, and reviewing lab results - has now been partially moved onto online platforms. Imagine getting a quick consultation for a mild ear infection, pink eye, or a sprained ankle for your child without needing to expose them to the waiting room. Telemedicine allows your primary care managers to streamline the process, ensuring that in-person visits are reserved for when they are truly necessary, making your life simpler and less stressful. The time you save skipping the waiting room, the commute, and the extra childcare adds up to hours ... time you can spend with your family, or just getting a much-needed break. Be sure to ask your GP or a specialist about which elements of your own care, or your child's, could be moved online. What's next for telemedicine is sure to be exciting, but irrespective of what the future holds, the shift to more flexible, family-friendly healthcare is a truly wonderful reality happening right now. #### The Unintentional Negative Effects of My Side Hustle on Marriage As a stay at home mom blogger, myself, this post sort of hit home.  This is a syndicated guest post from Jasmine which first appeared on her site at Love Life Laugh Motherhood detailing the disadvantage of her side hustle on marriage and what she was doing to correct it. I didn’t know it, but my ambition to bring in more money for the family was causing more harm than good.  As a SAHM, any opportunity to make a few extra bucks is always welcome. But in my eagerness to succeed, I didn’t realize how much my goals were putting a strain on my relationship. Once I did, I immediately implemented ways to stop it. The Downside of My Side Hustle on Marriage How my hustle started… I never wanted my blogging hobby to become a full-fledged money making opportunity. I also strongly urge those who think it can, to not begin a blog for the sole purpose of it. Like anything, blogging takes time to build up to the point of making anything financial. Yes, you can make money at it, but you shouldn’t allow your financial security depend on it. I look at blogging like most MLM jobs. It’s a side hustle-something you do in your spare time, to make extra money. So I’ve been extremely lucky to be able to earn funds through my blog. But unlike most MLM “businesses”, I didn’t invest hundreds of dollars on a hope and a prayer that I might make just my investment back, let alone thousands of promises. I don’t need to make anything, because in our (almost embarrassing) traditional family roles; my husband is the breadwinner. He is the rock that provides financial stability. My husband is the reason I can afford to be a SAHM, and I don’t have to work. I’m a very motivated person When I began receiving opportunities to actually make money from my blog, I went full-force into making the most out of each one. And for the last year, it’s been good! But earlier this week, my husband said something that literally broke my heart. And it was all over a misunderstanding. First off, I was only ranting about myself when this incident occurred. I was angry at myself, for a stupid (and meaningless) mistake. It didn’t feel that way at the moment, but that’s how I felt at the time. As I’m rushing to fix my screw-up, my thoughts came to surface. “I hope my campaign is still approved-that’s (X amount) of dollars.” What my husband said next made my heart sink. “Honey, it’s ok. You still have a roof over your head. Every time you freak out over something like this, it makes me feel like I don’t take care of you enough.” Ya’ll, I’m gonna be serious here. I felt like the smallest person in the world. The very last thing I ever intended, was to inadvertently make my spouse feel like he was failing our family…because I was beating myself up for forgetting a hashtag. Yes, it’s stupid. It’s totally not that serious. I shouldn’t have been so upset (that’s what I get for trying to be perfect…I’ll go back to being lazy) over something so trivial.  Did my husband take a comment, not even directed at him, the wrong way? Maybe. But the question actually is; why did he feel that way? Or rather, what have I unknowingly done or said, to make him feel that way? I realized that the times I spent stressing over deadlines, applications, publishers not accepting my work-all those little frustrating moments that annoyed me momentarily, were taken the wrong way by an observer. My husband took my attention to detail and self-frustration…as stress and worry. He took my ambition for only wanting to do a good job…as fear over losing money. Related: Being a Stay at Home Mom Is My Financial Contribution A skewed perspective Beating myself up over little inconsistencies wasn’t the only thing affecting my husband’s perspective of my side hustle. Opting out of binge-watching one of our favorite late night tv shows to work on an article. Staying up later than normal to finish an assignment. Basically, trading what little time we had together, to dedicate to my side hustle. That was hurting his perspective. That was causing him to think I was in a state of financial panic…not simply a drive to succeed by my own standard. For me, blogging has never been about the money…but the snowball effect of my drive gave my husband a false impression. And that last little comment, muttered under my breath to myself…was the last straw. Once I figured this out, some of my husband’s own comments started to make sense. I thought his lack of enthusiasm to help me take pictures, or proofread a post, was just my husband being bored of it. If I mentioned a big win, and his response was to laugh and say “Why do you put so much into this to only get so little out?” was just him being un-supportive. He’s never fully known what my end goals were. My husband thought I was out to make a million dollars, and worried because I was failing. All the while I’m getting upset that he doesn’t know why I’m so excited that I hit 1k views of a simple post about pregnancy. We both had a different impression of the other’s perspective. Still, while his perspective has been under mislabeled intentions…doesn’t mean those comments didn’t hurt. Or that I didn’t take them in a (different) hurt way. I’m sad because my husband isn’t “supporting” me morally. And he’s sad because he think’s he isn’t supporting me “financially” enough. Kinda funny in a way, isn’t it? The common denominators? Assumptions and negativity. How we decided to fix it This is how we are fixing this sticky situation. It is very simple when you think about it. So simple, we should have been doing it all along. But I think a lot of couples fall into this accidental groove – whether you are a SAHM who blogs, or runs a small MLM business, or a full-fledged career woman who works outside the home. Finances put strains on relationships.  Communication is key We lost our communication-period. We both made assumptions instead of actively talking. Now, we are both on the same page. My husband understands what the fate of our money situations isn’t on my mind, when I’m working on my passion. And he understands what when I’m having a freak-out moment over something trivial, it is more so because I’m trying to do a good job-not because of monetary gain. Even if you run a home based business as your “side hustle” or have a career of your own-you still need to be able to communicate your goals (and legitimate fears) to your partner, to avoid any animosity, or misunderstandings. Take time to unplug and reconnect By this, I mean unplug from the work, and reconnect with your partner. No one can work 24/7 without bad repercussions of some sort. And while I might have a million things to do with my blog, I’m going to actively take more time to step away, and focus just on my husband. Just as he does when he isn’t working. While we both take time just for our family, we need more time just to ourselves. That means no phones, no emails…just us. Remember to be positive And that means not just being positive to each other, but to ourselves. Granted, I’m grateful that my self-inflicted tirade brought this to light, I now realize something. Getting upset at myself over my side gig doesn’t just hurt me, but it hurts my family. No one wants to see their partner (or parent) stressed out. No, I wasn’t actually that stressed out, but they didn’t know that. By keeping things in a positive light, someone can’t come to their own conclusions by misinterpretation. If I’m not mad at myself, then my husband can’t think that there’s a deeper issue. And instead of downplaying my successes because he doesn’t understand them, my husband is fully supporting me. He finally gets what this side hustle is really about! Celebrating my successes, even the non-financial ones, make it where I don’t feel discouraged anymore. Evaluate your needs Now, while my need to make money isn’t dire by any means, this isn’t the case for everyone. Financial hardship can put a strain on any relationship. And when you find yourself working so much that you never see your spouse, the strain is inevitable. Figure out what your financial needs really are, and work on them as a couple. This may be to take on a side job if ends are getting hard to meet-but this can also mean taking time off. Sure, we all want a million dollars, but there’s a difference between want and need. And if your MLM investment you spend an extra 40 hours a week promoting isn’t paying off, or the extra shifts at your job isn’t totally necessary anymore-ask yourself, and your spouse, if the time you’ve dedicated to that, can be used in a way to better your relationship? Marriage always takes effort on both parts, And when you notice something causing a slight rift, you have to act on it. Now that we have both talked, and reached the same point, I don’t believe we’ll ever fall back into this groove. Which is good – because I like my side hustler. I love my passion. but if it were to cause any real damage to my marriage, I’d drop it in a heartbeat. Because no side hustle, MLM “opportunity”, career, or any other “money making business” is worth losing the man I love. Money isn’t everything. About the Author: Jasmine is a SAHM to one little boy and wife to a former member of the USMC.  She blogs about parenting, relationships, brands she loves, and product reviews!  You can     Have you ever thought about the effects of your side hustle on marriage? If you've ever experienced negative side effects of your side hustle on marriage, what were they and how did you overcome them? #### These 5 Simple Tips Will Help You Start Organizing Now Did you know January is Get Organized Month? Are you wondering how to start organizing your home? Use these tips to help you organize for January or all year long. January has been quite the month around here.  I don't know about you guys, but it's been busier than any normal January and it all started in November. Woah! Yes, you read that right.  I just mean that we started our busy season in November and it didn't stop.  Nearly every weekend was taken up with some activity or other.  Thanksgiving, birthdays, Christmases, and reclaiming days solely dedicated to my mental health. Every November, we reclaim our formal dining room in order to accommodate guests as we now host Thanksgiving every year.  I decided last year I would cook a Thanksgiving meal solely for the purpose of filling my belly with gluten and dairy free EVERYTHING.  It's the one holiday that made me miss not having sudden food allergies and I absolutely hated watching everyone else eat Turkey, sweet potato casserole, and pumpkin pie.  So, Thanksgiving is the one holiday I force people to eat allergy friendly food.  And, I get to leave the table unbuttoning my pants from the sweet satisfaction of overindulging (for a change). But, I digress. My point was we spend the first couple weeks of November cleaning out the formal dining room, which, in the course of a year, becomes our catch-all rooms for deliveries, boxes of toys the kids didn't bother to open at Christmas or birthdays, boxes of crap we intend to donate, and random odds and ends we just don't have a designated place for.  I literally call that first part of November the reclaiming of the dining room. By the time Christmas is over, everything gets stuffed in the dining room again for us to go back through it at our leisure.  The sad part is, we're always so busy and have so much stuff that we don't typically get through it all.  This past year, in fact, about half the kids' gifts were still piled up in a corner of the room.  They never opened the presents. This year, however, we've managed to somewhat keep the dining room usable, though it's still a staging area for donations, trash nights, and reorganization projects. I thought I was going to be clever and call January "organization month," but apparently get organized month already exists in the month of January. So what made January different this year? For starters, we did the annual reclaiming of the dining room, just as we do every year.  I loved it so much, that I've been making sure to keep up with breaking down shipping boxes and trashing or recycling regularly. Within several days of all the December gift-giving events, we homed most of the toys.  Thankfully, the grandparents went easy on the number of gifts and we used the 4 gift rule to help cut down on the number of items we had to find room for. Now, one of the major things that prompted all this organization was having received a Cricut Maker for Christmas.  This meant we had to turn our mess of an office into usable office and craft space.  Hubby had to clean up his 3D printing area and better organize those supplies so that we could make room for crafting supplies. About the same time, my daughter made heavy use of existing craft supplies on Winter Break.  Though she happily "crafts" quietly most of the time, she's not very thrifty.  She blew through a ream of paper, a pack of felt, and a couple packs of chenille stems, just to name a few.  The kids' craft supply cart was nearly emptied, despite my many pleas to cut down on waste.  So, I had to move the craft cart out of the playroom into a storage closet, requiring total reorganization of yet another area of the home. How to Start Organizing Your Home Making room for new items isn't easy when you don't have room for items you already own.  There's only so much shuffling you can do with 20 years of stuff you've collected in your adult life.  And I have more from my childhood and teen years. This year though, it was time for a change!  These are the things I did to reorganize every room in our house.  And, I recommend these steps if you're reading to start organizing your home, at time of the year. Sell, Donate, Trash A post shared by Ivy | Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Jan 18, 2018 at 7:27am PST If I haven't used it in a year (or more), the item when into one of 3 piles.  Good items generally went into the SELL pile.  When selling online, if it didn't sell within a week, it went into the donation pile. I put it in my mind that I didn't have any time to sit on items any longer.  The year it sat there unused was long enough and I wasn't wasting any more time holding on to it "just in case"... Bonus tip:  Free up space in your closets by eliminating clothing that no longer fits or haven't been worn in the last year. Re-Gift I've been given some pretty nice items over the last couple years, but some people just have me all wrong.  So, I've got these things I just hate and I hang on to them because I feel bad.  But, I shouldn't, should I?  That's part of the reason we have things without a place in our house ... because we just don't need (or want it) and we're hanging on to it because it was given to us. Eff that!  Just because you don't like something doesn't mean you don't know someone who would.  Re-gift those nice items and make someone else's day and help clean up some extra room in your house! Write organization efforts on a to-do list A to-do list (or an app) will be handy to keep you on track.  Like goals, you're  more likely to complete tasks if you have them on a list to check off.  Keep yourself accountable and remember the details with a to-do list. The to-do list on my phone reminds me of all my necessary to-do items in one place, including my organizing efforts.  Using a to-do list allows me to keep up with my housekeeping schedule and a calendar app keeps my family schedule organized too. Put stuff away as soon as possible I told myself to find a home for almost everything within 2 days after receiving it.  Additionally, my formal dining room was not going to be the storage room for the kids unused toys.  They have an upstairs playroom with a large bookshelf that now holds unopened boxes of toys, which I'll use throughout the year when their love wanes from their current favorites. This mentality filtered down to any orders we were receiving.  On my end, I made it a point to put things away as quickly as possible. Buy New Stuff Here's the craft room in the beginning stages of organzing Boy, that's a weird thing to say!  Well, that's the truth.  Turns out buying things to actually help organize went a long way in actually getting it done.  New shelves and designated storage options for specific items was very helpful.  In the craft room, we placed storage shelves in the odd-shaped closet for craft supplies.  We bought under-the-bed storage bins for clothes that originally were stored in large bins.  If something wasn't in a "home" we made sure it had one. These are the new shelves bought for organizing the craft room closet The thing about January is that we were committed to getting the house organized.  But, we hadn't been motivated to get organized until we realized we had no more room to place the things we bought or received in December.  We were tired of having to shuffle things around in order to use a space, then shuffle it back when we needed to use a different area of the house. Aside from organizing the house, I also became motivated to organize the family schedule again, including scheduling time for myself and making sure my to-do list was up to date.  I needed to keep up with my housekeeping schedule and remind myself of any special items I wanted to accomplish as part of my 2018 goals. Will you use these tips to help you organize your home this year? What other tips do you have for helping others organize their homes? #### Things to pack for a mountain vacation with young children Planning for a summer mountain vacation with young children isn't the same as our normal vacation planning.  Packing is quite different for the experience, too! Usually, we head about 2 hours south to visit theme parks for our family vacations.  We're kind of close ot home, and we're usually staying in Orlando near everything you could need or want.  Packing for theme parks is pretty easy ... whatever you forget (or don't want to bring) is not so much a big deal, aside from the expense if purchasing inside a park. Packing for the mountains though? Quite a bit more thought is involved.  We're planning a 6-7 hour drive from home, for starters.  And, because we'll be gone for 7 days, we're going to need a lot more stuff.  But, we don't necessarily have more room.  Strategic planning is required, but I've got some great ideas to make sure we have everything without being overloaded! *Disclaimer: Affiliate links are included in this post.  I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking through my links.  This helps me to maintain this website with free content for you. Packing Suggestions for a Mountain Vacation with Young Children First Aid Supplies A sizable first aid kit is a great idea to have in your car, no matter where you travel.  I chose this one because it's large.  It also includes sting relief medication and pain relievers. I'd suggest adding age-appropriate medications for younger children. And, don't forget some Pepto!  As a child, I remember getting ill after eating some rock candy on one of our trips.  I hadn't even finished the stick of 1 candy and became sick.  It's a good reminder that illness can strike any time for any reason.  Be prepared! Food, Drink, and Snacks Snacks and basic food for the trip up and first morning. I plan to stop at the grocery store the night we arrive at our cabin.  But, if things go south in our travel plans, I'd like to know I have a backup plan with food available for the morning. Items that travel well include Glutenfreeda Oatmeal for the gluten free member of your family. KIND Healthy Grains Granola Bars are a favorite snack for this mama.  And, I don't feel bad feeding them to the kids either! Books It's essential we have books with us.  My daughter has loved books since she was a baby and we try to at least read one book before bed.  Our toddler son has only recently begun to like books, but expects (and enjoys) his fair share of reading at night. I'll take a couple small board books because I enjoy having physical books in hand.  The toddler enjoys slamming the books closed, too, so it's an additional entertainment item in his case. We can't take a bunch of books to entertain the kids for 7 days though.  This is where EPIC! Unlimited books will save the week (and space in the suitcases)!  Right before we leave, I'll sign up for my 1 month free trial with EPIC! Travel Toys The kids need some entertaining toys, right?  Of course they do!  The 5 year old would be content with her tablet and paper and pen most of the time.  The toddler, on the other hand, requires a bit more movement. Space, again, is an issue.  We can only take so much! Aquadoodle Mat Melissa & Doug Take-Along Town Play Mat Clothes and Shoes You know the basics ... comfortable items your kids will enjoy wearing. Don't forget lightweight windbreakers or sweaters in case there's a cool breeze or you find yourself exploring a cool cave or mine! Swimsuits Between waterfalls, creeks, water parks, and tubing adventures, swim gear is a must.  Pick something with UPF protection and a rash guard to protect as much skin as possible.  Of course, don't forget plenty of sunscreen! I first learned of Sun Bum when I stayed in Key West with my husband a few years ago.  The smell was intoxicating and it's hypoallergenic!  It totally appealed to my crunchy mama side and I've never considered using any other sunscreen for myself since! Water shoes You'll need these if you plan to go tubing, but you'll be glad to have them just for splashing around random creeks or waterfalls to protect little feet from sharp rocks. Sneakers and/or hiking boots Hats Anything else I should pack to take the kids to the mountains? #### Things To Think About While Holiday Cleaning Can I admit something?  Once I have a room put together the way I like, there's not usually any reason for me to pull things out of their places. Are you like that? I have my kids' playroom organized about as efficiently as I could manage.  You know, two kids keep me busy.  They can tear apart a room in 5 minutes, but it can take an hour or longer to get it cleaned and organized.  At the rate in which it gets destroyed, I don't have the kind of time it takes to clean it thoroughly enough. The bigger problem is that I certainly don't think about what's behind everything that has a permanent place in the room.  And that goes for everything in the house. But, as I prepared for Christmas, I thought about it more because I was having to reorganize and remove things in anticipation of needing room for more stuff.  Moving things out of the playroom into our already overcrowded storage closet made me realize how much I'd neglected the deep clean beyond the stuff that was easy to move.  Even more so, I began to think about pest control because there were papers, lost toys, and dead bugs in the corners of the rooms that hadn't been exposed in years. Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Gecko Pest Control. It's kind of embarrassing to admit, really.  But that's the thing, I don't have the time, energy, or budget to maintain a Pinterest Perfect home.   My home will likely never look like one in an issue of Better Homes and Gardens and I'm willing to bet yours doesn't either.   If it does and you have kids, please tell me how you do it! I know it's the holidays and we're all busy making room for our latest gifts, but I want to give you a few things to think about while you ready your home for the abundance of things you're receiving or the holiday traveling you or your loved ones will be doing.  These are a few ideas to help you get your cleaning and pest control under way to keep a clean and healthy home in the New Year. Busy Mom's Holiday Cleaning Tips Move and Clean Move and clean behind larger items that you're capable of moving.  If you find dead bugs, figure out what they are and spray to kill any bugs that may be breeding in the area.  We use roach and silverfish tablets when we begin seeing bugs.   Holiday Traveling If you're traveling for the holidays (or accepting travelers into your home), be aware of bed bugs.  It seems bed bug infestations are on the rise and there are many misconceptions about them.  Know the signs and understand the importance of hiring professional pest control to eliminate bed bugs. Trash or Donate Dirt and bugs are attractive to piles of things and dark spaces.  Eliminate or reduce it by trashing or donating items you haven't used this year.  Reduce the amount of stuff you have laying around.  Even a storage closet should be sorted through at least once a year to reduce the accumulation of things you'll likely never use again. Don't Be Ashamed Even under best intentions, things can be overlooked.  As a mom, I know how our attention is constantly divided and we're pulled away from a task for other things.  We miss or forget things. Give yourself grace.  Tell me: How often do you move larger items or sort through your things to trash and donate? #### This is How to Nail Your Trip Planning Process Planning a trip can be very exciting. But, at the same time, you also need to ensure that it all goes smoothly. When it comes to family travel, nailing down the particulars can be an art. Ensuring that all of your plans work together, suit your family's requirements (from toddlers to teens!), and all come in under budget can be key. Yet, that's not always easy to do. So, in this post, we're going to explore how to make it work. Source Essential Steps for Planning Your Next Family Adventure 1. Focus on What Your Family Likes to Do To start with, you need to make sure that you're making this a completely personalized experience. After all, when you travel, it needs to suit the kind of adventure your whole family is looking for. So, when you get started with the travel planning process, make sure that you are focusing entirely on what you and your children like to do. Think about the things you like to do, any age-appropriate activities, and any places that you have on your radar. Remember, this gets to be a truly unique experience that builds lasting family memories. 2. Travel in Your Own Style (and Pace) With that in mind, you also need to ensure that you're traveling in your own style. It's important that you focus on planning a trip that works for you. There are so many different types of travel styles that you'll certainly find something that works for you. It might be 5-star luxury, off the beaten path, or something in between. For families, this often means prioritizing convenience and a slower pace—a trip packed with too many activities can quickly lead to meltdowns. Either way, make sure you focus on a style of trip that gets you excited to travel. 3. Choose Your Accommodation Carefully One of the most important parts of planning your trip is all about choosing the right accommodation. Whether you're looking at finding an finding a room in Cleveland Ohio or you want a self-catering villa in Bali, it's all about doing your research and choosing an accommodation style that is right for your family. Space to spread out, access to a kitchen, or proximity to parks and attractions can make all the difference when traveling with kids. But the beauty is, there are so many different types available, you'll be able to find something that works for you. 4. Be Mindful of Timings (and Naps!) At the same time, you need to make sure that you're aware of timings. This can be the most intricate part of planning a trip. Making sure that you're at the airport on time, that you have left enough time to get between places, and that you're aware of any layovers, time differences, or even travel times is key. For parents, this also means considering nap schedules, meal times, and bedtime routines when booking flights or making daily plans. A little padding in the schedule can save a lot of stress. 5. Spend Your Time Wisely Finally, you absolutely need to make sure that you're spending your time wisely. Whenever you travel, you will have a set amount of time in different locations. If you know that you have certain things you want to do, allocating your time well is key here. Of course, if you're planning on going to a desert island paradise or you know that you want to relax by the side of a pool, your itinerary is likely to be pretty free. But if you know that you want to get out and explore, then it's important to ensure that you're planning ahead and dedicating enough time to the things you want to see and do—including downtime for the kids and for you! Planning Success: It's All in the Preparation Ultimately, a successful family trip starts long before you pack your bags. By following these steps and considering the specific needs of your children, you can transform the planning process from a stressful chore into an exciting shared project. Remember, the goal is not just to reach a destination, but to create a comfortable, fun, and memorable experience for everyone involved. Do your homework, involve the kids in age-appropriate decisions, and you'll set the stage for an incredible family adventure! #### This is How to Prepare for Natural Birth: A Complete Guide to Homebirth and Hospital Birth Naturally Your preparation for natural childbirth will be off to a good start with our helpful guide. If you want to know how to prepare for natural birth, we discuss what natural birth is, its benefits, and things you should consider when planning. We will also give you a timeline for what happens when from home birth to hospital birth. Finally, we will review some specific things that can be helpful in a hospital birth and at homebirth. What is a Natural Birth? Childbirth has always been considered a natural process. However, in the last century or so, women have found themselves giving birth in the hospital. The question of whether this was right or not has been debated for decades. But now, people are starting to take another look at the benefits of natural birth and how they compare to hospital births. Natural Birth: May include no pain relief or few if any other types of medications. Is the process of laboring and giving birth in positions that are comfortable to you. Allows you the time you need to birth your baby when your body is ready. Avoids unnecessary medical interventions. Planning a natural birth is an option for those who prefer a more personal and deeply connected experience from start to finish. It can be accomplished at home or within a hospital setting with clear communication of your wishes and proper planning. Natural birth may not be an option if you have certain medical conditions that would prevent you from delivering safely. It is best to discuss your plans for a natural birth with a trusted medical provider as well as anyone you wish to support you through labor and delivery. Types of Natural Births There are several types of natural births and they can be categorized by the following: Unassisted Childbirth Assisted Childbirth Vaginal Birth Water Birth Home Birth What are the Benefits of a Natural Birth? There are many benefits of natural childbirth, which include:  lower rates of illness less likelihood of postpartum depression a higher sense of control over the birthing process a more satisfying experience. Many women who give birth naturally find the experience to be more empowering and rewarding. They feel as if they have been able to maintain some degree of control over their birthing process. And because they are not drugged up on medications, they feel as if they were able to experience childbirth on a deeper level (sometimes referring to the process as "primal"). Things You Should Consider Before Planning A Natural Birth Planning a natural birth may seem like an overwhelming process. It is important to take the time to plan for what is most important to you and your family. There are a number of considerations that should be made before deciding on natural birth. Do you know anyone with positive natural birth stories? Do you have any risk factors that might prevent you from having a natural birth? Is your partner supportive? Will he/she be willing to help you mentally/physically get through labor and to advocate for you during labor? If not, will you have a trusted friend, family member, or even a doula to help you? Will they advocate for you during labor? Will you create a birth plan? And how flexible will you be with it? There are many differing opinions on whether or not it is safe or appropriate for a woman who has no previous history of complications in childbirth to labor and give birth without pain medication. Some people believe that there are potential risks involved in not using medications while others do not feel this way. For these reasons, it is important to align yourself with those who share your vision of the birth experience you desire. To have the best experience possible, it is advisable to speak with your trusted medical professional about any personal health conditions or alternative treatment options that could cause complications during labor and childbirth. How to Prepare for Natural Birth During Pregnancy A lot of women today are trying to prepare for their baby's arrival without the help of modern medicine. Some people feel that this is a better way to have a natural childbirth and motivates them to have a healthy pregnancy. This doesn't mean that they don't want to be prepared for possible emergencies, though. If you're pregnant, you should think about how you're going to prepare for your baby's arrival by checking out these tips. 1) Join a local birth group or start one yourself if there isn't one nearby 2) Find a childbirth educator - choose one that is trained in or has had a natural childbirth 3) Have emotional support from someone who is on board with your plans 4) Keep an emergency kit in your bag at all times 5) Eat well and stay active to keep your body fit and ready for birth How to Prepare for Natural Birth at Home Between 2004 and 2017, home births increased 77% and the majority of these were planned, indicating more families are choosing natural birth at home.  If you're pregnant and considering a homebirth, it's important to educate yourself and to prepare in advance. Homebirths are considered safe if the expectant mother is healthy and the pregnancy is uncomplicated. Here are a few tips for planning a natural birth at home: Start with a childbirth preparation course: Women should try to take a childbirth preparation course before planning for their home birth; this can be done individually or in a group setting and will provide them with information about things like pain management techniques, breastfeeding, postpartum care and more. Consider delivery options: If there are any complications during pregnancy or labor, women should be prepared for how they will leave the house; this could include bringing along an emergency bag full of items such as clothing, toiletries, baby supplies, etc. Trained professional availability: Make sure that there is a well-trained professional available in case something goes wrong and you cannot deliver your baby by yourself.  Team member preparation: Make sure that your team members are willing to help and are well-prepared for the event. Supplies: research what supplies are required to have on hand when delivering a baby at home. Tips for Planning a Natural Birth in a Hospital or Birthing Center The following tips will help you create a natural birth plan for the hospital or birthing center. Figure out what type of birth experience you want and then plan accordingly. Share your natural birth plan with your healthcare provider to ensure they're on board. If they are not and lack medically logical reasons for being against natural childbirth, find a medical provider who will work with you. Healthy eating is important for pregnancy, and it helps during labor as well. So eat healthy foods and drink lots of fluids. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these things can slow down contractions. If you have a partner or spouse that can be present during labor, make sure they are there because this will provide emotional support for the mother-to-be. If your partner or spouse cannot be present during labor make sure they are informed about what's going on at all times to help them stay calm from a distance. Ask for support from friends and family members in person or online in order to keep in contact with them while you focus on the birth process. Ask your healthcare provider to discuss the range of pain relief options and the benefits and possible risks of each so that you can make informed decisions. For more insights, check out these secrets I learned to help me prep for giving birth naturally. What to Expect During the Birthing Process The birthing process can be a healthy, fulfilling and powerful experience for the mother and the child. But, it can also be a very confusing and overwhelming process so it’s important to know what to expect in order to feel less stressed or scared. This section will discuss how it is not abnormal to feel afraid of childbirth, how to induce labor naturally, and what to expect during childbirth. Fear of Childbirth Fear of childbirth is often a natural response during pregnancy and this anxiety can stem from a variety of sources. For some, it may be memories from previous births that have gone wrong or the fear that they might not be able to cope either physically or emotionally. For others, they may have heard repeatedly how painful birth is. A lot of women who fear childbirth think that their fears will never go away and believe that it is impossible to overcome the fear. These fears can lead many women to forgo planning a natural birth, but there are simple steps and techniques through which you can help yourself overcome the fear of giving birth. The most important thing is not to judge yourself for having this fear and then beating yourself up for it. It's okay to be scared because this is a big moment in your life! Although we understand the natural process of being afraid of what we don't know, it is important to resolve those fears well before labor. According to this study, being afraid of labor "had a negative effect on women’s emotional health during pregnancy and increased the likelihood of a negative birth experience." The Birthing Process The birthing process is divided into three stages: early labor, active labor and transition.  Early Labor: typically lasts for about six hours and it includes contractions that prepare the cervix and uterus for birth.  Active Labor: when uterine contractions become more frequent, stronger, and finally, lead to pushing during transition. Transition Stage: takes about two hours on average, but it can last longer or shorter depending on the circumstances. Inducing Labor Naturally The process of attempting to induce labor is not a new concept. In fact, it has been around for centuries.  Many women these days are being offered several ways to induce labor, though usually, these are medically or mechanically implemented techniques. One fact of medical induction is that it can lead to a cascade of interventions and lessen the chances of having a natural birth. Typically, women who skipped induction of labor recover more quickly than those who were induced.  Infants who are born after a full-term pregnancy may also experience other benefits such as: more time to build muscle and strength reduced risk of low blood sugar, infection, and jaundice improved breathing as infants born even as little as two weeks early can experience twice the number of complications better feeding once born increased brain development, with the brain growing a third of its size between weeks 35 and 40 For these reasons, women who are planning a natural birth seek out alternative options and opt for natural induction techniques. If you want to induce labor naturally, you may try these ideas: Have Sex "Having sex and especially having an orgasm, releases oxytocin which triggers contractions. The prostaglandin hormone in semen may help ripen your cervix," says Victoria Glass M.D., a practicing doctor with a focus on medical research. She places a strong emphasis on not having sex "after your water has broken because it increases the risk of infection." Breast/nipple stimulation Amanda, pregnancy and childbirth coach & doula, suggests that "[w]hile there are few things that you can do to induce if your body and baby are not ready there are some options you can explore. One that has worked for myself and many other women is nipple stimulation. Whether that be through fun time with your spouse or using a pump like I did, pumping or nipple stimulation causes the uterus to contract which can induce labor. If pumping, you can pump on each side individually or on both at the same time, as you are pumping when contractions come on, stop the pump until the contraction has passed and then start pump again, do this for no more than 25 minutes at a time. You can start doing this in the evenings as you feel it is getting closer or if your water has broken and contractions are not picking up." Exercise "Exercises are one of the most natural and most effective ways to induce labor for any expectant lady and it has shown rewarding results," says Kimberly Langdon M.D., a retired, board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist. She continues by saying "[a]nything that gets your heart rate up can be good exercise, helping to relieve stress and keep your body strong. Walking and swimming are often popular choices during pregnancy. Climbing stairs also opens your pelvis, putting pressure on the cervix and helping put the baby in the correct position for delivery." Get baby into a good position Mindy, Certified Childbirth Educator and author of Cut Your Labor in Half: 19 Secrets to a Faster & Easier Birth has a bit to say about baby's position! "Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there was a natural induction method that was 100% effective? Sadly, that is not the case and most ideas have a very small chance of success. Based on 15 years of birth stories and research, I’d say the most effective method has three components: getting the baby in the occiput anterior (OA) position with a fetal station of 0 or +1 and then add walking or deep squats. The theory behind getting the baby OA and engaged is to keep the baby’s weight off the mother’s body as much as possible and to align the mother’s body through stretching, good posture and pelvic tilting." "A baby that is low and well-positioned in the mother’s pelvis has a much better chance of triggering the brain to stimulate the oxytocin that then starts contractions. With a clinical hospital induction, the cervical ripening method considered the most natural is the Foley balloon. It works by putting the same kind of pressure on the woman’s cervix (with a water balloon) that a well-engaged (0 or +1 station) head would during a rigorous walk or by hanging out in the ‘dangle’ (deep squat) position." "I have never seen an RCT on good positioning and walking versus raspberry leaf tea, a warm bath, sex/sperm to ripen the cervix, etc However what we do know is that babies in the OA position that are well engaged almost always make for faster easier labors." Eat Dates Dr. Glass weighs in on eating dates saying they "[r]educe the need for oxytocin, the medication used to induce labor, and soften your cervix before delivery." Take Castor Oil "Castor oil stimulates prostaglandin which ripens the cervix and kick-starts labor." Dr. Glass also warns that "[y]ou should, however, drink it under the supervision of a doctor or midwife." Natural Labor Pain Relief Techniques Pain relief during labor is an important topic for expectant mothers and their partners to discuss in advance. For moms who are adamant about birthing without an epidural or other pain relief, here are some natural pain management techniques that help alleviate the pain of childbirth. Some women try to use natural remedies such as massage, acupuncture, and aromatherapy. Others find that distraction through TV shows or music helps to relieve the pain of childbirth. Still, others may use a birthing ball, hypnobirthing, or a water birth in order to reduce labor pains. Having support from a trusted friend, family member or even your husband in the delivery room can be a huge help in not caving to medical pain relief. It is recommended that the person supporting you in the delivery room know and respect your natural birth plan as well as have joined you in a natural childbirth class. Want to learn more? These are the best books on natural birth! Childbirth is a process that many women experience and it can be one of the most powerful moments in a person's life. With proper research, planning, support, and a bit of good luck and health, having the natural birth you have planned for is possible. FAQs for How to Prepare for Natural Birth How painful is natural childbirth? One of women's greatest fears about childbirth, in general, is the pain. This fear leads them to believe they need an epidural during labor. But, this fear is usually based on the terrifying stories women like to tell about their births and the fear of the unknown. What does birth feel like without epidural? Some women say birth feels like intense period cramps or an extreme tightening or muscle cramps. Check out this article where real women share what childbirth felt like without an epidural. What hurts more than giving birth? From my experience, having an IUD placed and having wisdom teeth extracted seemed to hurt more than natural childbirth. However, many women will say a root canal is worse than childbirth. I think the key is to remember than anything that isn't a natural process for your body is likely going to hurt more, whereas your body is designed to give birth and your hormones have a well-orchestrated system to help you through the pain if you put your trust in it. Did we miss something? Comment or reach out and let's get that fixed! This post originally appeared Sept 2021 and has been updated. #### This is the Perfect Subscription Box for Mom and Baby's Well-Being Why the Ecocentric Mom Subscription Box is the best gift for a new or expectant mama.  It's also perfect for any mom who just doesn't have time to do all the healthy shopping she wants, but still wants the best for her baby or bump! I value non-toxic products greatly.  But, I haven't always been that way. When I began our new lives with a new baby 6 years ago, I was catapulted into a downward spiral of health issues.  I never had the chance to experience autoimmunity or motherhood without the other.  Just as I'm learning to be a mother to our new baby, I was also learning how to battle a whole uncharted world of autoimmune and sudden food intolerances.  Even my new baby girl had issues processing dairy. Since then, I've become more used to both parts of my life.  I even decided to go on and have our second baby, who was born at the end of 2015.  Though, the reality of my motherhood journey looks nothing like what I'd ever envisioned.  I lack energy and I'm constantly battling my body from kicking it's own tush. My motherhood journey directly coincides with my health journey.  Some moms want to start their new babies' lives off with non-toxic products.  I was that pregnant mom.  And then, I became the autoimmune mom that had to reduce toxins in the household, not just for her babies, but for herself.  That's why I'm really happy to have teamed up with Ecocentric Mom, who provided me with an Ecocentric Mom box.  All opinions expressed here are my own. The Ecocentric Mom Subscription Box is a wonderful resource for someone like me.  I get eco-friendly, non-toxic products for myself and my two-year-old delivered straight to my door.  But, this isn't just about me.  It's about all moms and why you need to gift this subscription box to a friend, a love one, and maybe even yourself! Plus, if you scroll to the end, I've got a sweet exclusive coupon code for you to use!   Why The Ecocentric Mom Subscription Box Makes a Great Gift Whether or not you're into the whole crunchy-mom thing, you can probably agree that, as moms, we like to think we're taking the best care of our babies.  And, you may even agree that we should be taking better care of ourselves.  Knowing what I know now, I sure wished I'd taken better care of myself before I brought children into the world.  Which brings me to why the Ecocentric Mom Subscription Box is the perfect gift for a new or expecting mama (or even one who's kids are toddlers). Customized to the recipient You can gift this eco-friendly discovery box to moms in many stages of motherhood.  Ecocentric Mom offers subscriptions for: Mom and Bump Mom and Baby Mom and Little The recipient would simply enter their baby's due date or birth date in the required fields.  Plus, they can further customize their subscription box based on the gender of their baby.  Unknown is even an option if they're team green (choosing not to find out their gender until birth). Since the subscription boxes only go up to children about the age of 4, I couldn't include my 6 year old daughter in this.  So, I chose the mom and little box for myself and my 2 year old. Eco-friendly products delivered Once you become a parent, you quickly realize time will never again be on your side.   That song "Time is on my Side" just came flying to me as I said that ... and I didn't want to be the only one with it stuck in my head, so that's my gift to you *wink*. A N Y W A Y Between constantly feeding babies, shuttling the kids back and forth to school, doctor's appointments, and soccer practice, myself to doctor's appointments, and the myriad of blogging and house duties, time is elusive.  That's just me with 2 kids. I remember back when my littles were new and I was also figuring out how to be a mom, how to breastfeed, and how to cook dinner with a little one attached to me in some way.  My son nursed like a champ.  He nursed so much that he never lost the initial weight in the first week that most babies lose.  In his first week, he gained weight.  You wanna talk about not having time?  Having a hungry boy latched almost constantly really took a toll on my energy and ate away (no pun intended) at the time I could have been doing other things. Aside from working around schedules, new moms have to pack up humongous diaper bags, extra clothes, and remember ALL. THE. THINGS. with 2.5 hours of broken sleep.  And what if her new discovery in-store didn't work out?  Either waste more time to return or waste money if you can't find someone to take it off your hands.  Not to mention, dealing with a crying newborn mid-shop is not the least bit fun.  I can't even tell you how many times I forget things or totally grab the wrong thing because I was distracted by one of the littles having a meltdown in the store. Yep, I'm done with going out to shop. I like discovering new organic and non-toxic products, but at this juncture, having things delivered is just about the only way to go.  I know it's not the only way to go, but it sure has become my favorite.  As a first-time mom or mom with the new second baby, I would have killed to be able to discover fabulous new products without leaving the house. While you're at it, check out my (terrible) Ecocentric Mom Subscription Box unboxing video, when I first learn what products were included in this delivery.   Something Pampering In each Ecocentric Mom subscription box, you're guaranteed to get at least one self-care item.  If you've been following me for any length of time, you probably know self-care is really important to me.  In fact, it's one of this mom's major goals in 2018.  At the very least, I wanted to take a few minutes every day to take care of myself, even if it was simply doing a face cleanse and moisturizing. As a first-time mom, I struggled with taking the time I needed for myself.  But, this year, I've gotten so much better about scheduling my days off ahead of time. I'm willing to bet, however, that the person you gift this subscription box to (especially if they're a first-time mom) is going to need the reminder to take a few minutes to focus on themselves.   And this can come in the form of a subtle reminder when it's already included in their subscription! In my box, I received a bottle of organic, handmade perfume from Gypsy Soul and a bottle of Glow Up Milk nourishing face mist from Rose Affinity. Something Practical An eco-friendly item is included to care for your home.  Conventional home cleaning products are filled with all sorts of toxins.  It's taken me 6 years to filter through my products and find non-toxic versions I like.  Honestly, I'm still searching for suitable replacements. Having something practical, like this, delivered in the Ecocentric Mom subscription box is a wonderful idea! In my box, I received Toilet Tablets by Stacey Ogden's Homemade.  These smelled amazing and deodorized the bathroom while cleaning the toilet at the same time! Something for Baby or Bump You'll get at least one item perfectly matched to a current milestone in your pregnancy or your child's development. Because my son is two, we receive toddler-friendly items.  Our box included Effortless Art Crayons by Two Sparrows Learning Systems and Tiny Tummies by Love Bug Probiotics.  I personally take probiotics and started my daughter on them this year.  She didn't get sick over the winter, unlike last year, so I'm really excited to try probiotics for my son (who doesn't get sick often). Additionally, my toddler son just recently began expressing an interest in coloring, so I'm really excited for him to try these crayons out. Something Tasty Ecocentric mom lists this as something to enjoy (or share).  We're moms ... we know whatever food we have is never ours unless we've mastered the art of hiding our stash in a closet and sneaking away.  Even if you think you've got it mastered, those little ears can hear a wrapper a mile away. Thankfully, you know whatever yummy treat is included in the box is going to be a healthier product you won't actually mind giving your little ones (assuming they're capable of eating). Do me a favor, will ya?  Can you try to remember how hard those first few months (or years) are for moms?  Think about that and get her an Ecocentric Mom Subscription Box so she can discover a world of organic, non-toxic, non-gmo products from small businesses without having to leave the house. As promised, now that you're ready to discover healthy products for moms delivered, be sure to use this exclusive coupon code, SAHM7, for $7 off your purchase.   Plus, the longer your subscription, the larger the discount you get directly from Ecocentric Mom, so you'll bulk up on savings when you combine my discount code! #### Time to Feed Baby Solids? + Orchard Fruit Medley Oatmeal with Gerber Lil Bits Baby B is 9 months now and has been crawling for quite a while.  Its adorable, but exhausting chasing around a little guy that wants to get into everything.  He's also a little foodie, and I can't seem to stuff his face fast enough.  That said, knowing when to feed baby solids wasn't an issue.  Just like with S, when it became a huge fight to keep his hands out of my plate or from steeling my fork, I knew it was time to begin exploring with baby foods.  He took to them immediately. My struggle really was: how do I know when I should be feeding baby solids?  And more-so, how do I know what size solid food he's capable of mashing with his gums and a single tooth? You know, with the first baby, I simply gave her some food chunks and hoped she was ready for them.  Many times, I knew the food was soft enough to mash between her gums.  Meats were a little more of a gray area, but she did well.  With baby B, he's so much more impatient when it comes to food, and he's practically inhaled foods before really mashing them.  We've had a few scares simply because he's so overzealous.  Transitioning from purees to solids hasn't been nearly as easy this time around. Look who's crawling and ready for transition to solids! This is where Gerber 3rd Foods Lil' Bits comes to the rescue.  I don't have to think about how small B's foods are, or whether or not he'll easily be able to mash them.  And, I can still provide him a huge variety of foods.  Additionally, making a variety of foods isn't always feasible.  Plus, I can't seem to have a huge variety of fruits and vegetables on hand during the week without creating a bunch of waste.  And again, having these pre-made means I'm not really wasting anything. The next step is to figure out how to continue to expose him to a variety of different foods.  I want him to continue experiencing different tastes while also adding appropriately sized bits, therefore preparing him for a more successful transition to table foods.  And, I need to make sure he's getting rounded nutrition. As B hasn't been fond of his plain baby oatmeal, I needed to find a way to use it.  I decided that I would use some of his Orchard Fruit Medley to make a super nutritious oatmeal for breakfast.  Since he's loved his Gerber 3rd Foods Lil' Bits, I knew the Orchard Fruit Medley would make his baby oatmeal more appealing.  Providing him a healthy breakfast, exposing him to more textures and tastes, and not wasting something I'd previously purchased really makes me happy. Orchard Fruit Medley and Oatmeal Make baby oatmeal as you normally would. 1 T baby oatmeal 1 T breastmilk for protein (or formula) After you mix your oatmeal to the consistency your baby likes, add about 1.5 T Gerber Lil' Bits Orchard Fruit Medley. B really enjoyed his breakfast after the addition of the Orchard Fruit Medley. I've enjoyed the ease of feeding him a variety of different foods that I might not, otherwise, have around the house.  And, on those days mama's lazy and eating things like corn dogs, I can provide him something so much better! If you're thinking about transitioning your crawler to solids, be sure to check out Gerber 3rd Foods Lil' Bits flavors here. Other posts you may enjoy Easy Baby Food Jar Pumpkin Craft Momzelle breastfeeding apparel review and giveaway 10 tips to get baby to sleep   #### Tiny Tots & Tech: Exploring AI Through a Child's Eyes As a mom who navigates the vibrant chaos of parenting daily, I've seen my fair share of phases, from the first adorable babble to the defiant "no." But nothing quite prepares you for when the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and language models like GPT-4 comes up. It's fascinating yet somewhat frightening how these technologies are evolving, almost parallel to the way our children grow and learn. Let me share a story that recently caught my attention and got me thinking about the intersection of AI and parenting. Imagine watching your toddler, with a tiny camera strapped to their pink cap, as they explore the world, everything from their viewpoint captured in vivid detail. This isn't just a futuristic thought but was the reality for a couple, Brenden Lake and Tammy Kwan. Brenden, a psychologist specializing in human and AI cognition at New York University, and his wife, Tammy, decided to document their daughter Luna's interactions through a camera attached to her. The goal? To gather insights that could help bridge the gap between how humans learn language and how AI models are developed. Each week, they'd secure a lightweight camera to Luna, capturing her environment from her perspective—whether she was pointing at blackberries during breakfast or navigating a room filled with toys. This experiment was part of a larger ambition to create a language model informed by the sensory experiences of a toddler, a project playfully referred to as "LunaBot." Now, as a parent, I find this both thrilling and a bit unsettling. On one hand, the idea that AI can learn from human development to become more intuitive and useful is incredible. It suggests a future where AI might assist in educational settings, tailored to match the learning curves of our children. Yet, the thought of equipping young children with cameras and recording their every move raises concerns about privacy and the naturalness of growing up. The challenges in AI development often mirror the complexities of parenting. Just as AI struggles to interpret the world without human-like sensory experiences—unable to taste or feel—the way we teach our children about the world is deeply nuanced, often beyond what can be captured in data alone. While models like OpenAI’s GPT-4 or Google's Gemini enhance their capabilities through vast amounts of data, our children learn in rich, interactive environments where each experience builds on the last. Moreover, there's a profound difference in how AI and humans process information. AI systems, as they currently stand, aren't capable of intention or belief; they don’t experience joy at a well-loved story or frustration with a difficult puzzle piece. They process inputs and predict outputs, whereas humans learn in a context deeply intertwined with emotions and intentions. It's an exciting time to be alive, witnessing these advancements, yet as a mom, I also tread cautiously. As we edge closer to technologies that can mimic or learn from human behavior, the dialogue between AI development and our understanding of human cognition becomes increasingly significant. Researchers like Tom Griffiths from Princeton University argue that by understanding our limitations and abilities, we can develop AI technologies that are not only more advanced but also more aligned with our human needs. So, as we embrace this brave new world where AI meets real life, let's ensure we're steering the conversation, keeping our children's best interests at the forefront. It's about finding that balance, much like everything else in parenting, between leveraging advancements to enrich our lives and preserving the essence of a playful, unplugged childhood. As AI continues to evolve, it’s crucial we remain both curious and cautious, embracing new tools while safeguarding our most precious treasures—our children. Questions About Child Development and AI Training What does it mean to use children's data to train AI? Answer: Using children's data to train AI involves collecting information from children’s activities, behaviors, or interactions, and using it to improve AI algorithms. This can include voice recordings, videos, or interaction data from digital devices and toys that observe how children learn and react in various situations. Is it safe to allow my child’s data to be used to train AI? Answer: Safety depends on how the data is collected, stored, and used. Ensure that any project or product that uses children's data for AI training complies with strict privacy laws and regulations, like the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Always look for transparency in how data is handled and seek products from companies that prioritize ethical standards. How can my child's data help improve AI? Answer: Children's data can help AI systems understand human developmental stages and learning patterns, making AI more adept at interacting with and assisting people of all ages. For example, observing how children learn language can help develop AI that better understands and processes human speech. What are the ethical considerations of using children's data in AI? Answer: Ethical considerations include ensuring informed consent, maintaining privacy, and the potential impacts on children’s rights and development. It’s crucial that parents fully understand what data is being collected, how it’s being used, and the measures taken to protect it. Can parents control what data is used and how it's used in AI training? Answer: Parents should have control over their children's data, including the right to know what information is collected and the ability to opt out of data collection. Look for AI tools and applications that provide clear privacy settings and parental controls. What long-term impacts could arise from my child’s data being used in AI development? Answer: The long-term impacts are still being studied, but concerns include privacy implications and the potential for creating digital profiles that might influence future opportunities or perceptions. There's also the broader impact on society as AI systems potentially inherit and propagate the biases present in the training data. #### Tips For Birth Without Epidural If you're asking "How can I avoid epidural during labor?" You've come to the right place. Two of my favorite topics are pregnancy & natural birth. I especially love the miracle of natural birth. That's why I want to share tips for birth without epidural. It's easy to feel overwhelmed about your birthing options. Or really, overwhelmed by the wealth of "wisdom" women impart on you when you become pregnant. You've probably found that your childbirth choices are questioned when it comes up. From doctors, family, well-meaning friends, and sometimes even strangers, childbirth options are both full of facts and opinions. Let's not forget the horror stories women will tell you about their birth experiences as if to change your mind about your chosen birthing route. Plenty of naysayers are going to try to convince you to just get the epidural. And you're probably asking yourself "How can I avoid epidural during labor?" I say go into your choice with a positive and confident attitude! Make your educated decision, be proud of it, and stand up for it. In my opinion, there's no place for others' doubts to cloud your judgement when it comes to such personal matters! I know these questions. I've heard horror stories. I recognize many women end up in emergency c-sections despite their wishes. But, fear of childbirth doesn't help your chances of having a natural birth. So, if you're hoping for a natural birth, why not hear about natural childbirth techniques and tips for birth without epidural from a mom who succeeded at two births without epidurals? I believe in a woman's natural ability to birth her baby unassisted and never let other's fears, opinions, or horror stories effect my own thoughts about childbirth. So, I want to share my tips for birth without epidural and hope they help you, too. Can I Handle Labor Without Epidural? Although nearly every mama discusses epidural, it's not the only option available to take the edge off. But, these options aren't available at every stage of labor, so you'll want to be aware of these restrictions. As with everything, epidurals and other pain relieving drugs during labor do have side effects to be aware of. The CDC reported that in 2008, more than 60% of women had received epidurals with their first baby. But that doesn't mean you can't handle labor without it! Many times, women fear birth without pain medication (including epidurals). Addressing your fears and learning about your body's ability to orchestrate the release of natural hormones can motivate you to attempt labor without epidural or other drugs. Speaking with women who have achieved birth without drugs and taking classes to help you prepare can be inspiring and help you to realize that birth without epidural is totally possible. How Can I Make My Natural Birth Less Painful? Firstly, fear drives pain. And, it's only natural to fear the unknown. And because every birth is different, it's possible to have some fears during first and subsequent births. If you want to make birth less painful, find a labor and delivery class that will help you understand some of what to expect during labor and can provide exercises and techniques to help you manage your thoughts. One of my favorite activities was holding your hands in ice for an extended period of time. This offered quite the perspective on where your mind goes during those moments that the ice becomes painful and allowed me and my husband to explore the techniques to make it more tolerable for the length of a normal contraction. So, ditching fear and managing thoughts and emotions can really help with pain tolerance! Being mindful with breathing through strong contractions was a huge help when it came to making things feel less painful. How Can I Avoid Epidural During Labor? I'm going to share my tips for childbirth without drugs and some of my favorite techniques. I used many of these suggestions in my own two successful natural births without epidurals or any other pain medication. It should be noted, however, that these aren't tips for a pain-free birth. Pain is relative and subjective. I don't feel either of my birthing experiences were painful, rather challenging and exhausting. 1. Let Go Of Fear! Fear equals pain! In the article Childbirth Without Fear, Alexia discusses the fear-tension-pain cycle. During this cycle, fear and tension lead to stress and stress leads to slowing or stopping labor. I previously wrote an article on how to overcome fear of childbirth. 2. Read Labor & Delivery Books It's easy to suggest reading books about childbirth, but if you want to focus on natural birth without epidural, it's important to read the right books! I share some of the best books in my article 5 Natural Childbirth Books You Need To Read to Be Prepared. These books should be read early in your pregnancy so that you have time to process the information. This is one of my favorite tips for birth without epidural because reading these books arms you with information. Information helps in dispelling fears of childbirth and gives you the confidence to not be bullied into things you know to work against your birth plan. 3. Seek Support For Your Birth Plan Once you've had your fill of everyone else's opinions, do yourself a favor and seek support from those willing to help you succeed in your birth plan. They don't have to "get it" nor must they have experienced a natural birth. But, they need to be supportive and willing to seek information about natural birth as well. Maybe your friends need to read my article about how to support a birth plan they don't understand. I had only a handful of people I would talk to about my birth plan and it became ever important to have my husband on board with a drug-free birth plan. It was important for me to have my husband in the delivery room, so he needed to be my partner in my birth plan! Tips For Birth Without Epidural - When You're In Labor Preparation ahead of time and getting your mind right for labor is only part of the equation for preparing for birth without an epidural. You still need some tips for dealing with labor so that you can be better prepared to avoid epidural during labor. 1. Use a Birth Ball It's easy to say "stay active and exercise during pregnancy." But saying isn't doing. And I know all too well how tiring pregnancy can be. One of my favorite things, however, nearing the end of my second pregnancy was sitting on a birth ball. One thing a birth ball is good for is helping to maintain mobility and preparing your body for labor. It's great for strengthening your back and opening your pelvis in a way similar to squatting (but takes less effort). I used a birth ball during my third trimester as a regular seat to open my hips. I also found it very comforting to roll around on it while sitting during braxton hicks. Turns out, I also used the birth ball during part of my labor before arriving at the hospital because I used it to roll down on during contractions. 2. Don't Go To The Hospital Too Soon In most cases, you'll hear it's time to go to the hospital when contractions are 4 to 5 minutes apart. Personally, I chose to ignore those warnings in both my labors because I wanted to be home as long as possible. If we're being honest, what I really wanted was to "accidentally" have the baby at home. Unfortunately, hubby wasn't having any of it. So, I think we agreed on the 3 minute mark. The second time around, however, by the time we finished our errands and lunch, my contractions were much more like 2 minutes apart and I spent only 4 hours in L&D. The easiest and most practical in these tips for birth without epidural? Stay home as long as safely possible. 3. Keep Moving! I'm a firm believer in listening to your body during labor. With my first, I found rocking side to side with one knee in a swivel chair to be most helpful with contractions. When I arrived at the hospital and lay in the bed, my labor slowed and I felt much more discomfort than I had at home moving freely. With my second, contractions were best handled by supporting my weight on top of a birth ball and rolling down during a contraction while breathing out. The rhythmic motion helped me remain calm and breathe so as not to create tension during contractions. 4. Learn About Laboring Positions One of my all-time-favorite websites was SpinningBabies.com. This website will give fabulous advice on pregnancy, getting baby into optimal position for birth, and more. When my second baby was stuck on a bone and I was facing induction, this website helped me to get him unstuck, go into labor on my own, and avoid the dreaded induction! 5. Relax! Since you've, hopefully, conquered your fears about childbirth at this point, this shouldn't be an issue. But, if it's your first experience with childbirth, not knowing what to expect can still be unsettling. Remind yourself that this is a natural process and take it easy! You're going to need energy as this is usually a marathon. Drink chamomile tea, dim the lights, try to enjoy the peaceful moments between contractions. Talk with your partner, watch a light show, eat, and stay hydrated. Don't be afraid to ask for a back massage if it will help you deal with contractions better, too. 6. Warm Water Is Your Friend. During labor, a warm bath or shower could ease some pressure from the contractions. Note that this could lengthen the time between contractions for a little while as well, but if it provides some relief, it's probably worth it. Most doctors will not allow you to use a tub once your water has broken, but I have had a nurse tell me the risk of infection really isn't there. Still, speak to a medical professional before trying this remedy if your water has already broken. Do you have any other tips for birth without epidural that you want to share with my readers? Go ahead and leave a comment! I love to hear positive sentiments that can help a woman avoid an epidural if that's what her heart desires! #### Tired of Being a Mom and Wife? Sometimes I Am Too! I've got a confession to make: sometimes, I’m just plain tired of being a mom and wife. If you've ever felt this way, you're not alone. Between the constant demands, sleepless nights, and never-ending to-do lists, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and depleted. But guess what? It's perfectly normal to feel this way, and I'm here to share my experiences and some tips on how to cope. In This ArticleDepleted Mother Syndrome: What Is It?Hormonal Changes and Their ImpactWho Comes First: Wife or Mother?My Personal Tips for Finding BalanceRemember, It’s Just a PhaseConclusion: It's Okay to Feel This Way Depleted Mother Syndrome: What Is It? I have a tendency to be an angry mom, but maybe it's more that I'm completely depleted!! Depleted Mother Syndrome (DMS) is a term that perfectly describes the bone-deep exhaustion many of us feel. It's the result of giving everything we have to our families, often at the expense of our own well-being. The late nights, the early mornings, the constant care and attention – it all adds up, leaving us feeling like we've got nothing left to give. Symptoms of Depleted Mother Syndrome: Constant fatigue Irritability Feeling overwhelmed Lack of joy in daily activities Emotional burnout Is It Normal to Be Tired of Being a Mom and Wife? Absolutely. Motherhood and marriage come with incredible highs and lows. One minute you’re basking in the glow of your child's smile, and the next, you’re wondering how in the world you’re going to get through the day. Here’s the thing – no one enjoys every single moment of motherhood or marriage. It's okay to admit that sometimes, it's just plain hard. Sometimes the reasons we feel tired and overwhelmed can be common or even unexpected. Here’s a look at both the usual suspects and the lesser-known culprits that contribute to our exhaustion. Common Reasons Sleep Deprivation Newborn Nights: The sleepless nights with newborns can leave us feeling like zombies. Ongoing Sleep Disruptions: Kids often wake up at night due to nightmares, illnesses, or needing comfort. Never-Ending To-Do Lists Household Chores: Laundry, cooking, cleaning, and all the other household responsibilities can be overwhelming. Childcare Duties: From school runs to helping with homework, the demands are constant. Emotional Labor Mental Load: Keeping track of everyone’s schedules, remembering appointments, and planning activities can be exhausting. Emotional Support: Providing constant emotional support to our kids and spouses can drain our energy. Lack of Personal Time Self-Care Sacrifices: Moms often put their needs last, leading to burnout. Social Isolation: Limited adult interaction can make us feel lonely and disconnected. Relationship Strain Neglected Marriages: Focusing so much on the kids can sometimes lead to neglecting our spouses, causing strain in the relationship. Communication Issues: Misunderstandings and lack of communication can add to the stress. Lesser Discussed Reasons Hormonal Changes Perimenopause: Fluctuating hormones can cause mood swings, fatigue, and even depression. Postpartum Hormones: After childbirth, hormonal imbalances can lead to postpartum depression and anxiety. Social Media Pressure Comparisons: Constantly comparing ourselves to the seemingly perfect lives of others on social media can make us feel inadequate. Judgment: Fear of judgment from other moms online can add unnecessary stress. Unrealistic Expectations Supermom Myth: The pressure to be a perfect mom who does it all can be overwhelming. Cultural Norms: Societal expectations about motherhood and wifehood can create additional pressure. Health Issues Chronic Illness: Managing a chronic illness while caring for a family can be incredibly draining. Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues can significantly affect our energy levels. Lack of Support Single Parenting: Being a single parent without a support system can be particularly challenging. Uninvolved Partners: Even in two-parent households, an uninvolved partner can leave one parent shouldering most of the responsibilities. Financial Stress Budgeting Woes: Constantly worrying about finances can add a significant mental load. Job Stress: Balancing a career with motherhood can lead to burnout. Hormonal Changes and Their Impact Perimenopause and Motherhood Perimenopause, the transition period before menopause, can start as early as the mid-30s and bring about several changes that impact our roles as moms and wives. I can tell you that the start of Perimenopause was a major problem in my own marriage and my kids were suffering as well. Mood Swings: Hormonal fluctuations can cause mood swings, making us feel more irritable or anxious. Fatigue: Perimenopause often brings about fatigue, making it harder to keep up with daily demands. Sleep Disturbances: Hot flashes and night sweats can disrupt sleep, leading to exhaustion. Memory Issues: "Brain fog" can make it difficult to remember tasks and manage schedules effectively. Decreased Libido: Changes in hormone levels can affect sexual desire, potentially straining the marital relationship. Understanding these common and uncommon reasons, including the impact of hormonal changes, can help us address our exhaustion more effectively and seek the support we need. Remember, it’s okay to acknowledge these feelings and take steps to care for ourselves. Who Comes First: Wife or Mother? This question can spark endless debates, but the truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. It's about finding balance and prioritizing different roles at different times. Personally, I believe your husband should come first (and I've seen the benefits of putting mine ahead of my kids firsthand and highly recommend it). Here's how I try to manage it: Communication: Talk to your spouse about your feelings and needs. They can't read your mind. Schedule Couple Time: Regular date nights or even a few minutes of uninterrupted conversation each day can make a big difference. Self-Care: You can't pour from an empty cup. Make sure you're taking time for yourself. How to Cope When You're Tired of Being a Mom and Wife Feeling drained or like a failure? Here are some tips that have helped me feel like a good mom: 1. Set Realistic Expectations Lower your standards. It’s okay if the house isn’t spotless. Focus on what truly matters and let go of the rest. 2. Take Breaks Short breaks: A few minutes of quiet can recharge you. Longer breaks: Plan regular kid-free time, even if it's just a few hours. 3. Lean on Your Support Network Friends and Family: Don't be afraid to ask for help. Mom Groups: Sharing experiences with others who understand can be incredibly comforting. As a bonus, sometimes it helps to read books that help you feel normal. One of my favorite books was Lost in Suburbia for this reason! 4. Practice Self-Care Physical Health: Exercise, eat well, and get enough sleep. Mental Health: Journal, meditate, or seek professional help if needed. 5. Find Joy in the Little Things Focus on the small, positive moments each day. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they seem. 6. Practice Gratitude I've learned the value of practicing gratitude in my marriage, but realized that the benefits of the practice of gratitude extend to all aspects of my life! When I'm feeling of being like I hate being a mom and wife, I realize I've lost sight of the things I am actually thankful for! Daily Gratitude List: Write down three things you’re grateful for every day. This simple practice can shift your mindset and help you focus on the positives. Gratitude Jar: Encourage your family to write down things they’re grateful for and place them in a jar. At the end of the week or month, read them together and celebrate the good moments. Gratitude Reflection: Take a moment each day to reflect on something positive that happened, no matter how small. It can be as simple as a hug from your child or a quiet cup of coffee. My Personal Tips for Finding Balance Journal Regularly: Writing down my thoughts helps me process my emotions. Date Nights: They don’t have to be fancy – even a quiet dinner at home works. Exercise: It’s a great stress reliever and mood booster. Connect with Friends: Sometimes, a good chat with a friend is all I need to feel recharged. Family Fun Days: Doing something fun together can remind me why I love being a mom and wife. Do something for you: Do something because you want to not because "you should". I've discovered over the last few years that my self-care doesn't look "normal". For me, I get joy from participating in Rallycross, going outside to love on our chickens, and lifting weights at the gym. What's important is these things either bring me joy or help me to chill out. And that's what I hope for you ... that you trade the ideas about what you should be doing for the things that actually make you feel good. When you do this, you refill your reserves and put you on a better path toward reclaiming your joy as a mom and wife. Remember, It’s Just a Phase There are stages of motherhood and marriage that are harder than others. Maybe the newborn phase is tough, but things get easier as they grow. Or perhaps teenage years bring new challenges, but also new joys. Conclusion: It's Okay to Feel This Way I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t always love being a mom or a wife. But that's okay. By acknowledging our feelings and finding ways to cope, we can navigate the tough times and cherish the good ones. Remember, you're not alone in feeling this way. We're all just doing our best, and that’s more than enough. So, here’s to all the moms and wives out there – keep going, keep smiling, and most importantly, keep being kind to yourself. You’re doing an amazing job! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the demands of being a mom and wife, you’re not alone. Take a moment to assess your needs with my Self-Care Worksheet, designed to help you identify where you need more support and balance in your life. Then, use my Self-Care Planner to create a routine that gives you the space to recharge and reconnect with yourself. Remember, it’s okay to feel tired and to need time for yourself. Let these tools help you create a self-care plan that honors your needs and brings more peace and joy into your life. Don't forget to join us on social media for our 7-Day Self-Care Challenge between 8/18/24 and 8/24/24 and share your experiences with us! We'll be posting on the site and on social media daily to support your journey. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ivy | SAHM Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) #### Tired of Grandparents Undermining Your Parenting? If you’re at your wits’ end because the grandparents keep breaking your parenting rules, you’re not alone. I see you, exhausted and frustrated, wondering why on earth your authority as a parent is being undermined by the very people who should have your back. Whether it’s giving the kids dessert after you’ve said no or letting them run wild when you’re trying to enforce some structure, the struggle is real. And it’s maddening. You know you’re just trying to raise good humans, but it feels like you’re constantly fighting against a force that’s supposed to be on your side. I totally get where you're coming from. Here's my story: It was Halloween night. My toddler, stubborn as ever, had barely touched his dinner. We have a simple rule: no dinner, no treats. But in just minutes, my firm stance turned into a battleground of wills… and, of course, guess who swooped in to save the day? My well-meaning mother-in-law. By the time I turned around, my toddler was happily munching on M&Ms I’d just said he couldn’t have. It wasn’t about the candy. It was about feeling disrespected. It was about my authority being stomped on right in front of my own child. Sound familiar? Here’s what I’ve learned about why grandparents do this—and what we can do to protect our sanity and authority as parents without blowing up the family dynamic. Why Do Grandparents Undermine Parents? Sometimes, it might seem like grandparents are doing things that drive parents a bit crazy. But guess what? There are reasons behind it! Let's break it down: Different Parenting Styles: Grandparents grew up in a different time, and they might have their own way of doing things. They might not fully understand modern parenting techniques or believe their way is better. Overprotectiveness: Sometimes, grandparents just want to spoil their grandkids and protect them from any hardships. This can lead to disagreements if they're too lenient or indulgent. Lack of Awareness: In some cases, they might not even realize they're undermining parents. It's not always intentional; it could be due to a lack of awareness about the rules or boundaries parents have set. Desire to Connect: Grandparents may try to connect with their grandkids by bending the rules or being more lenient. They just want to create a strong bond, but it can sometimes clash with the parents' wishes. Understanding these reasons can help parents approach the situation with empathy and find common ground with their well-meaning but sometimes challenging grandparents. What Grandparents Should Never Do and How to Fix it While some may not even realize the damage they're doing to their relationships, it's important to recognize the signs of toxic grandparents and deal with it quickly. So, what are the 3 top inappropriate grandparent behaviors? Undermine/Disrespect Parents Parents have rules about screen time, bedtimes, and food choices for a reason. Some parents have food allergies to contend with or mild cases of food intolerances that they know make kids uncomfortable.   Grandparents who don't follow some of the major rules are really disrespecting parents, even if they're thinking they're just doting on their grandchildren. When grandparents interfere with parenting, it can send the wrong signals to children! Being Critical of Your Child Even a simple statement like "I love your hair when it's long" after your kiddo has chosen a short hairstyle can have a poor effect on a child's self-esteem. Imagine anything any more critical and the damage it can cause. This is really selfish and inappropriate for a grandparent. Buying Grandkids' Love with Gifts You’ve been teaching your kids about earning rewards and valuing what they have, only for Grandma to show up with yet another over-the-top toy. Suddenly, your efforts seem pointless. Grandparents should understand that love cannot be bought. And sure, the grandkids will think they "love" a grandparent more if they're constantly receiving gifts, but it's not a lasting or sustainable way to get and keep a child's attention. What To Do About Grandparents Undermining Parents Dealing with grandparents who cross boundaries can be a tough situation. And, when you’re married, you have to take extra precautions so as not to cause drama within your marriage as well. It’s not wrong to set boundaries, even if it makes you feel like the ‘bad guy’ for a moment. These are my best tips for dealing with grandparents overstepping boundaries and those who undermine parents. Ask Yourself: “Is This a Safety Issue?” If your child could be seriously harmed in a situation in which you were being undermined, speak up. Safety issues are my number one concern as a parent. This is the one area where I am not concerned with backlash from speaking up about inappropriate grandparent behaviors.   Unfortunately, I did have this happen once when I went outside one of the grandparents' home to find my children playing in the streets of a busy neighborhood while said grandparent watched. Supervised or not, that got shut down quick. I know little ones aren't aware enough of the dangers. And there are too many distracted drivers and speeders for this to ever be okay, in my mind. If you feel your children are in danger, speak up immediately.  Whatever drama or "consequences" come from it can be handled after the fact.  Bite Your Tongue I get it—every nerve in your body wants to snap and let them have it. But hold on… because if you lose it now, the fallout will be bigger than one undermined rule. Of course, if your child’s safety were in question, this doesn’t apply in my opinion. Ask Your Spouse to Handle It This point is applicable when it’s his parent doing the undermining. Explain the situation and why you felt you were undermined. Ask him to handle the situation in a way that he feels will be both appropriate and effective for his parent(s). Talk to the Grandparent As Soon As Possible Once you have both come to an agreement (and you’ve simmered down), talk to the offending grandparent as soon as possible about the situation. One really good suggestion is to mention that when parents are around, they are the authority. When Grandma is in charge, doing things her way is okay so long as the kids are safe and she has their best interests at heart. If it’s your parent, this is your job. Remind Them You’re the Parent When grandparents and parents disagree on parenting, which is quite common, it’s okay to remind them that it’s your turn. You’re raising kids under your rules, trying to teach them life lessons you value, and in a way that works for you. Don’t Let Them Undermine the Other Parent If you know your mom or dad is undermining your spouse, show them that you’re united.  Parenting teamwork goes a long way in raising good kids, so grandparents need to know you’re seriously a team. Standing up for each other will go far in strengthening your marriage, too. Give Them Rules If you notice a regular pattern, don’t be afraid to share rules for grandparents to follow. Remember Grandparents Are Important Sometimes we need to re-frame our thoughts to feel better about the people in our lives. Remember that grandparents are important to your kids for many reasons. Try to focus on some of the benefits your kids receive from having Grandparents in their lives if you’re dealing with difficult feelings. Though I wish we could all be lucky enough not to have to deal with it, it hurts when grandparents undermine parents. It has the potential to degrade relationships and could seriously affect how a child views their parents. I don’t know about you, but I’m a tired mom of two kids. I’m desperately trying to raise them to be well-disciplined, mild-mannered, good citizens. Parenting is hard enough without someone challenging your authority. But remember this: just because you feel undermined, it doesn’t mean you’re failing as a parent. You’re showing up. You’re standing firm. And that’s exactly what your kids need. What’s the most frustrating experience you’ve had when a grandparent broke your rules? FAQs About Grandparents Undermining Parents What does "grandparents undermining parents" mean? This refers to a situation where grandparents act in a way that goes against the wishes or authority of the parents, causing tension and potential conflict within the family. How do grandparents undermine parents? Grandparents may undermine parents in various ways, such as disregarding rules or routines set by parents, spoiling or indulging grandchildren, criticizing parenting decisions, or contradicting parents' disciplinary actions. Why do grandparents undermine parents? There can be many reasons why grandparents undermine parents, including a desire to assert their own authority or parenting style, a belief that the parents are too strict, a belief that their prior experience makes them more wise, a desire to spoil their grandchildren, or simply a lack of awareness or understanding of the parents' wishes. What are the consequences of grandparents undermining parents? The consequences of grandparents undermining parents can be significant and may include tension and conflict within the family, confusion and anxiety for children, and a breakdown in trust and communication between parents and grandparents. How can parents address the issue of grandparents undermining them? Parents can address the issue of grandparents undermining them by setting clear boundaries and expectations, communicating openly and honestly with grandparents about their concerns, and seeking support and guidance from a therapist or counselor if necessary. It is important to approach the issue with empathy and respect for all parties involved. This post originally appeared in 2020 on sahmplus.com and has been updated. #### To my son as you turn two To my son as you turn two.  An open letter to my son as a reflection on our past two years. It's hard to describe my relationship with you.  But, it's important you know mommy loves you. You came into our lives a total whirlwind.  Mommy amd daddy suddenly agreed to having a second baby.  Two weeks later, I was pregnant with you.  I knew the moment I conceived ... as is your personality, you commanded the attention and made yourself known before I could even get a positive pregnancy test. A letter to my son as you turn two You were a wild wiggle-worm, even in my belly.  You got yourself stuck and made mommy work to free you before I could go into labor.  This resulted in making yourself 13 days late.  And you're just as, if not more, active today as you were then.  Constantly keeping me on my toes, exhausting me beyond belief. Like your sister, you were a high-needs baby.  As a newborn, you didn't want to sleep and really made people work to make you content.  As you learned to smile or laugh, you also began to get angry when we tried to invoke said happiness. Maybe I should start an Instagram account for Professor Pissy Pampers ? Seriously though, what tips do you have for toddler hitting? This boy is getting bad about hitting me and everything he can touch when he gets mad ... which is like all the time ? A post shared by Ivy | Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on May 8, 2017 at 5:50pm PDT You mostly seem to enjoy being cranky ... at the very least, serious.  But, there's a silly side of you that emerges on occasion and it is wonderful.  Refreshing even. It's hard to believe you're turning two.  Yet, I'm excited to get past the difficult baby stage. As you learn new words and ways to communicate, it's easier for us all to work together peacefully.  I've enjoyed as you tell me "nesh" or "no" and request "more."  The dramatics, though still there frequently (because you prefer to keep us high-strung), are happening slightly less often. At nearly a year and a half you began getting into books (or as you call them, "mush").  All day you run around like a mad-man only content to do exactly as you please.  But, at night, you'll sit and request book after book to be read as you suck your thumb and twirl your hair around in the other hand. You're brilliant, just like your sister.  I'm always amazed at your vocabulary because you speak in mini sentences and you have words for things I didn't know you knew, like Porsche ... and it's the only car brand you've ever named out loud.  But, your smarts make you just as, if not more, difficult than your big sister. The moment your son points at your shirt and names the car brand, unprompted. I know my next vehicle must be a Porsche again, and apparently he's going to agree ? Dear @Porsche - make this mommy a minivan please!!! ? #porschelife #porsche #sahmplus #autocrossmommy #momracestoo #toddlermom #boymom #heknowswhatsup #smarttoddler A post shared by Ivy | Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Nov 11, 2017 at 5:33am PST I've watched your love for your big sister grow.  Your expectations of her to give you what you want has also increased. I see some typical sibling arguments and fights on the horizon.  But, I can tell you love her very much, and she adores you. Most days I consider going back to work, just so I don't have to hear you cry all day.  But at the same time, you've shown me a deeper love than I've ever known.  You're the baby who only wants mama.  And, I'm pretty sure you only want me so you can torment me all day, following up the crankiness with the occasional request for a hug and a kiss. You gave me a sense of success at breastfeeding, and refused to eat from a bottle, even if it meant you would starve for the day. It was imperative I learned to babywear.  And I've had to get two carriers because I have to wear you everywhere.  Between hearing "hold you, hold you" and knowing you'll run off in a split second, babywearing was a necessity!  In fact, I'm pretty sure I've lost my identity and have become The Woman Who Carries Her Baby Everywhere. It's amazing the places I can go with our @boba 4G! I couldn't imagine taking two kids on a Krispy Kreme tour without #babywearing A post shared by Ivy | Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Jul 29, 2016 at 3:32pm PDT To My Son As You Turn Two It is my hope you let go of your need to be cranky.  Let your silliness shine through.  We want you to enjoy life, and we want to enjoy it with you. You're handsome, smart, and funny.  I promise, if you just relax and enjoy, everything will be better!! Love, Mommy   #### To the Mom Who Judged Me for Being on the Phone  I was struggling one morning dealing with being sick but forcing myself to get ready for an Easter event with our playgroup for my daughter.  I had been sick and sluggish for weeks and today was no different.  Except that this day, I had to put on my big girl panties, try to do my hair, force myself to look alive, visit a grocery store, and make it to our Easter event on time.  My daughter needed this day out of the house to play with her friends at the park, and I needed her to run out some of her energy without needing me every two seconds. I'd waited a week for lab results, knowing they were going to show I needed an increase in meds.  I'd been extra sluggish and lacked motivation to do more than sleep.  I was a walking zombie, which I knew wasn't good for the baby I had recently found out I was going to have.  (Yes, this is also how I'm announcing my second pregnancy to my readers.  I was on the phone back and forth with doctor's offices trying to make immediate appointments and waiting for call backs on questions I had.  And, while I was doing my hair, my father in law called.  I had to let it go to voice mail, otherwise I was never going to get out the door in time to pick up what we needed at the store for the party. By the time we arrived at the park for our event, I was tired, frazzled, and was still waiting to get things cleared away for my med increase.  My daughter had spent the morning crying.  Being at the park with her friends wasn't as much relief from the dramatics as I had hoped. Finally, she was playing on the playground and I noticed her making friends with a girl, slightly older and not much bigger.  I was amazed and impressed that my daughter was actually making friends on her own... and not with a girl in our playgroup.  I was somewhat relieved as I watched her follow her around giving me a few minutes of peace as I continued to wait on hold.  Then I watched this new little girl take a misstep, slip, and land on her bottom.  She got up and chased down my daughter to whine at her like it was her fault.  I was annoyed, but I let it go when I heard my daughter say "It's okay, it happens."  (Darn right, I didn't raise a wuss!) Much of the time, I let her continue playing with this little girl while I was still playing phone tag with the doctor's offices.   My frustration with the day continually builds.  All the while, watching the girls play and witnessing the other little girl whining about some random mishap or another. Finally, I witness this girl coercing my daughter to use monkey bars which were not intended for such small children.  I hear her say "Don't worry, I'll catch you."  Here I am on hold, rushing over to stop my daughter from attempting the monkey bars.  At the same time, trying to explain to the other girl she's not big enough to catch her if she falls.  At that moment, my daughter begins falling.  As I try to grab her to save everyone from another whiny moment, my phone slips from between my shoulder and ear, bumping my daughter on the head.  And, wouldn't you guess it?  Right into the other girl's face. My daughter's immediate reaction? "I'm okay!"  The other girl's?  Yeah, you guessed it ... more whining.  I try to make sure everyone is okay and apologize.  I felt horrible and looked around for the girl's mother, who couldn't be found.  The girl ran off whining and I finally gave up looking for mom.  A few minutes later, the little girl was back, still whining and pointing out some other person that she believed hurt her. It's not bad enough, I'm STILL on hold for the doctor's office.  I need these questions answered and an appointment made.  But, now I have to step in to make sure someone doesn't get blamed unnecessarily.  I walk over to the mom and start with an apology and explain what happened. The shock came over me when she asked "Because you were on the phone?".  I didn't have it in me to defend myself.  Nothing good was going to happen if I decided to snap back at her about her disappearance.  Though, I'm sure pointing out her audacity for judging my phone usage while wearing a Bluetooth headset in her ear would have been hilarious. So... To the mom who judged me for being on the phone, I am typically not on my phone enough to warrant the purchase and use of a Bluetooth headset for myself.  I don't usually spend my time at the park with my daughter while on the phone.  There were extenuating circumstances that had to be handled for the health of myself and my new growing baby.  Not that I owe anyone an explanation, but I MOST DEFINITELY do not feel as though I owe it to you. You! The mother with a Bluetooth earbud, who couldn't be found every time her child whined.  You have no right to judge me.  I was actually trying my best under the circumstances to be there for my child.  In fact, no mother deserves to be judged the way you did. What I should have told you at the time:  You came off as highly hypocritical for judging me.  Having a Bluetooth in your ear and your absence made your criticism less effective and more bitchy.  It seemed pretty obvious you were more occupied than I was.  I mean, it took your daughter a few minutes to even find you. So, you're welcome for being present and trying to help these kids.  You're welcome for having someone else listening to your whining child while you were too busy to even notice.  And, you're welcome for my ability to bite my tongue at the time.  I really would have loved nothing more than to call you out on your hypocritical judgment of me. Spill it!  Have you ever dealt with a hypocritical judgment from another mom?  How did you handle it, or how do you wish you had? #### Toddler Bathtime Can Be Productive Parent Time So, you've filled up the tub for the tot and you know you're going to be in the bathroom for a while.  Nothing is worse than feeling stuck when you have so much to do. If you'd like to get more done, make the most of your toddler's "bath" time with these ideas.  Please note that I'm comfortable with these suggestions as my daughter is completely comfortable playing with her toys with little engagement.  And, I'm right by the tub if she wants to include me in play or needs me. Read a book.  A book you want to read aloud or silently, depending on your toddler's need for attention.  I get a good amount of my personal reading done while baby girl is playing with her bath toys. Clean the bathroom.  Assuming you can open a window or use cleaning agents that aren't harmful to smell, this is a great way to start cleaning the bathroom.  You can carry on a conversation and prompt activities with the little one at the same time. Write your emails (or blog posts, as is the case for this post).  Assuming you have a phone or tablet, you can get caught up on your emails or social networks for a few minutes.  You're right there and you can break away at any moment. Play Games or Sing Songs.  If you're looking to get a few minutes of uninterrupted educational time, play some games or sing some songs to make the time pass a little more quickly.  I realize this isn't productive for mom, but it may make mom feel better about having to take some time to clean or work while the kid is involved in self-entertaining some other time of the day. Remember: I'm not suggesting at any point that you leave the room while your child is playing in the tub. Is there anything else you could/would add to the list? #### Toddler Crankies! Yesterday was one of the worst days we've seen in a while with baby girl.  She's not the easiest child to make happy (unless she gets everything she wants when she wants) but yesterday, hubby and I were ready to put her in her crib with food, water, and some toys and run from the house.Sensibly, I recommended that we ask someone to watch her so we could be gone for much longer ...Well, no one won ... we just had to stay and deal with it until family arrived.  Thankfully the family with their  children helped her to forget what a bad day she was having.Today started out similarly, and I was jealous of hubby for getting to go to work (though when it comes down to it, I don't really want to work).  I was scared of what the day would bring... so scared, that I knew I had to plan something quick to get us out of the house.  So, I threw food in the crock pot and loaded up the diaper bag.  The plan was to find a park or parks near the house to explore.  After all, we are in a new neighborhood, and we don't know much about the area and what toddler friendly places are around.Our first stop was at a local historic park on the river where we strolled around to see an old farm house, barn, etc.  Further walking led us to a boardwalk to walk along the river's edge.  Baby girl was enjoying the walk, looking at the animals, listening to the birds, looking out to the water, and checking out what little color Florida has to offer. Since the park was small and didn't have any play equipment, we headed out in search of a play ground.  We found a nearby park, and while not toddler-friendly, spent a few minutes rolling her ball down the slides, sliding, and climbing stairs.So, it was time to end the fun and head home to have lunch and prepare for what I was hoping to be an on-time nap (which happened perfectly).  Apparently, we warded off some crankies because this is what I got at lunch:Perfect reminder that sometimes we need a break from the house and, despite how I feel about her attitude during the worst of it, the break often leads to some good times :)Some posts may contain affiliate links, please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Toddler Game Review: Move & Groove by ThinkFun It's really difficult to play games with toddlers, usually.  I love this fun move and groove game from ThinkFun called Move & Groove, perfect for toddlers and fun to pay as a family! Finally, a game for toddlers!  I started Shelby on 3 year old board games at 2 because I didn't feel there were many pre-packaged games to play with toddlers.  That said, I was excited when I was given the opportunity to review ThinkFun's game, Move & Groove. I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.   The Move & Groove dance game is designed for 18 months and up and for 2 or more players.  The maker includes this in their description of game play: There’s no right or wrong way to boogie—it’s all up to interpretation—so players can use their imagination while improving balance, coordination and flexibility. The perfect game to build confidence and celebrate all the things your little one does so well! According to KidsHealth.org, children benefit from physical activity and will: have stronger muscles and bones have a leaner body because exercise helps control body fat be less likely to become overweight decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes possibly lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels have a better outlook on life It's Time to Play the Move and Groove Game Move & Groove: Play Alone Our first tests of the game included game play with just herself and us (the parents). Little bit was enthusiastic about tossing the large plush cube and quickly caught on to the rules of the game. The cube's landing color indicated the color card she needed to pick up.  I would tell her what activity she was to perform and occasionally had to show her my version of the activity to help her understand what I meant. We had a tremendous time playing and I'm excited to report that not only did she want to play for a long time, she giggled A LOT! Of all the games we've played, this has been my favorite and really created a bonding moment between us.  It was great to have some prompted silly time.  I even found that she enjoyed guessing the color the cube would land on before it stopped. I'm grateful the cube is plush.  S began to throw and kick the cube much harder than the initial tossing, but I think that was half the fun for her. Game Play: With Friends In an effort to get an idea of what Move and Groove game play would be like with several toddlers/preschoolers, we invited a few friends over for a game play date. The kids were mostly in the 3 or near 3 age group and I hadn't anticipated just how hectic getting 5 kids to play a game would be.  And that was a scaled down play date for us.  A couple of the kids enjoyed the game for a few moments, though I think most of the kids were interested in throwing the cube.  In general, they lost interest quickly and we were on to other things within a few minutes. Overall Since game play is up to interpretation, it's simple to catch on to the rules.  I love that there's no right or wrong, and the kids are able to adapt their moves the way that suits them best.  If you're searching for toddler games, this is great as a first game to teach children about taking turns, following "rules", etc, while still leaving the ability to be creative.  Plus, getting kids (and parents) to move around and play is a bonus to our health.  In the heat of the summer in Florida, getting outdoors to move and exercise doesn't happen much, so it's great to have some indoor fun too without the fear of things getting broken. Finally, that the cube has a built in pocket to hold the activity cards, it's convenient so I don't fear losing cards.  I love this feature.  Plus, the plush cube is fairly safe to throw around in the house. I think even the toddler/preschool age would have fun with this game.  You may have to find an area of the house or yard where they will have less distractions (our play room wasn't distraction free).  My other suggestion is to have a really small group of children who play well together.  Perhaps start with 2 or 3 kids and work your way up to a larger group.  I still think that it will be a ton of fun for the kids as they get older. [easyazon_link identifier="B00HWV6LZS" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Get Move & Groove on Amazon[/easyazon_link]   #### Toddler is a Picky Eater? Go & Grow by Similac Pouches This post was developed in partnership with Similac. All opinions are my own. A parent's woes are plenty and none do you hear more often than "my toddler is a picky eater!"  If you don't know how to deal, I'm sharing some of my tips. I suppose it was bound to happen.  Even our pediatrician warned me about this supposedly normal occurrence.  "Toddlers begin to act finicky about food.  How is your son eating?"  I beamed with pride as I told him my son was eating everything we put on his plate.  I'm pretty sure he was eating more mature foods than even my daughter had ... and I'd considered her a really good eater, too. Then, slowly, it happened. My toddler became a picky eater. He'd prefer the usual kid food over a regular healthy meal.  Chicken nuggets, cheese quesadillas, and peanut butter sandwiches are his things.  We've even had to resort to feeding my toddler M&Ms at dinner just to get him to eat.  There's a method to the madness... I promise. So, here we are navigating our days trying to get my son to eat a variety of healthy foods.  As we do, I sometimes have no choice but to offer an unhealthy bribe just to get him to eat some of the good stuff.  And with his finicky eating habits, I wonder if he's getting the proper nutrients for his growing body. Recently, I heard about the new Go & Grow by Similac Pouches!  These great new pouches are designed to help boost a toddler's intake of nutritious fruits and veggies ... because Similac understood this finicky toddler phase. Now, if you know me at all, you know I'm not opposed to tough love.  I don't get all crazy about whether or not my son eats.  And, I won't throw a bunch of junk food at him "so long as he eats something."  That concept doesn't fly in this house. We practice a few things during the finicky eater phase.  These things have worked with both my kids and I never experienced much mommy guilt over my children not eating.  So what's my secret sauce to getting through the hard time when the toddler is a picky eater? 7 Ways to Manage When Your Toddler is a Picky Eater [tweetthis]How do you deal with a picky eater? #toddlerproblems #momlife #Go&GrowatWalmart #ad [/tweetthis] So, if your toddler is a picky eater, there are some things you can try.  Remember though, I'm not a doctor, just an experienced mom trying to maintain some sanity through the toddler years.  These are my tactics: Is this a self-feeding battle? When your tot begins to act fussy about eating, evaluate whether or not this is a battle over how the food is being delivered. Sometimes my guy simply wants the spoon in his hand as he pushes the food around on a plate.  He, of course, wants to scoop up food on his own, but will often allow me to help him.  But, I dare not try to feed him myself or dinner is OVER! Maybe your tot just wants to practice feeding himself.  Given the opportunity, he may also seek your assistance when he realizes he's still not good at delivering food to his own mouth yet. It could be that your toddler is a picky eater because he wants to be more independent. Load him up on the good stuff he WILL eat Okay, so how do I get my picky toddler to eat? Pouches are a huge hit, although B still really wants to feed himself.  I can't tell you how many times he's squirted stuff everywhere as he squeezes a pouch over-zealously! Still, pouches are extra convenient for travel or dining out.  And since dining establishments still don't have a wide variety of healthy sides with kid's meals, pouches help us find that balance. Go & Grow by Similac pouches are even more appropriate for this household.  They're certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO, contain no fillers, artificial flavors or colors, and are gluten-free.  They're speaking my partially-crunchy language! So, I'm squeezing more fruits and veggies into my tot's diet in a convenient and fun delivery system!  Also "Similac products are based on the latest science and innovation, and Go & Grow pouches are no different. Each pouch has OptiGRO, [their] blend of 32mg of DHA, lutein and vitamin E that supports brain, eye and overall growth and development."  Knowing this, I can feel good about adding these pouches to our routine so that we can hopefully fill the gap during the times he's less likely to eat more healthy options. Check out Go & Grow by Similac at Walmart by clicking here.  While you're at it, get $0.50 cashback on IBotta with your Go & Grow by Similac Pouch. Give extra milk I feel like I'm doing a good thing if I load a toddler up on milk.  Even though he may not be hungry, he usually won't turn down a drink. Offer more filling milk than fruit juices to keep his tummy full.  Loading up on a sugary drink when they're not eating really doesn't help to fill them up. The other option is to give your tot the Go & Grow Toddler Drink by Similac.  This toddler formula is full of vitamins, minerals, and that awesome OptiGRO blend I just mentioned was in the pouches!  You can still fill the gaps with a healthy drink full of nutrients your tot may not be getting in his daily diet.  I choose the single packs for easy on the go use, especially as we're getting ready for summer vacation! Bribes Look, mama's tired and she just wants her baby to eat. As I mentioned previously, offering bribes isn't beneath us.  We do this strategically though.  A mini toddler-friendly bite of candy for every bite or two of food isn't the end of the world.  I call this "balance."  If it means he eats his food while getting the junk he really wants, it's worth it to us. As your toddler gets used to it, you can increase the ratio of healthy food to junk during the mealtime bribes.  Eventually, you'll get the kid to eat what he's supposed to without the bribery during dinner. Go to bed hungry We can't force our kids to eat.  I mean, not that I've found anyway! Some nights, it doesn't matter what we do, the toddler won't budge.  I see the sign in his face and his demeanor: "Junk or Bust!"  We don't give in.  If he's just as happy to run around the playroom throwing a ball, he may honestly not be all that hungry. Instead of putting up a fight that you're not bound to win, remember that sometimes we're just not hungry.  Even I have my moments I just don't feel like eating.  Respect that maybe this is just one of those moments for your toddler.  Then tell yourself "He'll probably eat really good in the morning." Keep Trying DON'T GIVE UP!  Continue to offer healthy whole food options! One of my least favorite pieces of advice comes in the form of "feed them what they want" or "you know they'll eat 'kid food'."  I believe children's growing bodies need more nutrients than those found in mac & cheese or chicken nuggets and french fries. While I'm certainly all for the easy and "sure" meals when we dine out, their growing bodies require more than this on a regular basis!  And, I'm a firm believer that picky eaters stay picky eaters if they're not taught to be adventurous. In a Huffington Post article, Dr. Powell states that children should be exposed to food 10 - 15 times without putting pressure on them to eat it before they start to accept the food. I've found this to be true with both my kids. Of course, the older they get, the more I urge them to actually try something... "at least one bite" I'll say.  It may not work today, but next week, there's a chance it does. This too shall pass Oh my goodness, I'm so tired of that phrase.  Unfortunately, it's so often used in an attempt to ease parents' frustrations because it's so incredibly true. Remember your toddler's finicky phase won't last.  Well ... it shouldn't as long as you don't cave and stop trying to feed your tot the healthy food they should be eating. So long as you don't reinforce their junk-food demands by giving in, you'll be past this phase in the blink of an eye.  Sure, it doesn't feel that way at the moment.  But, before you know it, you'll be staring at a 5-year-old wondering how they grew up so quickly.  And you're going to want to know you put up the good fight to make sure your kiddo is healthy! Win a $50 Walmart Gift Card in the #Go&GrowatWalmart Giveaway  What tips do you have for feeding a picky toddler? #### Toddler Resources for Education & Play Do you ever sit your toddler in front of the TV because you just don't have a clue what to do some days? I know there are super-moms out there that maybe don't struggle with this, but if you're like me, sometimes you feel you're an inadequate teacher for your children. By the way, it's totally easy to feel inadequate when you're comparing yourself to all the Pinterest mommies out there. Here is a list of books/resources that I have used, am using, or plan to use to help me play with and teach my toddler - they all give me great ideas when I'm lost: Educational and Play Resources for Toddlers 1) The Toddler's Busy Book by Trish Kuffner: full of great arts, crafts, educational activities, fun activities, cooking, etc (one idea she had was blanket rides around the house - insanely fun for the tot) 2) Baby Signing Time and Signing Time videos - helped us to communicate since she prefers not to talk.  Plus, they're super cute and entertaining while educating! 3) Little Adventures Preschool blog - she does in-home preschool and provides lesson plans and printables so you can follow along. 4) Education.com - fun printables by age/grade.  I use preschool printables which include coloring pages, games, activities, letter writing, and more. 5) We Care: A Preschool Curriculum for Children Ages 2-5 - provides teaching exercises, activities, recipes, crafts, arts... all sorts of stuff to help conduct a rounded education (we use this informally) 6)  Dollar store coloring books and educational workbooks 7) Television and iPad apps - my child is a visual learner and very often I'll watch educational programs with her so I can interact with the shows and know that she does pick up on skills through them.  Apps? hey, we're kinda techies here and she loves her educational apps. 8) Pinterest - you can follow me on Pinterest to see what I've pinned and then start re-pinning things you like :) 9) Check out this list of backyard activities for toddlers - this list is comprised of multiple blogger contributions and ideas for doing things outside with your toddler. 10) Follow your child's lead - often mine will point to her do-a-dot paints or grab a pen.  They sometimes just need to be given the freedom to choose what they want to do. I know I didn't list nearly the amount of resources there are... Do you have any special resources you use?  Share your amazing resources here, even if it's your own blog! #### Toddler, Preschooler Game Review - Go Fish  So, most board games and games, in general, aren't labeled for children under 3 years.  That wasn't feasible for us, so we started baby girl on games for Christmas (a few months after turning 2).  I've always taken the approach at starting her on games and toys that were labeled for an older age group by about 6 months to 1 year.  Truthfully, I recommend it for everyone simply because buying a toy for a child's age means they won't get as much use out of it.  You can always adapt play FOR your child's age and have them grow into it, rather than having to toss (or sell) a toy a couple months down the road. Anyway, that's how we ended up on games.  Right now, one of her favorite games is Go Fish from Playchest Games.  She's 2.5 and enjoying the game (rated for 3+) immensely. While the box states a couple benefits of game play, I have a few extras to add to the list: *Memory (manufacturer stated) *Coordination (manufacturer stated) *Attention & Focus *Sharing & Taking Turns (develop good social skills) *Family bonding *Reinforcing numbers and colors As a family, we sit down at night to play.  She's learning to take turns and finally starting to understand how someone WINS when they fill their boats with 4 like-colored fish. I added "attention & focus" to the list because we have to remind her to pay attention to the fish we draw and put down, in order to work on the memory skill and pick up the colored fish she needs when it's her turn.  I know she's young, but without directing her attention, she'd be all over the place until it was her turn, and won't know to pay attention to her fish.  If she's too far gone, we just let her have fun and pick whatever she wants. And, while we always have a winner, we make sure that everyone places.  1st, 2nd, and 3rd, that way she doesn't become discouraged with play.  We do try to make a huge fuss when she WINS 1st place so that she understands there are perks to winning. Game play doesn't typically take very long.  Here are a few things to note about this game: * You catch fish with a rod, and a worm with a suction cup * Best played on a hard surface - we typically play on the carpet which gives enough that getting the suction cup to hook a fish takes a little more work for a little kid. The table works great if your kid isn't all over the table, but I could see playing this on a hard floor.  Place pillows for seating comfort.  That would be cute. * Boats feel like durable plastic * The fish cards could be bent with a little force. Finally, because of her age, we often take out the colored fish that no one needs.  It can be too distracting and divert her attention when making the game take longer to play than necessary. #### Top 10 Things I Need to Do Before I Go to Bed I remember several years ago when my daughter was two, bedtime had just become a struggle.  Once we learned how to get her to sleep as a baby, she turned into a wonderful sleeper!  Most nights she slept 12 hours straight through. Still, that didn't prevent her from delaying bedtime as much as she could. Here we are, again, with the second kid.  He's three and he's starting to do a bit of his own stalling before bed. If you're a parent, you know how this works.  And, it doesn't seem to get better with age.  The kids just find different ways to delay bedtime and make it look a little more believable. As a tiny tot, there just isn't enough time in the day.  Am I right?!  And, no matter how much warning you've received, you're scrambling to get more packed into the day. Let's pretend for a moment we're two or three years old again.  It's bed time, but you really need to take care of these things first. I'm a toddler and ... These are the top 10 things I need to do before I go to bed 1) Take a bath and drink the bath water 2) Have a diaper changed that I didn't want changed previously 3) Go pee pee in the potty 4) Eat the dinner I didn't want 2 hours ago 5) Have a drink that's been untouched for the last hour 6) Brush my teeth 7) Have a snack 8) Read more books 9) Sing more songs 10) Play another game Spill it ... what other things do your kids need to do when they hear "bed time"?   #### Top 10 Tips New Bloggers Should Know First When I started blogging nearly 6 years ago, I realized I'd wished I'd done more research.  Check out these 10 blogging tips for beginners so you will know.  When I began blogging a couple years ago, I thought I'd just write a few things and give myself a little something to do that didn't completely revolve around my daughter.  I began sharing deals and such that I found, basically to keep it off my personal Facebook news feed because hubby said I was spamming everyone.  Apparently he didn't appreciate sales as much as I did.  Down the line I realized no one was looking at, reading, or commenting on my posts. Even more so, I started noticing that other bloggers were doing these great reviews and some were even making money from a blog!  Wow ... new territory!  So, I wouldn't say that my blog is successful in a way that I'm earning a paycheck, but I have come a long way since the beginning.  Every year I earn a little more and do a little better than the year before. That said, these are some blogging tips I wish I'd been given when I started out. 10 Blogging Tips for Beginners Practice makes progress. If you could go back to my first posts at Ivy's Variety, you'd notice my writing wasn't nearly as polished and put together as it is today.  We're talking about roughly two years of practice and I imagine I'll see improvements over the next year or two still.  When I began blogging, my draft posts were littered with those ugly squiggly red lines.  Misspellings and poor grammar took a lot of time to edit.  I'm not exactly proud of my work from the start, but I DID finally make progress.  Most of my posts these days are much cleaner, so I'm not wasting tons of time editing!  Just go for it... you'll get there! The more you write, the better you'll become. Sometimes people don't start writing because they're afraid they won't be good enough.  This charts the top of my list of blogging tips for beginners because practice only helps you become better.  If you never start, you'll never become better. Socialize. I struggle with this one myself ... balancing cleaning a home, chasing a two year old and a dog, cooking, caring for hubby, sometimes doing yard work, testing and reviewing products, and writing a blog, socializing isn't the hardest part for me.  Find some blogging groups on Facebook and socialize.  Visiting and commenting on blogs will be useful when you leave a link to your blog ... often that blogger will return to your blog to comment on something too! Oh how I wish I had the time to do that more regularly.  Do not go to a blog and leave meaningless comments though ... the key is to leave something meaningful and don't simply request others to visit your site. Get involved in a FB group geared toward your blog's subject and share each other's stuff.  Create roundups on topics you and your group talk about regularly.  Talk and work on relevant guest posts for each other's sites. Do you have a Parent and Family Blog?  Join my Parent and Family Blog group on Facebook. You can make money from a blog. I haven't found a way to making a living doing this, but I'm okay with it.  Getting into affiliate marketing is a small step in making money from blogging - I personally only make a few cents every quarter or so, but maybe you'll be more successful!  One of the affiliate sites I use is Share-A-Sale which has many advertisers to choose from. Bonus advice 1. keep your advertising on the sidebars simple 2. incorporate minimal links into your posts 3. post about things you're passionate about. My review of Dino Lingo earned me a decent commission in the first two weeks, and I attribute it to how much I loved the product!  If you're not connected to the product or service, the chance your readers take interest in checking out your links is slim to none.  Depending on your work and your social reach, you may be able to find a way to get sponsored posts, but I think I'll write about that in a future article. If you remind me, maybe I'll do a post on some of the other websites I've used to monetize my blog and social media traffic! Have a schedule. You'll drive yourself nuts if you're just blogging by the seat of your pants.  Know when you are available to sit down and give your blog the attention it needs.  Your fans are going to like some kind of repetition too ... they'll enjoy knowing when you're going to be posting new content.  In general, I know I have nap times and the time after the little one goes to bed to work on anything I want.  Find what times and days work for you and utilize it.  I generally like to have posts scheduled for at least one day a week ... the rest is bonus content. Aside from that, though, I've changed my schedule to also include certain topics on certain days.  This allows my readers to know what kind of content they'll expect when I post on these days. Get to know social media. Prior to blogging, I enjoyed Facebook.  Now that I've begun transforming the blog into my "business" (because I do treat it like a job), I have to stay up to date with social media.  So, I had to learn Twitter and Google Plus.  And, you have to stay up to date on their rules and learn about the best ways to engage your fans. (Something I could still stand to learn - what's up with my fans not commenting, anyway?!?!)  Did you know that Facebook's new rules will not allow you to make liking your Facebook page a giveaway entry?  That's why you have to stay up to date. Jot down your ideas! When you have a creative idea for a blog post, jot it down.  I can't tell you how many times I've had an idea and thought I'd certainly remember it later.  WRONG!  Now I either write a note or use my Blogger's app to start a draft.  That said, it's always a good idea to create drafts when the mood strikes.  At the very least, write a quick note on a piece of paper to help you remember. Be organized. Scheduling your time is great for things you want to do, but if you end up working with companies that have deadlines of their own, you have to schedule them too.  Since I'm in my email account at least once a day, I use my gmail task list to remind me when to take care of other tasks that aren't as routine.  You can use anything you like to keep you organized, but you need to do it.  You don't want your social media posts to overlap each other, do you? Write about what you know. What are you good at, enjoy doing, or taking photos of?  If you like to cook, read, craft, or just give opinions, you probably have something to write about.  For me, I could write about daily life with my kiddo, the dog, and the hubby.  I'm best at offering opinions, which leads me to my next point.  And, because I'm learning about living with Hashimoto's, I've even begun a separate section on that including gluten free, Paleo, and healthy living. Consider doing reviews and giveaways. I found that I had more to offer when I blogged about reviews of products and my fan base really grew with blog giveaways.  I'm not crafty, I can't make up recipes, and I need a whole lot of help putting together a preschool curriculum (or someone to do it for me), I didn't offer much on my own.  What I'm good at is giving my opinions, so reviewing things and sharing my parenting tips from my experiences has become my best features! Include images. One of the best ways to attract readers is to have images in your posts.  When I began blogging, I didn't include images regularly because I didn't know any better.  I was so focused on writing that it never occurred to me that people can be very visually oriented and that I might not get a reader simply because a photo (or infographic) didn't draw them in to read in the first place.  If you can't do your own images, there are royalty free stock images all over the internet.  Sometimes, you can even find free ones.  Use them and draw people in. I'm sure there are plenty of great ideas to get you started on your blog.  Blog about what you know and just have fun.  Everything has it's own time and I've spent more than 2 years busting my behind on building up readership.  My main goal,, a few years ago, was to get products to review and I achieved that.  Now, I treat my blog as more of a business, scaled down my reviews, and began creating more engaging content.  But, learning as much as you can is one of the best blogging tips for beginners that I can share. Be willing to learn and adapt with the ever-changing blogosphere. For seasoned bloggers, what blogging tips would you add for beginners? Do you want more blogging tips? Check out more simple things you can do for better blogging. #### Top 5 Funny Breastfed Infant Bodysuits Are you shopping for funny breastfed infant bodysuits?  If you're breastfeeding and have a sense of humor, you'll love these infant bodysuits. Where are my breastfeeders at?  After struggling with breastfeeding my first, and being afraid to breastfeed again, I'm proud to say we've had quite a bit of success.  Even though I wanted to quit many times, I persevered.  We've gotten through some difficult times and I'm finally able to see the funny side of breastfeeding now.  Between gymnurstics and the fact my son likes to try to show off his milk source, it's actually pretty entertaining. After the first couple months, the boy decided that he would no longer drink milk unless it was straight from the tap.  I'm not sure what happened, but he used to take a bottle.  I found the whole situation ironic, since I hadn't really wanted to breastfeed again.  So, I thought, why not check out some funny breastfed infant bodysuits.  I hope to make you giggle at least once today! When you've scrolled through my list, don't forget to vote for your favorite, by tweeting the pre-set tweets in the post.  Since we're speaking of breastfeeding, don't forget to visit my Momzelle Breastfeeding Apparel review and giveaway! Top 5 Funny Breastfed Infant Bodysuits We'll work our way down to #1.  I'm going to include a tweet option for every one of them... Be sure to tweet your favorite! 5. Boobie Monster My favorite funny #breastfed infant #bodysuit is: Boobie Monster Share on X 4. Silly Daddy, Boobs are for babies My favorite funny breastfed infant bodysuit is: Silly Daddy #baby #breastfeed #bodysuit Share on X 3. I don't always drink milk, but when I do ... My favorite funny breastfed infant bodysuit is: I don't always drink milk #baby #bodysuit #breastfeed Share on X 2. I cry and her top comes off My fave funny breastfed infant bodysuit is: I cry & her top comes off #baby #bodysuit #breastfeed Share on X And the one that makes me laugh the most .... 1. I'm not just milk drunk, I'm tit faced My fave funny breastfed infant bodysuit is: I'm not just milk drunk... #baby #breastfeed #bodysuit Share on X What do you think?  Have you seen any other breastfed infant bodysuits I should have listed? P.S. - If you like them, do share this post! Thank you! #### Top 5 Natural Childbirth Books You Need to Read to Be Prepared Top 5 natural childbirth books you'll want to read if you're interested in natural pregnancy and birth. I'm a firm believer in reading books (or articles) to prepare for just about any major part of your life. For me, having a baby was one of the most humongous decisions I would ever make.  From the moment I was ready to get pregnant, I began reading ways to get pregnant naturally and how to have a healthy pregnancy.  When I struggled to get pregnant, I researched ways to improve fertility, and a lot of the changes I made were dietary. Still, childbirth, for me, was regarded as nearly as important a factor in the health of my baby ... right next to having a healthy pregnancy. Though I used to believe I would ask for doctors to knock me out so I didn't feel a thing, when it came down to it, I hated needles.  I was (and still am) terrified of needles.  Thus, I went on the search for information about having a drug-free birth.   Could I do it?  No one seemed to ever have conveyed any sense of calm or normality of a natural birth.  Frankly, they all made me scared of labor. After having read a lot, all plans for medical intervention (epidurals) during labor and childbirth went out the window.  Not only was I frightened of needles, but after reading and watching videos, I was bothered that we've been conditioned to think we need a doctor to monitor and manage every step of a long-time natural process. Thanks to plenty of reading and a natural birth class, I successfully achieved two natural births.  Preparation and knowledge are both wonderful tools for wrapping your mind around a subject you can't truly understand until you're there. So, if you're interested in natural birth, these are the Top 5 rated natural childbirth books currently on Amazon. (Because I know birth is a touchy subject, let me be clear here! I say this is what I decided was right for me and my baby.   My body, my baby.  I am not saying this is, or should be, every woman's decision in every case.  Your body, your baby.  I'm not arguing that.) Top 5 Natural Childbirth Books You Need to Read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth is a highly recommended natural childbirth book, plus it's an Amazon Best Seller!  If you've ever watched an Ina May video, you know she's a powerful and supportive individual who feels strongly about a woman's ability to birth her child.  My childbirth instructor and former L&D nurse was a fan of her work. As a mom who achieved two natural births in a hospital, I would have LOVED to have read this book. There was a lot of discussion about whether or not I'd be able to have the birth I planned because my husband wanted us to use the hospital.  The hospital we were to have our first baby at was not well-known for being natural-birth friendly.  It was kind of a sad joke ... like "good luck."  And when it came time to actually go the first time, I panicked.  I tried to stay in the bathroom at home so my husband couldn't take me. I lost the fight, but I totally won at having my natural hospital birth.  I bet this book would have eased some of the anxiety I had about hospital births. If you need some positive thoughts about natural pregnancy and childbirth, this may be just the book for you! You'll find advice from moms who have been there, as well as advice and information from a Certified Nurse Midwife, Registered Nurse, doula, and lactation consultant.  This book sounds like a well-rounded one to prepare you for all things natural pregnancy and birth. I have a friend who swears by this book.  As I read the description, I feel like I shake my head at every point it makes, so I know this would be a terrific read for someone seriously interested in experiencing natural birth. This book focuses on your body, your mind, and outside forces that can make or break the natural birth plan.  Things like fear of childbirth, having a supportive partner, and ways to get your body ready for labor , and how to get the information you need to make important decisions are all discussed in this book. While this is a top-rated book, there's a bit of discussion on the reviews section.  Some people are saying the author writes too much storytelling into the book.  However, Nancy Bardacke aims to teach you to practice mindfulness during birth.  She also teaches the immediate- and long-term benefits which go beyond giving birth. Someone suggested that she uses techniques with ice to help train your mind for labor.  I can attest to practices with ice having been the most effective way to help me understand how to deal with labor pains when they begin. BONUS I know I said I was going to share the TOP 5 Natural Childbirth Books.  However, I'd be remiss not to tell you about the one book that gave me all the information I needed to achieve my natural hospital birth! I absolutely adored The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth. I read this book thoroughly after deciding natural birth was the way I wanted to go.  My husband said I was crazy for everything I spouted off.  Then, we went into a Natural Birth class, lead by a former L&D nurse and 4x natural birth mom.  In our class, she echoed every word of this book through her own knowledge and experience and changed my husband's idea of birth in a hospital forever. That said, this book is FULL of information my instructor backed up in every lesson in our birth class.  So, I 100% believe this should be in the top natural childbirth books women should read if they're hoping for natural birth. Did you read natural childbirth books?  What was/were your favorite/favorites? #### Top Baby Items For New Moms: Your Must-Haves I consider these the top baby items for new moms.  Are these top baby products on your baby registry?  Should they be? As you plan your baby registry, it's so easy to become overwhelmed with the ridiculous list of things one should register for.  If you're buying for a new mom, you may not be able to help but wonder if some of the baby registry items are worth spending your money on. Though I'm finished having babies, I love looking at baby gear.  I can often look at things and say "Man, I'm grateful to have had that" or "Wow, what a waste of money that was."  So, I want to help you sort out some of the top baby items for new moms. And, I'd love to know what you considered your essentials as a new mom! Top Baby Items for New Moms A baby carrier Babywearing has many benefits for new moms and babies, so it goes to prove that a baby carrier is, in general, one of the top baby items for new moms. Two excellent options for newborn baby carriers are wraps and slings.  However, I prefer soft structured baby carriers.  I used a Moby Wrap for the first couple months of my son's life, but was glad when he weighed enough to switch to a soft structured carrier. Because of the constant use I got out of our carriers with my second baby, this is absolutely recommended as the top baby item for new moms. The top soft structured baby carriers are: Boba 4G The Boba 4G Has an infant insert and the carrier can be used for babies and toddlers up to 45 lbs.  I previously mentioned the 4G in a post about the 7 items every new mom needs to make life easy with baby... because it's just that good! Beco 8 This is my second favorite ... only because I haven't owned it as long, and still have yet to practice the various babywearing positions it allows for.  The Beco 8 does everything my Boba 4G does, except that it adds a zip down mesh panel for extra air flow and a back brace for extra support. LILLEbaby All Seasons The LilleBaby All Seasons complete baby carrier is also a top recommended baby products for new moms among baby-wearing mamas.  It offers 6 ways to wear infants, a zip down temp-control panel, and a few beautiful color options. Mom and baby skin care If you're breastfeeding, you'll want to use non-toxic items on your skin.  Plus, baby's skin may be extra sensitive.  I like to start a baby's life with as few toxins as possible, and one way I do that is by choosing organic skin care with little to no fragrances. I loved Earth Mama's pregnancy essentials!  To be honest, I still use the skin care products from the bundle and my youngest is 2 years old! And, choosing baby's skin care line is no different.  In the beginning I used Earth Mama's Natural UnScented Baby Skin Care Line Breastfeeding supplies One of the 8 smart ways a mama to be can prepare for her baby is to get a nice breast pump.  Even if you're planning to exclusively breastfeed, a breast pump will be a lifesaver for a nursing mama who needs a break. You may not know it yet, but breastfeeding isn't always easy, and neither is pumping.  I found this breastfeeding & pumping kit from Earth Mama useful during the first couple months adjusting to breastfeeding! I consider pumping supplies to be some of the top baby items for new moms, because they're perfect for letting mom and dad get out for date night, or for mom to take a nap while someone else cares for baby. Nursing Essentials Nursing bras, camisoles, and nursing tops are essential for making breastfeeding more comfortable (in my opinion).  Plus, I found them super comfortable and having them made breastfeeding in a carrier so much easier. I really enjoyed the clip down nursing tops for around the house and under tops that weren't specifically for nursing.  These turned everything into nursing clothes and allowed me to keep my stomach covered if I needed to lift a shirt for breastfeeding. A comfortable clip down maternity nursing bra was essential for lounging around or sleeping in.  The problem with these things is that they're so comfortable, you'll likely find yourself wearing them long after you're done nursing!  Pack it in your hospital bag so you're ready when baby is born! But, don't forget a nice nursing bra that resembles your non-nursing intimates!  I owned two in basic colors for everyday wear and a really nice looking bra from cake maternity that hubby didn't mind looking it. Baby and mommy sleep Though it goes against every recommendation these days, there were many nights I shared my bed with my babies for the sake of some good shut-eye.  Both my babies slept better and longer in my arms than in their own cribs. That is, until they became comfortable with sleeping on their own.  I sleep-trained them with white noise and swaddling and eventually got them both to be 12-hour a night sleepers.  If you want to know my tricks, check out 11 Terrific Tricks You Need to Get Baby to Sleep. But, I sure wish the Happiest Baby SNOO Smart Sleeper was available when they were babies!  This wonderful bed claims to soothe your baby with white noise and motions from the womb for nearly instant calming to boost your baby's sleep. Quality Diaper Bag There's no denying once you trade your purse for a diaper bag, you're in it for the long haul. You're going to be carrying around a diaper bag for at least the next 3 years, so make sure you get one that's made to last.  Plus, it needs to be large enough to hold everything ... because you'll likely be carrying a nursery full of stuff for a while! Try one of these: Diaper Bag, Nappy Bag by Maman - with Matching Changing Pad - Stylish Designer Tote for Moms - for Baby Boys and Girls - PATENT PENDING This diaper bag has a 4.8 star rating on Amazon with over 500 reviews!  These aren't very feminine looking bags, but they're classic and minimalist, in my opinion. Skip Hop Duo Signature Carry All Travel Diaper Bag Tote with Multipockets, One Size Most of us know of Skip Hop brand.  This bag receives a 4.6 star rating on Amazon and shows off your love for your new baby! Baby Swing/Rocker Mama's arms need a break, too.  A good baby swing or glider will make it easier for mama to step away and get water or use the restroom while baby entertains himself in a swing or rocker. Fisher-Price Sweet Snugapuppy Dreams Cradle 'n Swing, White This swing can rock side to side or swing front to back, offering multiple speed settings, songs, and sounds to customize to your baby's liking. MamaRoo 4 Classic Infant Seat in Grey Natural Body Movements with Bluetooth by 4moms While a bit pricey, this device is awesome for the techie mom! Aside from the nearly endless options to completely customize settings for your baby, the mamaRoo is Bluetooth enabled, which is fabulous for controlling the device if you've stepped into an adjacent room for water and need to change a setting on the fly! Or if baby sees you and goes bat-**** crazy instead of falling asleep, you can hide but still control settings.  I'm not going to lie ... I wish I'd bought this just for that reason! A bouncer or seat for travel When it's time to visit Grandma's house, mama still needs somewhere to set the baby.  I promise, trying to lug around one of those swings isn't fun. BABYBJORN Bouncer Balance Soft - Black/Dark Gray, Cotton This natural, ergonomic bouncer will offer your baby support and basic entertainment in a compact folding option, perfect for travel!  It offers 4 positions for your baby's comfort and folds flat for storage or transport, making it great for travel or for homes short on space. These come in various colors and styles, so you're bound to find one you like! Travel Crib We have always had a pack and play, but man, have things come a long way since we had our first baby.  If I had to do it all again, I would have loved this travel crib! Lotus Travel Crib - Backpack Portable, Lightweight, Easy to Pack Play-Yard with Comfortable Mattress It claims to be lightweight and has a backpack style carrier, making this the perfect travel accessory! This pack and play also has a zip up side so that you can snuggle with your baby at nap time, slip out, and zip up the side while they nap. It also claims to be more green than most other play yards. "CERTIFIED SAFE & NON-TOXIC - The only playard with GreenGuard Gold non-toxic certification (low voc & no lead, phthalates, pvc, heavy metals, etc). Full-height mesh guarantees best, breathable airflow." Batteries You're going to go through some batteries ... because just about all baby items need batteries unless they're plug-in type items.  Just stock up on various size batteries so no one has to run to the drug store in the middle of dinner. Nightlights Middle of the night wake up calls are going to make you realize, fast, just how dark your hallways or stairs are.  Get a nightlight or those handy outlets with built-in nightlights! Just don't put a nightlight in baby's room, because that will work against you if you're trying to get baby to sleep through the night. What, in your mind, were some of the top baby items for new moms? #### Top Tips to Help You Change Your Parenting Style Learn how to change your parenting style with this comprehensive guide. Delve into the intricacies of understanding your current approach, recognizing the need for adaptation, and overcoming the challenges of transformation. Explore practical steps for effective change, techniques to enhance your style, and valuable tools and resources to support your parenting journey. Embrace the ever-evolving adventure of parenthood, fostering a nurturing environment where both you and your child can flourish together. Amidst the joyful chaos of family life filled with laughter, tantrums, and everything in between, I found myself contemplating a crucial question: "How can I change my parenting style?" With my children hitting critical growth milestones and unforeseen challenges, I've grappled with the need to adapt my approach to meet their evolving needs. It's been a rollercoaster of self-discovery, a journey that's taught me the significance of recognizing and embracing change in my parenting style. Amid my journey, I've come to understand the difficulties of altering the way I raise my children. It's not just about flicking a switch; it's about navigating through uncertainties and providing a nurturing environment that fosters their growth. I've questioned whether it's too late to make significant changes, but I've come to realize that it's never too late to improve and grow as a parent. It's about finding the right tools and techniques to enhance my parenting style and creating an environment that fosters open communication and mutual understanding. Through this process, I've discovered valuable insights into how to improve my parenting style and cultivate a supportive space for my children's development. It's about setting clear goals, practicing self-awareness, and being open to adaptation and adjustment. As I continue to learn and grow alongside my children, I've come to understand that changing my parenting style isn't just about them; it's also about my journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Understanding Your Current Parenting Style Understanding your current parenting style is an essential step toward becoming a more effective and compassionate parent. By taking the time to determine your parenting style, you can gain valuable insights into how you interact with your children and the impact it has on their development. But what does your parenting style mean? It goes beyond just a label or category. Your parenting style reflects the overall approach and strategies you use to raise your children. It encompasses your beliefs, values, and behaviors that shape the way you nurture, discipline, and communicate with them. By understanding your parenting style, you can become more aware of its strengths and weaknesses. This self-awareness allows you to make intentional choices in how you interact with your children, ensuring that their emotional well-being is prioritized. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. Each parent has their unique style influenced by various factors such as culture, personal experiences, and individual personalities. Embracing this diversity can lead to a more inclusive and supportive environment for both parents and children. So take some time to reflect on your current parenting style. Consider its implications on your child's growth and development. Remember that being open-minded and willing to adapt is key to creating a nurturing environment where you and your child can thrive together. Here are some quick ways to identify and comprehend your parenting style: Reflect on Your Reactions: Take note of how you typically respond to your child's positive and negative behaviors. Are you more inclined towards strict discipline or nurturing guidance? Observe Your Communication Patterns: Pay attention to how you communicate with your child. Do you actively listen and encourage open dialogue, or do you tend to assert authority without much room for discussion? Evaluate Your Expectations: Assess what you expect from your child in terms of behavior, achievements, and emotional expression. Do you set high standards? Or do you prioritize emotional well-being over performance? Assess Your Discipline Methods: Analyze how you discipline your child when they misbehave. Do you opt for consequences and strict rules? Or do you focus on teaching lessons through understanding and empathy? Consider Your Emotional Responses: Reflect on how you manage your emotions in front of your child. Do you express your feelings openly and encourage them to do the same, or do you tend to keep emotions reserved and under control? Evaluate Your Childhood Influences: Consider how your upbringing has shaped your parenting style. Are you replicating your parents' approach, or have you intentionally chosen a different path based on your experiences? Seek Feedback from Others: Ask trusted friends or family members for their observations about your parenting style. Sometimes an outside perspective can offer valuable insights that may not be apparent to you. By engaging in this introspective process, you can begin to understand the intricacies of your parenting style and its impact on your child's development. Remember, this understanding is the first step towards making meaningful changes and fostering a more supportive and nurturing environment for your child's growth and well-being. For more detailed analysis and specific parenting style assessments, check out our comprehensive articles on the different parenting styles within this series. Recognizing the Need to Change Your Parenting Style Recognizing the need to evolve your parenting style can be a deeply personal journey filled with growth and self-reflection. As parents, we've all had those moments of pondering, "Should I switch up my parenting approach?" It's all part of the beautiful, ever-evolving adventure of raising our little humans. Here are some reasons why tweaking your parenting style might be just the thing you and your child need: Growing Together: As your child grows, so do their needs and behaviors. Adapting your approach can create a nurturing environment that grows with them. Better Communication: Changing your style opens up pathways for heartfelt conversations and mutual understanding, fostering a stronger parent-child bond. Nurturing Independence: A flexible parenting style allows your child to explore their independence while knowing they have a supportive, guiding hand to hold onto. Knowing when it's time to make that shift is a whole other ballgame: Recognizing the Signs: Family challenges or a gut feeling that something needs adjustment might be your cue to shake things up a bit. Self-Reflection and Trust: Trusting your instincts and being open to self-reflection are like breadcrumbs leading you to positive change. Remember, changing your parenting style doesn't mean scrapping everything you've done. It's more about embracing growth and adaptability in your journey together. It's a way of showing your little one that you're committed to creating a loving, nurturing space where both of you can blossom. Overcoming the Challenges of Changing Parenting Styles Navigating through changing parenting styles can present challenges for parents. It is important to acknowledge and address these challenges to create a nurturing and supportive environment for both parents and children. One of the main challenges of changing parenting styles is resistance or pushback from family members or friends who may have different beliefs or opinions. This can lead to feelings of doubt or guilt as parents question their choices and worry about potential judgment. It is crucial to remember that every family is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Trusting your instincts as a parent and focusing on what feels right for your child can help overcome this challenge. Another challenge is the fear of making mistakes or not living up to societal expectations. Parenting is a journey filled with ups and downs, and it's natural to feel uncertain every now and then. Instead of striving for perfection, prioritize open communication with your child, fostering a safe space where they feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions. To deal with these challenges effectively, here are some tips: 1. Seek support: Connect with other parents going through similar experiences or join parenting support groups where you can share insights, advice, and encouragement. 2. Educate yourself: Stay informed about current research on parenting styles and techniques that align with your values. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions that best suit your family's needs. 3. Practice self-compassion: Remember that no parent is perfect, and it's okay to make mistakes along the way. Be kind to yourself during this process by acknowledging your efforts rather than focusing solely on perceived shortcomings. 4. Communicate openly: Engage in open conversations with your partner about parenting goals, values, and expectations. By aligning yourselves as a team, you can navigate challenges together more effectively. 5. Adapt and adjust: Parenting styles may need to be adjusted as your child grows and develops. Stay flexible and open-minded, willing to adapt your approach as needed. Changing parenting styles can be a transformative journey, but it is not without its challenges. By acknowledging these challenges and implementing these tips, parents can navigate the process with compassion, understanding, and resilience. Remember that every parent's journey is unique. What matters most is the love and care you provide for your child. How to Change Your Parenting Style Effectively If you find yourself wanting to improve or change your parenting style, here are some steps that can help guide you along the way. 1. Reflect on your current parenting style: Take a moment to honestly assess your current approach to parenting. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of your style and identify areas where you would like to make changes or improvements. 2. Educate yourself: Seek resources such as books, articles, or workshops that focus on different parenting styles and techniques. Learning about various approaches can help you gain new insights and perspectives on effective parenting. 3. Set clear goals: Determine what specific aspects of your parenting style you would like to change or improve upon. Setting clear goals will give you direction and motivation throughout the process. 4. Practice self-awareness: Pay attention to how you interact with your child daily. Notice patterns in your behavior, reactions, and communication styles. Being aware of these patterns will allow you to consciously make adjustments when needed. 5. Seek support: Changing your parenting style is not something that has to be done alone. Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or even professionals who can offer guidance, advice, or simply lend an empathetic ear when needed. 6. Be patient with yourself: Changing any ingrained habits takes time and effort. Understand that it is normal for setbacks or challenges to arise along the way. Be kind and patient with yourself as you navigate this process of growth and change. Remember, changing your parenting style is ultimately about creating a nurturing environment for your child's well-being and development. By taking these steps towards improvement, you are demonstrating a commitment to being the best parent you can be for them. Techniques to Improve Your Parenting Style We all want to be superheroes for our little ones, and guess what? You already are! But there's always room for growth and improvement. Here are some friendly techniques to help you along the way: Take a Peek Inside: Start by peering into your current parenting style and pinpointing areas where a sprinkle of magic could make things even better. Remember, even superheroes have their kryptonite, and recognizing yours is a superpower in itself. Listen Up, Super Parent: Actively listening to your child's giggles, rants, and dreams creates an unbreakable bond. Letting them pour out their thoughts without interruption builds a haven where they know they're heard, loud and clear. Draw the Lines with Love: Setting clear boundaries and expectations is like building a fort of security for your little one. Consistent rules wrapped in love help them navigate the world with confidence and a sense of right and wrong. Wrap Them in Empathy: Empathy is the secret sauce that makes the parent-child bond unbreakable. Understanding their tiny, big emotions and showing them you get it fosters a bond that can weather any storm. It's like giving them an emotional superpower to conquer the world. Fuel Up Your Superpowers: Don't forget to give your superhero cape some rest. Taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally ensures you're always ready for action. Whether it's a workout, a hobby, or quality time with your sidekicks, recharging your superpowers is key. And remember, the journey of being the best parent you can be is filled with ups, downs, and sideways turns. Be kind to yourself, celebrate those victories, and keep embracing the adventure. Your dedication to this journey is the stuff that shapes superheroes, and your little one is the lucky sidekick reaping all the benefits. Is It Ever Too Late to Change Your Parenting Style? You might be sitting there, pondering if it's too late to switch things up in the parenting department. Let me tell you, it's never too late for parenting magic. Take it from someone who's learning to change her parenting style! We're modifying our parenting styles as my 7-year-old son is going through some challenging times. While navigating these choppy waters, I wondered if I could do something different, something better for him. Let me tell you, it has been a game-changer. Even though my little guy is past the toddler years, I discovered that shifting gears in my parenting style not only strengthened our bond but is also helping him sail through these rough waves with a bit more ease. The beauty of parenting is that it's a constantly evolving masterpiece. Even if you feel like you've missed a few steps, there's always room for a new move that can make the whole dance feel lighter and more magical. I realized that adjusting my approach, and offering more understanding and patience is making all the difference. It isn't about flipping a switch; it is about a gradual, heartfelt transformation blooming between us, like a well-tended garden. So, if you find yourself wondering if it's too late, let me assure you, it's never too late for a little sprinkle of stardust. Your journey, just like mine, is a story waiting to be painted, and every stroke you make, no matter the timing, adds a new hue to your masterpiece. Tools and Resources for Improving Parenting Style When it comes to improving your parenting style, having the right tools and resources can make all the difference. Here are some invaluable gems that can guide you on your journey to becoming an even more amazing parent: Books and Guides: "The Whole-Brain Child" by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson "How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk" by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish "Parenting from the Inside Out" by Daniel J. Siegel and Mary Hartzell "Positive Discipline" by Jane Nelsen Parenting Workshops and Seminars: Check local parenting centers, community colleges, or family therapy centers for workshops and seminars on parenting strategies and child development. Online Communities and Forums: Consider joining online communities such as Reddit's parenting subreddit or forums like BabyCenter's parenting community for support and advice from fellow parents. Parenting Podcasts and Webinars: "Parenting Beyond Discipline" by Erin Royer-Asrilant "The Longest Shortest Time" by Hillary Frank Parenting Coaches or Therapists: Look for licensed family therapists or parenting coaches in your area through directories like Psychology Today or the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Mindfulness and Meditation Resources: Apps like Headspace and Calm offer guided meditations and mindfulness exercises, some tailored specifically for parents and families. These resources are a great starting point, but it's essential to find what resonates best with your parenting style and your child's unique needs. Always consider taking personalized recommendations from trusted friends, family members, or local parenting groups for additional support. Understanding and reflecting on your parenting style is the first step toward fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for your child's growth. Remember that each parenting style is unique, influenced by various factors, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Reflecting and seeking feedback can provide valuable insights into your parenting journey, helping you make intentional choices that prioritize your child's well-being. Recognizing the need to adapt your parenting style is a natural part of the ever-evolving adventure of raising children. Whether fostering better communication, nurturing independence, or recognizing signs that change is necessary, it's never too late to create a more loving and nurturing space for both you and your child to blossom. Embracing the challenges of changing parenting styles and seeking support can lead to a more resilient and compassionate parenting approach. Remember to equip yourself with the right tools and resources, whether through insightful books, local workshops, online communities, or mindfulness resources. These invaluable gems can guide you on your journey to becoming an even more amazing parent. Embrace the uniqueness of your parenting journey, celebrate the little victories, and continue this heartfelt, ever-evolving masterpiece with love, patience, and understanding. #### Two Luvs Coupons to Save Money on Diapers #SharetheLuv #ad Coupon alert! What are a mom's top 3 favorite things (after her own children and husband, of course)?  Coffee, wine, and coupons, in no particular order! Tweet it if you agree [tweetthis]Mom's top 3: coffee, wine, coupons! #ad @Luvs coupon--> http://spr.ly/luvscoupons9 #SharetheLuv:[/tweetthis] As if coupons to help you save on diapers wasn't exciting enough, I've got more great news!  This week, you can get 2 Luvs coupons!! Cue the excitement: via Giffy.com This review was made possible by iConnect and Luvs.  I was provided compensation to facilitate this post, but all opinions stated are 100% mine. With B, we're no where close to entertaining the thought of potty training.  I learned with the first baby that a quality diaper doesn't have to be the most expensive.  Luvs understands the last thing a mom wants to worry about mid-nap or during a play date is a leaky diaper. With the new NightLock Plus™, they're even more reliable at night, which is great if you have good sleepers. That's what I love about Luvs! I've carried that knowledge with me proudly when B came around.  But, saving money on diapers is still a priority.  And, yes, I might actually dance that way over being able to get 2 Luvs coupons. How You Can Get Two Luvs Coupons Enough blabbing (and dancing) ...  let's talk about how you can score your two Luvs coupons. Luvs Coupon in Sunday's newspaper You can grab a $2 off coupon in Sunday's newspaper, April 30, 2017.  This will be in the P&G insert for any one diaper pack and expires 5/13/17. Printable Luvs Coupon Also, this week you can score a print-at-home Luvs coupon, good for $1 off any one diaper pack.  Print-at-home coupons will expire 30 days from the date the coupon is printed. This week, get your $1 printable Luvs coupon here --> $1 Printable Luvs Coupons good at any mass, discount, or grocery stores where Luvs Diapers are sold. This coupon is good for all Luvs diaper packs, except trial/travel sizes. From an experienced mom, if you're not already saving money with Luvs, you're missing out. Luvs diapers come with a money-back guarantee!  I don't think you'll need it - I didn't - but it's nice for peace of mind.  If you're not satisfied with the leakage protection, they'll refund your money.  Visit their website, www.luvsdiapers.com, for more details. How to save money on necessities for baby #### Understanding Baby Sleep Cues and Patterns Means Better Sleep for All! If you want to establish healthy sleep habits and help your family get the rest they need, you need to understand baby sleep cues and patterns. Here's what you need to know to set your baby up for a successful night of sleep. As a new parent or caregiver of an infant, one of the most challenging aspects of caring for your baby is getting them to sleep. Understanding your baby's sleep cues and patterns is essential for both their health and development. In this article, we'll discuss sleep cues, sleep patterns, and factors that can affect your baby's sleep. We'll also provide you with tips on how to establish a consistent sleep routine and help your baby develop healthy sleep patterns. Sleep Cues: What to Look For Babies can't communicate like adults do, so it's essential to learn to recognize their sleep cues. Sleep cues are signals that babies give when they're tired and ready for sleep. Recognizing these cues is crucial to prevent overtiredness and to help your baby fall asleep more easily. Common sleep cues that babies may exhibit include: yawning rubbing their eyes becoming fussy slowing down their movements losing interest in toys or people staring blankly pulling at ears redness around the eyebrows or eyes sucking fingers inconsolable crying As a parent, it's essential to be mindful of these cues and adjust your baby's sleep routine accordingly. One way to pick up on your baby's sleep cues is to keep a log of their behaviors and patterns throughout the day. You can note when your baby eats, sleeps, and plays. Over time, you'll be able to see patterns and recognize when your baby is getting sleepy. Another way to help your baby sleep is to create a consistent sleep environment. By doing this, your baby will associate specific cues with sleep time. For example, you can establish a bedtime routine that includes a warm bath, a story, and a lullaby. By doing this consistently, your baby will learn that these cues mean it's time for sleep. Sleep Patterns: What to Expect Sleep patterns refer to the different stages of sleep that babies go through. Babies spend a lot of their time sleeping, and understanding their sleep patterns can help you establish a consistent sleep routine. Newborns sleep a lot, typically 16-17 hours a day, but they don't stay asleep for long periods. They may wake up every 2-3 hours to eat, and their sleep may last only a few hours at a time. As they grow, babies will sleep for longer stretches and wake up less frequently during the night. Here's what you can expect in terms of sleep patterns based on your baby's age: 0-3 months: Babies in this age range typically sleep in short bursts throughout the day and night, waking up every 2-3 hours to feed. They may also have periods of alertness and playfulness. 3-6 months: Babies in this age range may start to sleep for longer stretches at night, typically around 6-8 hours. They may still wake up to feed, but may also be able to sleep for longer periods between feedings. They may also start to establish more regular nap times during the day. 6-9 months: Babies in this age range may start to sleep for even longer stretches at night, around 10-12 hours. They may also start to transition to 2-3 naps per day, rather than sleeping in short bursts throughout the day. 9-12 months: Babies in this age range typically need around 11-12 hours of sleep per day, with most of it at night. They may also transition to one or two naps per day, depending on their individual needs. Babies go through different stages of sleep, including REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and non-REM sleep. REM sleep is the stage where babies dream and move their eyes rapidly. Non-REM sleep is a deeper stage of sleep where the body repairs and regenerates itself. Unlike adults, infant sleep cycles are more equally distributed between REM and non-REM sleep. One way to help your baby develop healthy sleep patterns is to establish a consistent sleep routine. This can include creating a relaxing sleep environment, keeping the room dark and quiet, and avoiding stimulating activities before bedtime. By doing this consistently, your baby will learn to associate these cues with sleep time and develop healthy sleep habits. Factors Affecting Sleep There are a number of factors that can affect a baby's sleep, including illness, teething, and developmental milestones. It's important to be aware of these factors and adjust your baby's sleep routine as needed to accommodate them. Teething: Teething can be a painful and uncomfortable process for babies, and it can disrupt their sleep. If your baby is teething, try to offer soothing remedies like teething toys or a gentle massage. Growth spurts: Babies go through growth spurts frequently during their first year, and during these periods, they may need to eat more frequently, which can disrupt their sleep patterns. If you notice that your baby is eating more often than usual, try to adjust their feeding schedule to accommodate their increased appetite. Developmental milestones: As babies grow and develop, they may experience new milestones, like rolling over or crawling, that can affect their sleep. They may be more active during the day and have a harder time settling down at night. Try to anticipate these changes and adjust your baby's sleep routine accordingly. Illness: If your baby is sick, their sleep may be disrupted. They may have a harder time breathing or may need to cough more frequently, which can make it harder for them to sleep. Try to offer comfort and support and consult your pediatrician if you're concerned. If your baby is experiencing any of these sleep disturbances, don't panic! Remember that all babies are different, and what works for one may not work for another. It's also important to keep in mind that sleep patterns can change frequently in the first few months of life. If you're feeling overwhelmed, consider speaking with a pediatrician or a sleep specialist for additional guidance and support. Finally, it's important for parents to remember that sleep regression is a normal part of a baby's development. This is a period when a baby may have more trouble sleeping or wake up more frequently during the night. It typically occurs around 4 months and again around 8-10 months of age. While it can be frustrating for parents, it's important to remain patient and consistent with your baby's sleep routine during this time. Establishing Healthy Sleep Habits Establishing healthy sleep habits is essential for your baby's health and wellbeing, but it can take time and patience. Here are some tips to help you establish healthy sleep habits: Establish a consistent sleep routine: Create a consistent sleep routine that you follow every day. This can include a bath, a story, and a lullaby, for example. Over time, your baby will learn to associate these activities with sleep and will be more likely to settle down. Create a sleep-friendly environment: Make sure your baby's sleeping environment is conducive to sleep. This means making sure the room is dark, quiet, and cool. Use a white noise machine or a fan to block out any background noise. Encourage self-soothing: As your baby gets older, encourage them to self-soothe by giving them a lovey or a pacifier. This can help them learn to fall asleep on their own and can prevent them from becoming dependent on you to help them fall asleep. Be consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to establishing healthy sleep habits. Try to stick to your baby's sleep routine as much as possible, even on weekends or when you're traveling. Coping with Sleep Challenges Despite your best efforts, there may be times when your baby has trouble sleeping. Here are some common sleep challenges and how to cope with them: Night waking: If your baby wakes up frequently during the night, try to offer comfort and support, but avoid feeding (when age- or developmentally-appropriate) or engaging in stimulating activities. Over time, your baby will learn to settle down on their own. Nightmares: Nightmares are common in babies and young children. If your baby has a nightmare, offer comfort and reassurance. Try to establish a comforting bedtime routine that can help prevent nightmares. Separation anxiety: Separation anxiety is common between 6 months and 3 years of age. If your baby is experiencing separation anxiety, try to offer comfort and reassurance. You can also try gradually increasing the amount of time you spend away from your baby to help them adjust. Understanding your baby's sleep cues and patterns is crucial for their overall health and development. By paying attention to your baby's individual needs and adjusting their sleep routine accordingly, you can help them establish healthy sleep patterns that will benefit them for years to come. Remember to be patient and flexible, and don't hesitate to seek guidance from a pediatrician or sleep specialist if needed. FAQs About Baby Sleep Cues & Patterns What is the 3 yawn rule?One of the best ways to know your baby is ready for bed (whether it's nighttime or nap time) is to look for yawning. If you notice more than 3 yawns, your baby may be overtired and will be more difficult to settle for sleep. Try to put your baby down earlier than 3 yawns.What are the happiest baby sleepy cues?These are external cues parents can utilize to create calming moments in preparation for baby's bedtime, including swaddling, shushing and sucking. Check out The Happiest Baby's 5 S's for Soothing Babies.Should I follow sleep cues or wake windows?From my experience, following baby's sleep cues is instrumental in determining your baby's natural bedtime and helping them to sleep through the night. The trick is to be in-tune with your baby so you know the difference between sleep cues compared to signs your baby is hungry. #### Using the Gold Fever Package with Your Family in Dahlonega, GA This post was created in partnership with Dahlonega, GA. Our family was provided tickets to the Gold Fever package in exchange for this post. We've recently returned from our first trip to the mountains as a family.  I spent many nights researching the many activities available to keep the kids entertained, while still trying to provide activities my husband would enjoy.  At first, we'd considered vacationing in North Carolina.  We decided against it as a first mountain vacation, because the idea of traveling 8+ hours with two high needs kids was terrifying. I settled on a small town in Georgia to eliminate about an hour in our drive, but still get us into the mountains.  We also invited my dad on our trip.  His knowledge of the mountain towns helped us to make our plans a little easier because my family went nearly every year while I was growing up.  I knew he'd be able to help us decide on activities or get us close to something if we got lost. I plan to share about our trip in more detail in a later post, but right now, I want to share our experience with the Gold Fever Package we received while visiting Dahlonega, GA. Plan a Summer Mountain Vacation with Young Children The Gold Fever Package In Dahlonega, three businesses came together to provide a "Gold Fever Package."  You receive: Entrance to the Gold Museum Gold Panning and a mine tour at Consolidated Gold Mine Gold panning and gem mining at Crisson Gold Mine What we did on our gold tour Know that the three stops in the gold tour Gold Fever Package took about half the day.  We estimated nearly 1 and a half hour for each stop.  I believe that we could have made it through a little quicker had we not had to spend extra time helping the almost 6-year-old with her gold panning.  Plus, we were doing an extra pan for the toddler, who, let's face it, would have rather splashed in the water VS shake up a pan with dirt. Gold Museum We started our tour at the Gold Museum because it was just across the street from the Visitors Center where we picked up our passes.  The Gold Museum was a rather small building with wonderful information about Georgia's gold history.  Aside from the basic museum offerings, they provided a short 17-minute video to expand on the history.  On the first floor, there was a room with some small activities for kids, including a table with crayons and coloring sheets.  There was a little something for everyone in the family at the small museum, although the toddler really wanted to get his hands on the water cannon upstairs. After having lunch, we moved on to the next stop in the tour.  We chose the Consolidated Gold Mine since it was on the way to the final stop. Consolidated Gold Mine Consolidated Gold Mine offered a welcomed reprieve from the summer heat.  We began with a video lesson on how to pan for gold, then we went on to get our pans of sand to start panning as they did in the 1800s.  This was quite a work out for us, as each pan takes approximately 15-20 minutes to sift through.  Our daughter needed a lot of help and our toddler son was strapped to my back the whole time.  There was no way to hold him up to the water comfortably, though I wouldn't have trusted him with a pan of sand at the largest water table he's ever seen. After panning, we waited in the courtyard for the tour of the underground mine. View of outside from above us underground This was a great experience for the whole family in the heat of the summer!  The underground mine tour goes about 200 feet deep.  If you've ever been in a cave, you know they get cold.  This was no different!  It was about 60 degrees and they say it stays that way year round.  I totally didn't think about it, so I forgot to tell everyone to bring their sweaters.  Thankfully, because the tot was strapped to me in the Boba the whole time, I remained pretty comfortable. Old mining tools underground Crisson Mine More gold panning From there, we moved on to the Crisson Mine.  Here, our passes covered gold panning and gem mining.  We were provided another vial to collect our gold and a plastic bag for our gems.  You walk outside through a self-guided tour of mining equipment, then head to a covered (but still blazing hot) panning and mining spot. Gem Mining Additionally, we purchased a ride-through-tour of the property on a small trailer pulled behind a tractor at the reasonable price of $10 for our family of 5.  Though it was hot, we appreciated the ride as we were able to sit and rest after the extensive time on our feet.  The ride was quiet (aside from the tractor) as we read the signs, stared at equipment, and pointed at the various animals on the property.  My husband got the turkey gobbling up a storm for everyone, too.   What to pack for a mountain vacation with young children How to prepare for the Gold Tour with the Gold Fever Package Bring a sweater for the underground mine (if you get cold easily)   Bring water and snacks - the total tour will take over 4 hours   Take turns holding a toddler if you're doing panning or gem mining   Wear closed-toe shoes; preferably comfortable sneakers for walking and standing   #### Venturing Outdoors Despite Rainy Weather Predictions Over the course of a few days, I had activities planned with the kiddo that required us to venture away from home, outdoors and on days that had not-so-good weather forecasts.  The first activity was nearly an hour from home to visit the Alligator Farm in St. Augustine and the prediction was rainy.  I almost backed out of the plan, but the kiddo was insistent that we go to the Alligator Farm. This kid is so much braver than me! Petting a snake at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm If she had been younger and needier, making that trip wouldn't have even been an option.  I would have canceled because little ones are so difficult to pack up and move around in the rain.  At 3, she's difficult, but in a different way.  At least she's capable of helping these days.  So, I opted to make the trip even though I didn't think it would be worth the travel. Boy, was I wrong.  It stayed overcast for the day and it was hot and muggy, but it wasn't blistering because the blazing Florida sun wasn't beating down on us.  It ended up being a wonderful day to visit and we stayed in the park from 10 a.m. to nearly 3:00 p.m.  I was exhausted, but glad my kiddo had pushed for us to go. The rest of the weekend, I continued the trend by visiting our local Saturday market (the Riverside Arts Market).  I was in need of local fruits and vegetables.  It was sprinkling at the house and projected to be quite a wet day, but we packed up and headed downtown anyway.  When we got there, it was hardly sprinkling, though the ground was quite damp and puddles were scattered throughout the parking lots, but it was cool out.  In fact, it was cool enough with the breeze under the bridge that I really could have used a sweater. Kiddo enjoying locally made ice cream at Riverside Arts Market on a cool day By venturing out on those days, I escaped what could have been a very long weekend of whining from a kiddo who clearly yearned for time outside of the house.  We lucked out by having a great time throughout the weekend and I was glad I hadn't wasted the weekend being stuck indoors.  I think the best parts of venturing out on projected bad weather days was that everyone felt the way I normally do and the places we visited weren't crowded because of it.  The cooler weather and less crowded outdoor venues made for some good time to enjoy ourselves and still be able to get things done. #### Violet VoxBox Review I was supplied with the Violet VoxBox from Influenster to try the following products for FREE.  All opinions expressed here are my own.  Look at everything I received in my Violet VoxBox and then read on to find out what my favorite product was.Sally Hansen Triple Shine Nail Polish The first product I tried was the Sally Hansen Triple Shine nail polish in "Dive In."  It arrived a couple days before a birthday party for my daughter's friend, so I polished up the day of to test it.  I initially noticed that the brush was rounded, which helped me to cover the nail to the base without much trouble.  It also appeared to reduce getting polish over the cuticles and beside the nail.  I think I even committed a cardinal sin of nail painting by doing double coats before the first coat dried.  Regardless, my nails dried extremely quickly and came out looking quite impressive.  I don't paint my nails often because having a two year old requires me to be at the ready in an instant.  I was able to paint my nails while she was awake and running around.The polish doesn't last long.  Regardless, Sally Hansen's Triple Shine Polish gets a huge thumbs up from this momma for the quick-dry!Goody Athletique Head BandThis wide band was designed to be no slip and adjustable for the perfect fit.  Additionally, it was meant to wick away moisture for your on the go activities.Unfortunately, this product was a total fail for me.  To get the band to adjust to my head just right, the Velcro sides stuck out considerably and made it look like I was a child trying to wear my mother's stuff.  I couldn't wear it otherwise, so I wasn't able to fully test it's effectiveness.So, apparently my head is too small still for this product.  I'd love to know if you've ever tried this with good results... Soy Joy in Dark Chocolate CherryThis bar was good.  I've been experimenting with Gluten Free foods for health reasons recently, so I was pleased to find that it was Gluten Free.  But, because of the debate over the effects of Soy and a woman's hormones, I chose to test only about half of the bar for review purposes.The bar itself is a little dry, the dark chocolate tastes quite a bit like dry baking cocoa, and the cherries are very tart.  I felt it could have been more moist still, but overall it was good.Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Dry ShampooThis stuff peaked my interested. This is not something I would rely on regularly, BUT I can see it being a useful addition to my bag on days I'm out racing (have I told you I do that?  Maybe I'll write a piece about it later).  Let's just say you didn't wash your hair last night because it didn't quite seem to need it, but you could tell tonight was the night.  Toward the end of the day you realize your hair was a bit more oily than you'd anticipated and felt a little subconscious about it in public.  This is where this stuff shines, in my opinion.  Break out this spray-on dry shampoo, brush through and "kachow" (yes, we're Cars fans here) most of that oil is gone.This is definitely worth keeping around when you're in a pinch and need a quick refresh!Montagne Jeunesse: Dead Sea Mud SpaI wasn't sure what to expect with a mud mask, but I opened the package to a strong spa-like aroma.  This fabric mask already had the mud on it, making for simple application. The two things I can note right off the bat:1) much too large for my face2) hubby was not fond of the smell (though neither of us are accustomed to spa experiences ...I typically only getting a massage once in a blue moon).I applied the mask for only 10 minutes before the cooling sensation became more of a burning sensation.  I was worried about skin irritation at that point, so didn't make it to 15 minutes.Luckily, there was no skin irritation ... only soft smooth feeling skin!  I was rather impressed with how good my skin felt, then I was wishing I had something like it for my hands...Now, the moment we've all been waiting for.My favorite product from this box was the Sally Hansen nail polish, which also happened to be the first thing I tried.Which of these products do you want to try? To help support this blog, posts from Ivy's Variety may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### Walt Disney World Really WAS the Most Magical Place on Earth for Our Family It took several months of deciding and then we finally planned a family vacation to Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL.  Several months before the vacation, my husband told our daughter that we wouldn't go if she didn't go poop in the potty.  You see, we've been potty training for so long that we thought maybe that was good incentive, since nothing else worked. Well, the first day, she was gung-ho on trying, and then she decided she really didn't need to see Mickey that badly and quit trying again. Finally, we just had to make the arrangements and hope that she'd do it.  The moment never came and we had to go on our family vacation without any further improvement on doing her business in the toilet.  Bummer.  I was against taking the vacation to see Mickey since he'd said she couldn't if she didn't poop in the potty.  After all, what were we teaching her by going back on our word?  I lost the argument and then we were at Disney anyway. When you think of Disney and toddler, what do you expect?  I expected some serious problems, personally.  I learned that my kid doesn't like going poop when she's away from home, so I expected constipation.  Then there's the later nights, crankier days, and the toddler desires that you can't always fulfill just because you're at Disney.  I expected melt downs.  Ironically, just days before the trip, we also found out kiddo had a UTI and had to start taking a really nasty antibiotic that she hated.  Who wouldn't look forward to fighting a toddler morning and night on vacation to take her medicine, right?  We, of course, had to make the best of it since we hadn't had a vacation in a while and we'd had a really hard year so far.  Planning our Disney World vacation didn't go very well, and we experienced a few hiccups prior to entering the parks, but once we were in, things took an amazing turn for the better. A couple days into the trip, we had taken Shelby to the pool.  After only a couple minutes, she was doing a wiggly dance and telling me she needed to potty so I rushed her back to the hotel room to do her business.  And, this turned out to be one of the most magical nights in a long time.  The kiddo decided at that moment that she needed to poop in the potty.  I couldn't believe it!  After all the fuss and she chose vacationing at Mickey's house to poop in the potty?  Yep, now I agree that Disney is the most magical place on earth, for sure! Aside from that excitement, we experienced no melt downs.  Our first day at the Magic Kingdom was extremely long and the kiddo made it through the entire day without a nap (no surprise) and even made it to the Electric Light Parade in an amazing mood.  The rest of the week was a little less impressive as she got somewhat cranky, but as I said, no melt downs and never was she unreasonable or unruly.  She got cranky on occasion, but was in a surprisingly good mood all week despite losing a lot of valuable sleep. Plus, the kid ate like a champ.  I was grateful all week that she continued to make pretty healthy choices at mealtimes including eating fruits and vegetables on occasion.  One night, she even requested fish for dinner and ate the entire portion.  I rarely eat fish (I don't like it) so she must get her taste buds from her daddy! After such an amazing week, I'm really glad we decided to purchase annual passes!  There's no doubt in my mind that we can make a few extra trips throughout the year and feel pretty good about them after such positive experiences. #### Want to Avoid Being the Most Hated Parent? Read This Sick Kid Etiquette Guide Now! Is your child sick or are you questioning their health?  This is your guide to parenting and the responsibility to the sick kid etiquette.  Your friends and family don't want to be miserable. I've considered myself pretty lax with my children's immune systems. Within a week after having my first baby, we were out dining at Steak 'N Shake. The baby dropped her pacifier on the ground? 3-second rule!  Wipe it off and put it back in her mouth. I figured, not being overly cautious helped build her immune system, and this thought process carried over to the second baby. While we were pretty lenient when it came to everyday germs, we've held pretty strong feelings about the sick kid etiquette.   We've never been fond of exposing our children to others who were knowingly sick.  Nor is this something we choose to do to others. We've been on play dates where, later on, my kids came down with something and I'd message the moms to let them know we may have accidentally exposed their children to some kind of illness.  And, we've been messaged for the same reasons. It happens. If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been the frustrated parent muttering, ‘Did they really have to bring their kid out today?’ The problem is the families who have complete and utter disregard for the sick kid etiquette.  Look, I get it—no one wants to miss out on a fun event because their kid is feeling under the weather. But here’s the thing: showing up with a sick kid isn’t just annoying—it’s downright disrespectful. What Is Sick Kid Etiquette? I like to think the sick kid etiquette is much like any standard daycare or school policy on keeping your kid at home. Most daycares and schools have sick child policies that outline exactly when to keep your child home from school.  Most of those policies involve keeping your child(ren) home for 24 hours after the last sign of illness.  These include, but are not limited to: *Fevers - and by this, they mean 24 hours after a fever has broken without the use of a fever reducer. *Vomiting *Diarrhea *Coughing with significant mucous production or difficulty breathing *Signs of strep throat *Pink Eye *Rash not associated with known eczema or laundry detergent irritation Sick Kid Etiquette Isn't Just For Day Care and School If you know when to keep your kid home from school, you can use the same concept when determining if your child is well enough to be around anyone else. And while it should go without saying, if they're not well enough to go out, they're not well enough to have visitors at your house either. Trust me when I say, the moms in your playgroup, gym, and even your friends and family will be grateful if you follow the sick child policy, too. Even if you're a mom that thinks the 24-hour sick child policy is ridiculous, it's possible that your family and friends don't share your outlook. While you may have some family and friends that don't care, they're probably few and far between. It's important to remember to be considerate of others. Think of: *the single working mom who can't miss another day of work *the stay at home mom who already doesn't have a good work-life balance *families with very young or elderly family members with weak immune systems *the families who bought a non-refundable vacation package *the child who may miss his or her own birthday party Yes, as a mom I'm incredibly annoyed when you bring your kids around knowing they puked an hour ago and you don't know why. But, it's not just annoying for me or my kids.  Think about your own children! If your child has a fever, had an infection, or just got on antibiotics, their doctor probably ordered rest.  And that's for their benefit!  Just as you need rest when you've been sick. No one is above the sick kid etiquette. Questioning The Sick Kid Etiquette? The easy (and responsible) answer is to keep your sick kids at home! Take care of them and give their bodies time to rest and recover.  (Want to learn more about how to treat common childhood illnesses? Try reading My Child is Sick! Expert Advice for Managing Common Illnesses and Injuries) If you're really not sure if you should have your children around someone else's, just ask them!   Listen, if you called me up to cancel our playdate because your kiddo suddenly came down with a fever or had some crazy rash appear, I promise I would completely understand. My kids might be upset, but that's way better than having to hear them whine about whatever illness they contracted from your kids at a playdate that should have been called off if their health was even remotely questionable. If your kid vomits an hour before Christmas dinner and you're not sure why? Call it off.  Or at the very least, give your family a warning call so they can decide for themselves if it's worth the risk of exposing their family to your sick kid. If they choose to stay home, they'll miss the turkey and all the fixings', but better than dealing with sick kids the rest of winter break if it could have been avoided. I mean, I know your mama taught you to share, but I don't think she meant for you to share your germs.  Right? The cold hard truth is this: Parents don't like it when their kids get sick with something that could have been prevented.  We like it when our kids are sick way less than missing out on a party, play date, or family meal. And, if a parent tells you they don't judge you for bringing your sick kid around when you could avoid it they're most likely lying. Truthfully, most of us feel like you're being disrespectful of others.  And, in the process, you're teaching your kids to disrespect others, too. Most parents will question your judgment if you bring your kids around others in times other than emergencies! And, though your kids may make you feel like it .... missing gymnastics practice or not opening Christmas presents from the family on Christmas day does not constitute an emergency! Do other parents (and yourself) a favor.  Gather your sick kid toolkit, settle in, and revel in the glory that is knowing you didn't piss off another mama by getting her kids sick, too. The Quick and Easy Guide to Not Pissing Other Parents Off With Your Sick Kids Rule #1: Keep Them Home Until They’re Symptom-Free for 24 Hours If your child has had a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, they need to be symptom-free for at least 24 hours without medication before going anywhere. That includes playdates, family visits, or school. Rule #2: When in Doubt, Cancel Plans If your kid is showing any signs of illness and you’re unsure, it’s better to err on the side of caution. Cancel the playdate or event rather than risk spreading something to others. Rule #3: Respect Other Parents’ Boundaries You may be okay with a slight cough or runny nose, but other parents might not be. Always communicate openly, and don’t downplay your child’s symptoms just to avoid confrontation. Rule #4: No Surprises—Give a Heads-Up If your child starts showing symptoms right before a scheduled activity or visit, let others know immediately. Send a quick text or call so they can make an informed decision. Rule #5: Sick Means No Visitors If your child isn’t well enough to leave the house, they’re not well enough for visitors either. This goes for family and friends, even if they beg to “just stop by for a minute.” Rule #6: Don’t Push Your Kid to Attend Sometimes parents are guilty of pushing kids to attend events because of tickets, reservations, or expectations. But a cranky, tired child who’s not feeling 100% isn’t going to have fun—and neither will anyone else. Rule #7: Don’t Minimize Symptoms for the Sake of Convenience A little runny nose can quickly turn into something bigger. Downplaying symptoms just to avoid rescheduling is not worth the risk. Keep your child home and keep other kids healthy! This post "Sick Kid Etiquette" originally appeared on this site 4/24/19 and has been updated. #### Want to Be a Better Parent? Get Rid of Facebook! Should I delete Facebook for my mental health?  The answer is a resounding YES!  When you get rid of Facebook,  you may become a better, more present parent in the process.  Here's the story. Several years ago, I was inspired by a blog post by an author who decided to delete the Facebook app from her phone.  So inspired, that I posted a quick blurb to my friends and family to get my contact information if they wanted to reach me quickly.  I promptly deleted my Facebook app from my iPhone. The first morning I woke up and grabbed my phone out of habit.  I love spending a few minutes catching up in the morning before hopping out of bed to begin the morning rush. I was lost. So, I played the rounds of Words With Friends that were waiting for me and then got out of bed. Luckily, I chose to delete Facebook (the first time) the night before leaving for a 3-day Disney trip with my daughter.  In the 3 days, I was so busy and exhausted that I barely had time to think about checking Facebook even for a moment during the day.  I had expected serious social withdrawals, but I hadn't had the time for them. Several years later, I found myself in the same predicament.  People don't reach out through other means, having a presence on social media was essential for my blog, and then it became a job requirement when I went back to work as a social media manager. After the bullshit that was 2020, it was time to detox from social media once again!  So, I uninstalled Facebook ... a second time! What Can I Expect When I Get Rid of Facebook? During that Disney trip with my daughter several years ago, I would log on to Facebook via my iPad in the hotel. Certainly, I was missing out on some great things, right?  Amazingly, I was bored within moments and would quickly turn off the iPad. I found myself recollecting the day I had spent living the good and the not-so-good moments.  I was only sharing them with my daughter in the moment.  I had taken photos that were fun and others that were simply ordinary. I hadn't spent the day clogging my newsfeed one photo at a time hoping for someone to "like" or comment on each photo. I also hadn't spent the mundane moments reading about other people's perceived awesomeness as I made my daughter sit in silence waiting for me to pay attention to her. I was present for each and every moment of the day.  It didn't matter how good or bad the moment was, I was there, and that was what mattered. The real challenge of getting rid of the Facebook app, however, were the days that followed when we didn't have constant entertainment at our fingertips...  the days at home when we were not running around from the moment we wake to the moment we sleep. I was challenged at home knowing that I could walk into the living room to check on all that Facebook had to offer and "be back in a minute." As much as I was plagued that I might be tempted to sit at the computer all day, I found myself more disinterested. The first time I deleted my Facebook app, I was getting up to clean house, check on blogging activities, or cooking.  I spent quiet times at the computer working on the blog or napping when I was pregnant.  Heck, I even decided to put aside my fears of using my dehydrator to make fruit leather. I might have checked in on Facebook now and again, but I wasn't so drawn to it that I was itchy or twitchy without it.  I was filling my time with more important things. I'd get online again at night when the kiddo was in bed, and I found myself more drawn to Facebook.  By the end of the day, I was certain something epic must have happened and I'd feel terrible for missing it. But, I quickly became bored again.  I'd post something for my friends and family to read.  I'd check in to see if I missed anything important.  Then, I'd get back to blogging or meal planning... something truly constructive and real. But the truth is ... None of us lead such extraordinary lives that we need to be on Facebook constantly.  I admit, even things I had posted were rather mundane. Benefits of Deleting Facebook I'm my own case study here, but this is what I noticed when I got rid of Facebook on my phone: I was living more deliberately, being more present. I was accomplishing more. I was thinking less about how each photo I took should be posted for your viewing pleasure. I was learning more. I was staying focused. I wasn't compelled to post for attention. I stopped getting involved in unconstructive debates that media and social media were fueling. I connected with my family more. Instead of posting thoughts or pictures haphazardly, I was saving up for an end of day post if I felt compelled.  I might throw in a mid-day post at a break in the day.  But, everything was deliberate.  A set of photos or a special photo from the day.  Instead of random thoughts throughout the day, or even little "vent" posts, I simplified. I was living more deliberately, being more present. Share on X I actually simplified my life by having fewer distractions.  Fewer distractions that, in general, weren't really worth the time they took away from other, more important things.  I wasn't constantly telling my children "I'm busy" or asking them to wait a minute. I can easily catch up on my friends' social media posts at the end of the day, but I can't get any of these moments back in my real life. I'm glad I broke up with my Facebook app as I'm much more compelled to DO something constructive with my time.  I'm not reading about your self-perceived awesomeness, looking at hundreds of pictures or videos of things you found on the internet, or reading about the horrible things going on in the news. Okay, maybe I'll be more disconnected from the news now, but is that really so bad? Not really - there's not much in the way of good news being reported.  I wonder if much of my negativity was driven by all the negativity I see reported or posted on social media. I am glad I deleted Facebook from my phone. Share on X Want more?  Check out Lifehack's 7 good reasons to quit Facebook. So, what do you think? Is it time to get rid of Facebook? Even if it's just removing it from the device that you're most likely to waste time on during the day, I believe it makes sense to delete the app!  You might find that, like me, you become a better parent and make more time for your kids! You don't have to get rid of Facebook completely.  Start with deleting the app from your phone.  But, you might discover that the longer you do without it, the less interest you have when you finally log back in! Quality Time with Family Series This is part 4 in the series about family and quality time! Here's what we have: Parents, Make Time for Your KidsGet Rid of Facebook (Be a Better, Happier Parent) [THIS POST]Maximize Time With your FamilyWays to Spend Quality Time With Family This post "Get Rid of Facebook" has been updated and republished.  It originally appeared on SAHM, plus in 2015. #### Want to Know How To Choose a Baby Carrier You'll Love? Try These Tips! Need help choosing the perfect baby carrier?  This is how to choose a baby carrier you're sure to love!  Plus, I'm sharing 3 of the top baby carrier styles for your introduction to babywearing. Babywearing isn't a new thing.  For centuries, mothers of many cultures have used baby carriers for carrying their babies around.  In the past, baby carriers were simple slings and wraps, which are styles still used today in the modern world.  But, with the resurgence in popularity, more styles of carriers are being created to accommodate the growing demands of the overwhelmed moms in all different situations.  Various styles, colors, sizes, and fabrics make choosing the perfect baby carrier seem to be an even more daunting task. While it may be intimidating when you first begin looking into babywearing, it's not nearly as difficult.  Let's talk about how to choose a baby carrier that will make you and your baby happy! Do You Need a Baby Carrier? Thinking about getting a baby carrier? It's like having an extra set of hands! Here are some reasons why choosing the right baby carrier can be a game-changer: Gives your tired arms a much-needed break while keeping your little one snug. Lets you tackle your to-do list while having your baby close for those sweet cuddles. Boosts that lovey-dovey oxytocin, making you and your baby feel even more connected. Research even suggests it could help with postpartum blues and anxiety. Say goodbye to struggling with that clunky stroller. Just strap on the carrier and you're good to go. Navigating busy public areas becomes a breeze, no need to weave through a sea of legs with a stroller. Studies have found that babies who are carried for a few hours a day tend to cry less overall. So why not make life a little easier and cozier for both you and your bundle of joy? How to Choose a Baby Carrier View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ivy | SAHM Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) Baby Size More important than the carrier itself, you must always follow the manufacturer weight recommendations.  Baby carriers are not one size fits all, therefore, it's important to know weight and height recommendations for your baby, so that you and your baby will be safe and comfortable.  A baby who is too small for a baby carrier will not be properly supported.  A baby who is too large will be uncomfortable and can increase strain on your own body. Parent Size Many manufacturers will list sizing details about how much adjustment room each specific baby carrier has.  This makes narrowing down your carrier options a little easier, so know your own size and whether or not you can adjust the carrier to fit you.  You want your baby to be snug, but you don't want the carrier to be too tight or too lose. Read Reviews There's nothing like making the mistake of purchasing a baby carrier without doing your research.  Ask me how I know this is a disaster... Do the research because choosing the perfect baby carrier doesn't just happen by chance.  Check the specifications of the carriers you're considering to make sure they'll fit and are of fabric fitting for your environment.  Further, reading moms honest reviews of carriers will help you determine whether or not any carrier is one you should consider for yourself and your baby. Try them on You may be able to try on a variety of styles in your local baby shop.  If you're lucky enough to have a local babywearing group, make a point to visit one and try on some demonstration carriers.  Bring along your spouse if he intends to practice babywearing.  Choosing the perfect baby carrier is likely going to be a different experience for each of you. Trying on a carrier with your baby will help you determine fit and comfort for anyone wearing (or being worn).  Of course, the best place to do this as a new babywearing mama is under the supervision of someone experienced, so they can help watch for the baby's safety as well as making necessary adjustments for the right fit. What Not to Focus On You'll find that the more involved you become in the babywearing community, the more you'll hear about the different ways to carry your baby.  If this is your first time practicing babywearing, focus on the basics.  A simple front-carry is really the first thing you need to know to get started.  As you become comfortable with a certain style of carrier, and with your baby, then venture out to learn all you can about other ways to carry your baby.  Don't overwhelm yourself from the start. How to Choose a Baby Carrier Style Aside from all the research, choosing the perfect baby carrier means narrowing down the baby carrier style that's right for your baby or toddler's age.  I'll touch on the three most popular carrier styles, in hopes of making choosing the perfect baby carrier easier.  When you're more comfortable with babywearing, you can potentially find yourself experimenting with other styles and more carrying positions.  But, my intent is not to overwhelm you with choices. Sling A sling is one of the best newborn baby carriers, assuming you can get over the feeling that your little peanut is going to wiggle himself right out.  Choosing a sling for a newborn means you have to choose one that fits close to your body.  Plus, the rings shouldn't be made of a slippery metal.  The rings need to keep the fabric in place so that you can be certain the baby won't be able to wiggle free. Some slings are a solid piece of fabric, meaning you wouldn't have to worry about the rings, but you'd definitely need to make sure to get the correct size for your body. A sling was never one I was able to get comfortable with.  However, mothers who do get comfortable with them have found them useful for baby and toddler years. Popular slings include: The Hip Baby Ring Sling, which has a 4.4 star rating on Amazon with over 2,000 reviews.  This one sells between $40 and $60 (at the time of writing this), which is reasonably affordable for most moms entering the world of babywearing. Want something a little more luxurious? Try out this bamboo and linen baby sling by Nalakai. At $65, this sling has a 4.4 star rating on Amazon with over 3,500 reviews!  This sling also offers a few patterns in both regular and extra length sizes. For the mom who is uncertain about a sling, but wants to give it a try, check out the Seven Baby Slings!  You can get a Seven Baby Sling for free with code SAHM40.  You'll just have to pay a $3.50 sizing insurance fee and shipping and handling.  But, with minimal investment, you won't feel terrible if you don't end up loving a sling.  Sizing insurance with this one is important because this is not a ring sling and you will not be able to get the proper fit on-the-go. Wrap A wrap is often the most intimidating to new mothers.  To be honest, I had a wrap with my first baby, but was never able to comprehend how to wrap myself and a wiggly baby tightly enough to be of any use. It took a babywearing introduction class at a local babywearing group to get a better understanding of how it's done.  I attended one when I was pregnant with my second and practiced babywearing with a baby doll after the introductory discussion was over. Once my confidence was built with practice on the baby doll, I purchased a used wrap from a friend and practiced with a teddy bear over the course of the next few months as I waited for my second baby to be born. Though wrapping a live baby is significantly different, I found this to be much easier than I'd ever given it credit for.  And, because my son was under the weight recommendation for a soft structured carrier right after birth, the wrap was the perfect baby carrier during his newborn stage.  I loved it because I was able to custom fit a wrap for my body and my baby, perfecting the support of my newborn's neck, and keep him close as I carried on essential business. The wrap was the introduction to babywearing we needed so that I could handle life as a mom more easily the second time around.  And despite what others may believe, babywearing didn't create this mama's boy but it served an important function in handling my high-needs baby. The Boba Wrap, Grey, is an Amazon Best Seller and Amazon Choice product.  With the soft, stretchy material, you're sure to get just the right fit for you and baby.  It receives a 4.5 star rating with over 6500 reviews. The Boba Wrap is an amazing product.  It's not unreasonably priced, and the stretchy material makes it possible to get a comfortably snug fit. The 9-in-1 Cuddlebug Baby Wrap has a fabulous 4.4 star rating with nearly 5,600 reviews on Amazon.  It is also an Amazon Choice product!  For just a few dollars less than the Boba, you can have a very versatile and comfortable wrap.  It's also made of stretchy material to make getting a snug fit easier for you and your baby. Seven Baby now offers wraps.  With the discount code SAHM40, you can purchase one for about $20 plus shipping and handling.  That's a pretty good deal for giving a wrap a shot if this is your first time. Soft Structured Carrier This was, by far, my most favorite carrier.  The moment my son was big enough to transfer to a soft structured carrier, we switched.  My husband gave me one for Mother's Day after I lamented about believing I needed one, but wasn't willing to shell out good money on one for the second (and last baby).  And, there was no way I was buying another cheap carrier that would hurt my back and make me hate wearing my baby. A cheap carrier was the reason I didn't practice babywearing with my first. So, to my surprise, I was gifted a Boba 4G and became a firm believer in the power of babywearing.  We did everything with the carrier.  From talking walks to the creek to visiting theme parks, the carrier went everywhere.  And, eventually, I learned to breastfeed in a carrier. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ivy | SAHM Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) A soft structured carrier is, in my opinion, the easiest of all the carriers to master.  Once you select the perfect one for your body and your baby, it's relatively easy to adjust them to fit.  Learning to carry in different positions is easier too.  Finally, some manufacturers make soft structured carriers strictly for toddlers, so you have a wide range of carriers available to choose from. I will start with my personal favorite, the Boba 4G. The reason I chose this carrier was because it included an infant insert (although my little guy was still under the weight recommendation for the first few weeks).  I had to start with a wrap and then moved to using the Boba as soon as he weighed enough. Once he past the infant stage, I pulled out the insert.  I've been wearing him nearly everywhere in the 4G and learned to breastfeed in it.  Additionally, I learned to back carry, which we do on occasion now that he's a toddler. For the money, a Boba 4G is versatile.  It will last you several years and through some of your baby's toddler-hood, depending on weight. Features I like about the Boba 4G (now 4GS since writing this post): Wide body to help conceal a breastfeeding baby. A hood that zips into its own pocket for sleeping or shielding from sun. Ergonomic design Variety of patterns to suit your personal tastes Functionality and comfort at a price fit for the years of use you'll get. Fits a variety of body types from XS to XXL. The verdict is still out for me on the Beco 8 carrier.  While it has the back brace for added support, I feel as though it prevents me from tightening the straps enough for a comfortable and snug fit.  I have yet to take the back brace off and try a back carry though. What I DO love about this carrier is that it has a zip down mesh back to help keep your baby cool in warmer climates (I'm in Florida).  And when it's cooler outside, I can zip it back up for warmth. Additionally, it comes with an infant insert and is capable of 8 carry positions. Hopefully I have you set up for choosing the perfect baby carrier.  As always, let me know if you have any questions! Did I miss any important points on how to choose a baby carrier? This post originally appeared Feb 2018 and has been updated for accuracy.   FAQs on How to Choose a Baby Carrier When should I start carrying my baby with a baby carrier? You can use a carrier like a ring sling beginning on the first day. Once you get used to it, they're usually more manageable than toting baby around in a car seat. But pay attention to size/weight recommendations. How long should a newborn be in a baby carrier? If your baby is alert and awake, consider giving your baby a break from the carrier after about an hour to stretch and move. How often should I carry my baby? Your baby may determine how long he or she needs you. My son needed me constantly, so I wore him while I did house chores, cooked, or took walks. We took breaks for baths, potty, naps and bedtime. What are the disadvantages of wearing baby in a sling or carrier? Generally speaking, the biggest downside to babywearing can be mother's discomfort, though if you wear properly, this isn't always a concern. An ill-fitting carrier can be problematic for you and baby, so follow safety guidelines and the manufacturer's height and weight recommendations. What is the recommended weight for a baby carrier? Generally, you can start toting your baby around in a carrier beginning at 7 pounds and can often wear until your baby is between 35 and 45 pounds. Be sure to check your carrier's recommended weight limits. Should I carry my newborn all day? As long as you're nurturing your newborn and meeting their essential needs, there are no specific recommendations or guidelines for how long or how often you can carry your baby. 5 Best Selling Baby Carriers on Amazon #### Want to Know How to Get Baby to Sleep (Longer)? Check Out Our Tips One of the most searched questions from new moms is How do I get baby to sleep? If you want to know how to get baby to sleep at night and longer, you'll love these tips. Mama, I'm with you! Long days and sleepless nights learning to nurture newborns is rough! When baby sleeps ... well, that's what dreams are made of.   Literally! And I want to help you get your babies to sleep ... through the night, even. But who am I? Well, I'm a mom of two babies who learned to sleep through the night. 12-hours straight, as a matter of fact. To be clear, this wasn't all by luck. Getting a baby to sleep at night, longer, and in their crib was a lot of work.   Here's a bit of back story: My second baby slept roughly 12 hours at night when he was about 5 months old. That is, he slept straight through the night!   Now, before you get too jealous, you have to understand I wasn't nearly as lucky with my first baby. My daughter was a 12-hour sleeper as a baby, but it took a lot more trial and error. She didn't start sleeping through the night until she was about 8 months old.  The techniques I learned with my daughter were the most valuable tools in getting our second baby to sleep through the night much sooner.  Getting baby to sleep (longer) at night wasn't luck or coincidence. At least, that's not how I see it. Getting a baby to sleep takes serious work and determination, especially if you have a high-needs baby.  I had to make some tough decisions and do things that most people judged us for.  Now, my purpose here isn't to brag. Nor do I want to make you pea green with envy.  I want to share my secrets with you to help you get your baby to sleep better, too. How Can I Make My Baby Fall Asleep? Before you can think about getting baby to sleep through the night or sleep longer in a crib, you've got to ensure you understand how to get baby to sleep! Healthy Sleep Habits for Baby You should begin healthy sleep habits for your baby as early as possible.  Did you know newborn babies require up to 16 hours of sleep per day? Generally, this occurs between nighttime sleep and two or three daytime naps.  When my daughter was very young (and finally learning to sleep through the night around 8 or 9 months) her Pediatrician was surprised to find that she was sleeping 12 hours at night and taking consistent naps during the day totaling about 14 hours of sleep, which was appropriate for her age. The Pediatrician had remarked on how under-slept babies are today. Do you want to know how I got two babies to sleep 12 hrs a night? #babysleep #parenting #babies Share on X Early Bedtime Contrary to what most people seem to believe later bedtimes do not help get baby to sleep any more easily. Keeping our daughter awake later did NOT help with our sleeping situation! When she was about 8 months old, I realized that she was extra fussy and would often pass out in her swing around 6:30.  So, I began using the 30-45 minutes before that time to work on a bedtime routine so that she was in bed by 6:30. When I did this, almost immediately, she began to go to sleep more easily and would sleep longer. By doing this, I was teaching her to follow her body's sleepy cues. Plus, I was almost completely eradicating "the witching hour" by not allowing her to become overtired.    If you're not sure about this, just think about the times you were so overtired that your body didn't know how to wind down and made it more difficult to fall asleep. It's like that for babies, only worse, because they don't quite have their healthy sleep habits down yet. Best Bedtime Routine to Get Baby to Sleep? While many people suggest a bath before bed, you really should take special care to watch your baby's reaction to bath time.  I began to realize that my daughter was energized, rather than soothed, by a bath. A bath became counter-productive in the search for a good night's sleep.  Conduct bedtime routines that include reading, singing, and snuggling in a dimly lit and semi-quiet room. I didn't bathe either of my babies before bed because of the energizing effect it had on them.  With my son, I used only a single small lamp to change his diaper and get him dressed in PJs, then read a short book. Afterward, he'd nurse while I would sing and rock him ... all without the use of artificial light. Use the low light concept during the middle of the night wakings, too. I used the flashlight on my phone to change diapers then turned it off immediately and nursed quietly in the dark. Turn on the White Noise A white noise machine can help drown out background noises that might keep a baby from falling asleep or wake a baby up.  This helped both my babies and allowed us to continue on with life as usual.  Go ahead a live life without the fear of waking up baby from that precious slumber!  You can use a white noise app if you have a spare device or buy a white noise machine. How To Get Baby to Sleep In Crib Swaddle           View this post on Instagram                   I discovered how much he likes being swaddled & feel like a dope for not doing this sooner. What baby soothing techniques do you employ? I might use your technique in an upcoming blog post ;) A post shared by Ivy | SAHM Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Jan 8, 2016 at 8:52am PST You might be surprised by how much a swaddle will comfort your baby and help them sleep on their own.  I imagine it felt like a nice warm snuggle, all night long! Add an item that smells like mommy Obviously adding extra items in a newborn's crib isn't the best idea, but what if you rubbed that swaddle all over yourself? When baby is a bit older and can push things away from his or her face, adding a lightweight blanked that smells like you could be all the comfort your baby needs to sleep in his crib. Sleep Training Consider some form of sleep training.  No matter what I tried, both my babies needed me to use cry it out and extinction.  The more I tried to help, the more worked up they got. So, I stopped trying (within reason).  They learned to put themselves to sleep, which made settling back in after night wakings easier, too. And, while sleep training was uncomfortable, having babies that slept through the night and would wake up in a good mood was very rewarding! How to Get Baby To Sleep Through the Night Set thermostat temperature conducive to sleep  A cool room allows your body temperature to drop which will naturally signal that it's time to sleep.  It is recommended to have the temperature set to about 70 degrees. We find that to be too cold for our liking. I recommend setting the thermostat as low as you can handle somewhat comfortably, which will help you and your baby get to sleep easier. Dress your baby in a lightweight one-piece bodysuit and swaddle. If you're not good at swaddling, cheat! I recommend the Summer Infant SwaddleMe, which has made swaddling idiot-proof. Baby sleep schedule Finding baby sleep schedules online isn't difficult, but I recommend following these as guidelines for finding an appropriate sleep schedule for your baby. Check out these baby sleep schedules and guidelines from Parents.com. The American Academy of Pediatrics Supports Childhood Sleep Guidelines as recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, which says infants should sleep between 12 - 16 hours in a 24 hour period. If you find your baby is falling asleep at certain times of day, allow him to sleep. You'll find that, by following your baby's sleepy cues, you'll have a schedule dictated for you and it will be what YOUR baby needs. It's a good idea to let your baby sleep as long as he or she needs. If you can, resist the urge to wake your baby to fit a schedule you wish to set.  When a baby is allowed to wake up on his own, he learns to trust his body and will sleep as much (or as little) as he needs. Getting Baby to Sleep Longer May Be Determined By Daytime Sleep Schedules Why do babies need naps?  Well, for one, letting your baby fall into a natural nap routine will teach him/her to trust when their body is tired. When a baby is tired, let them sleep. They need much more shut-eye than children and adults.  If you're keeping them awake in hopes of getting them to sleep "better" at night, you're being counter-productive. Go back to read the Early Bedtime section where I talk about being overtired. Having a solid and predictable nap schedule will actually help your baby learn to sleep better at night. Make Night Wakings Boring One of the most important things you can do is to remember to keep things very dark for nighttime wakings. As much as possible, to get your baby to sleep through the night, it's important to train their brains and bodies to understand that night is dark. Turn on only as much light as you need for nighttime feedings and diaper changes.  For me, this meant turning on my phone's built-in flashlight to change diapers, and then I'd turn it off and feed in a completely dark room. Make as little noise as possible, too!  I've found with both my babies that more singing or talking (and more lights) indicated that this was an appropriate time to wake up. By keeping things dark and quiet, both babies were much easier to settle back into bed and began sleeping through those times they were only waking up for play. How to Get Baby to Sleep Longer Diaper one size up I use Pampers Baby Dry diapers at night and use the next size larger for even more absorbency. A baby who is uncomfortable with a wet diaper will wake up more easily. I only use this trick for wet diapers, but still recommend nighttime diaper changes if your baby has a poo. Black out curtains When baby is wanting to party every morning at 4 a.m., black out curtains are going to be your best friends. I found them helpful in getting baby to sleep better at nap time too. Tummy Sleeping  Disclosure: I'm not a doctor or scientist and can only recommend you speak with a trusted pediatrician about this subject! I just want to share my personal experience.  I bucked the system and decided to let my babies sleep on their tummies (NOT if they were in a swaddle).  They slept better that way.  I watched to make sure they had good head and neck control before deciding on this option. This was a personal family decision that helped get baby to sleep and stay asleep longer (both times).  It worked for us, but I can't tell you with any degree of certainty that's it's safe or effective for your family. If you'd like a few more baby sleep tips ... Check out this short video from HealthyChildren.org with great advice on how to get baby to sleep, especially what to do when your baby wakes in the middle of the night. Sleep from Healthy Children on Vimeo. In this episode, Little Laura shows parents how to create a safe sleep environment and goes through the top ways to get a baby to go to sleep. Need to Get Baby to Sleep During a Sleep Regression? Maybe you already had your baby sleeping well and now you're needing advice on how to get baby to sleep during a sleep regression? Check out our guide to sleep regressions in babies. Or check out the Baby Sleep Miracle! Knowing How To Get Baby To Sleep Through The Night also means you need to know what is likely waking your baby in the middle of the night.  I share that in this post. Do you have any other advice to help get baby to sleep? Or, do you need more help? Leave a comment and let's see how to get your baby to sleep. This post has been updated. #### Warning: Your Child's Behavior Problem Might Actually Be YOU I had it up to my eyeballs with my child's behavior.  But, I learned a valuable lesson in parenting when I started the consequence and reward jar system for behavior modification. When we implemented the Consequence and Reward Jars, it was simply to try to find a way to make it through the day with a little more sanity.  I needed to improve my daughter's behavior.  S had lost her manners, was expecting to be given things, and became fairly unreasonable.  She needed to be brought back to earth.  It was important for me to do all this with less yelling, which was getting us nowhere (aside from considering therapy before she turned 5). The first day was a total bust.  There was yelling.  Consequences were pulled.  When consequences get pulled, there's no reward ball for the day.  And, I almost gave up. The following day, however, I completely lost my mind.  (Okay, not really, but I felt like it for a moment).  It was as though S knew to continue pushing my buttons to receive attention, regardless of how bad the attention was.  One moment, she was testing me, yelling, and stomping.  The next moment, I can't remember exactly what she said or did, but I remember sitting there in stunned silence. And then I laughed.  I didn't know how else to respond but to laugh, otherwise, I was going to cry.  At the same time, I was fighting back tears.  I was just done. Then? She laughed.  First, she got mad that I was laughing, because "it [wasn't] funny."  But, she laughed.  That ended whatever problem we were having at the time.  She laughed and walked out of the room to play. What I learned from the consequence and reward jar system I am capable of diffusing her anger.  She wasn't able to continue being mad while laughing.  Plus, I couldn't hold the grudge if we were both laughing. Thanks to the exhaustion associated with having two children, I'd come to a point that everything was annoying.  I'd moved away from warnings.  Instead, I immediately reprimanded her for infractions, no matter how minor or serious.  There was no delightful banter and I left no room for discussion. What I really found was that I was perpetuating a lot of the trouble since I had no patience.  I had previously lost the ability to diffuse any situation.  And, everything escalated a situation until the entire day was ruined. When we started the system, my husband asked if I thought S could fill up the reward jar in a reasonable time frame.  Of course, my response had been an enthusiastic "No."  I would have been right if I'd continued with my attitude. That simple laugh gave her the attention she craved and reminded me that not every act of disobedience is worthy of punishment.  It reminded me that she needs more attention that I was obviously giving her.  I was going through the motions day in and day out, praising myself for keeping the kids alive, fed, and clean(ish).  But, I wasn't spending much quality time with either, and my daughter acting out was her cry for attention. Amazingly, that first week taught me how to find some patience so that S could earn her reward.  And, little more than a month passed when she earned her first outing.  Of course, she had a couple days she lost her reward ball, and another couple she earned the bonus puff. Now, my husband laughs at me for believing it couldn't be done. Ways YOU can ensure success with the consequence and reward jar system Remember that part of your child's attitude reflects your own.  And, there's no room for improvement if you're on edge regularly (I speak from experience).  Here are some ways to ensure your child is successful in this system. Get plenty of rest.  Getting enough sleep will improve your mood. Diffuse the situation.  Does your child need your attention?  If a simple laugh or hug will diffuse the entire situation, start with it. Keep your bad mood to yourself.  It's part of the house rules, and so appropriate in this situation. Your bad mood reflects onto your child and makes the day more difficult for everyone. Keep emotion out of consequences.  There's no reason to yell at your child.  When it's deserved, calmly send your child to the consequence jar. Reprimand appropriately.  It's okay to have warnings but be sure they receive consequences when it's rightly deserved.  Skip the reward for the day upon a serious infraction. Follow through.  Whether you say "last warning" or "go to the consequence jar," stick to it. Don't take everything so seriously.  Ask yourself, first, whether you believe your child is acting out for attention or true disobedience and act accordingly. When we devised this system, I was certain it was to teach my daughter that there are consequences for every action.  Some are good, some are bad.  What I hadn't realized as that I was going to be teaching myself a lesson.  It's one I can't unlearn as I see it play out at least once a week.  When S begins to act out of sorts, I always remember the first time I just laughed.  Now, she looks at me to see how I'm going to react and she's begun laughing first.  I know, in those moments, she's seeking attention and it's time for me to give it to her.  Other times, when she's just disobedient, she's not smiling about it, and I know it's really time for the consequence jar. If you're struggling with your child's behavior, sign up for my email newsletter and get your free download of the consequence slips for your own consequence jar.  If you implement a consequence and reward jar system for your own house, I'd love to hear how you made it work for you. #### Warning! You Need to Know These Truths About Self-Awareness Exploring the truth about self-awareness. How to become more self-aware with Tasha Eurich's Book "Insight." I have more books than I do clothes, shoes and purses combined. I devour them. Sometimes I read while making dinner - which explains those odd sauce spots you'll see if I loan one to you (Sorry!). But, there are books that aren't meant to be consumed in a few days. To appreciate them, you need to absorb them slowly. That was the case with Tasha Eurich's book Insight, which took me almost three months to complete! There's a small part of me that's ashamed to admit that. It's the same part that's ashamed to admit I liked Waterworld. Disclaimer: Although I received this book free from Blogging For Books, all opinions stated here are my own. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The problem was I kept stopping to take notes. Notes! Who the heck does that unless they have to? So much of what Eurich wrote in this book resonated with me. Prior to reading it, I thought I was pretty self-aware. I try to be empathetic and conscious of how my actions affect others. But, in the back of my mind, there has always been this nagging doubt that the person I project to others may not be the same person I am inside my head. Maybe that fight I had with my friend two years ago wasn't her fault. Maybe that job didn't let me go for budget reasons. © Cristen Why is Self-Awareness Important? Insight is a detailed look into self-awareness and its impact on our lives, from business interactions to social relationships. Over the last 40 years, our society has shifted away from conformity and modesty as a measure of living well and, instead, started focusing on self-esteem and the glorification of individuality. While this sounds great (individuality), studies have found that higher self-esteem does not always equal higher success or happiness. In fact, the opposite is frequently true. In an age of selfies, Twitter monologues, and participation awards, we're lulled into thinking we're special and superior. "It's far easier to feel wonderful and special than to become wonderful and special." - Tasha Eurich Exploring Self-Awareness Fortunately, self-awareness is a surprisingly learnable skill. Eurich helps readers uncover the areas they are weakest in and discover the areas of their life they'd be better off focusing on. Her book is full of anecdotal stories from people she's known personally and famous figures throughout history, interesting social experiments, and hilarious (often humbling) revelations. Like the chapter where she highlights our "Cult of Self" by pointing out the growing trend of parents naming their children unconventional names in an effort to make them stand out. I had to laugh. My children are named Troy and Beau. Ah, well, I guess I'm a product of my environment after all. Get Your Copy [easyazon_link identifier="0451496817" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="y" cloak="y" localize="y" popups="y"]Insight: Why We're Not as Self-Aware as We Think, and How Seeing Ourselves Clearly Helps Us Succeed at Work and in Life[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" cloak="y" height="500" identifier="0451496817" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/41zrvga72BeL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="329"] Do you really know as much as you think about self-awareness? #### Welcome Fall Roundup 2016 Who's ready for Fall?  I'm so ready to welcome Fall.  It's the one time a year in Florida when we can look forward to a break from the miserable heat.  We typically have a nice cool (sometimes cold) Thanksgiving when we can bundle up in our cozy sweaters.  We might even be able to think about using our Fireplaces. I love this time of year.  Every year since we moved into this house, we've visited a pumpkin patch at a nearby church.  We pick our pumpkins for Halloween and have an annual family photo taken.  Nothing special, just one on our cell phones.  But, it has become our tradition.  And I love looking back on those photos. Speaking of pumpkins ... I love this season of pumpkin everything.  My daughter and I love picking pumpkins.  I love drinking pumpkin spice lattes (when they're non-dairy).  And, I love watching my husband turn our pumpkin(s) into Jack-O-Lanterns. By the time Christmas arrives, we'll likely be feeling the heat again.  That's typical.  And, I'll be glad I savored every moment of Fall while it lasted. So, I wanted to give you a roundup of Fall related blog posts to help you prepare for my favorite season. All posts being shared here are from Mom Blog Tribe, which is a great group of mommy bloggers on Facebook.  If you join the group, make sure to tell them Ivy from SAHM, plus sent you! Let's Welcome Fall with these Posts Fall Crafting Easy Baby Food Jar Pumpkin Craft Food Allergies Trick or Treating and Food Allergies: Teal Pumpkin Recipes for Fall Verde Pork Posole Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Fall Decorating Transform your house for Fall Fall Fashion Breastfeeding comfort in Fall with Momzelle (plus giveaway) Be sure to visit all the posts in my Fall roundup, and let each of the bloggers know you found them from SAHM, plus. What's your favorite part of Fall? #### Welcoming a Pet to Our Family My husband's a sucker for our daughter.  She can usually start asking for something and not long after, he'll give in and get what it is she desires.  I love it, yet I wish there were a way to convince him that it's okay to wait a while.  One of the more recent purchases was a tricycle that he had to get before Christmas because she was practically begging for a "cycle" as she calls them.  It's adorable, but, of course, I wonder what message it sends her. Well, she recently met our neighbor's dog and was crazy about it.  You know what that prompted ... Next thing I know, hubby was on the internet researching good dogs for a family with a toddler.  As much as I said I wasn't ready for another dog yet, I was compelled to look also. This time around we happened to be by an adoption event being held at the Petco in our location by Ana's Angels Animal Rescue.  After spending some time with a dog I thought we would be interested in, we were told she was best suited for a family with at least one other dog.  If I'm barely ready for one, there was no way I was going to commit to the idea of having two. On we looked and decided to spend a few minutes with a dog I wasn't immediately drawn to, but who had been laying around relaxed the whole time in her crate as all the other dogs were yapping and barking.  She was so sweet and cuddly and calm.  After a week in our care under fostering terms, we decided that she was a good fit for our family. At 7 months, she's mostly potty trained, she's generally calm, and just wants to be part of the family.  Unfortunately, that has also meant that she experiences some separation anxiety at night in her crate, so she wakes me up a lot.  But, for a change, I do have a dog that listens to me.  And, she is great with our whole family! Here's our sweet Ella with baby girl out in the yard So, we're adjusting to life and new routines with a puppy.  This probably also means I'll be on the lookout for more pet deals as time goes by. Do you have a family pet for your little ones? #### What a BFF is to Me Ivy and her BFF at baby shower in 2011What is a BFF to you?  I struggle with friendships and I sometimes feel even more clueless as to what a BFF is.  As children, we have our BFFs and maintaining our friendships is pretty easy, aside from learning about real friends.  As adults, maintaining our friendships is so much more work because we have to balance work, husband, children, home, pets, and our own hobbies or interests.  Life with a kid, hubby, monthly racing hobby, and an autoimmune disorder that kicks my butt takes a lot of time and energy, making it very difficult for me to connect with anyone, much less long term.  I have a hard time understanding my own life with this autoimmune disorder, and I can't blame anyone for not sticking around to figure it out with me if they hardly know me.  But, when I really sit down to think about it, I realize a best friend isn't the same for everyone.  Our individual personalities each require something different to fulfill our needs and make us happy.  We may have several BFFs during our lifetimes, while others have a BFF for life.  For me, a best friend is someone that I share a long history with.  She knows who I was and who I am today.My real life BFF is a woman I've known since Kindergarten.  We've been through many ups and downs, sharing various funny and sad stories, and shared plenty of successes and failures in our lives.  Sadly, we also had a period of separation sometime after graduating high school.  A few years later, we reunited and I found out I missed out on, what could have been, some really good times with her.  In fact, I missed out on her wedding.  Fortunately, we've witnessed each other grow into mature (well, at least mostly mature) adults with children of our own. And though a bit of distance and new interests, family, and life keeps us apart more often than I'd like, we're always just a phone call (or text) away.Our friendship isn't perfect.  What relationship is?  I think that's the beauty of being able to call her my best friend!  We can be imperfect and still love each other.  Even if we can't always be physically present in moments of need, we think of each other often and hope for the best outcomes in every situation.  The few times we can arrange a visit, there's a comfort that I will probably never know with anyone else in my life, simply because of the extremely long ride we've been on together.  From silly little kids, stupid highschoolers, to women raising our own silly little kids, we've been through so much together.  I love knowing that I never have to explain my past for her to understand my present and vice versa. Plus, we can share some really funny (aka stupid) stories from our past, which includes the long-time inside story about cheese sitting.  K, I continue to claim innocence in this case as  "I did not sit on your cheese!"Now for a little throw back photo of the two of us right after high school:HalloweenWho is YOUR best friend, and why?Connect with Ivy on Google+ Liked this article? Sign up for FREE updates!* indicates requiredEmail Address * Email Format htmltext Disclosure: To help support this blog and continue to bring you free content, Ivy's Variety posts may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### What are Boogie Wipes Good For? If you've stuck around long enough, you know I'm a huge fan of Boogie Wipes.  As a brand ambassador, I spread my love of Boogie Wipes in various ways.  One of my favorite ways is to tell you about them!  Aside from the obvious, Boogie Wipes are more useful than any facial tissue has ever been with a kid. Stuck boogies.  They are the best at getting those stubborn boogies out of noses.  I mentioned that when I first had the chance to review Boogie Wipes prior to becoming an ambassador for them. Blowing noses.  Your kids are going to request these because they're more gentle on their noses and will not leave their noses red and raw like tissues will. Cleaning hands and face.  Put down the diaper wipes!  No kidding, these are hands-down the most effective at cleaning off dinner, paint, pen ... almost anything.  You won't go back to diaper wipes! Cleaning surfaces.  I've used these for cleaning stuck on food off tables and chairs.  And they've been really effective at cleaning off paint, pen marks, and crayon off kid furniture (mostly I've had to use it on plastic, but I did, once, clean black crayon off a fabric chair successfully). 4th Quarter 2014 boxes have arrived for Boogie Wipes ambassadors and we're busily setting off on our agendas to "Spin Kindness" and share the sampling program with our area Preschools!  I'm looking forward to sharing Boogie Wipes this quarter because we're sharing some new products.  One of my favorites in this quarter's kit is the new refillable dispenser.  I even get to try out Dreft laundry stain remover to go and Dreft All-Purpose Wipes.  My usual kit includes Kandoo products as well - flushable wipes, body wash, and hand wash. New refillable hard pack If you are a Preschool Director, please feel free to contact me about the preschool sampling program if you have not already been approached by your local ambassador. Do you use Boogie Wipes?  What's your favorite scent?  Have you found other great uses beyond boogies? I have not been compensated in any way for this post.  I'm an unpaid brand ambassador for Boogie Wipes and I share this product because I truly love it! Disclosure: To help support this blog and continue to bring you free content, Ivy's Variety posts may contain affiliate marketing links, receive free products for review, and/or consist of paid or sponsored posts. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. Please see my disclaimer page for more info. Connect with Ivy on Google+ #### What Are The Best Meal Planning Apps For Families? How am I planning to get out of our family dinner rut?  I'm going to use these meal planning apps to find new food. I'm so tired of meal planning!  Also, I'm tired of eating the same foods in rotation every other week or so. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm loving our Taco Tuesdays and Breakfast Nights every couple of weeks ... and so do hubby and the kids.  It's even gotten to the point we expect beef tacos (or taco salads) because chicken tacos don't have the same appeal to any of us.  My side dishes are in constant rotation and we're not mixing it up at all.  None of this is to say that we don't enjoy what we eat.  We do like the food we're used to. It's just that I'm in serious need of some motivation to try something new.  But, I'm tired of searching out Pinterest for hours hoping to find a recipe. Even when I do settle on something, there's no guarantee it'll actually be good.  Nor do I feel I'll have much luck with everyone liking dinner.  Then, I'm bummed because I spent a lot of time searching it out for nothing. Do you know that feeling? Yeah, that's why I'm starting to sort through meal planning websites to me with this daunting task!  I'm looking for meal plans for busy families that also have recipes that will cater to my dietary restrictions.  Plus, I'm looking forward to finding new recipes without spending as much time sorting through them.  This means I'm going to need to be more flexible in the kinds of food I'll eat ... and if a recipe calls for fish, I guess I'll be forcing myself to try it in the name of mixing up our dinner routines. Although, I'm probably keeping Taco Tuesday, so I know we have one meal a week we all look forward to!  In that respect, let's not fix what's not broken.  Am I right?! 6 Meal Planning Apps for Families I did a lot of research on meal planning apps for our family, so you're getting the benefit.  I'll share if these online meal planners are good with food allergies and what grocery shopping service they partner with, too.  Whatever I found, you'll learn about it! Pepperplate (FREE) It's always a joy to find a free meal planning service, so I was excited when I found this.  Unfortunately, the excitement wore off almost immediately.  I admit, however, I didn't give it much of a chance at first. So, you're supposed to be able to import recipes into your meal plan directly from popular websites.  I assumed I would be able to use my wealth of recipes on Pinterest, but I was sadly mistaken.  They mean popular recipe websites like Allrecipes.com, Eating Well, Serious Eats, Tasty Kitchen, and the likes. I didn't have favorite recipes from these sites that I knew of immediately, which meant I was going to have to find new recipes or upload my own manually. Since I'm looking to save some time and get out of a rut, it's important to me that my meal planning apps do all of this work for me.  I would like new recipes and a few selections to get me out of my meal planning rut.  Which is why Pepperplate isn't currently an option for my family, despite being free. Still, there are benefits to using Pepperplate, if this is something you're interested in. For starters, you can create unlimited categories and it's available on a lot of devices, including iOS and Android.  Additionally, your family can view what's for dinner.  I don't know about you, but I have never liked that question, because a) you'll see it when it's on your plate and b) I won't be making anything else if you don't like what I cooked. There's a cook mode to prevent your device from dimming while prepping and Pepperplate allows you to share recipes with friends and family.  Finally, you can add items to your shopping list and arrange it the way you like to suit your grocery store shopping. As a free version, this seems like a great option if you already have a bunch of favorites from the major recipe websites this system supports.  I'd love to know if you've used this one before. PlateJoy: Healthy Meal Planning I thought PlateJoy seemed like a fabulous option for first-time users of meal planning websites because of the value for the money!  And, I've been sticking with this one ever since I found it in 2018! With your plan, you get unlimited meal plans for any courses you like!  Unlike other meal planning apps, your menu isn't limited to dinner.  Plus, you can personalize the menu based on dietary restrictions and food allergies AND change your dietary preference any time for free.  The recipes are custom-tailored to your preferences. Additionally, PlateJoy has partnered with Instacart by giving you the option to automatically upload your grocery list and gives you a $20 grocery credit as first-time Instacart customers. What's impressive about PlateJoy is that it gives you a questionnaire at the start of your subscription.  When completing this, you'll give them information about your family, dietary preferences and time constraints.  You'll even provide them with information about how many meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks) you need each week.  All your input helps PlateJoy customize your menus. You'll get nutritional information for each meal and have access to a personal nutrition coach.  Plus, they make it easy to sync nutrition to your Fitbit if you have one. PlateJoy meal planning subscriptions are available in 6 months for $69 ($11.50 per month) or 12 months for $99 ($8.25 per month) and is billed upfront.  They also have a weight loss plan for about $20 per month.  Sign up here for a 14-day free trial.  P.S.  Use my code SAHMPLUS10 for $10 off your subscription! The Fresh 20 This meal planning website touts 20 ingredients and 20 minutes to complete your shopping.  Now, I'm not sure how much I believe the 20-minute shopping, but I love that this site states they use 20 fresh unprocessed, not frozen ingredients to stay away from preservatives, thus providing healthier meals for your family. One of the cool things about this meal planning service is that The Fresh 20 factors in a 1-hour prep session at the beginning of the week to save you time during busy weeknights.  This is the same concept I discuss for preparing lunches for beating the school morning rush myself. Because you've spent an hour at the beginning of the week, weeknights are spent cooking an easier meal for the family. Meal plans are posted on Fridays, giving you plenty of time to gather your grocery list and make adjustments for weekend grocery shoppers.  Plus, as is my case, I can compare sales on food since our stores usually update sales flyers on Thursdays.  The Fresh 20 offers meal plans including, but not limited to, for one, Paleo, gluten-free, classic and more. The Fresh 20 claims recipes are fit for families of 4 and for those with small children (like my family) there may be enough for lunch the following day. If you don't cook at home 7 nights a week, you'll likely find that the 5 meals in their weekly plan are enough.  For me, this is perfect so that it allows us to have our one dinner out per week, especially when the soccer season starts up again.  And, if I want to keep my Taco night, I still can. Finally, if you wish to reuse recipes, even after your subscription term has ended, it is your responsibility to save the recipe directly to a computer or print it out.  Monthly subscribers must save them before the month's end or they will be removed from your options (saving does not include saving the email). Pricing for The Fresh 20 is $14 per month, but choosing an annual plan saves quite a bit at $74 for the year!  Sign up here! eMeals As far as meal planning websites, eMeals has a great approach for a bit less than the other services. In addition to having access to eMeals via your computer, they offer an iOS and Android app for meal planning when you're away from your computer.  With the app, you can also view your recipes and swipe to view directions individually while in the kitchen. Meal plans offered include 30-minute meals, budget, friendly, Paleo, and more.  They indicate that their two most popular meal plans are Clean Eating and Quick & Healthy.  eMeals also allows you to change your meal plan for free at any time. They offer 7 dinner menus for the week.  If you decide not to cook at home for 7 nights, you can select the meals you want to prepare for the week and have a shopping list created for you based on those selections. The great thing about eMeals is that they work with multiple grocery partners (AmazonFresh, Walmart Grocery, Instacart, Kroger ClickList, and Shipt).  The variety of options makes it easier for one to get their groceries through their preferred service. eMeals offers a variety of plans you can add to your dinner menu planning service including lunch, breakfast, dessert, and occasions. Each plan is available in 3 and 12-month subscription plans.  Dinner menu pricing for 3-months is $29.99, but your best deal is the 12-month subscription for $59.99.  Each additional menu planning service is an additional cost, but are each less than the dinner plan.   Get a 14-day free trial to eMeals here. Side note:  In the event you wish to cancel or opt-out of renewal, this must be done by calling their customer service line at least 2 days before renewal.  In this day and age, this seems to be a bit of a hassle, but maybe worth it since this meal planning service is one of the cheaper paid options available. The Dinner Daily As I scan through meal planning websites, they often seem the same.  The Dinner Daily sets itself apart by immediately touting that it creates meals in conjunction with your store's sales.  They have 11,000 stores in 48 states that they use to check sales flyers but have an ANY STORE option if your store is not listed.  Using the ANY STORE option just means your menu will not be based on sales.  Additionally, you can view and select menus from two stores. The Dinner Daily provides two meal plan options - family (serves 4 or 6) and meals (serves 2 or 3) and posts their menus on a scheduled based on your chosen grocery store.  The menu is posted online and then emailed as well. In the Account Settings page, you can change your preferences to tell the system what you want for dinners (the types of meat or vegetarian) and your specific dietary needs. Not only does this service provide menus based on sales, but they also provide direct links to coupons to help you save any further.  The Dinner Daily suggests they can save families $1000 or more in a year using their service (as long as your store offers weekly sales). Additional benefits to The Dinner Daily include dinner party planning menus as well as make-ahead menus.  Plus, they say you won't typically see the same recipe earlier than 2 months from the last time it appeared.  This means you'll have a lot of choices and won't get tired of your menus as easily. This service allows you to select "Favorites" and use them with the "Switch It" feature in case you don't enjoy one of the recommendations or really want to have a recipe sooner than it will reappear. Currently, The Dinner Daily appears to only work with Peapod for grocery delivery, so if you're looking to also save time by not manually adding your grocery list, but don't use Peapod, you'll be out of luck with this portion of the service. Finally, this menu planning service offers an app for Android and iOS users, so that you can access everything just like on your computer. Try out The Dinner Daily FREE for two weeks! Eat This Much Eat This Much appears to be for individuals who are looking to get fit or have weight gain or loss goals.  When you play with the initial plage, you're asked how many calories you wish to eat in so many meals.  I didn't know, so I did its easy calculator.  I have a goal to gain weight, so I input my current and goal weight and how much weight I'd like to gain in a week.  The cool part about this is that it can tell me about when I should achieve this goal using their plan. Eat This Much automatically creates dinners for 1, however, in your dinner options, you can have it update by adding the number of people in "Plan this meal for __ people."  Doing this will scale the ingredients and shopping list for each recipe you've done this for. The odd thing is that you can only set the calorie intake for 1 person, so they suggest adding the person with the lowest intake requirement so that you don't make more than they need. At the initial overview, it appears you're limited to meal plans following these diets:  Anything, Paleo, Vegetarian, Ketogenic, Vegan, or Mediterranean.  While this may work for most people, I would be limited to the Paleo plan because of my gluten and dairy restrictions, but it could be problematic since I also have to avoid almonds (and almond is found in a lot of Paleo recipes). When I looked further, once you actually sign up for a free account, you can fine-tune your food preferences or allergies to exclude certain ingredients. The cool thing is you will get instant access to recommended recipes and you can refresh to get a new meal plan. I like that they automatically update your shopping list and also work with Instacart. Overall, this is not one of the best meal planning websites out there for families, especially if you don't all share the same weight or health goals.  Or, if you don't care and you just want to feed your kids, this may be deeper than you need to go. You can get started with a Free account on Eat This Much (everything I discussed above).  But, you can also upgrade to the Premium Plan for $9/mo (or $5/mo if paid annually).  The upgrade allows you to send/email menu plans, save unlimited meal plans, the family meal will scale ingredients in your shopping list, set up custom leftovers, and more. As a special bonus, if you're interested in the upgraded version, you can use my referral link and code SAHMPLUS25 for a 14-day free trial and 25% OFF if you choose to upgrade. What is the Best Meal Planner App for Families? Turns out my favorite online meal planner has been PlateJoy!  It's been easy to use, robust, and highly customizable! Your turn to tell me: Have you ever tried meal planning websites for your family?  I'm interested in what you've used and your thoughts on them.  Have any other recommendations for me? This post, Meal Planning Websites, originally appeared on this blog July 2020 and has been updated. PIN ME #### What Causes Hypothyroidism? An under-active thyroid gland has many signs and symptoms.  Fatigue, hair loss, and dry skin may be just a few signs one would begin to suspect low-functioning thyroid.  If you believe that you may have hypothyroidism, it's essential to have lab work done for a proper diagnosis. After having trouble receiving diagnosis and effective treatment, I quickly came to realize there was more to hypothyroidism than poor function.  Simply treating hypothyroidism wasn't working.  It was important I found out what causes hypothyroidism.  Then, with the right doctor, I was able to get my entire cases treated specifically for my personal needs.  In my case, Hashimoto's Disease and leaky gut were two reasons that simply treating hypothyroidism wasn't enough. For that reason, I suggest you always look to have more thorough testing done.  Don't know what tests you need for proper hypothyroidism treatment?  You can read more about that from last week's post, here.  Find out what, if anything, is the cause of your hypothyroidism so that you may be treated properly!  Also, understand that I am not a doctor.  I simply share some of my knowledge as a patient who has researched to better advocate for appropriate treatment of my own Hypothyroidism (including Hashimoto's Thyroiditis). What causes hypothyroidism?  The physiological cause is related to an insufficient amount of thyroid hormones being produced by the thyroid gland.  But, what underlying health issue actually causes hypothyroid?  4 Common causes of an underactive thyroid are listed below: Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid.  Inflammation is the redness, and swelling you see and feel when you have a sliver in your finger, for example.  In the case of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, the inflammation is caused by antibodies attacking your body's thyroid. When your body attacks its own tissues and organs, this is called an “autoimmune disease.”  Your body's immune system is designed to attack bacteria and other germs.  However, sometimes it goes awry and attacks itself.  In this case, your immune system attacks your thyroid. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis appears to be a more common problem in women than men. According to Mayo Clinic, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the U.S. Congenital Hypothyroidism: A baby born without a thyroid, or with one that doesn't function property is said to have congenital hypothyroidism. Generally, if not dealt with early enough, you would see growth and intellectual delays. Thyroid Cancer: According to the America Cancer Society, in 2017 women are at greater risk of thyroid cancer than men.  When someone has cancer of the thyroid, it has to be surgically removed.  As a result, his/her body can no longer produce thyroid hormones. Treatment of thyroid cancer is the surgical removal of the thyroid.  As a result, the person's will no longer produce thyroid hormones. Treatment of Graves' Disease Graves' Disease is a severe form of hyperthyroidism.  This differs from hypothyroidism in that the body's processes speed up, due to overproduction of thyroid hormones. Usually, radioactive iodine treatment or removal of the thyroid gland is to blame, in this case. Other Causes of Hypothyroidism Disease of Pituitary Gland or Hypothalamus The pituitary gland and hypothalamus are both found in the brain.  The thyroid is controlled by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, which both secrete hormones dictating the thyroid to secrete its hormones.  If either isn't working correctly (such as a tumor of the pituitary), then the thyroid will not be capable of doing its job. According to the Merck Manual, Hypopituitarism is a rare disorder.  In an article by You & Your Hormones, they state: At any given time, between 300 and 455 people in a million may have hypopituitarism. A number of endocrinologists believe that hypopituitarism is quite common after brain injuries. If this belief is confirmed, then hypopituitarism may be significantly more common than previously believed. Iodine deficiency Your thyroid uses Iodine in the production of thyroid hormones.  Due to the high consumption of iodized salt in our diets, an Iodine deficiency is rarely a problem in the United States.  However, if you've tried cutting back on your salt intake, or do not regularly consume iodine, Iodine deficiency may be what causes hypothyroidism in your case.  It wouldn't hurt to rule this out if you've limited your salt intake. If this is the case, try to replace your iodine intake with natural, non-commercial sources of iodine like those available from sea vegetables. Side effects from certain medications Certain medications wreak havoc on the thyroid.  One such culprit is Lithium.  It is used to treat mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder.  While Lithium is important for those suffering from mental illness to live more complete lives, it also increases one's risk of hypothyroidism.  Lithium somehow inhibits the release of thyroid hormones. It is recommended to have your thyroid function monitored if you're on this kind of medication. Thyroxine (T4) that is not converted into the active T3 hormone in your body Though this may be a controversial topic for physicians, T4 to T3 conversion may be an issue.  There are physicians who do support this position, so it's good to know about this possibility going into your thyroid health journey. In summary, there are a variety of causes for hypothyroidism.  This post should help you narrow down, what, if any, tests you should consider for the best treatment of your thyroid.  Proper treatment of your thyroid will also help you get back to living a fulfilling life.   #### What Children Really Need to Know About Being Reliable Inside: An important life lesson in respect for others is in being reliable. Teach reliability to kids so they can be great friends and good leaders. You've waited weeks for a night out with your gal pals.  Or, if you're like most moms, you can't plan ahead that far, but you've had a ladies' night out planned all week.  Suddenly, you're receiving messages from your friends canceling for various reasons. It sucks. Whether it's the first night out you've planned or the 10th, there's nothing worse than having your plans go awry.  Even if it's just one friend canceling on you that you've been dying to catch up with, you've been let down.  You've been counting on this for however long and things aren't going according to plan. The more these things happen, the more hurtful it is.  That's just one of the many reasons we need to teach our children about being reliable. Reliability isn't an innately natural part of everyone's life, but it's an important life lesson to teach our children.  If you think about your most reliable friends, you probably have good memories and find them to be the easiest to get along with.  Good leaders and people we really look up to are those who are reliable. Alternatively, being in a friendship or relationship with someone who isn't reliable is frustrating.  Unreliable people confuse and inconvenience others in their lives for the sake of convenience for themselves. Teaching your children to be reliable will help them to be known by their behavior.  Eventually, their reliability results in building their trustworthiness.  Your hope is that they become a pillar in their community. Here are a few points to work on to help strengthen your child's reliability. How To Teach Reliability to Kids Teaching reliability to kids will take some time and energy.  It's important to be a good role model in everything you want your children to learn, so being a reliable friend or coworker will go a long way in teaching your kids how to be reliable. But, reliability isn't a simple lesson.  Here are 4 things about reliability kids need to know to succeed! Reliability Takes Effort It's okay to remind your child that being reliable isn't easy. Recognize that it's our human nature to want to do what's convenient and requires the least amount of effort on our part.  This recognition will help you both to be on guard for these natural reactions and mindfully push them aside. Make the effort to think ahead, so you're not caught in a situation where you feel powerless because of lack of planning. To teach this to your child, it's best to display your own efforts and planning.  When you make commitments or plans with someone, put it on your calendar.  When the date approaches, follow through with your commitment! If you suddenly find yourself not feeling up to it, it's okay to voice this with your child.  Then, follow up with "but I'm going because I said I would be there." Talk with your child about these feelings to help them to understand the amount of effort reliability takes.  If your child is old enough to make up his/her own plans, allow them to talk to you about their feelings freely.  Remind your child it's important to others that they can rely on him/her. Speaking of reliability and effort ... I want you to know I'm always here :)  I'd love for you to sign up for my email newsletters so you don't miss a single post like this one.  With your subscription, you'll receive access to a free resource library for parents, including a new FREE childhood lessons report. Does that sound good?  Sign up now! Reliability Takes Discipline Self-discipline is required in order to become a reliable person.  Honoring your commitments takes planning and structure. Help your child by creating a normal routine.  Your school day routines are perfect exercises in self-discipline and reliability.  Talking to your child about streamlining their morning routine is a good way to start.  Help them learn to choose their clothes the night before.  Let them plan breakfast and set up things they need before going to bed.  And, have them set their alarm clock with sufficient time to get ready for the day. By having them actively take part in the structure of their day, it makes them more responsible and helps build their reliability.  If they can't be responsible for themselves, how can others rely on them? Reliability Takes Practice It shouldn't be expected that they totally nail reliability.  While you want your child to aim for the stars, remind them that no one is perfect if they mess up. Sure, they may "fail" a friend here and there.  It's called being human, but remind them that they have to keep trying.  Depending on their age, offering rewards for improvements may help. With older children, you may be able to discuss with them the reward of making their friend or a family member happy when they follow through with their commitments. Reliability Takes Determination It's easy to give up and let things slide, isn't it?  For kids, it can be a strong instinct! Being reliable takes determination and it's important to remind your child that it's a quality worth striving for. Reliability is sorely lacking in our world today. Many people fall into the habit of keeping life convenient for themselves and often forget about their importance to others in the process. By teaching our children to be reliable when it comes to their availability and their promises, we will create the great leaders of tomorrow.  When we teach reliability to kids, we give them the tools necessary to build successful friendships. Childhood Lessons Did you like these tips on how to teach reliability to kids?  Check out more childhood lessons here. This post was originally published Oct 16, 2017 and has been updated slightly June 27, 2020. #### What Do You Need to Pack in Your Hospital Bag? + FREE Printable Checklist When you're getting ready to have a baby, you have a lot on your mind.  Before you have your baby, there are so many things to do! One source of anxiety for me was what to pack in my hospital bag! Preparing for baby usually includes packing a hospital bag, unless you're one of the women I'm jealous of who get to stay home to deliver their baby.  I want to "accidentally" deliver my baby at home, but hubby isn't into that sort of thing, so I'm forced to be prepared for the hospital.  The first time around, I went by the standard hospital bag checklist, and I wasn't concerned with much.  This time around, I want to feel a little extra pampered and have a few special items to try to give myself a boost from the get-go.  Plus, I don't want some of the boring (or unhealthy) hospital grade items. So, let's get to it.  What's in my hospital bag? What's in my hospital bag? *Disclaimer: affiliate links are included in this post. Earth Mama Angel Baby New Mama Bottom Spray and Mama Bottom Balm.  Yes, I know the hospital will provide supplies for rips, tears, etc, BUT, this stuff has more organic ingredients ... and well, that's how I'd like to start my adventure as a second-time mom. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="395" identifier="B00KPETWUK" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/517JFfn0qVL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] 2 Nursing Bras.  I'm going to bring the really pretty Cake Maternity Nursing Bra I reviewed, because I decided not to be a total frump.  The other will be a really boring and super comfortable one for sleeping in. 2 Going Home Outfits for baby and myself.  Yes, two.  Baby's due around Thanksgiving, but in FL, that doesn't exactly mean we see cooler weather, so I'll pack both warm and cool weather outfits and decide the day we're released. Phone and Charger.  Well duh!  Did I need to list it?  No, but I will for fun.  I plan to use it for pictures, music, and updating family. Snacks.  I can't remember if I did this the first time around.  With the late onset food allergies and intolerances, I can't trust that the vending machines will have much.  Plus, who knows what time delivery will happen and the cafeteria may not be open.  Maybe we'll bring some change for the vending machines, just in case, but I'm not relying on those. Birth Plan.  Although I plan to give this to my doctor, I want to be sure the nursing staff and whatever doctor is on duty is aware of our wishes.  I know they don't stick to everything, but I have priorities. Personal Toiletries and Hair Accessories.  I want to be sure I smell like "me" so my soap, shampoo, and deodorant will be going with me in handy travel containers.  My hair is way too short for hair ties, but I'll bring a headband and bobby pins to help keep my hair out of my face.  I might even bring makeup for the hospital newborn photo shoot.  Not that I did last time, but maybe I'll feel up to it this time... Medicine and vitamins.  Now's not the time to go skipping out on medicines or supplements.  If you're planning on breastfeeding, make sure to check with your doctor on everything you take to receive their clearance ahead of time.  Then, pack those babies.  I know I need my thyroid medication and I'm certainly not going to feel any better without it! Don't forget your partner's bag, with a few basics too. Is there anything you would add to the Hospital Bag Checklist? Would you like a handy printable to help you start packing your hospital bag?  Click the image below, which will take you to an email newsletter form.  You'll receive instructions for downloading from the free resource library, which includes this hospital bag checklist printable.     #### What Emergency Supplies Do You Need In Your Disaster Survival Kit? portable chargerYou don't want to make important parenting decisions last minute when it comes to emergencies.  Nor do you not want to be fully prepared.  These are important disaster survival kit supplies you need for your family! As a born-Floridian, I'm aware of the annual threats of hurricanes.  Wherever you live, you're likely accustomed to natural disasters specific to your region.  Having grown up here, there are things you know you need to purchase and have on hand, preferably before the disaster season begins. The question is, do you have a disaster survival kit ready for your family?  As parents, this is something we should concern ourselves with more than before.  With kids around, you don't want to have to manage a disaster without having been prepared.  It's best to prepare your kit ahead of time by stocking up on supplies before you need them. If you find yourself in a situation without power, internet, or the means to head out to the store, you'll be glad you prepared your disaster survival kit in advance! This is part 4 in the Emergency Preparedness for Families Series: Discussing the types of disasters to prepare for as a family How to Make an Emergency Preparedness Plan For Your Family Survival Food Storage Ideas for Families in a Disaster Must-Have Supplies for Your Family Disaster Survival Kit (this post) How to Stay Positive During an Evacuation Trip with Kids 7 Must-Have Supplies For Your Family Disaster Survival Kit Food And Water Your aim is to have enough food and water stored for up to eight days, but prepare for three days at minimum.  If a major weather event or other natural disaster occurs, it could take days (or even weeks) before rescuers and supplies make it to you. Water is the number 1 resource to be concerned with because your body can live longer without food than it can water.  Prepare to store at least a gallon of drinking water per person per day. According to Health Line, food consumption can contribute to 20 percent of your water intake.  While your body may be able to survive longer periods without food, it's not recommended, especially when you have children to think of. Store non-perishable food items you can eat without being cooked or prepared.  Bread, crackers, nuts, canned goods and protein bars are great choices as staples. Don't forget the following: *[easyazon_link identifier="B06X9JXK3Y" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Paper Plates[/easyazon_link] *[easyazon_link identifier="B075CY4ZDR" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Plastic Utensils[/easyazon_link] *Garbage Bags - [easyazon_link identifier="B00U52SHLM" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]These are my favorites[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_link keywords="Manual Can Opener" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]Manual Can Opener[/easyazon_link] As a bonus, having a [easyazon_link keywords="camping stove" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]camping stove[/easyazon_link] to cook foods may be a good idea, too. Medical Supplies And First Aid As a mom battling Hashimoto's, it's important to have my thyroid medication every day. Whatever your medication needs are, first and foremost, stock up on as much of your prescription medications as you're able to.  The key is to keep yourself from running out of your medication during a disaster with no way to get more.  I use a compounding pharmacy which supplies me with 90 days of my prescription at a time. As you put together your disaster survival kit, think about basic first aid items so you can treat minor injuries or aches if needed.  My favorite is to purchase a large first aid kit which contains the most used and necessary items in one handy, portable kit.  This is also perfect if you decide to evacuate in a disaster situation. Consider throwing in wet wipes and mouth wash to help freshen up.  You'd be surprised what a little light refreshing will do for you when you're beginning to feel down. Communication Food and water aren't going to be your only major concerns.  Being able to communicate with friends, family, and emergency personnel during a disaster will also be important. Make sure cell phones are charged and that you have chargers available. Additionally, a portable charger, already charged and ready to go will help ease your mind in the event your smartphone batteries become low. Finally, keep and laminate emergency contact information, including addresses and phone numbers.  Place these and old-fashioned maps in a plastic Ziploc bag in case wireless systems fail or your phone dies.  In my last evacuation trip, the electronic dashboard (including my navigation system) failed about an hour into my trip.  Had I not had my phone - or been in an area with poor signal, I could have been stranded until I found a traditional map!  Basically, leave nothing to chance! Weather Radio It's important not to rely on your phone and internet as your sole source of information during a disaster.  Should networks go down, your phones should be a backup source of information.  You'll want your phone available in case you need to make an emergency call, too. So, if you want to stay up to date in the midst of a disaster, include a small battery-operated weather radio in your disaster survival kit.  In the same packaging, keep a set of spare batteries as well.  A weather radio will allow you to hear the latest weather, government, and news updates. Flash Lights And Batteries Living in the dark isn't always fun, especially with kids.  Plus, moving around in and out of the home with out a reliable source of light can be dangerous.  While candles are a good source of heat and light, around children, they're an even larger risk of setting your surroundings on fire.  Have candles and matches sealed in a plastic bag as a last resort. Instead, include flash lights, and/or camping lanterns, and batteries in your disaster survival kit. Headlamps are particularly helpful when you’re trying to move around while working.  Taking trash out or moving objects in a dark room is much easier when your hands are free. Clothing And Bedding Whether or not you're planning on sheltering outside of home, it's important to have bedding and clothing available in your disaster survival kit because plans could change. Have a couple outfits packed for each member of the family.  But, bear in mind this is emergency gear, not a travel wardrobe.  Your main concern is having basics in the event you have to evacuate.  Fashion and impractical outfits are not to be considered. Additionally, pack small pillows, sheets, and light blanket.  Other ideas may be an inflatable mattress or sleeping bags. Miscellaneous Supplies Finally, let's discuss miscellaneous items to have in your disaster survival kit. If you have a baby, include: [easyazon_link keywords="diapers" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]diapers[/easyazon_link] [easyazon_link keywords="baby wipes" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]wipes[/easyazon_link] formula/bottles/baby food portable crib/pack and play if you have to travel If you have a pet, make sure to remember: A pet carrier Leash and collar Vaccination records food and water Research pet friendly accommodations if you have to travel For young children, have some entertainment supplies that are easy to travel in case you need to evacuate.  Small games, paper and pens, pencils, or crayons, and books are good travel supplies that will help entertain and keep moods light. Finally, have plastic bags, tarps, duct tape and some basic tools.  If you need to find a leak or broken window these will come in handy. Preparing a disaster survival kit requires some thinking ahead.  I hope these tips were thorough enough for you to plan and be ready for anything. If you've enjoyed these tips for building a family disaster survival tip, I encourage you to join my newsletter.  You'll receive immediate access to a library of printable resources for parents as well as my newest - a 14 page Family Disaster Preparedness workbook. #### What Happens When a Child Doesn't Feel Loved? Have you ever wondered what happens when a child doesn't feel loved? Of course, you don't want to let it go on to find out, but sometimes it feels as though you can't win. And if your child just can't seem to understand how much you love them, no matter how hard you try, what damage is done? I'm a mother of a child who has struggled with regular thoughts that he wasn't loved. Expressing himself when he was upset or frustrated, he'd regularly claim "you don't love me" or "you hate me." Despite all we do and the progress we've made, he still, easily, reverts to thoughts about our dislike for him. It's heartbreaking! I'm also an adult child who struggled with these feelings my whole life. My mother passed away before we could learn to resolve our issues. I don't say this for pity. Rather as an inspiration for myself and others, because I'm in a unique position to learn to show my child just how much I love him and have a greater understanding of my upbringing. So, what happens when a child doesn't feel loved? From my experience, feeling unloved or insecure taught me to be cautious about my friendships and relationships. Well ... sort of. I spent way too many years wasting energy on people who didn't love and appreciate me, I suppose seeking approval where I could get it. I would make and lose friends. And generally, it didn't bother me that people were in and out of my life, regularly. It took me years to get into a long-term, serious relationship, and even then I was certain he would just be fun for a little while. Thankfully, I couldn't have been more wrong about the timing, as he ended up being the man I am now married to and adore! But I generally tend to be guarded. I didn't trust people. And I still find it hard to trust! According to Patient UK, children who feel unloved can develop Child Attachment Disorder. Children who feel unloved generally feel insecure, and unconfident, and develop a fear of abandonment. When left unresolved, children grow into adults who struggle with relationships and have difficulties understanding what real, healthy love looks like. Gosh, that explains a lot. It wasn't until I met the man I married that I began to "heal". I've found a trustworthy partner who has been by my side through thick and thin. And he's one of the few people I can truly put my trust into a feel safe. What are the signs your child feels unloved? Neglectful parenting can cause: developmental delays. hyperactivity. aggression. depression. and more. SO. MUCH. MORE. Yeah, okay I guess that might explain my aggression. And we definitely see a lot of this in at least one of the two kids. But wait! You're not here because you're intentionally neglecting your child of love and emotion, right? Of course not! I certainly don't believe my husband and I emotionally neglected our children, yet here we are with issues. So what happened? Why does your child feel unloved? We don't have any reservations about praising our children, giving plenty of hugs (although a few more couldn't hurt), and doing so much with them. It can be so confusing when you do everything for your children, yet hear them say "You don't love me." You do your best to give them the life you always wanted. Perhaps they want for nothing. But somehow, it never seems to register just how much you love them. Why is that? Your child may feel unloved because: there's a mismatch in your parenting style compared to your child's needs, and/or you're not speaking your child's love language Sometimes, it's things you say when you're mad. If you think about the way you react to your child when they've done something that makes you lose it, and I mean really reflect on how things could be misconstrued at the moment, you'd probably be ashamed of yourself. I've been plenty ashamed and guilty! One of my kiddos has a tendency to forget a jacket, lunchbox, or water bottle at school almost every damned day. It got so old and annoying that I literally would roll my eyes and ask "Why can't you remember your stuff?" And did that ever help this kid remember his stuff? NOPE. In fact, he became really down on himself and he continues to forget his stuff! So, what can we do? Among other things to do when your child feels unloved, you can: Learn to speak your child's love language. Adapt your parenting style. Let go of the little stuff (a.k.a. pick your battles) Mind your words - direct your dislike over an action rather than at your kiddo. Instead of dwelling in blame or regret, we can choose to learn and grow, not only for the sake of our children but for our own well-being. I could have spent the rest of my life blaming my mother for my feelings. And maybe she could have attempted to learn why I felt unloved. But it didn't happen and I'm learning that it's not just my son's responsibility to reflect on the things his dad and I do to prove our love to him. No, it's also on us to reflect on our parenting styles, actions, and words that might contribute to our child's perception of our feelings toward him. And we're learning. While learning to adapt and overcome, to strengthen our bond with both our children, I'm learning to forgive my mother. Because, for all I know, she grew up feeling unloved and never had those feelings resolved. I'm learning to heal. I'm learning to heal myself and my children through this scary, emotional phase and you can too. #### What Happens When You Make Up for an Overdue Mom's Night Out Have you ever been seriously overdue for a mom's night out?  I have.  Thankfully my husband recognized the signs and forced me out of the house with a budget.  What you can learn from my mom's night out deficit! As a stay at home mom, I know how hard it is to feel comfortable spending money on yourself. When was the last time you spent money on yourself and on what? Recently, hubby insisted I spend money on myself and  just take care of me! I'd been months overdue for a mom's night out and he practically shoved me out of the house (maybe that's an exaggeration).  On the way out, he handed me a wad of cash and said "I expect that none of this comes back home. "  I was instructed to spend money on myself and not to buy a single thing for anyone else.  "I don't care if you buy yourself a dress, food, or wine.  Whatever makes you happy.  And if you spend more than this, I'm okay with that too." I'd already planned on getting my hair cut that night as was my regular 4 -6 week routine.  So, I clarified "is this in addition to my hair cut?"  Certainly, I'd not expected that ... I always feel guilty about spending the money I do on my hair cuts. "Yes, in addition to your hair cut," he replied. You see, I'd been snippy with the kids.  I was becoming snippy with him.  There were times I walked out of the house because I couldn't handle another kid crying.  I may have been raising my voice regularly. I had no patience.  I wasn't smiling or having a good time with anyone.  I was downright exhausted and annoyed. When My Husband Noticed I was Overdue for a Mom's Night Out... My husband felt the ever-increasing tension in the house.  He was seeing all the signs I was overdue for a mom's night out.  So, he intervened.  He stressed to me how I needed to get out and take care of myself in a way that finally got through to me.  By handing me money and telling me not to come back with it, I was given a budget of sorts.  This was exactly what I needed so I knew what was expected of me. You see, I normally fight myself over spending $20. I'm cheap and I don't feel I "need" anything. But this particular, I did what he said because I'd been given a clear dollar amount that he expected to be spent.  He made it clear it was solely for me to do with as I pleased,  so long as it was for me and it made me happy.  I bought shirts, a dress, and a bottle of wine.  Then, I paid to have my hair straightened before getting a badass hair cut. I needed something to reflect my inner badass.  That badass haircut required straight hair, and without my husband's encouragement, I never would have spent the money to straighten my hair to get what I really wanted. A post shared by Ivy | Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Dec 13, 2017 at 7:49pm PST On that particular night, he delivered more than a night out.  I was delivered some real self care.  I showed myself I actually mattered.  I remembered what it was like to just be me. I came home with a smile on my face, feeling more like a person than just a mom.  And, I was really excited about my new hairdo. Of course, big thanks to the hubby for recognizing how far behind I was on my self-care and my girl at my local salon for putting a lot of thought into my hairdo to give me exactly what I've been needing.   I came home refreshed and feeling like I cared.  I thought I'd even put on makeup the next day, just to really give myself a boost.  (The truth is though, I still don't have the time for that in the morning, so it didn't happen.  But, I hadn't felt good enough in months to even think about putting on makeup.) My husband enjoyed my company and told me he was so glad to see a smile on my face.  He, then, told me he enjoyed seeing me this way because it reminded him of the woman he married.  It kind of stung.  You know, because now that I'm a mom, I don't ever really feel like myself.  It stings because it makes me worry about my marriage.  By not taking nights to care for myself, am I harming my marriage?  I suppose so if I get to the point that I'm just snippy with everyone, huh?! The point is, you're important too.  You need to make yourself a priority once in a while.  And don't wait until you're seriously overdue for some alone time. You shouldn't rely on someone else to remind you to take care of yourself.  Honestly, you shouldn't wait for your husband to recognize that you're overdue for a mom's night .. You've got to block out time to take care of you.  While you're busy organizing your family's schedule, go ahead and schedule a date for yourself.  And stick to it!! Spend a little, when you can, on something even if you don't "need" it.  Maybe you need it more for an emotional boost!! Get out to recharge your batteries and come home to your family refreshed and ready to tackle the next week Do something to celebrate you and tell me what you come up with. Tell me: Are you overdue for a mom's night out?  What are you going to do about it? #### What Husbands Don't Understand About Being a Mom (The Raw Truth) Ever watched your husband sit on the couch, scrolling through his phone, while you’re simultaneously folding laundry, mentally checking the school calendars, and wondering if the toddler’s cough sounds "croupy"? You feel that heat rising in your chest—not quite mom rage yet, but the slow-cooker version of it. You aren’t mad that he’s resting. You’re mad that he can. Let’s pull back the curtain on the "Pinterest-perfect" domestic bliss and talk about the stuff our husbands—bless their hearts—just don’t get. It’s not that they’re "bad guys"; it’s that they’re playing a different game entirely. 5 Things Husbands Don't "Get" About Motherhood 1. The "Default Parent" Mental Browser Most husbands think parenting is a series of tasks. You do the dishes, you're done. You change the diaper, you're done. For moms, our brains are like a laptop with 47 tabs open, three of them are frozen, and there’s music playing somewhere but we don't know where it’s coming from. This is the "mental load." He sees a kid who needs a snack; we see a kid who needs a snack, who also needs their 2-year-old checkup scheduled, who is out of clean socks, and who we suspect is entering the hardest stage of parenting (which, let’s be real, is always whichever stage you’re currently in—though toddlerhood and the teen years are a tie for the "most insane" award). 2. "Helping" is a Four-Letter Word When a husband asks, "How can I help?" it’s well-intentioned. But to a mom, it feels like an extra assignment. It implies that the management of the home is our job, and he’s just a volunteer. If we have to delegate the task, explain where the soap is, and follow up to see if it was done, we haven't saved any energy. We’ve just become a middle manager. This constant management leads directly to Depleted Mother Syndrome. It’s that state of being "touched out," rung out, and emotionally bankrupt because you’ve been the "CEO of Everything" for too long without a board of directors to back you up. 3. The 70/30 Reality vs. The 50/50 Myth We hear about the 70/30 rule in parenting, which often suggests that in many "equal" households, one parent still carries 70% of the emotional and logistical weight. Husbands often feel like they’re hitting 50/50 because they are doing 50% of the physical work. What they don't understand is that the 20% gap is actually 100% of the "worry." 4. The Ghost of "Mommy Issues" Sometimes, the way a man parents (or fails to) is tied to his own upbringing. Mommy issues in a man don't always look like "hating" his mother; often, they look like a man who expects his wife to be the emotional shock absorber for the entire family because that’s what his mother did. He isn't trying to be unfair; he’s just following an old, outdated script. 5. We Can't "Just Turn It Off" A husband can often walk through the door and leave "Work Mode" at the porch. Moms don't have a porch. Even when we are at work, we are moms. Even when we are at the gym, we are moms. This is why the 7-7-7 rule (7 days a year away, 7 hours a week of "me time," and 7 minutes a day of connection) is so hard for us to implement. We feel the "mom guilt" the second we try to step out of the "Default" role. How to Bridge the Gap (Without the Rage) We don't want a "helper"; we want a partner. Here is how to start the conversation: Ditch the "Helping" Language: Start using "our" instead of "my." It’s "our" son’s dentist appointment, not "mine." The Fair Play Method: Sit down and list the invisible tasks. Let him see the 47 tabs you have open. Aim for Authoritative Parenting: Research shows the authoritative parenting style (high warmth, high expectations) is the most successful. But for it to work, both parents have to be on the same page. If Mom is the only one enforcing the "high expectations," she becomes the "Mean Mom" while Dad stays the "Fun Volunteer." Claim Your 7-7-7: Don't ask for permission to have "me time." Schedule it. If you wait for it to be offered, you’ll be waiting until the kids are in college. The Bottom Line: Your husband doesn't need to be a mind reader; he needs a map. And you, mama, need to realize that being "Depleted" isn't a badge of honor—it's a sign that the "Default Parent" needs to go on strike for a few hours. #### What I Loved in May 2017 May was amazing for me.  Can I share what I loved in May 2017? I rocked sponsored posts, breaking away from simply reviewing products.  Every week in May I published at least 3 posts.  That was exhausting and amazing all at the same time! I went to Mom 2.0 and was all fired up about my blog.  Not just that though ... no, I was all fired up about life.  Mom 2.0 really made my month ... but some major loves circulated around the trip. I think I'd like to end every month with a re-cap of what I loved about that month.  No promises though!  It's like a resolution and who is honestly good at keeping resolutions?  I'll give it my best shot though! What I loved in May 2017 *Disclaimer: Affiliate links are included in this post. Husband I'm a firm believer in marriage.  As we get older, I realize just how difficult a marriage is.  Maintaining balance being yourself, catering to your spouse, and raising kids is a ton of work.  Thankfully, hubby's working hard with me.  He encourages my wild ideas and allows me to grow as an individual.  Taking off from work for a few days to let me visit a blogging conference as he handled being a work at home dad was a huge deal.  He was allowing me to get away and learn while taking on my usual role. He's never had the kids alone that long either, but he totally rocked it! Kids Now, you probably already know my kids are high-needs!  That being said, I don't exactly love being home with them all the time.  Don't get me wrong, I love my kids but I very seriously need regular breaks from them. The kids and I experienced some loves this month. Toddler's Favorite Bedtime Book [easyazon_link identifier="0689817746" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Snoozers: 7 Short Short Stories for Lively Little Kids[/easyazon_link] I like the whole book, but the tot is completely diggin' the "Night Sounds" short story.  His favorite part is the Cheetah's snore "Chee-chee-tah."  I'm happy to read it to him every night because I love how much it makes him giggle. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="0689817746" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51DgBA9W37L-1.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="439"] No more homework Oy!  In just a few days, my daughter will be out of school for the summer.  The great part about winding down the school year is that the last 2 weeks were nearly homework-free.  Though S actually loves her paper homework, I think we're both excited about not having to use iReady for a while. And the book log!!! I'll be happy not to have the requirement of filling out a book log for the sake of showing someone else how much we read! Tasty treats and helping in the kitchen Receiving [easyazon_link identifier="B001ECHXVC" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" localize="y" popups="n"]The Original Learning Tower[/easyazon_link] from Little Partners was a huge blessing.  My toddler and I got busy in the kitchen creating Chocolatey Trail Mix Cereal Bars (which is an added bonus to our list of loves this month). My daughter has loved The Original Learning Tower as well. And me?  Safety concerns aren't as much a problem while they help me. Travel and Blogging Mom 2.0 was the highlight of my month on many levels.  Tons of education, empowerment, new friendships.  But, also getting time away and coming back to kids who were well cared for by hubby! You can read about my takeaways from Mom 2.0 here. Tech [easyazon_link identifier="B01L87BG56" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Jackery Giant+ portable charger[/easyazon_link] I wanted to make sure I had a nice portable charger for my conference!  My husband set me up with his [easyazon_link identifier="B01L87BG56" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Jackery Giant+[/easyazon_link] which helped me charge my phone and a friend's a few times during the 3 day conference.   But, we charged this before I left and I was able to charge my roommates iPhone and my own a few times during the 3-day conference without ever having to recharge the device itself!  And it still had two bars of power left when I returned home! [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B01L87BG56" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/3102odjcNUL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Google Home I received a new Google Home device from the Best Buy suite at the Mom 2.0 Summit. Guys, it's the second one in our house now.  It may seem silly.  Okay, IT IS silly, but we love it! Aside from the very important stuff, like finding out about the weather as I make breakfast, our family has found it useful in other ways.  Playing music is done easily by voice command and asking Google what various animals say is the most amazing thing to our kids.  "Google, what does a dinosaur sound like?" yields a cool result for any child who loves dinosaurs!  The only way it could be cooler is if it knew what individual dinosaurs sounded like.  Get on that Google *wink, wink*. Nintendo Switch This is all my husband's doing!  I wouldn't even know about all the latest tech out, but hubby is a complete tech geek.  Sorry, honey, if I used the wrong wording. I don't simply love the Nintendo Switch ... in fact, I have a neutral opinion on it.  It's a game system ... I play games... it's fun. I do, however, thoroughly enjoy complaining about losing on [easyazon_link identifier="B01N1037CV" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch[/easyazon_link].  This is one of the ways I'm working to manage parenting stress ... by stressing myself out over losing in a really fun game.  Makes sense, right? [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B01N1037CV" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/610a3DcyMpL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="309"] XBox One Again, no real opinion on the game system itself, although it's taken me a long time to get used to the humongous controllers.  Instead, my husband has me hooked on [easyazon_link identifier="B01ABCBXLQ" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" localize="y" popups="n"]Powerstar Golf[/easyazon_link].  I totally suck at it, but I love that there are not a thousand buttons to push at once, so my fingers aren't tired after 2 minutes of gameplay. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" height="500" identifier="B01ABCBXLQ" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51ARcp6MyIL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="358"] Random Guys, I've loved on caffeine way too much in May.  I'd been drinking a single organic decaf coffee for MONTHS and suddenly, Publix stopped selling it.  (Needless to say, I'm not loving Publix for that).  Because I can't seem to handle my protein shake unless it's mixed in coffee, I caved and went to caffeinated. I didn't think it was a big deal, but then I started having 2 cups a day.  And sometimes I had three. No Bueno! Anyone know where I can get good organic decaf coffee (preferably a breakfast blend) that won't cost an arm and a leg? So, GO LEAVE ME A COMMENT about what you have loved in May!! #### What I Want My Daughter To Know As She Turns 6 It's been a difficult road for us.  From the day you were born, you gave us a hint as to what to expect.  Our first year was the roughest of my life.  Every year thereafter, things got easier, but by no means easy. You have always been difficult.  I now know, you always will be. It's just taking me these years to adapt to having a high-needs child.  Letting go of the preconceived notions that I would enjoy motherhood wasn't easy for me.  And, I owe you an apology for that. You see, no one prepared me for this.  I had unrealistic expectations that babies were easy.  Not in such a way that I believed raising babies wasn't going to be a lot of work.  But that they slept in the car, would sleep well at night, and as long as you could make them laugh, they'd stop crying. Raising you was nothing like I'd pictured.  Further, no one quite understood the extent of your difficult nature.  How could they?  They didn't live with us.  But, no one ever acted as though a high-needs baby was a thing. I can assure you, it is, without a doubt a thing. Still, I'm learning to focus on the positive.  And I have a lot of work to do on that front. You continue to teach me things.  Parenting you will always be a challenge.  You will require me to seek out ways to cope, handle you, and still try to enjoy our moments. But, as much as you teach me about parenting and myself, this isn't all about me. You're turning 6 and I want you to know a few things. To my daughter, as you turn 6: You are bright!  From the time you were a baby, I saw you react to things differently than I'd ever seen in other babies.  As a toddler, I had to keep you busy learning about the world, providing you activities to expand your mind.  You needed constant education!  It was exhausting, but teaching you has always been pretty easy. You are perceptive!  As you watched people and things, those around you were quite aware that you were taking it all in.  Your observations made it easy for me to speak to you in terms I now realize wasn't as easy for others your age to comprehend.  These concepts weren't always simple, but speaking to you about them was. You're capable of so much!  Though you like to wait to display your abilities until you feel you've mastered them, you always surprise me with what you can do.  My hope is that you always continue trying new things regardless of how you feel about them initially.  You're naturally artistically inclined, but you've shown interest in soccer which has required more practice.  Always practice becoming better at anything and everything you desire! You're a great big sister!  You hadn't initially been keen on having a new baby at home.  Still, you became a loving and entertaining big sister.  I'm impressed by your ability to make your baby brother laugh.  He adores and looks up to you.  It's my hope you always take him under your wings.  Continue to teach him to be a good person by displaying your good qualities. You are persistent! Don't let your hopes and desires fade away.  I know over the years you're going to recognize you may not always get what your heart desires in the moment.  But always know that good things come to those who wait.  Growing up will be hard, but keeping your persistent spirit as an adult will help you succeed.   Your smile and laugh are infectious!  As your first soccer coach stated, you bring joy to those around you.  You have fun and love to make people laugh.  Though the poop jokes can be over-abundant, people enjoy your presence.  Always try to be a good friend and bring joy to other's lives.  And for the love of God, please stop trying to laugh like the other kids in your class. Stay true to yourself!  You're special, talented, and unique.  Your natural interests in dinosaurs, jeeps, motorcycles, and some of the typical girl stuff sets you apart from others.  Never let stereotypes control who you become.  Be yourself and always do what you love ... your happiness in life will depend on it. We love you.  I know we've had a difficult time adjusting to life after adding your baby brother to the mix.  But, I hope you know we're always thinking about your feelings and hope you know how much we love you! To my daughter, as you turn 6 I seriously suck at being your parent sometimes, but I'm always trying to work on being a good mom.  We've struggled through challenges, but we've also had some really great times together. I hope you know I've tried really hard to strike a balance between making you happy while still being a responsible parent.  It's my hope that I'm able to teach you all the things you need to know about being a responsible, productive, and kind human being.  Though, many days I've simply hoped to make it through the days with sanity. I always want the best for you and sometimes the best comes by way of struggling with not simply giving you what you want, rather teaching you to earn it. Sure, you won't really appreciate it right now, but I hope you do when you grow up. I'm proud of you and I love you! #### What I Want My Kids to Know About Healthy Competition In our house, our childhood lessons will not be that "everyone wins."  Why I won't teach my kids there are no winners and losers and that healthy competition is a good thing! My husband relayed an article to me about a girl's basketball coach who was suspended temporarily after his team ran up the score.  On the way home from a doctor's appointment the other day, my daughter began to whine that she didn't win her game on the iPad.  Twice, as a matter of fact, she responded equally disappointed that she didn't win.  I explained to her that it was okay that she didn't win and that it just meant she had to try harder next time.  She happily set off trying again. After those words, I began to think about the kids these days who are being taught to play sports in gym without a ball.  Or where teams aren't expected to win, but to just have fun. Since then, she's gone on to join a soccer team.  Until now, I'd never had reason to think too hard about the concept of not keeping score.  But in her video game play upset, I'm pretty sure I conveyed a message I believe ALL children should learn.  Real life doesn't adhere to "there are no winners or losers." My thoughts are that healthy competition teaches one: 1) You don't get participation trophies in adult life. 2) Losing simply means trying again and striving to do better. What I couldn't convey, based on her playing a single player game, is that sometimes someone is better than you at something.  It's okay, because you're likely better than them at something.  That's life and that is what makes us individuals.  We all have different strengths and weaknesses.  As adults, we need to know that there ARE winners and losers. I hadn't realized, when signing her up for Upward Soccer, some of the rules that went directly against our views as parents.  Not only are there no winners and losers, they don't keep score (at least in the younger years).  They pass out participation stickers.  And, if one team is controlling the ball more than the other, they swap sides and kindly give the other team the ball. For my daughter's general lack of athletic ability, I can see a benefit in this.  Being her first season in a team sport (any sport), this is the perfect way to introduce her to soccer.  But, I feel, at the same time, the lack of real competition stifles her understanding of the game. When she kicks a goal, she's unbelievably excited that she scored.  In order to follow the current rules, I struggle to find the words to express that her team doesn't keep score.  We just have to remind her that she's doing well and that she's participating in a team sport to learn how to work together. But, I want her to also learn early, that other teams won't give the ball to the weaker team when they realize they're dominating the field.  If she chooses to play again another season, we'll be seeking out a team that focuses on healthy competition.  Where stronger teams are rewarded for their abilities and weaker teams are encouraged to try harder.  It doesn't mean they suck, they just need to practice more! Related: How to Teach Your Child Not to Be a Sore Loser A post shared by Ivy | Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) on Nov 12, 2017 at 10:10am PST Why Your Kids Need to Learn There Are Winners and Losers If we continue teaching our children that it's not important to play games or compete to the best of our abilities, they're going to be at a disadvantage when they enter the real world as adults.  Leaving high school, they're likely to be competing for spots in their choice universities, places in sought after internships, and for employment.  If your child is hoping to become a professional sports player, I'm pretty sure that they aren't going to get hired if all they've ever done was just play, instead of striving to be better. Everyone doesn't win and you'd better be playing your A game when you're after something you want.  If your child loses, make it a lesson in practicing and trying to be more competitive, rather than whining about getting their butts handed to them and trying to have the other player(s) punished for doing well. I think the only time it's acceptable to whine about losing is if a player/team is winning via some unethical method(s). Losing is an opportunity No one is simply handed a win ... we earn them through hard work, dedication, and practice.  We have to prove ourselves worthy of jobs, promotions, raises, and sometimes that may come with a bit of competition.  We need to take losing as a means to improve upon ourselves, not bringing someone else down for doing better than us.  I believe training our children to think this way early in life will prevent them from the heartache of learning such lessons when they need to understand reality the most.  I mean, what good is having the expectation that everyone is on the same level and believing that we don't have to work to get the things we want?  I also tend to believe that those who believe  there are no winners or losers also are the problematic people who believe everything in life should be handed to them.  No one is simple entitled to anything. If we teach our children to reframe "losing" as an opportunity to learn from "failure", we give them valuable tools to take with them into adulthood to help them deal with the inevitable negative experiences in life. Lastly, loosing can help children learn to identify and sympathize with others who are experiencing a struggle. Benefits of Winning Of course, we hope our children strive for better and winning does have benefits aside from notoriety. Winning can help children to feel good about themselves.  Is there anything wrong with developing a sense of pride and self-confidence? It's your turn ... how do you feel about teaching your children about winners and losers? #### What if my 22 month old wrote just one blog post... If you're a mom of a toddler, you may be able to relate to this.  If you're not quite there yet, let this be a warning.  Here's what I think baby girl's blog post might say if she could type: I started out my day in a good mood as usual and bounced happily in my crib when mommy came to get me.  As usual, I gave her a quick hug and eagerly signed for "eat" and "cereal" and what the heck does she do? She takes me to the changing table to change my diaper. I lay there like it's okay (for a second), but she's aggravating me asking if I want to go get daddy ... YEAH that's what I want to do after I just explained to you I need to eat my cereal.  B****, didn't you see that crap?  So, I squirm and wiggle until she gets done - I don't think I threw my pacifier on the floor today. {note to self: do this at next diaper change... we can't miss the dramatics of the throw and scream-in-desperation move} Finally, she takes me downstairs and she wastes all this time setting me down to get milk. Did I say I wanted milk? I signed "cereal" *stomp stomp stomp* After she takes 20 seconds to get my food ready, she sits down with me and wants to chat.  I'm sooooo not in the mood to have you looking at me while I'm eating.  Oh, and could you stop taking pictures of me as I shovel this food in my mouth?  We all know I know how to eat - no one wants or needs to see this crap anymore. Okay, so then we move on to TV time so she can "get stuff done". I'm happy again... Mickey's on. Suddenly, I realize she's eating and drinking without me. What the crap is this woman thinking??  You know I had to get in on that action with a little cry-fest ...  and she acted like I just ate! Um, yeah, like 5 minutes ago... DUH! So, we're back to some fun and games and she turns on some music.  I know I said I wanted to hear it and it was okay to turn off the TV, but she didn't really believe me, did she?  Hey, crazy lady, why is this music on and why are we trying to sing and dance!  I point at the TV and start my whining, getting ever more loud until I'm on the verge of a scream. She turns on the TV and walks out. Operation "Drive Mom Crazy in 1 Hour": Successful! Well, I don't think we need to see the rest of the day, now do we?  What do you think your little ones would have to say if they were writing a blog of their own right now?  Go ahead, make me jealous with your tot's stories of how amazing things are ;) #### What is Authoritarian Parenting? What Are the Pros and Cons? Have you ever encountered parents who seem to run their households with an iron fist, leaving little room for negotiation or discussion? This style of parenting, often referred to as authoritarian parenting, is marked by strict rules, high expectations, and a strong emphasis on control. In this approach, obedience is valued above all else, with discipline often enforced through punitive measures rather than open dialogue. While it may seem like a well-defined structure could yield positive results, it's essential to understand the potential repercussions of such a parenting style on a child's overall development and well-being. The term "authoritarian" might ring a bell, but its implications might not be fully understood. Authoritarian parenting is characterized by its emphasis on control, strict adherence to rules, and limited space for individual expression or negotiation. These parents often prioritize discipline over warmth, fostering an environment where children may feel hesitant to express their true selves or voice their opinions freely. As we delve into the intricacies of this parenting style, it becomes increasingly clear that while it may serve certain immediate purposes, its long-term effects on a child's emotional and psychological growth can be quite profound. Let's unravel the intricacies of authoritarian parenting, exploring its attributes, effects on children, and ways to navigate toward a more balanced and nurturing approach. By understanding the dynamics of this parenting style, we can better comprehend its impact on a child's development and equip ourselves with the tools needed to foster a supportive and healthy family environment. What is Authoritarian Parenting? Authoritarian parenting is a parenting style characterized by strict rules, high expectations, and little room for flexibility. In this approach, parents tend to have a strong desire for control and obedience from their children. They often enforce discipline through punishment rather than open communication or negotiation. Authoritarian parents typically set rigid guidelines and expect their children to follow them without question. They prioritize obedience over independence and may use fear or intimidation as a means of maintaining authority. This parenting style is often associated with high levels of parental control and low levels of warmth or emotional support. While authoritarian parenting may have its merits in certain situations, such as ensuring safety or instilling discipline, it can also have negative effects on a child's development. Research suggests that children raised under authoritarian parenting styles may be more prone to low self-esteem, anxiety, and difficulty in decision-making. One study suggested a relationship between Obsessive Compulsive Symptoms and Authoritarian Parenting. It is important to note that there are alternative parenting styles that promote a more balanced approach, such as authoritative or permissive parenting. These styles emphasize open communication, mutual respect, and the development of autonomy in children. Understanding the concept of authoritarian parenting allows us to reflect on our approaches to raising children and consider the potential impact they may have on their overall well-being and development. Core Attributes of Authoritarian Parenting When it comes to parenting styles, authoritarian parenting is often characterized by specific core attributes. These features shape the way parents interact with their children and influence their overall approach to discipline and guidance. Features of an authoritarian parenting style may include: Strictness: One of the key attributes of authoritarian parenting is the strict enforcement of rules with little flexibility. These parents often have high expectations for their children's behavior and prioritize obedience and compliance, frequently resorting to punishment as a means of control. Emphasis on authority and hierarchy: Authoritarian parents maintain a hierarchical structure within the family, where they hold all decision-making power. They expect unquestioning respect from their children and may discourage open communication or independent thinking, emphasizing the importance of unquestioned authority. Lack of warmth and nurturing: While authoritarian parents may provide for their children's basic needs, they often struggle with expressing affection or providing emotional support. This lack of emotional warmth can create an environment where children feel less secure in seeking guidance or sharing their thoughts and feelings, potentially leading to a less nurturing and supportive family dynamic. It is important to note that while these attributes are associated with authoritarian parenting, every parent's approach can vary within this style. Understanding these core features can help us recognize the potential impact of authoritarian parenting on a child's development and well-being. Examples of Authoritarian Parenting Picture this: a young child stands frozen in the living room, his eyes wide with fear as his mother's voice booms across the space. "You will eat what I serve, and you will finish it all!" she commands, her tone brooking no argument. The child's small hand trembles as he reaches for the fork, his appetite completely gone, replaced by a sense of unease and helplessness. This is just one example of how authoritarian parenting can unfold in everyday life. Unfortunately, the consequences of such an approach to parenting can be profound. While it may initially seem like a strict and disciplined approach would yield obedient and well-behaved children, the reality is often far from this ideal. Children raised under the authoritarian style of parenting often grapple with a range of challenges that can significantly impact their emotional and psychological well-being. Take the case of a teenager who has been brought up under stringent rules and rigid expectations. His parents have always dictated his schedule, from his study hours to his extracurricular activities, leaving little room for personal exploration or autonomy. As he steps into adolescence, he finds it difficult to make decisions independently, lacking the confidence to trust his judgment. This lack of autonomy can hinder his ability to develop a strong sense of self and may lead to a perpetual need for external validation, making him vulnerable to peer pressure and potentially harmful influences. Moreover, authoritarian parenting often fosters an environment where communication becomes one-sided, dominated by directives and reprimands. A child who grows up in such an environment may struggle to express their emotions openly or seek support when facing challenges, leading to a suppression of their feelings and potentially hindering their emotional development. As a result, they may find it hard to build healthy relationships, lacking the necessary skills to navigate complex social dynamics and communicate effectively. Additionally, the fear-based nature of authoritarian parenting can instill a deep-seated fear of failure in children. A simple mistake or a minor deviation from the set rules can trigger intense feelings of guilt and shame, making it challenging for them to develop resilience and cope with setbacks later in life. As they mature, they may become overly self-critical, constantly striving for unattainable perfection and feeling inadequate when they inevitably fall short. This perpetual fear of failure can stifle their creativity and prevent them from taking risks, limiting their potential for personal growth and exploration. These scenarios highlight just some of the long-term consequences and challenges that children raised under authoritarian parenting may face. While the intention of enforcing discipline and structure is understandable, it is crucial to recognize the potential drawbacks and consider a more balanced and nurturing approach to parenting that encourages independence, open communication, and resilience. Effects of Authoritarian Parenting on Children The effects of authoritarian parenting on children can have long-lasting and negative impacts on their development and well-being. Authoritarian parenting is characterized by strict rules, high expectations, and a lack of flexibility or warmth in the parent-child relationship. One of the most significant effects of authoritarian parenting is the potential for children to develop low self-esteem and self-confidence. Constant criticism, harsh discipline, and a lack of emotional support can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a belief that their opinions or emotions are not valued. Additionally, children raised in authoritarian households may struggle with social skills and have difficulty forming healthy relationships. The strict rules and limited autonomy imposed by authoritarian parents can hinder a child's ability to develop independence, problem-solving skills, and decision-making abilities. Furthermore, the long-term effects of authoritarian parenting can manifest in various ways as children grow into adulthood. Research suggests that individuals raised under such parenting styles may be more prone to anxiety, depression, aggression, and even substance abuse. It is important to note that while some level of structure and discipline is necessary for child development, an excessive emphasis on control without nurturing warmth can have detrimental consequences. Striking a balance between setting boundaries while fostering open communication and emotional support is crucial for promoting healthy growth in children. Signs of Authoritarian Parenting Ever noticed certain patterns in children that seem to echo the parenting style they've grown up with? When it comes to children of authoritarian parents, there are often distinctive signs that can serve as red flags, indicating the potential influence of a rigid and controlling upbringing. Keep an eye out for these telltale signs: Excessive conformity: You might notice children adhering strictly to rules even in non-authoritative environments, displaying an intense fear of deviating from established norms. Their reluctance to express their own opinions or preferences could stem from a deeply ingrained fear of reprisal or rejection. Lack of initiative: Children raised under authoritarian parenting might struggle with taking the initiative, constantly seeking approval and guidance before making any decisions. This hesitancy to take independent action could indicate a lack of confidence in their abilities and judgment, a direct result of being accustomed to rigidly controlled environments. High levels of anxiety: Chronic anxiety can manifest in children who have grown up under constant pressure and strict expectations. Watch for signs of persistent nervousness, excessive worry, or an inability to relax, as these could be indicators of the ongoing stress they experience due to the fear of not meeting their parents' high standards. Difficulty in social settings: Children of authoritarian parents might exhibit challenges in social interactions, struggling to assert themselves or establish meaningful connections with peers. Their limited exposure to decision-making and problem-solving within the family setting can hinder their ability to navigate the complexities of social dynamics outside their home. Perfectionistic tendencies: A relentless pursuit of perfection, coupled with an intense fear of failure, could signal the impact of authoritarian parenting on a child's mindset. Children might set impossibly high standards for themselves, striving for flawlessness in every aspect of their lives, often at the cost of their mental well-being and self-acceptance. These signs serve as vital cues that can help identify the potential influence of authoritarian parenting on a child's development. While it's essential to remain mindful of these indicators, it's equally important to approach any observations with empathy and understanding, recognizing the need for a nurturing and supportive environment that fosters healthy growth and self-expression. Authoritarian Parenting Pros and Cons When it comes to parenting styles, authoritarian parenting is often a topic of debate. This approach is characterized by: strict rules high expectations focus on discipline While some argue that it can lead to well-behaved children, others express concerns about its potential negative effects. Advantages of Authoritarian Parenting: Instills discipline and structure in children's lives. Setting clear boundaries and enforcing rules consistently can promote a strong sense of responsibility and self-control in children. Helps children understand the importance of following rules in different settings, such as school or work. Disadvantages of Authoritarian Parenting: Stifles a child's independence and autonomy, limiting opportunities for them to make decisions independently or learn from their own mistakes. The strict nature of authoritarian parenting may hinder the development of problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities in children. Some studies suggest that authoritarian parenting can lead to negative psychological effects in children, such as increased levels of anxiety and low self-esteem. It is essential to recognize that each child is unique and may respond differently to various parenting styles. Striking the right balance between structure and flexibility is crucial for fostering healthy development in children. While authoritarian parenting has advantages, such as discipline and structure, it also has cons including limited autonomy and potential negative psychological effects. Understanding these advantages and disadvantages can help parents make informed decisions about their approach to raising their children. Shifting Towards a Balanced Approach Transitioning away from an authoritarian parenting style can be a significant but rewarding journey. Shifting toward a more balanced approach can offer children the freedom to thrive while still benefiting from a supportive and structured environment. Here's how you can gradually navigate this shift and create a more nurturing parenting style, such as authoritative: Encourage open communication: Start by fostering an environment where your children feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. Encourage open dialogue by actively listening to their concerns and respecting their perspectives. Creating a safe space for them to voice their opinions can promote a sense of trust and mutual respect within the family dynamic. Promote autonomy and decision-making: Allow your children to make age-appropriate decisions, giving them a sense of control over their lives. Whether it's choosing their extracurricular activities or deciding what to wear, empowering them to make these choices fosters a sense of independence and self-confidence. It's through these experiences that they learn to take responsibility for their actions and develop crucial decision-making skills. Set reasonable expectations and consequences: Instead of imposing rigid and uncompromising rules, establish clear and reasonable expectations that align with your child's age and developmental stage. Ensure that the consequences of their actions are fair and logical, providing them with a clear understanding of the outcomes of their behavior. By involving them in the decision-making process, you teach them the importance of accountability and help them develop a strong sense of moral reasoning. Encourage exploration and self-expression: Create opportunities for your children to explore their interests and passions freely. Whether it's through creative arts, sports, or other hobbies, allowing them to discover their strengths and talents fosters a sense of self-discovery and personal growth. Emphasize the importance of self-expression and individuality, nurturing their unique personalities and encouraging them to embrace their authentic selves. Practice patience and understanding: Transitioning from an authoritarian approach to a more balanced parenting style requires patience and understanding. Be mindful of your child's emotional needs and be supportive during difficult times and growth. By practicing empathy and demonstrating compassion, you can strengthen the parent-child bond and foster a nurturing environment that promotes emotional well-being and resilience. Remember, parenting is an evolving journey, and finding the right balance between structure and flexibility is key to nurturing your child's holistic development. With patience, open communication, and a supportive approach, you can guide your children toward becoming confident, independent individuals equipped with the necessary skills to navigate life's challenges. FAQs About Authoritarian Parenting How does authoritarian parenting impact a child's self-esteem? Authoritarian parenting can have a significant impact on a child's self-esteem, often leading to feelings of inadequacy and a lack of self-worth. Constant criticism and a focus on strict obedience without fostering independence can hinder a child's ability to develop a strong sense of self-confidence and self-identity. What are the long-term effects of authoritarian parenting on parent-child relationships? The long-term effects of authoritarian parenting on parent-child relationships can include strained communication, a lack of trust, and emotional distance. The rigid nature of this parenting style may lead to a lack of emotional connection and understanding, potentially impacting the parent-child bond well into the child's adulthood. Can authoritarian parenting be modified to be more nurturing and supportive? Yes, authoritarian parenting can be modified to incorporate more nurturing and supportive elements. This can be achieved by fostering open communication, encouraging autonomy within reasonable boundaries, and practicing empathy and understanding. Gradually shifting towards a more balanced approach can help create a healthier and more supportive family environment. Remember, every child is unique, and the impact of parenting styles can vary. It's important to remain attentive to your child's emotional needs and consider seeking professional guidance if you're concerned about the effects of authoritarian parenting on your child's well-being. #### What is Hypothyroidism? How Does it Affect Me as a Wife and Mom? Shortly after I had my first baby, I began experiencing some health issues.  I discuss my struggle to finding a diagnosis in a previous post. As a “newish” mom, fighting to receive this diagnosis (or any diagnosis) really hit me hard.  My concerns about lack of energy were passed off as being lazy.  Having an inability to remember anything or speak intelligently was dismissed as mommy brain.  I heard, often, "you’ll get it back soon enough." Nearly 2 years went by and I wasn’t getting better.  Not only did I still have difficulty thinking clearly, I was constantly stumbling on my words. So, I fought with my doctor to continue testing because I just wasn’t right!  No matter the ridicule or dismissive comments, I knew something was wrong.  Finally, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. This diagnosis was just the first part of my story.  It laid the path for finally getting treatment and gaining some understanding from those who dismissed my complaints. I want to share what I learned in hopes that I help another struggling mother.  But, I want to do so from the beginning and start with the basics. What is hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism is just one type of thyroid disorder.  According to the American Thyroid Association, more than 12% of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition some time in their life.  This means millions of people are affected by hypothyroidism. To make it easy to remember, having hypothyroidism means that your thyroid is under-active, or sluggish.  In very personal terms, hypothyroidism is a silent player in slowly destroying your life.  By not taking care of your thyroid, you allow it to impede on all sorts of hormones that will affect various parts of your life, including energy and sex drive. Before I go into details about this thyroid disorder, I first want to discuss a little anatomy. What is your thyroid? Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland found in your neck.  It’s located under your larynx and in front of your trachea. The two lobes of your thyroid are connected by an area called the isthmus. Why is your thyroid important?  As with any endocrine gland, your thyroid is responsible for producing and secreting certain hormones to help your body function properly.  Generally, you’ll hear about two main types of hormones, which I will refer to simply as T3 and T4. Primarily, the thyroid hormones are responsible for your metabolism.  However, they also play roles in mood regulation and sexual functions.  Hello! Your thyroid is messing with your marriage! Endocrineweb.com provides a nicer list of the thyroid’s functions here.   Does the thyroid work alone? The hypothalamus and pituitary glands, located in the brain, control the thyroid.  These two glands communicate, to the thyroid, how much T3 and T4 it needs to produce. When the thyroid levels are low, these two glands tell the thyroid gland to increase output of these hormones. So what happens when your thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormones? When your thyroid becomes sluggish, you’ll begin to notice signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism. It is possible, however, to be in the initial stages of hypothyroidism before noticing any signs. Can anything be done for hypothyroidism? Thankfully, once hypothyroidism has been diagnosed, there are treatment options. Your doctor will prescribe thyroid medications to replace the thyroid hormones that aren’t being produced. Your options include synthetic thyroid hormone replaced or a desiccated thyroid replacement, made from the thyroid of animals (usually pig).  I’ll try to discuss these further in the future. How long will you have to take the medication? This is a topic that should be discussed with your doctor. There have been some reports of curing hypothyroidism.  Generally, you should expect to be on thyroid hormone replacement for the rest of your life. How old are people who develop hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism has no age limits. According to Baby’s First Test, nearly 1 in every 3000 or 4000 babies is born with congenital hypothyroidism.  Thankfully, this is routinely screened within the first few days of a baby’s life.  Catching this condition early aides in preventing intellectual or developmental delays. But, hypothyroidism can affect people of all ages. Sadly, women are 5 to 8 times more likely than men to be diagnosed with hypothyroidism, according to the American Thyroid Association. In summary, hypothyroidism means your thyroid gland is under-active, and is not producing the necessary hormones that mainly control your body's metabolism, and some other bodily functions.  Any age can be diagnosed with this condition.  Fortunately, it can be treated and you can live a fairly normal life. Final Note about Hypothyroidism Please be sure you have your antibodies tested to find out if Hashimoto's is the cause of your hypothyroidism!  While standard treatment of hypothyroidism is through medication, knowing whether or not you have autoimmune hypothyroidism is useful.  A good doctor will help you find healing beyond prescriptions. Do you have hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's?  How has it affected you?  What are some of your biggest struggles?                       #### What is it Like to Birth Without an Epidural? As a mom who has been through and believes wholeheartedly in natural birth, I recognize I childbirth without an epidural is subjective.  No one experience is the same.  Moms weigh in on what drug-free births were like for them. What does childbirth feel like without an epidural?  This is a seriously great question!  And one I don't have an exact answer for.  In fact, there's only one REALLY GOOD answer.  Every mom who has gone through childbirth without an epidural is going to tell you something different.  The pain (or lack thereof) one may feel during childbirth is completely subjective. The thing about any birth experience is that they're all different. Women all prepare differently for childbirth.  Some of us walk into it believing it's our God-given ability to birth naturally and don't prepare.  Others attend childbirth classes, force their support person to learn everything, and expect them to work with them to continue encouraging their birth wishes go as planned. Pain tolerances are different.  Some of us have greater control over our minds.   Every birthing experience is different.  Baby's position, location of labor pains, and our abilities to express ourselves and become uninhibited play roles in the perception of the pain. Did you know that being scared of labor is actually a bad mentality for a laboring mother?  When you treat labor pains as though "something's wrong" you're stressed and your body stresses.  But, when you work with the contractions and remind yourself "this is my body doing it's job" you signal more peace to your brain and body. I know.  This isn't the information you were looking for.  I can hear you saying "I just want someone to tell me what a drug free birth feels like." What Does Childbirth Without An Epidural Feel Like? Since I am fully aware that childbirth without an epidural can feel completely differently to every mama, I thought it best I not answer this myself.  These moms graciously offered to let me quote them on their natural birth experiences.  This is what they had to say about childbirth without an epidural. Labor was too fast for an epidural "Because my labors were so fast I couldn't get an epidural but honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. The recoup time after the epidural vs no epidural are significant. The contractions are significantly dulled with an epidural but when all is said and done and pushing begins having control of your pushing without the epidural is huge.  I've given birth 6 times and not having an epidural made a huge difference in my recovery. I was up and walking right away vs couldn't get up and wash shaky all over with epidural." ~Elia M Elia shares her 6th child's birth story here. Long Labor vs. Short Labor "As a mom having been through two natural births, I can tell you they were both very different.  I would never tell you they weren't painful, but there were ways to manage the pain of both.  My longest (26hr) labor was more exhausting and I had back (and butt) labor making it impossible to sit.  The contractions increased at such a snail's pace that I had plenty of time to adjust to every spike in pain. My second, on the other hand, was a very intense 9 hour labor.  My son had been stuck on a bone in my pelvis and ended up being 13 days past due.  After I got him moved, my body went into a very painful labor and I felt as though I would explode from the middle.  The contractions increased in strength and length so quickly, I barely had time to think.  My pain threshold was met nearly every time I fought the contractions.  But, with the help of my husband in the delivery room, I was reminded to breathe through and move with them, which lessened the severity of pain I felt.  Additionally, the ring of fire was no where near as concerning as I'd been told.  With my second birth, I never even felt it." ~Ivy B Pain roller coaster "Childbirth without an epidural feels like the biggest pain roller coaster you'll ever experience! The waves of pain are so overwhelming you'll think you can't get through... But you can and you will! Somehow the baby comes out (even if unexpected medical interventions occur) and it's all worth it!" ~Susannah K Susannah shares both her sons' birth stories on her blog.  You can read Josiah's Birth Story and  Caleb's Birth Story on her blog at Simple Moments Stick More like intense menstrual cramps "My second birth was so rapid, there was no time for medication. I wouldn't even describe the sensation as pain, but rather extreme discomfort - like super intense menstrual cramps that build up and gradually go down. Crowning was also nothing like I expected - like a burning, stretching, almost abrasive sensation that goes away immediately after the baby is born. With both my births I remember saying right in the middle of labor, "this isn't nearly as bad as I expected!" With my unmedicated birth I felt much more in control, but I attribute that more to the fact that it was my second time experiencing labor rather than the absence of medication." ~Kristina S It was super fast "I had my first and only baby fast, painless and no drugs. He was 3.920kg. I was lucky because he was perfectly engaged the whole last month of pregnancy and when the time came, it was super fast." ~Carolina S Shoot me "My second birth was VBAC without medicine. What helped me to get through was my focus at the picture on the wall. It was of a mum holding her baby. I was just reminding myself that I'll soon hold my baby too. The pain...I was howling like wolf or fox....at the end when my baby got stuck after an hour of Pushing, I just wanted somebody to shoot me, KILL me right there and give me relief." ~Capricon L The second was like a freight train "Both of my births were unmedicated. Both were the most empowering experiences of my life, in completely different ways. Some women rely on their partners or birth team for support, but for the first one, I went completely inward. I didn't want to be touched or messed with. I wanted to labor in the corner like some kind of primal animal. I pushed for 20 minutes and had a crying healthy baby boy on my chest. My second one happened FAST. I went from active labor to pushing in 40 minutes. It happened in the water before the tub was even full. I had a lot of back labor with this birth and needed my birth team to support me with hip squeezes. Once I got in the water, the contractions came one on top of the other and it was like holding on to freight train. I had the baby out in 3 pushes and pulled him up to my chest. It happened so quickly that neither the nurse or midwife made it into the room in time!" ~Naya Weber, IBCLC, LactivistinLouboutins Empowering "Unmedicated birth for me was an empowering marathon of unusual acrobatics. I worked my way through several positions all with keeping in tune with my body to determine when I needed to push through and when I needed to rest. At the end I truly felt like a super hero.  I had some damn good help with my husband and midwife too. " ~Kameron M from Mombie and the Munchkin Monster In the tub, dull pressure "For the first 15min, the water had completely relieved the pain.. My contractions felt like dull pressure that wrapped around my lower back and belly, different from the sharpness I experienced when I was out of the tub. But as time went on, I could feel my baby moving down." ~Jenn M from Brooklyn's Birth Story on Modlins Multiply It's real "I gave birth to both my daughter, and my twin boys without pain medication.   I would say that an epidural free childbirth is definitely REAL. Every labor and delivery experience is real, but med free is real in the sense that you remember everything, you feel everything, your entire body is literally present for everything. It's empowering (and exhausting lol) to make it through delivery that way. " ~Tiara J Not sure I'd do it again "My most recent labor was unmedicated although I'm not sure I would do it again. The burning pain at crowning is the worst pain I've ever experienced and it felt like it lasted an eternity. But the good thing is that as soon as the baby slides out the pain instantly disappears." ~Hannah C shares her experience in this birth story. Pressure, not pain "I used the Hypnobabies program and had a really good first time experience. For a day leading up to the “real” labour I felt literal contractions in my midsection that I mostly ignored. Then they started to ramp up! At the worst, it felt kind of like a really hot hand grabbing and squeezing my stomach. I also experienced leg labor which made it very difficult to get comfortable, thankfully I was in water which helped. But during the actual pushing I felt nothing! I was so deep in hypnosis that my midwives and doula had to actually tell me it was time to push. Once I became aware of this, I could feel the pressure of her head but no pain." ~Kristine M Not if you're induced "My first birth was in a birthing center. While it was painful, I had some coping techniques that worked and my midwives made it so peaceful. My second was a whirlwind. I was in a hospital and I was induced. I don’t recommend going without pain medications while being induced since pitocin contractions are a lot worse than natural contractions." ~Aubree P shares 8 tips to achieve your dream natural birth You can survive anything for half an hour "I've had two intentionally unmedicated birthday, and will have my third in a couple months.  I always say, "it's really not that bad!" It's essentially strong menstrual cramps until the last half hour or so, and a person can survive anything for half an hour!" ~Juli H from Mostly Caffeinated It's primal I completely agree .... childbirth without an epidural is very primal! "My second was an unmedicated birth (on purpose) and the only way I can describe it would be to say that it feels like the closest I will ever get to a primal state of being. It was painful, yet powerful. And it’s followed by an immense happiness that I hadn’t felt until that moment." ~Rachel L from It's a Hero The easiest labor " My third was my only unmedicated birth and easily my easiest labor. The nurse kept coming in and you could see the awe on her face, I felt amazing. The last five minutes I had intense sensations as I pushed, but that was it. "It was the most empowering thing I've ever felt in my life." It was also mindblowing because I felt amazing the entire time." ~Shannon S from Our Piece of Earth There was no time for the epidural "...when I realized there would be no epidural, I was terrified... but then I guess I just switched into work mode ?? he came out so fast, he busted blood vessels in his eyes and bruised his little nose! ? but how it felt.... uh!? I remember pressure and I remember the pain.. squeezed the life out of my husbands hands (mostly to make sure he wasn’t running away ?) and just when the pain got to where I wasn’t sure I could hang.. he came and I felt 10,000 times better!! I loved postpartum soooo much better without the epi... I was able to stand up and go to the warmer while they cleaned him and weighed him. I was completely alert and mobile right away!! And I really liked that!" ~Deanna Grace from Love and Scribbles Real-Life Wonder Woman "My second birth was without any drugs mainly because I labored to fast to get them. I had full intentions of having a drug-free birth but the speed that I labored at made it feel like someone stuck one of those pap smear thingys in me and just kept cranking it open quickly. I screamed for drugs. When I got to the hospital I was 7 cm dilated, the nurse said it was too late to give me anything. She left and it couldn't have been more than 5 minutes later when I told my husband to go yell in the hallway for someone to come catch the baby bc he was coming out NOW. I labored for a total 5 hrs (mostly at home) and used the method from Hynobirthing. It was amazing. Yes the contractions are painful but they're a very manageable pain and meditation was the perfect way to manage them. I was able to really enjoy birth. And afterwards I felt like a real live Wonder Woman. That moment really cemented for me that women are the strongest of the sexes and men should bow down! " ~Bridgid M writes her birth story snippets and encouragement in her post You Were Built for This Painful, yet powerful "I have had two (planned) unmedicated births. I feel so blessed to be able to carry and birth children, and I wanted to feel present in every moment of that. Giving birth was painful, yet extremely powerful. It is so incredible to feel your body working to get your baby out. Once the baby is born, it is such a relieving and empowering feeling." ~Amber R shares her son's birth story Induced and avoided epidural "I gave birth to my twins without an epidural while being induced! With twins things are a little more complicated and I consented to an induction after a lot of consideration and input from my midwives and doctor. But I wanted to keep it as natural as possible even if I was induced and in a hospital. So I wanted to avoid and epidural, which I did! I was on max doses of pitocin for 2 full days before giving birth, but for me the pitocin wasn’t much worse than natural labor, which I had experience with my daughter. It mostly feels like period cramps until you get to transition, and that’s when all hell breaks loose. I have back labor with my births. It basically feels like someone is stabbing a knife into your lower back on top of really bad period cramps. It’s honestly not fun, but it is a short period of time. Once I hit the stage where I started doubting if I could actually do it, I knew I was close. Many women go through that “omg I can’t do this” stage, but that’s usually right before you’re ready to push those babies out!" ~Morgan B The Flash "It was the most painful and most purposeful thing I’ve ever felt. My water broke and I could feel him moving through me like a Mack truck. There was no stopping it. My body knew exactly what to do. I screamed and then suddenly there he was. " ~Kristin B shares Flash's Birth Story I couldn't control my body " It felt so powerful and intense. I couldn’t control my body and it started pushing with no thought or intent from me. The final stages felt like the convulsions you have when you are vomiting, that kind of retching feeling that you can’t control but you know is your body naturally doing its job. The feeling once the baby is out is like no other and you instantly feel like you can conquer the world." ~Holly P from Pitter Patter Pither Leg day at the gym "I remember saying afterwards 'that was bad....but so is leg day at the gym'" ~Grá C Enjoyable ... Would you imagine childbirth without an epidural as enjoyable? "I don’t have any comparison as this was my first but birth without an epidural was amazingly empowering. I honestly felt no pain and the rush of hormones you get is unbelievable. I thoroughly enjoyed my labour.  We did do hypnobirthing which I believe helped me a lot and my labour was short and sweet. I slept through pretty much all of it." ~Bella D from Documenting the Drews Similar to food poisoning cramps "I had both my children at home. Both planned. No drugs, unless you include the 2 bags of Jelly Babies I munched my way through. I felt my contractions in my back and the pain was similar to food poisoning cramps (infact that's what I thought it was initially!). They come in waves, they slowly build up to a peak and then slowly die down again. When I was having a contraction I went into my own little world, concentrating on my breathing. In between contractions I would eat Jelly Babies and have inane conversations with my husband about the weather etc. The pushing part is a bit surreal. Our bodies have been doing this for years so they know what they doing. Just go with the flow and don't fight it. The head popping out feels like your muscles are being stretched as far as they can go, which they are. Once the head is out, you are on the home straight. Painful? Yes...but manageable. Nowhere near as bad as I had heard. I had tonsillitis a few years ago and that was much more painful than childbirth. At least with childbirth you get a break between the contractions and you get a wonderful present at the end." ~Sonia J from The Parent Express I'd do it again " I had two home births, both planned. No drugs, and honestly, I wouldn't have had time for them anyway. Both of my labors were less than 12 hours from first contraction to birth. The only time I felt like I couldn't handle it was when my youngest son's head got out of position. My midwife reached in and MOVED HIS HEAD! But then, he was ready to go and was Earth-side about 90 minutes later. As far as pain, yeah, there was pain, but really, it was manageable. I really liked being able to feel everything and have control of my body. I walked around my house and tried different positions for pushing and I couldn't have done that with an epidural. It was a WEIRD feeling having my hips spread apart with my first born (he was 9 lb, 5 ounces with an ENORMOUS head). My youngest was moving down the birth canal even between contractions, which was also another very weird sensation. The best part of not having any drugs was how alert both of my boys were after birth. They both latched right away and I was able to bond with them as long as I wanted. Plus, with the home birth, I was able to sleep in my OWN BED right away. That was SOOOOO nice. I have no regrets and if I'd ever have another kid, I'd do the same thing. " ~Rachelle W from Mama Writes Reviews I wasn't in the right mindset Sometimes we're just not prepared for childbirth without an epidural. " I've had one epidural birth and one unplanned unmedicated birth. My daughter wanted out and she wanted out right that second, from start to finish was just over 2 hours. I have never been in so much pain in my life. I was not in the right mindset, I had planned having a medicated birth from the beginning, but God had other plans for me. The worst pain my life, so I was thankful it happened so fast!" ~Sarah C writes about her two birth differences in her post You Are Always Enough Keep the conversation going - in the comments, tell us if you've experienced childbirth without an epidural! If you're here considering childbirth without an epidural or want to share your own story, continue the discussion in the comments section of this post.  I'd love to hear from you! #### What is Jet.com and How Does it Save Time and Money? What is Jet.com?  Well, I've been shopping with Jet.com for quite some time.  When I first started using it, I wasn't as in love with it.  Over time, though, it's grown on me.  Now I'm placing orders with Jet.com a couple times a month.  I'd go as far as saying I can't live without it now! Disclaimer: Affiliate links are included in this post. What is Jet.com? Well, it's an online "grocery" and household delivery service.  I say grocery in quotes because you won't be buying cold or frozen items like eggs, fruits and veggies, or corn dogs. This is the place to purchase household goods like toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaning supplies.  As for food purchases, this is where I get my (gluten free) oatmeal, large boxes of snacks, and boxes of diapers. I like to think of Jet.com as a wholesale store.  But, it doesn't have a membership fee and not everything is bulk.  Though, you can buy in bulk and save money. How I use Jet.com to save time and money I'm a busy stay at home mom trying to fit everything around a 1 year old's needs and my 5 year old's school and girl scout schedule.  For those of you who work away from home, it may be hard to understand that my schedule is full, just like anyone else's.  Of course, most people don't see running a blog as a business, but it is.  Every single piece of my day is taken up by something.  Housework, feeding kids, running around for naps, school drop off and pick up, helping with homework, cooking, and squeezing in time to schedule blog posts for deadlines (or just to stay consistent). Saving Time with Jet.com Anyway, I'm busy.  I need Jet.com to save me from visiting multiple stores to pick up items I need or want.  I can't always find my gluten free items in one store, but I have found a few items on Jet that I can't find elsewhere. I save time with Jet by not having to visit multiple stores.  I've also cut out visiting the wholesale club, which look a good chunk out of a morning for me. Jet.com offers 2 day delivery on essential, delivered to your door. Saving Money with Jet.com Some things are simply cheaper on Jet.com, even if you don't purchase in bulk. Things like diapers, toilet paper, and some of my gluten free items are cheaper in general.  But, Jet.com sets themselves apart on price even more when you start adding multiple items to your cart.  The more you add, the more you save.  Here's how savings work: Adding items with the 2-day delivery flag saves you more on the items you already have in your cart. Wave free returns (if it's something you know you're keeping). Pay with a debit card to save an additional 1.5%. Free shipping on orders over $35. Bonus Ways to Save with Jet.com Firstly, Jet.com is giving you 15% off your first THREE orders with coupon code WELCOME15 through 2/1/17, which a max discount of $30/order. Secondly, use iBotta and get 2% cash back!  Just log in to your iBotta app, unlock the savings for Jet.com, then click the "Launch App" Button and you can place your order through your Jet.com app. #### What is Uninvolved Parenting and Its Effects on Kids Ever wondered what happens when parents take a backseat in their kids' lives? Well, that's where uninvolved parenting comes into play. Also known as neglectful parenting, it's like the ultimate hands-off approach, where parents are more MIA than your favorite disappearing magic trick.  Learn what uninvolved parenting looks like, how it affects the kiddos, and what we can do to ensure they don't miss out on all the good stuff. From the signs to the impacts and even some ways to turn the ship around, we've got you covered. So, buckle up as we explore the world of uninvolved parenting together! What is Uninvolved Parenting? Uninvolved parenting, also known as neglectful parenting, is a style of parenting characterized by a lack of emotional involvement and responsiveness towards the child's needs. In this approach, parents tend to be detached and disengaged from their child's life, providing minimal guidance, support, and attention. Uninvolved parents often prioritize their own needs or are overwhelmed by external factors such as work or personal issues, leading to limited interactions with their children. They may neglect basic responsibilities like: providing adequate supervision ensuring proper nutrition and hygiene or attending to the child's emotional well-being. This parenting style can have significant negative effects on a child's development.  Children who grow up with uninvolved parents may experience: feelings of abandonment low self-esteem difficulties forming healthy relationships They may also exhibit behavioral problems and have difficulties in academic performance. It is important to note that uninvolved parenting is distinct from other styles such as authoritative or permissive parenting. While authoritative parents are nurturing and set clear boundaries for their children, uninvolved parents lack interest or involvement in their children's lives altogether. Understanding the concept of uninvolved parenting helps us recognize the importance of parental engagement in shaping a child's well-being. By promoting awareness about this style of parenting, we can encourage healthier approaches that prioritize the emotional needs and overall development of children. Key Features of Uninvolved Parenting Uninvolved parents tend to be unresponsive to their children's needs and may prioritize their interests or responsibilities over their children's well-being. One key feature of uninvolved parenting is the lack of emotional support provided to children. Parents who practice this style often fail to provide the necessary love, affection, and guidance that children need for healthy emotional development. This can result in feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem in children. Another characteristic is minimal supervision. Uninvolved parents may not closely monitor their children's activities or whereabouts, leading to potential safety risks and a lack of boundaries. Without proper guidance and supervision, children may struggle with making responsible decisions or understanding appropriate behavior. Furthermore, the absence of parental involvement is a defining aspect of uninvolved parenting. These parents may be disengaged from their child's life, showing little interest in their education, hobbies, or social interactions. This lack of involvement can hinder a child's overall development and leave them feeling neglected or unsupported. It is important to note that uninvolved parenting should not be confused with intentional neglect or abuse. Often, these parents may have various personal challenges or circumstances that prevent them from being more actively involved in their child's life. Understanding the key features of uninvolved parenting allows us to recognize its impact on a child's well-being and development. By promoting awareness and providing resources for support and education, we can strive towards creating healthier family dynamics that prioritize the needs and growth of our future generations. Effects of Uninvolved Parenting on Children When parents are neglectful or fail to provide the necessary attention and support, children may experience low self-esteem, struggle academically, exhibit behavioral issues, and face challenges forming healthy attachments. One of the most significant consequences of uninvolved parenting is the negative impact it can have on a child's self-esteem. When children do not receive consistent love and attention from their caregivers, they may internalize feelings of worthlessness or develop a distorted sense of self. This lack of validation and emotional support can hinder their confidence and make it difficult to navigate social interactions. Furthermore, uninvolved parenting often leads to poor academic performance. Without parental involvement in education, children may lack the necessary guidance and motivation to excel academically. They may struggle with organization skills, time management, and a lack of encouragement that hinders their ability to reach their full potential. Behavioral issues are also common among children who experience neglectful parenting. The absence of consistent boundaries and discipline can result in a lack of structure in a child's life. This can lead to behavioral problems such as aggression, defiance, or withdrawal as they attempt to navigate the world without clear guidance. Additionally, attachment difficulties are prevalent among children who grow up with uninvolved parents. Secure attachment is crucial for healthy emotional development; however, when caregivers are emotionally distant or unavailable, children may struggle to form secure attachments with others later in life. This can impact their ability to form healthy relationships and trust others. Signs of Uninvolved Parenting It is important to recognize the signs of uninvolved parenting to address and support these children appropriately. A few signs a child is being cared for by uninvolved parents include: Difficulty forming emotional connections: Children may struggle to build secure relationships and express emotions due to insufficient parental engagement and emotional support. Lack of guidance and boundaries: Children might exhibit behavioral issues and insecurity, potentially stemming from a lack of parental supervision and established boundaries. Low self-esteem: Signs of children feeling neglected and unimportant can arise from insufficient parental involvement and a lack of emotional validation. Academic challenges: Children's struggles in school and a lack of motivation can be attributed to the absence of parental support and encouragement in educational pursuits. Check out a couple of scenarios that highlight the consequences and challenges faced by children growing up under uninvolved parenting. Scenario 1: The Absent Confidant Imagine a young girl, Sarah, navigating the tumultuous waters of adolescence, grappling with the daunting challenges of identity formation and peer pressure. With uninvolved parents who are consistently absent emotionally and physically, Sarah finds herself adrift without a compass. Her need for guidance and emotional support remains unmet, leading to a sense of isolation and detachment. In the absence of open communication and trust, Sarah turns to her peers for advice, often adopting their values and beliefs, regardless of their impact on her well-being. As a consequence, her self-esteem wavers, and her decision-making becomes erratic, lacking the grounding that parental guidance could have provided. Scenario 2: The Unseen Achiever Now, let's meet James, a bright young boy with a natural aptitude for academics. In his home, however, achievements are met with a shrug and a passing remark, devoid of genuine interest or acknowledgment from his uninvolved parents. As he excels academically, his parents remain oblivious to his accomplishments, failing to provide the necessary encouragement and motivation that could fuel his passion for learning. Consequently, James begins to question the significance of his achievements, leading to a diminishing sense of self-worth and an erosion of his intrinsic motivation to excel. With no one to celebrate his victories or guide him through challenges, he starts to doubt his abilities, hindering his potential for growth and success. Through these scenarios, we witness the profound impact of uninvolved parenting on the emotional and cognitive development of children. The lack of emotional support, guidance, and recognition can create significant hurdles in their path towards a healthy and fulfilling future. As we explore the consequences, it becomes evident that the absence of parental involvement can not only hinder a child's growth but also shape their perception of self-worth and their capacity to navigate life's challenges. It underscores the critical role that parental engagement plays in fostering resilience, confidence, and a sense of security in a child's life. Uninvolved Parenting Pros and Cons Uninvolved parenting, also known as neglectful parenting, can have both advantages and disadvantages. It is important to explore these pros and cons to gain a better understanding of the potential impact on children and their development. Benefits of Uninvolved Parenting: Encourages independence and self-reliance: Children have the opportunity to develop problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities independently, fostering a sense of autonomy and self-sufficiency. Disadvantages of Uninvolved Parenting: Relationship difficulties: Uninvolved parenting can lead to strained relationships or detachment between parent and child due to the lack of emotional support and guidance, potentially affecting the parent-child bond in the long run. Risk of mental health issues: The absence of nurturing care may contribute to feelings of abandonment, loneliness, and low self-esteem, potentially leading to various mental health challenges that could persist into adulthood if not addressed. Challenges in forming healthy attachments: Children raised by uninvolved parents might face difficulties forming secure emotional bonds, impacting their ability to trust others or establish meaningful relationships later in life. While uninvolved parenting may promote independence in some cases, its disadvantages should not be ignored. Relationship difficulties, mental health issues, low self-confidence, and an inability to form healthy attachments are all potential consequences that need careful consideration when examining this style of parenting. Overcoming the Effects of Uninvolved Parenting: Strategies for Parents and Caregivers In today's fast-paced world, many parents and caregivers find themselves struggling with the effects of uninvolved parenting. However, it is important to remember that there are strategies and resources available to help overcome these challenges. One effective approach is seeking professional help. Consulting with therapists or counselors specializing in family dynamics can provide valuable insights and guidance on navigating the complexities of uninvolved parenting. These professionals can offer personalized strategies tailored to each family's unique circumstances. Improving communication with children is another crucial aspect of addressing the effects of uninvolved parenting. Actively listening to their thoughts and feelings, engaging in meaningful conversations, and creating a safe space for open dialogue can foster stronger connections between parents/caregivers and children. This can lead to a deeper understanding of each other's needs and ultimately strengthen the parent-child relationship. Setting boundaries and expectations is also vital in overcoming the effects of uninvolved parenting. Clearly defining rules, responsibilities, and consequences helps establish structure within the household. Consistency in enforcing these boundaries provides children with a sense of security and teaches them important life skills such as self-discipline and respect for others. Additionally, providing emotional support and validation is essential for children who have experienced uninvolved parenting. Offering empathy, understanding, and reassurance helps build their self-esteem while fostering a sense of belonging within the family unit. By acknowledging their emotions and experiences, parents/caregivers can create an environment where children feel valued, heard, and loved. Overcoming the effects of uninvolved parenting requires proactive steps from parents/caregivers. Seeking professional help, improving communication with children, setting boundaries and expectations, as well as providing emotional support are all key strategies that can make a positive difference in nurturing healthy relationships within families. The Importance of Building a Supportive Network for Parents Dealing with Uninvolved Parenting Patterns In today's fast-paced world, parenting can often become a challenging journey. For parents dealing with uninvolved parenting patterns, the importance of building a supportive network cannot be overstated. Parenting is a demanding responsibility that requires emotional support, guidance, and understanding. When faced with uninvolved parenting patterns, it can be even more overwhelming for parents to navigate through this complex situation alone. A supportive network plays a crucial role in providing the necessary emotional and practical support to parents. It creates a safe space where they can share their experiences, seek advice, and find solace in knowing that they are not alone in their struggles. By connecting with other parents who have faced similar challenges or professionals who specialize in parenting support, individuals can gain valuable insights and coping strategies. This network offers an opportunity for growth and learning as parents exchange ideas on how to effectively address uninvolved parenting patterns. Furthermore, a supportive network helps alleviate feelings of isolation and provides validation for parents' experiences. It reminds them that their concerns are valid and that others understand what they are going through. Breaking the Cycle - Nurturing Healthy Relationships between Parents and Children It is evident that breaking the cycle of negative patterns is crucial for fostering positive connections. Prioritizing open communication, empathy, and understanding can create a safe and supportive environment for their children to thrive. It is important to recognize that building healthy relationships takes time and effort. Parents should be willing to reflect on their behaviors and make necessary changes to model positive interactions for their children. By setting clear boundaries, practicing active listening, and providing emotional support, parents can cultivate trust and mutual respect within the parent-child relationship. Furthermore, seeking professional guidance through therapy or counseling can be immensely beneficial in addressing any underlying issues or challenges that may hinder the development of a healthy parent-child bond. These resources offer valuable insights and strategies tailored to individual circumstances. Breaking the cycle of negative patterns in parent-child relationships requires dedication, self-reflection, and a commitment to growth. By fostering an authoritative parenting style with open lines of communication, empathy, and understanding, parents can create an environment where love flourishes and healthy connections thrive. Remember that every effort made towards nurturing these relationships will have a lasting impact on both the parent's well-being as well as the child's overall development. FAQs About Uninvolved Parenting Why do some parents adopt uninvolved parenting? Parents might adopt an uninvolved approach due to various reasons such as personal challenges, work-related pressures, or emotional struggles, which can impede their ability to engage actively in their children's lives. What are the long-term effects of uninvolved parenting on children? Uninvolved parenting can lead to long-term impacts on children, including potential issues with self-esteem, emotional attachment difficulties, behavioral challenges, and struggles in forming healthy relationships later in life. How can family dynamics contribute to uninvolved parenting? Family dynamics, such as high levels of stress, lack of emotional support, or poor communication patterns, can contribute to uninvolved parenting. Additionally, unresolved personal issues or intergenerational patterns of neglect within families can also play a role in this parenting style. #### What is Your Favorite Holiday Scent? Why? When I think about holiday scents, it's hard to choose a favorite.  But, I love smelling a fresh Christmas tree.  I'll tell you why I narrowed it down as my favorite holiday scent. The smells of the holidays are in the air.  You can't miss them ... pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and the smell of Christmas trees.  Grocery and retail stores are bound to have something out that, as you pass by, will remind you it's the holidays. What is your favorite Holiday scent? Does any particular scent really get you into the Christmas spirit? My Favorite Holiday Scent For me, it's the scent of a live Christmas tree. As I pass Christmas trees, I'm reminded of what Christmas used to smell like in our home when I was growing up.  The green and fresh smell of a live tree wafted through the small house and it was blissful. As adults, we've relinquished our senses of that familiar and lovely smell though.  Hubby and I exchanged the smell and the hassle for pre-lit trees without a scent.  And, I'm willing to bet many of you have, too. We were in favor of not having to water a tree or chasing a toddler out from under it.  We favored lights already on the tree that could change color at the flip of a switch.  And I especially love that there's virtually no clean up since it generally won't be dropping it's needles all over the floor. I won't lie, though.  I miss the smell of a fresh cut Christmas tree.  It's my favorite holiday scent because it reminds me of Christmas time when I was growing up.  A time when my life was so much less complicated.  It's reminds me of my youth, playing with my newly acquired Christmas presents as the adults ran around like mad making all the Christmas lunch "fixin's." Now, I'm the adult running around like a chicken with its head cut off.  My husband and I are the ones catering to our kids as they sit playing with their new toys, oblivious to how much work is being done in the background.  We're the ones ensuring our children carry happy memories of the holiday. But, we don't have that one Christmas scent, because we chose less work.  And I wonder if they'll have a favorite holiday scent in the absence of a real tree. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="y" cloak="n" height="500" identifier="B014A6MDAE" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51CL1kdeo3L.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="425"] Sure, I know we can buy those Christmas Tree [easyazon_link identifier="B014A6MDAE" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="y" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]scent sticks[/easyazon_link], but it never really is the same, is it? Tell me: what's your favorite holiday scent and why?   #### What Kids Really Need to Know About Making Friends Do your kids have trouble making and keeping friends? If so, this is what you need to know to help kids build healthy friendships. I desperately wish this book had been available to me growing up.  Especially as an introvert, I have, and still do have, a difficult time making friends. I placed all my energy into a really small pool of friends. when I was in school  And, when new people entered the circle wanting to compromise the time of one of my best friends, my pool was smaller.  I distinctly remember writing one girl a note (because we didn't have cell phones back in my day) in an effort to have my best friend returned to me.  I didn't necessarily want her all to myself, but I did want to have her back in some capacity.  I missed her and hadn't really connected with anyone else on that level in my life. In some ways, I'm still that young girl.  I've got that one really good friend (even though we don't talk very often).  And, I have a few friends in different "groups" if you will.  I don't spend much time with anyone, and I don't have many very close friends. So, it stands to reason I'm not the best at teaching my kids about making and keeping friends.  Because of which, I'm thoroughly grateful for Growing Friendships: A Kids' Guide to Making and Keeping Friends by Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore & Christine McLaughlin. As my daughter has entered 1st grade, this book is helping us to build on the friendships she already has while making more friends! Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.  There are affiliate links in this post ... your purchases allow me to continue bringing you free content on this website. Building Blocks of Healthy Friendships If you want to help your kids build healthy friendships, it's important to keep in mind what makes any relationship thrive. Think of building friendships like constructing a sturdy fort. You wouldn't just pile up random bricks, would you? Each block needs to fit together securely to create a strong and supportive structure. Similarly, healthy friendships are built on a foundation of essential qualities that help them thrive. Let's explore some of these key building blocks: 1. Communication: Imagine a seesaw where one child can't hear the other. It's pretty tricky to coordinate and have fun, right? Communication is the two-way street of friendship. It involves: Active listening: Truly paying attention to what your friend is saying, not just waiting for your turn to talk. Clear and respectful communication: Expressing your thoughts and feelings openly and honestly, while being mindful of your friend's perspective. Expressing needs and wants safely: Feeling comfortable communicating what you need and want in the friendship, and understanding that it's okay to have different desires sometimes. Non-verbal communication: Remember, it's not just what you say, but how you say it. Eye contact, facial expressions, and body language all play a role in conveying your message. 2. Respect and Empathy: Friendship thrives in a garden of acceptance and understanding. Respect and empathy are the sunshine and water that help it flourish: Recognizing and valuing individual differences: Every child is unique, with their own quirks, talents, and perspectives. Celebrate these differences and see them as strengths that enrich the friendship. Showing understanding and compassion: When your friend is going through a tough time, be there for them with a listening ear and a kind word. Put yourself in their shoes and try to see things from their perspective. Accepting others' opinions and feelings: Even if you disagree with your friend sometimes, remember that it's okay to have different viewpoints. Respect their right to express their feelings, even if they're different from yours. Setting healthy boundaries: It's important to know where your comfort zone ends. If something your friend is doing makes you feel uncomfortable, communicate it assertively and set boundaries that both of you can respect. 3. Trust and Loyalty: Just like a secret recipe passed down through generations, trust is a precious ingredient in any friendship. It involves: Keeping promises and confidences: If your friend shares something personal with you, keep it under lock and key. Likewise, always strive to be someone your friend can rely on to keep their promises. Being reliable and supportive: Show your friend you're there for them, through thick and thin. Be someone they can count on to lend a hand, offer encouragement, and celebrate their successes. Standing up for each other: True friends have each other's backs. If someone is being unkind to your friend, be their voice and advocate for them. Avoiding gossip and negativity: Spreading rumors or negativity about others can quickly poison a friendship. Focus on building each other up, not tearing others down. 4. Conflict Resolution: Friendships, like good rollercoasters, are bound to have a few dips and turns. Disagreements and conflicts are inevitable, but how you handle them can make all the difference. Think of conflict resolution as a superpower that allows you to navigate bumpy roads together: Recognizing and expressing feelings constructively: Before trying to solve the problem, acknowledge your own emotions and help your friend do the same. Take a deep breath, use "I" statements (e.g., "I feel hurt when you..." instead of "You always..."), and avoid accusatory language. Communicating effectively during disagreements: Actively listen to your friend's perspective, try to understand their point of view, and avoid interrupting. Speak calmly and respectfully, even if you disagree. Finding fair solutions through compromise: Remember, friendship isn't about winning or losing. Brainstorm solutions that work for both of you, and be willing to bend a little to reach a compromise that leaves everyone feeling heard and valued. Seeking help from adults if needed: Sometimes, conflicts can feel overwhelming. If you and your friend are struggling to resolve a disagreement on your own, don't hesitate to seek help from a trusted adult, like a parent, teacher, or counselor. 5. Shared Interests and Activities: Friends are like puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly. Discovering shared interests and activities is like finding the matching colors and shapes that create a beautiful picture of your friendship: Finding common ground and enjoying activities together: Do you both love building epic Lego creations? Are you partners in crime when it comes to conquering the monkey bars? Spending time doing things you both enjoy strengthens your bond and creates lasting memories. Trying new things and being open to different experiences: Step outside your comfort zone and explore new hobbies together! You might discover hidden talents and passions you never knew you had, all while strengthening your friendship. Encouraging individual interests and growth: Just because you're friends doesn't mean you have to be carbon copies of each other. Celebrate your individual interests and support each other's growth, even if it takes you in different directions sometimes. Remember, building healthy friendships takes time, effort, and a willingness to learn and grow together. By nurturing these essential building blocks, you can create strong and lasting connections that will bring joy, support, and adventure into your child's life. Remember, these building blocks are just the foundation. Strong friendships are built over time, brick by brick, through shared experiences, laughter, and a willingness to learn and grow together. Help Kids Build Healthy Friendships Making Friends This book does a great job of sharing bits of information to help kids easily make friends. You know those questions you've had about how to handle meeting someone new?  The first chapters break these questions down to help your child figure out the first steps in forming friendships.  It goes further into how to handle any of the awkwardness and giving a new friend some space. Keeping Friends One of my longest friendships has taken the most work.  That's the secret to any relationship though ... work.  Making friends is the easiest part of friendships.  Actually learning to compromise or blend into groups takes serious effort. The last chapters help your child navigate every part of a friendships' phases, including handling adding friends to their group. friends being kind, taking turns with games Personal Observations I loved how this book used short cartoon style images to show friends in different situations.  It leads your kids through possible choices when handling an issue, allowing them to visualize more than just be told how to make and keep friends. It's easy to recognize every one of the situations mentioned in this book and am really pleased with how it's written for children to navigate friendships.  This is especially appealing since I've always had a difficult time with them myself.  I feel more prepared to help my kids make and keep friends ... and I may have learned (or been reminded of) a thing or two for my introverted self. It's important to note that Growing Friendships doesn't simply want your kids to make tons of friends.  Its purpose is to help your kids build healthy friendships.  Over time, your child should learn what it takes, not only to have a good friend but to be a good friend. Buy the book! *Disclosure: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Sprouting the Seeds of Friendship: Age-Appropriate Activities Think of fostering friendships as tending a garden. Different ages call for different approaches, just like you wouldn't plant tomato seeds right before a frost! Here are some age-appropriate activities to help your little flower buds blossom into beautiful friendships: Tiny Sprouts (Preschoolers): Playdates with Play-Doh pals: Set the stage for creative collaboration with a Play-Doh playdate. Each child can mold their own masterpiece, then combine them into a fantastical world filled with shared laughter and imagination. Storytime snuggles and circle dances: Gather a group of tiny friends for a cozy book nook adventure. Choose stories about friendship, then let the magic spill over into a playful circle dance, celebrating the joys of togetherness. Building block buddies: Teamwork makes the dream block tower work! Encourage collaborative building projects, letting your little ones discover the power of cooperation and shared goals. Budding Branchlets (Kindergarten & Early Elementary): Theme park adventures: Let loose at a local park or playground. Swings, slides, and sandbox creations become platforms for playful interactions and budding friendships. Teamwork triumphs: Sports leagues, dance classes, or even backyard obstacle courses provide a natural environment for children to learn cooperation, communication, and the thrill of achieving something together. Creative collaboration: Spark imaginations with craft projects that require teamwork. Building a cardboard pirate ship or decorating a giant mural fosters artistic expression and a sense of shared accomplishment. Blooming Blossoms (Middle & Late Elementary): Game nights galore: Board games, card games, even charades – unleash the friendly competition and encourage strategic thinking while forging bonds through laughter and playful banter. Volunteer ventures: Give back to the community together! Soup kitchens, animal shelters, or park clean-ups offer opportunities to make a difference while strengthening the ties of friendship through a shared sense of purpose. Book clubs with a twist: Dive into a captivating story as a group, then take it a step further. Act out a scene, write fanfiction, or create art inspired by the book, fostering shared interests and creative expression. Remember, every sprout grows at its own pace. These are just ideas to get the garden of friendship blooming. The most important ingredient is to create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to connect with each other in their own unique ways.  FAQs for Helping Kids Build Healthy Friendships Q: My child's shy. How can they make friends? A: Start small: book clubs, art classes. Role-play introductions, celebrate progress. Show them friendly interactions in your own life. Q: My child gets excluded. What do I do? A: Listen without judgment. Help them find their strengths and join related clubs. Talk to teachers or coaches about inclusion strategies. Q: Is social media good for friendships? A: Double-edged sword. Set boundaries, talk about responsible online behavior. Encourage real-world interactions first. Q: My child constantly fights with friends. Should I worry? A: Disagreements are normal. Teach conflict resolution skills like communication and compromise. Model effective communication yourself. Seek professional help if needed. Q: How can I tell if my child's friendship is healthy? A: Look for positive interactions, open communication, and mutual support. Red flags: bullying, pressure, harmful behaviors. Trust your gut and offer support if needed. #### What Should I Do? It's My Due Date and Still No Baby Natural induction options, deciding on induction, and handling the disappointment when baby is late.  Answers to your question: "What should I do?  It's my due date and still no baby." I know just how difficult it is to handle that moment you realize it's your due date and there are no signs of labor.  With my son, who was 13 days late, it's more than a little disappointing.  I just wanted to meet the little guy I'd been bonding with inside my belly for nine months.  Our family was anxious to meet him as was his sister. I completely understand the thoughts that go through your mind when you realize "it's my due date and still no baby." It's important to remember, though, due dates are only approximate.  As much as we tend to live by these dates, first time mothers rarely deliver "on time."  At least not by the calendar set by doctors with their estimations and ultrasound scans.  A baby's "due date" is when that baby is fully developed and in optimal position for birth. What Causes a Baby to be Overdue? Doctors will tell you that obesity, first time pregnancies, family or personal history of late births, and "advanced maternal age" can contribute to your baby being overdue. Experience might tell us that causes can also be: A miscalculated due date Baby isn't in optimal position Risks of an Overdue Baby This should be discussed with a trusted professional, but some commonly stated risks are: Meconium (the first poop) getting into baby's lungs Low amniotic fluid I have to mention that having a significantly larger baby at birth is also a stated "risk".  I hate this because women already fear giving birth to large babies and is seemingly perpetuated by the notion that we can't push out big babies.  I've got a big old eye roll here because someone had commented that at my small stature, they wouldn't have been scared to push out an 8 pound baby.  The thought never cross my mind that I couldn't deliver him and I've heard of plenty of old school moms who pushed out babies much larger that that. But I digress! What Should I Do? It's My Due Date and Still No Baby For starters, relax. (Oh God!  I just said the one thing that irritated me when my baby was late!  But I have a few suggestions to help you cope with the disappointment when your baby is late.) Understand that due dates are estimations based on your last missed period.  This estimation assumes you have a normal cycle and ovulate accordingly. But, it's still a guess. Though ovulation lasts up to 48 hours, your fertile window can be as long as ten days.  This takes into account how long sperm will survive and implant when an egg is released. Only 3-5% of babies are born on their due date according to Belly Belly. Should you have an induction? I wouldn't jump to the immediate conclusion that you need an induction unless your health or your baby's is at serious risk.  Being "late" based on these estimations is not a health risk in and of itself.  The timing may just not have been right. Your body or your baby may just not be ready.  Brush up on these 7 Facts You Need to Know Before Asking to Be Induced. The question might not even be if you should have an induction, rather if you have to have an induction.  Your doctor may push for one or determine that you can wait it out as long as you and your baby are monitored a little more closely. Can I start labor naturally if it's my due date and still no baby? I, personally, haven't come to the conclusion that home remedies work to naturally induce labor.  But, I'm also not opposed to trying it ... lord knows I did everything when my second baby was 13 days late. If it's my due date and still no baby, what natural induction options should I try? Remember, I'm not a doctor.  I've had two kids and tried many of these suggestions myself.  Some of them I didn't try.  Use your judgment or consult with your a trusted professional to make sure these options are safe before trying them! Walk Have Sex Eat spicy food Drink Red Raspberry Tea Try nipple stimulation Some people consider membrane stripping a "natural" induction option.  I don't, but when your son is nearly 13 days late, you start to expand your options in hopes of avoiding a medically induced labor. Another thing to consider is whether or not baby is in optimal position. Handle the disappointment when you're past due and no contractions When you're past due with no contractions, the final days (or weeks) can be extremely frustrating.  I previously shared ways to handle the disappointment when baby is late. Mainly, I learned that taking your focus off your due date (or your past due date) is extremely important.  If you're late, try to enjoy some quiet time with your family, napping, or going out to a movie, just to name a few ideas. Try to keep your mind off it and enjoy the peace and quiet before your world is turned upside down (again if this isn't your first). Have you ever gone past your due date? Tell me: Did you try any natural labor induction methods?  Did anything work? This post originally appeared on Nov 8, 2017 and has been updated. #### What Should You Teach Your Children Now That Trump is President? As a parent myself, I am beginning to understand the anxiety behind what we teach our children about the presidential election.  Every year, I feel our Presidential candidates are getting grimier and grimier.  The debates surrounding the elections are getting more heated (or maybe I feel that way because I'm finally listening).  And, people are becoming much less tolerant of each other's differences of opinion.  It's a harsh world we live in.  There's a lot to teach our children, but we need to teach them more than just about the current president, and teach about all the presidential candidates, the election process, and what happens (or should happen) after the elections are over.  Trump is President, and you may or may not like it.  But, you need to teach your children the same things during every election in the future, regardless of who the candidates and elected Presidents are. What to Teach Your Children Now That Trump is President This list isn't just for the Trump vs Clinton election ... use these teaching points for any and all future elections.  Regardless of who is running for President, these are the things you should teach your children: Not everyone feels the same way Whether or not you approve of the new President, some of your friends and family members do.  Teach your children that people think differently and it's okay!  Our differences makes this world a much more interesting place to live. Check out these tips on how to teach diversity to young children. Be respectful Practice tolerance and respect others who feel differently.  Regardless of your opinion, teach your children to act kindly toward others who think differently.  Respectful conversation is key to great friendships, but that starts with being willing to listen to others and not close off lines of communication. He is your President You don't have to like it, or admire him, but he is the person who was voted into office.  Teach your child some basics about the voting system, trying to stick to only factual points about an election. Be a good sport Speaking your mind about the end result is okay, so long as you do so respectfully, and in good taste.  If you support the new President, don't gloat and certainly don't rile up your neighbor.  If you aren't happy with the result, that's okay, too!  Get active in some healthy way to make a difference.  But, teach your children that riots, name calling, violence, and destruction of property are not healthy or acceptable ways to disagree. Explain morals and ethics Be honest with your children about every presidential candidate's stances and beliefs.  Please be sure to be fair and discuss the negatives of your candidate of choice as well.  And, try to be as factual as possible. Be a good person Explain that regardless of who wins an election and whether or not they're someone to look up to, doesn't mean we should act like them.  Teach your children how to be good citizens without regard to how the rest of the world acts. As I wrote this, I realized this is basically a list of things we need to teach our children every day of the year, except that I added a bit about elections.  It's the truth.  Most of these things I already aim to teach my daughter, and I haven't even yet had to begin discussing how horrible these elections have been.  Even more so, completely grateful she hasn't been exposed to the violence resulting from the new that Trump is President.  I just wish the people involved in the riots and violence had learned some of these things I hope to teach my own children. Along the same lines ... check out how I think you can end mommy wars. What will you teach your children about the new President and the election?   #### What Tests Do I Need for a Proper Hypothyroidism Diagnosis? Hypothyroidism is a relatively common condition.  As I discussed in a previous post, approximately 12% of Americans will develop a thyroid condition.  That’s millions of people! Women also happen to be more likely to have hypothyroidism. In order to receive a diagnosis, you will see your doctor and schedule to have lab work done to evaluate your thyroid function.  And, the sooner you receive a diagnosis, the quicker you can start treatment and feel better. It’s important to note that you don’t want a simple single modifier to determine your thyroid’s status.  Sometimes, you’ll find a doctor who will only test TSH.  This is not an accurate account of your thyroid’s functions as it doesn’t tell the whole picture. Bear in mind this quote from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists in the ATA/AACE Guidelines for Hypothyroidism for Adults, Endocr Pract. 2012;18(No. 6) 989: “Environmental iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism on a worldwide basis (16). In areas of iodine sufficiency, such as the United States, the most common cause of hypothyroidism is chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis).” With that in mind, arm yourself with the following information.  If you suspect you have hypothyroidism, the following will help you make sense of what you need to have tested. Further, I believe, from personal experience, it’s important to also be tested for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (an autoimmune condition that attacks your thyroid) at the same time.  Simply treating your thyroid may not be enough if you also have the autoimmune component. How is hypothyroidism diagnosed? Blood tests are the best indicator of hypothyroidism. I don’t want you to get sub-par tests done either!  I want you to get a full panel of informative tests so that you can get appropriate treatment. I just want to discuss a bit of the anatomy for you to understand a few things.  Knowing some of things will help ensure your doctor tests for everything you need to know.  And, you’ll have a better understanding of what your test results mean. Knowledge is power!  My personal belief is that you are your own best health advocate.  So, don’t go into this blindly. Here's a bit of an anatomy explanation first. Two parts of your brain and the thyroid gland work together to make your thyroid system is working effectively. Your pituitary gland (a part of your brain) controls your thyroid gland, which is located in your neck.  The thyroid and pituitary glands are in constant communication with one another to regulate the release of various hormones. Your hypothalamus, which is another part of your brain, regulates and works with the pituitary gland. This is how they work together: The hypothalamus in your brain releases Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone (TRH). TRH then stimulates the pituitary gland in your brain to release Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). Now, the TSH signals the thyroid gland (located in your neck area) to release its hormones (T4 and some T3).  T4 also gets converted into T3.  The thyroid also releases calcitonin, which is related to calcium and bone metabolism, but for the purposes of this, we do not need to discuss it.  T4 and T3 then go about their work of maintaining a healthy metabolism, as well as ensuring proper growth in infants and children. Here's a schematic of what was just explained: The hypothalamus releases TRH --> Pituitary Gland releases TSH --> Thyroid Gland releases T4 and some T3 (and calcitonin). What tests will be performed to diagnose hypothyroidism? It’s important you know the different types of tests are available for a proper diagnosis.  When your doctor requests lab work, make sure these are performed, at a minimum: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) – This is usually the most common test. Hypothyroidism can be detected if the TSH is high. This test can also be helpful in diagnosing subclinical hypothyroidism, where you have higher than normal levels of TSH, but normal levels of T3 and T4. The reason behind the TSH test is that in healthy individuals with normal, functioning thyroids when their thyroid hormones get too low, the pituitary knows it has to make more TSH telling the thyroid to make more of its hormones.  When the pituitary receives feedback that the thyroid has made enough hormones, then it slows its production of TSH.  That is how it is supposed to work.  However, in the case of hypothyroidism, when the thyroid is not making enough thyroxine (T4), the pituitary tries to stimulate the thyroid to make more by producing more TSH.  However, if the thyroid cannot make more T4 (depending on what is wrong with the thyroid), the pituitary keeps on making more and more TSH, resulting in higher amounts of TSH. So when high levels of TSH are seen, it could mean that the body also has low levels of T4.  In rare cases, there may be something wrong with the pituitary. Total Thyroxine (T4) – Most of the T4 in your blood is attached to a protein. About 1% is not.  A total T4 test is looking at both kinds of T4 (bound and not).  The free T4 (the 1%) is what affects your tissues.   Free Thyroxine or Free T4 – This test checks the amount of free T4 available for actual use by your body.   T3 Tests – There are Total T3, Free T3, and Reverse T3 tests. Like T4, T3 circulates in the blood mainly bound to proteins, but 1% is not bound. It is that 1% that is believed to be most potent in its effects at the cellular level, even in comparison to T4.  In fact, your body converts T4 into T3.  How well it does this in all individuals is a matter of debate.  No matter what, T3 is another important blood test to consider.  The Free T3 and Reverse T3 tests can also provide valuable information.  Free T3 appears to correlate best with your functioning. Reverse T3 is a controversial test that is not often done by medical doctors because it is assumed that your body can convert T4 into T3 without problems.  However, holistic practitioners and some medical doctors are now recognizing it as an important test.  Reverse T3 is a product created when your body converts T4.  It should convert it into T3, but instead, it converts it into Reverse T3.  This Reverse T3 is useless to your body's cells, and cannot provide the energy they need. Thyroid Antibodies – It is quite common for someone with hypothyroidism to have thyroid antibodies, created when the body attacks its own tissues. This will determine whether or not hypothyroidism is caused by autoimmunity. Blood tests have been described above to help in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism.  This will also help in determining the course of action necessary to make you feel better. Some doctors use only one or two tests.  Advocates for hypothyroid patients recommend that a full workup of blood tests be done.  The above-mentioned is also by no means the exhaustive list of labs you may take.  Personally, my doctor requires a check of a few other things regularly, including, but not limited to, Vitamin D, B, and more. The most important thing is to find a doctor who is willing to help you get better by figuring out what is happening to your body. #### What To Do When Your Child Says Hurtful Things To You It stings when your child says hurtful things to you, doesn’t it? Hearing “I don’t love you” from your child can be heartbreaking, no matter how old they are. But why do kids say such things, and how should you respond? As a mom, I’ve felt this pain firsthand. My daughter has told me she doesn’t love me, and let me tell you—it hurts. But instead of just accepting these words, I’ve learned how to turn these difficult moments into learning experiences for both of us. In this article, I’ll share practical steps to help you handle hurtful words from your child and teach them healthier ways to express their emotions. I struggle with my mother-daughter relationship.  Apparently, so does my daughter. It hurts when my child says she doesn't love me. When I first found out I was having a girl, I worried.  I'm not a girlie-girl and I didn't really know what to do with one of those. Even more so, I had a strained relationship with my own mother for as long as I could remember.  Finding out I was having a girl brought up tons of negative memories. How was I going to raise a daughter when I never felt right about how I was raised? Well, we do what we must, right? As my daughter approached the ripe old age of 4, she told me "I don't love you, I love Daddy." I was heart-broken. I struggle to be a good mom.  I try hard to foster her interests and to do things for her, even when I don't feel like it.  Often, I hug her, kiss her, and tell her I love her.  She matters to me. Despite my experiences growing up, I force myself to tell my daughter "I'm sorry" when I realize I'm wrong or have behaved inappropriately. The reward I get is being told that she doesn't love me. She runs to her father, giddy when he comes home from work and only argues with him 30% of the time, instead of nearly 90% with me.  No, it's not exact math, but it certainly feels like we're always at odds. I came across an article about a letter a young girl wrote her mother.  This note clearly stated that she believed her mom was "a terrible Mother."  The article proceeded to explain away the letter and then defend her daughter's rights to her own opinion.  But, that got me thinking about a few things in my own life, being that I'm already struggling with my daughter expressing her opinions about me. And then, I had to deal with it all again when my toddler son said he doesn't love me! Do you just accept when your child says hurtful things to you?  I, personally don't see that as a completely healthy way to handle those words. Why Do Toddlers Say "I Don't Love You"? Toddlers aren't able to clearly identify their feelings, much less verbalize them appropriately. A toddler will usually say "I don't like you" in the heat of the moment. It's up to you, the parent, to do active listening and help your toddler learn to identify their feelings and deal with them appropriately. What Do You Do When Your Child Says Hurtful Things To You? When your child hurts you emotionally, take a deep breath and a step back to avoid escalating the situation. If you react in the heat of the moment, you may regret your words. 1. Remind Them Not To Hurt Others Feelings For starters, while I agree that our children have a right to express their opinions and feelings, we should also be teaching them that saying things that are hurtful, really isn't okay. It's okay that my daughter feels, at the moment, that she doesn't like me much.  I remember those days with my own mother.  However, it should never be OKAY to say things just to be hurtful.  I know my daughter doesn't really mean she doesn't love me, but that doesn't mean I continue to allow her to say those things. When your child says they don't love you, after they've calmed down, remind them that their words were hurtful.  Try to express, in age appropriate terms, that you don't say these kinds of hurtful things when you're tired or angry because you know it would hurt their feelings. 2. Help Your Child Recognize Their Feelings It's my job to help her recognize when she's having those feelings, and what is truly going through her mind. In a fit, she told me she didn't love me, but she loved her daddy.  I was so hurt. And then she was bothered by the dog and said she didn't love Ella anymore. I just sat there staring at her for a moment, baffled. I realized, as did she, later on, that she was really tired.  Her exhaustion was taking a toll on her emotional bank ... she was experiencing some dramatic lows that were making her cranky and unruly. Later, when she got her second wind, she began telling me and the dog that she loved us.  I knew she had acted out because she didn't know how to react to her true feelings.  She was exhausted from a weekend with her grandfather and wasn't exactly happy to be home. What I need to remember, is that I should try to remind her of what she's experiencing in the moment by directing her attention to what is really bothering her. Teach Alternative PhrasesWhen your child says hurtful things, they’re struggling to express their emotions in a healthy way. After they’ve calmed down, help them reframe their words by offering alternatives: Instead of “I don’t love you,” they could say:✅ “I’m really mad at you right now.”✅ “I feel frustrated because I wanted to keep playing.”✅ “I’m upset that I didn’t get my way.” By giving your child better ways to express their frustration, you’re teaching emotional intelligence while still setting boundaries for respectful communication. 3. Remind Them Not To Say Things In Haste I need to teach her that expressing her feelings in moments when she is tired or aggravated can come across as hurtful.  It's never okay to hurt someone's feelings simply because you're tired or aren't getting your way.  I should always dig a little deeper to understand her emotions, where they are coming from, and try to direct her attention to them so that she can be more aware of her feelings, and those of others. Hopefully you modeled this by not responding in the moment. 4. Remember That It's Not Personal You know your child was either hungry, tired, or frustrated about something outside of their control. Don't take it personally. I shouldn't expect my daughter, at 3, to understand the full scope of her emotions, or the pain words can cause.  I don't expect her to understand the link between her emotional bucket and the words she uses to express herself.  But, that doesn't mean I accept it and not try to make those moments teachable moments. 5. Coping With the Emotional Toll of Hurtful Words Hearing your child say “I don’t love you” or other harsh words can be painful. Even when we know they don’t mean it, it can trigger feelings of rejection, inadequacy, or old wounds from our own childhoods. After an emotionally charged moment, give yourself space to process your feelings. Take deep breaths, step away if needed, and remind yourself that your worth as a parent isn’t determined by one difficult moment. Talking to a partner or friend about it can help, too. I would imagine, by 9, that she can learn to recognize her emotional state and choose her words a bit more carefully.  I know that it will take work and conscious direction, and I can't be certain that I'm right, but I do know that I wouldn't simply sit by and let my daughter say hurtful things.  I deserve more respect than that and I make every effort to give her more respect than that. I think the mother who was the recipient of that nasty letter from her daughter was sadly mistaken in just accepting the harsh words as feelings.  There's truly no excuse, in my opinion, for some of the harsh words the daughter wrote, and there should be a lesson in dealing with those feelings more positively.  One of the lessons being that saying hurtful things that we don't really mean isn't expressing our feelings, rather than being destructive in a relationship. Imagine your child's friend saying something harsh to him or her in a similar manner.  You're going to expect that child to apologize to repair the relationship, right? Why wouldn't you expect the same respect from your own child? Many parents go through this, and what matters most is how you respond and model emotional regulation for your child. We shouldn't allow people, including our children, to say things they don't mean when they're angry, upset, or tired.  We should expect them to recognize when they are saying things they don't mean, and apologize when necessary.  Understandably, it's going to be harder to get smaller children to grasp the concept, but start instilling the ideas early on to train them to be more aware of their feelings and cautious of the words they use.   What do you think? How do you handle it when your child says they don't love you? FAQs for When Your Child Says Hurtful Things To You Why does my child say hurtful things? Usually children resort to saying awful things out of frustration, anger or when they feel they don’t have control over a situation. Saying hurtful things is a way to express feelings or simply feel in control of something, but most likely isn’t really meant to hurt you. How do you respond when your child says hurtful things? Remember not to take their outbursts personally and give your child the time and space to calm down. It’s okay to acknowledge their frustrations, but don’t escalate the situation by saying hurtful things in response. Should I discipline a child for saying hurtful things? It depends on the situation. If your child is very young (toddler age), they likely don’t fully understand the impact of their words, so simply acknowledging their feelings and guiding them toward better expression is best. However, for older children who know better, it’s important to address disrespectful behavior. Instead of harsh punishment, use natural consequences. 🔹 If they say something mean in anger, they should apologize after they calm down.🔹 If they’re repeatedly being disrespectful, have a conversation about why words matter and set clear expectations. This approach helps children understand accountability while also learning emotional regulation. Can you tell your child they hurt your feelings? Having a discussion about how words can be used to make others feel good or bad is absolutely acceptable. Use examples of things to say that make people feel good as well as things that might hurt others’ feelings. Be sure, however, your child understands that you’re not saying these examples to hurt them. Originally published Jan 26, 2015 and updated on 03/07/23. #### What To Do When Your Child Says You Don't Love Them Emotions are high and we're all on edge with the current situation in the world! We're dealing with expectations and uncertainties that continue to shape our way of life. And our children are feeling some of the effects. Does your child feel unloved? Here's what to do when your child says you don't love them. Social distancing with kids at home can be quite taxing. Families aren't getting breaks from each other (and for some, that can be very frustrating). Parents are having to make hard decisions about whether or not to send kids back to school. I know how difficult it was for me when I first started working from home before all this social distancing was required. Until I got into a good routine and set a more consistent schedule, it was easy for me to become overwhelmed. Sometimes my anxiety over everything that had to get done really affected my mood. And, occasionally, I took it out on the kids. In the heat of the moment, I have been told they don't love me and recently I had the pleasure of hearing my 4 year old say "you don't love me." Both instances hurt. But I don't want my children to ever think I don't love them because it's not true! I know how difficult it feels as a child who believes a parent doesn't love them and I would never wish that on my own children. What to do when your child says you don't love them After playing (and losing) a couple rounds of tic tac toe, my son turned into a sore loser and began crying. When we couldn't get his emotions in check, I finally sent him to his room to calm down. A few minutes later I went to check on him and he said "you don't love me anymore." I got to put into practice exactly what I'd been preparing for this post. So, this is what to do when your child says you don't love them. The following advice is what I use in my own home. Ask questions Ask questions! Don't assume you know why they feel the way they do. "Why do you feel that way?" or "What makes you think that?" are good ways to get an idea of what they're focusing on. Let your children, in their own words, describe what they have been feeling, seeing, or hearing that makes them think you don't love them. Smaller children probably won't be able to fully understand this question, but they will have a response. If they're like my son, they will say something like "you made me go to my room."This is the perfect opportunity to reiterate the chain of events while also letting your child know that you do, in fact, love them! Is this an emotional outburst? Know that sometimes a child telling you that you don't love them is an emotional outburst. Kids aren't always great at regulating their emotions, so make sure you're helping them manage emotions. This was certainly the case of my son! He couldn't handle losing, listening to why he was losing or how to keep his sister from winning, and then was upset further by being told to go to his room. Is this a manipulation move? Maybe they don't know they're being manipulative, but kids can be quite smart about playing on your feelings. Does your child want something or feel like a decision you made prevents them from doing something they wanted to do? A recent example from my son came on a day we were continually asking him to stop playing in the dirt. After repeated failed attempts, he was placed in time out for not listening. He then cried out "I guess no one loves me." Yep! He was trying to play on our feelings to get himself out of trouble. Unfortunately, for him, we didn't let it change our minds about the consequence he was given for not listening. Reflect How was today? What has the last week or two been like? Have you been stretching yourself too thin and losing your temper? Have you been spending more time with one child? Have you accidentally left your child out? What has your tone been around your children? It's easy to go through the day not thinking much about your words or actions when you're trying to get things done. Take a moment to see if you've been careless with your words or have been acting distant because of all the stuff on your plate. Apologize It can be so hard apologizing, as a parent. But, if it's warranted, do it. Even if you haven't done anything wrong, it's okay to let your children know you're sorry they feel the way they do. Remind them that you love them and that you never intend to hurt your children's feelings, but that you are human. You have bad days and sometimes you make poor choices. No bribing Know that this isn't something to "fix" with bribery. Don't accidentally turn this into a regular guilt trip. You don't want to teach your children to play on your emotions just to get new toys, extra junk food, or an expensive outing. You probably don't want to turn the thought of love and attention into a monetary or material display that promotes entitlement mentality. Get Your Kiddo To Smile After assessing the situation and reminding your child that you do love them, attempt to bring a smile to his or her face! Cure your kids bad mood with funny sounds, jokes, or some movement so that you both can enjoy some peace and happiness again. Your children may, at times, have their feelings hurt by legitimate wrong-doings, even if they're unintentional. You can help heal the pain through acknowledgment and apologies. And above all else, if you tell them you're going to work on your actions/reactions, really work on it. But, it's just as important to recognize that children's feelings can be "hurt" because something didn't go as they planned. When you know you "hurt" your child's feelings because you stuck to your guns over a rule that keeps your child safe and healthy, it's okay to remind them that is your job, as a parent. Let them know it's okay to have feelings, but that they have to respect your decisions because you're looking out for their best interests. Regardless, it's great to reminder that communication is key! Asking questions instead of jumping to conclusions will help you and your child understand the situation. And you may even be surprised how even little ones can understand such seemingly complex subjects if you just give them the chance! #### What To Pack to Keep Kids Sane During a Hurricane Evacuation Trip You're going to love these hurricane evacuation packing ideas for kids if you're one who typically travels out of state for upcoming hurricane threats.  These ideas will help parents stay sane and kids entertained and happy. Facing a potentially devastating storm in Florida is stressful.  Historically, though, no where I've lived in Jacksonville has been hit with major, devastating hurricanes.  They've petered out by the time they've reached us, though we'll usually get strong tropical storm winds, rain, and some flooding. Generally, though, Jacksonville residents have become complacent to the hurricane threats.  I'm one of them. Last year, however, Hurricane Irma concerned my husband enough to request that I take the kids and flee the state. Guys, I almost went into panic mode thinking about a hurricane evacuation with children, and on my own, no less.  But, I complied with my husband's request.  I packed up the kids and booked it as early as I could in an attempt to beat the hurricane evacuation traffic. P.S.  This is bonus content to my 5-part Emergency Preparedness for Families Series.  Be sure to check out each post: Discussing the types of disasters to prepare for as a family How to Make an Emergency Preparedness Plan For Your Family Survival Food Storage Ideas for Families in a Disaster Must-Have Supplies for Your Family Disaster Survival Kit How to Stay Positive During an Evacuation Trip with Kids Hurricane Evacuation Packing Ideas for Kids It's one thing to throw some clothes in the car and leave if you're on your own.  But evacuating with children takes a trip to a whole new level.  Aside from the basics like clothes, these are things you shouldn't forget about when evacuating with your kids. Food and Snacks Kids and long trips = snack machines!  I don't know why, but traveling makes kids perpetually hungry.  Load up on snacks for those in-between meal times and make them simple enough to open a bag or box and help themselves.  Healthy eating on the road isn't made easy unless you have the time to cut fruits and vegetables before you leave. Pack a loaf of sandwich bread, peanut butter, and jelly.  Knowing you can make a quick sandwich at a rest stop or on the side of the road will help with any anxiety if you get stuck in an area without places to stop and eat.  Or, heaven forbid, you run out of gas and can't get off the highway. Don't forget water!  If you weren't lucky enough to stock up on bottled water before stores ran out, fill water bottles from home! Keep cold water and any cold foods in a large insulated bag. Travel Entertainment Ditch the screen time rules and load up on DVDs or videos.  If your car doesn't have a built-in DVD player, get an inexpensive portable DVD player like this: [easyazon_image align="center" cart="n" cloak="n" height="1500" identifier="B073QW1GM4" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/71KYAu2R87L.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="1500"][easyazon_image align="center" cart="n" cloak="n" height="1500" identifier="B073QW1GM4" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/71KYAu2R87L-1.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="1500"] Travel games, tablets, books, and activity books are perfect ways to keep kids busy on long trips. For me, the youngest couldn't really play in the car, so the DVDs playing kept him entertained enough to keep him from screaming the entire trip. I did, however, pack the following for the oldest in what I designated a travel activity bag: Drawing Pad [easyazon_image align="center" cart="n" cloak="n" height="333" identifier="B01AW5V8JY" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/519FXGLEGeL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Twistable Crayons [easyazon_image align="center" cart="n" cloak="n" height="1200" identifier="B00062J99K" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/71tmPYByRNL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="592"] Kindle Fire Kids Tablet And don't forget about charging on the go with a charging brick and charging cables.  I like to use this [easyazon_link identifier="B0194WDVHI" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" cart="n" cloak="n" localize="y" popups="n"]portable charger[/easyazon_link]. Travel Games [easyazon_image align="center" cart="n" cloak="n" height="500" identifier="B075G1PJ47" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/61a09aPv8L.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] A note about books We still read books to the kids every night, and the oldest has to read to herself in order to add to her book log for school.  But, carrying as many books as the kids require while on travel gives up more space than I'm willing to accommodate for.  Though I may pack a few books, I prefer to use ebooks. My favorite way to bring a library of books is by using Epic! Books.  And the best part is that many of the books include quizzes at the end, so your child can work on their reading comprehension as well!  (P.S. Epic! Books really IS that Epic!) Creature Comforts from Home A blanket and/or a small stuffed animal was essential, especially for the toddler.  But, give the older kids an option of bringing a small toy that reminds them of home. Sleeping in strange places can be less stressful if your kids are able to bring something that carries the familiar smells and feelings of home. For toddlers or babies, don't forget the pack and play for them to sleep wherever you are staying, or when you need to set them down for a safe place to play. Safety During a Hurricane Evacuation with Children Safety is my top priority when it comes to evacuating with my children, after all, it's the reason we evacuated in the first place. For starters, be sure to pack a really nice [easyazon_link keywords="first aid kit" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]first aid kit[/easyazon_link]!  You're going to be stopping and staying at unfamiliar places and your kids are likely going to go wild when they finally get to stretch their legs.  Cuts and bumps are likely, so be prepared. Now, one thing I learned on our evacuation trip was that other evacuees are in panic mode.  With fear and anxiety ruling these people's emotions, general niceties, and compassion are out the window.  I heard of a few skirmishes over gas and water.  Generally, people were losing their minds during the evacuation process. Guys, I don't leave it to chance and hope that someone doesn't lose their ability to rationalize and act like a decent human being without being prepared.  Like a good mother bear, I made sure I was responsibly carrying.  There isn't a way in the world I was going to let someone try to steal my recently gassed-up van with my kids in it, nor are they going to be able to help themselves to my supplies or cash. If you're a concealed carrying parent, make sure you bring your [easyazon_link keywords="concealed carry" cloak="n" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20"]concealed carry[/easyazon_link] license, weapon, and accessories.  Additionally, check the local laws to ensure you abide by their concealed carry rules. [easyazon_image align="center" cart="n" cloak="n" height="500" identifier="B074H6GY1M" locale="US" localize="y" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/51UPbrjCQqL.jpg" tag="ivsvabasaan0a-20" width="500"] Did you like these hurricane evacuation packing ideas for kids? Tell me ... what would you pack in a disaster situation if you had the time to think about it?  Sign up for my email newsletter and receive your free 14-Page Family Disaster Preparedness Workbook.  Plus, don't forget to click through the links at the top to review the emergency preparedness series I prepared for families! YES, I NEED A FAMILY DISASTER PREPAREDNESS WORKBOOK #### What You Should Know Taking an Epidural During Labor Trying to decide whether or not to take the epidural during labor? Please Don't Take It!  This is what you should know about the risks of the epidural during labor.  Do the risks outweigh the benefits of natural birth? Have you ever wondered whether or not you should have the epidural during labor?  I know this is one of the big questions moms often spend a lot of time researching during their pregnancy. I've been through not one, but two, hospital births without an epidural.  From the first time I got pregnant, I knew I wanted to have a natural birth.  I was driven by the desire to give my unborn baby the best start in life.  Getting an epidural (or any other pain medication) didn't seem like I was offering my baby the best start.  Plus, I didn't want to be robbed of the full experience.  This is what I believed best for myself and my baby ... my personal choice. The conversation about pain relief and choosing between epidural vs. natural birth commonly comes up when you're pregnant.  With my first, I can remember numerous comments from women questioning, sometimes mocking, my decision to have a medicine-free birth.  And the horror stories... my God, the horror stories women like to tell.  It's as if everyone wants to convince you that you're unable to birth naturally. It is as if everyone wants to convince you that you are unable to birth (without an epidural) #childbirth #epidural #naturalbirth Share on X Thankfully, I never let these women get into my head.  I read, watched videos, and took a natural birth class with my husband.   I made it through these two births without an epidural.  It leaves me questioning why so many people believe you can't make it without one, or any other sort of medical intervention.  Let me clarify that I did, in fact, request some pain relief during both labors, though never followed through. So, why am I telling you not to get an epidural? Firstly, mainly because many people won't tell you you're capable of birthing your baby without it. If you're interested in natural birth, but are scared of labor, you're being conditioned to believe something that isn't completely factual.  Natural birth isn't all that painful if you're prepared and know what to expect. If you're thinking about taking the epidural during labor because of the horror stories you've heard, it's important to know that another woman's birth story is her own ... it's not a fact of every birth story.  So, if you're considering an epidural because of the pain your mom, aunt, sister, or whoever else felt, try to put that thought aside. Their birth, their body. Secondly, there are risks and side effects associated with birth, both with and without an epidural.  And, you'll likely feel like you need some relief.  From everything I read about the risks, I decided it wasn't worth the relief for myself.  Plus, I have faith in you and I truly believe you can do without the epidural during labor. Is It Safe to Take Epidural During Labor? As I'm not a doctor, I can't answer this for you.  What I can say is that I did a lot of reading and took a natural birth class to determine that I did not like the risks involved in taking an epidural during labor.  Backed by research and information given to me by a former labor and delivery nurse, "safe" didn't seem to be the word I would use for this. But, if you're interested in having an epidural during labor, here are some of the risks and sources cited so that you can make up your own mind. Risks of Epidural to Laboring Mother According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, risks of epidural blocks and spinal blocks are the same.  They include (quoted from the ACOG website): Although it is rare, an epidural block can cause the following side effects: Decrease in blood pressure—An epidural can cause your blood pressure to decrease. This, in turn, may slow the baby’s heartbeat. Fever—Some women develop a low-grade fever as a normal reaction to an epidural. Headache—If the covering of the spinal cord is pierced while the tube is being placed and spinal fluid leaks out, you can get a bad headache. This happens rarely. Soreness—After delivery, your back may be sore for a few days. Serious complications with epidurals are very rare: There is a small risk that the anesthetic medication could be injected into one of the veins in the epidural space. This can cause dizziness, rapid heartbeat, a funny taste, or numbness around the mouth when the epidural is placed. If anesthetic enters your spinal fluid, it can affect your breathing muscles and make it hard to breathe. Other Side Effects From Epidural During Labor Moms may also experience: nerve damage (both temporary and permanent) infection (although low risk) rare complications like breathing difficulties According to Johns Hopkins, there's a 10-20% risk of hypotension or low blood pressure from having an epidural during labor. Side Effects of Epidural on Baby According to Chris Kresser, the drugs in an epidural can enter your baby's bloodstream, and your baby will take longer to eliminate these drugs from his system.  There's a chance your baby's abilities will be decreased as well as increasing issues with his immune system. A few key takeaways about the side effects of epidural on baby: Possibly compromised immune system May cause a drop in oxygen and blood supply Lower heart rate May affect latching and sucking Chris Kresser has a well-written article on natural childbirth and the possible side-effects of epidural on yourself and baby.  I suggest you read it. My Experiences Without Epidural During Labor I had TWO completely different childbirth experiences.  My first was 26 hours long and exhausting because it literally was a marathon of wakefulness, though contractions were never very intense.  My second was a very intense 9 hours. With my long first labor, I wanted relief ... not necessarily from pain, but from the utter exhaustion.  The stated 26 hours was only what we counted when I left work to go home to labor.  It was 26 hours without any significant rest and I was in serious need of sleep.  When I complained enough about needing a "break" the doctor finally came in and told me I was too far along for anything more than an epidural.  I didn't need that kind of break so I excused him from his duties.  Moments later, my water was broken and I was having a baby. My son was 13 days past-due.  When I finally went into labor, my body did everything in its power to push that baby out by any means necessary.  It was an intense 9 hours in which every contraction felt like I would burst from my core.  Again, I began requesting relief, though never did I use the safe word to indicate I had to have it.  My requests fell on deaf ears, but in support of my real desire for a natural birth (thank God!). Tips for Going Without Epidural During Labor First, a few things to remember about labor: From my experiences, the following things helped me make it through both experiences without ever accepting an epidural during labor and achieving a natural birth: Fear drives pain.  Your state of mind is going to be the driving force in how you handle labor.  Scared of labor? Overcome your fear! Don't lose focus.  Remind yourself that a contraction is coming and focus on your breathing or movement. Pain is temporary.  You will get through a contraction (or pushing) and it will be over soon. Movement relieves (some) pain.  It's amazing how your body will tell you what you need during a contraction.  Be sure to listen to it! I found a birth ball helpful for this. Have support.  It doesn't matter if it is your husband, partner, mom.  It does matter that they support your decisions.  I'm all for having your husband in the delivery room as your support! Be comfortable requesting help. Whether you need counter-pressure during a contraction, back rub, a shoulder to cry on, or help to get into a comfortable position during labor, you need to ask! Related: Secrets you need to know to prepare for giving birth naturally Want more?  Try these tips for birth without labor. Yes, labor can be difficult.  The comparison that it's like a marathon isn't completely inaccurate (especially if you have a long labor).  It does hurt, temporarily.  When I sit and think about having my IUD inserted (and removed), I prefer labor pains which are natural and are followed by a symphony of hormones that your body handles on its own.  I prefer supporting and trusting my body over trusting medical interventions that come with their own sets of unnatural risks that you open yourself up to when choosing an epidural out of fear.  And this fear likely resulted from others' telling you "you'll change your mind" in their anti-epidural shaming speeches. Related: Other Moms Tell What Childbirth Without an Epidural Felt Like Would you like more tips for avoiding the epidural during labor and transition?  I've created a cheat sheet with 21 ways you can skip the epidural! [mc4wp_form id="757"] Being induced may increase your risk of further interventions You may have heard this called the cycle of interventions.  A Pitocin induced labor can stress out the baby and your body, and you or the doctor may want to start an epidural.  Every intervention has side-effects which may require the next delivery of medication to off-set the last.  This is known as the cycle of interventions. Interested?  Learn more about how an induction may not only be unnecessary but one of the first steps in an unfulfilled natural birth dream. Can I ask to be induced? If you're considering induction because you're tired of waiting, try out these tips first: Baby is Late? How to Cope with the Disappointment While you wait, why not make some freezer meals? 30+ Great Freezer Meals You Need to Make Before Baby Arrives A recommendation: If you're interested in natural birth and all the reasons not to succumb medical interventions, I want to recommend a book to you.  Everything in this book was reiterated and confirmed during the natural childbirth class I took, led by an L&D nurse and 4-time natural birth mother.  I can't say enough about how helpful this book was for motivating me to take the natural path for my baby's entrance into the world. *Disclaimer: This is an affiliate link. This was my favorite book to help me prepare for childbirth without an epidural!   Be sure to have your postpartum and baby kit packed in your hospital bag too! Tell me: Did you take the epidural during labor? This post originally appeared on SAHM, plus... July 2021 and has been updated. #### When a spoon isn't a spoon What is this?If you guessed a spoon of tuna noodle casserole, you'd be wrong. "What?" you ask.  Well, today it's a race car revving it's engine and racing to put food in a toddler's mouth.No, I haven't lost my mind (at least not fully).  It's been almost a year since I was allowed to feed my toddler.  At 13 months she was using a spoon independently and wouldn't eat if I tried to feed her myself.  Imagine my surprise when we reached a new phase of not eating ... this time it's because she wants to be fed again, but with a spoon racing to bring her food. Just goes to show how differently our little ones see the world.  I wonder if I could have gotten her to eat more green veggies lately if I'd only thought to use this technique sooner...What role are (or were) your utensils playing to get your little ones to eat?Some posts may contain affiliate links, please see my disclaimer page for more info. #### When Self-Care Goes Too Far: My Journey from Me Time to Too Much Time We all know that self-care is crucial, especially when we’re constantly giving to others. But today, I want to talk about something we don’t often hear about: when self-care goes too far. Take it from me ... these are some bad self care habits to avoid otherwise they can turn toxic. The Allure of More Me Time A couple of years ago, I found myself deep in the throes of perimenopause (coupled a midlife crisis) that nearly destroyed my marriage and really hurt my relationships with my kiddos. My body was changing, my emotions were all over the place, and I just felt… lost. Self-care seemed like the answer to everything. So, I threw myself into it with full force—tons of books, fewer outings with my family, and less interest in date nights or activities I previously enjoyed with my husband. At first, it was amazing. I finally felt like I was taking care of myself after years of putting everyone else first. But here’s where things took a turn. When Self-Care Becomes Selfish Care The more “me time” I carved out, the more I wanted. I started to resent interruptions—whether it was my kids wanting to play games or my husband wanting to spend time together. I found myself withdrawing from my family because I craved that sense of peace and solitude more and more. I convinced myself that this was all part of a healthy self-care routine, but in reality, I was isolating myself. Looking back, I realize that I was dealing with something much deeper. Perimenopause had me on an emotional rollercoaster, and instead of facing it head-on, I used self-care as an escape. It wasn’t really self-care anymore; it was a way to avoid dealing with my feelings, my family, and the changes happening in my life. The Impact on My Relationships I began to notice that my relationships with my husband and kids were suffering. My kids felt like I was always too busy for them, and my husband started to feel disconnected from me. The very things I was trying to nurture with self-care—my health, my peace of mind—were slipping away because I was neglecting the people who mattered most. Other Bad Self-Care Habits to Watch Out For Self-care can sometimes turn into habits that do more harm than good. Here are a few others to be mindful of: 1. Overindulging in Comfort Foods While treating yourself to your favorite snacks or comfort foods can feel like self-care, doing it too often can lead to unhealthy eating habits. Emotional eating can become a crutch, leading to weight gain, guilt, and even more stress, creating a vicious cycle. 2. Retail Therapy Gone Wrong Shopping can be a fun way to relax and treat yourself, but when it turns into retail therapy, it can quickly spiral out of control. Over-spending in the name of self-care can lead to financial stress, buyer’s remorse, and clutter, which only adds more chaos to your life. 3. Avoiding Physical Activity Sometimes, self-care can be mistaken for resting or lounging around all day. While relaxation is important, avoiding physical activity altogether can negatively impact your health. Exercise is a crucial part of self-care, helping to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost energy levels. 4. Isolating Yourself Taking time to be alone is essential, but when self-care turns into complete isolation from friends and family, it can lead to loneliness and depression. Social connections are important for mental and emotional health, and balancing alone time with meaningful interactions is key. 5. Binge-Watching TV Catching up on your favorite shows can feel like a great way to unwind, but spending hours on end in front of the screen can be draining. Binge-watching can lead to sleep deprivation, decreased productivity, and even more stress in the long run. 6. Using Alcohol or Substances as Self-Care Having a glass of wine to unwind is one thing, but relying on alcohol or other substances as a form of self-care is a slippery slope. It can quickly become a habit that negatively impacts your physical health, mental clarity, and relationships. 7. Neglecting Responsibilities Sometimes, self-care can be used as an excuse to procrastinate or avoid responsibilities. While taking a break is necessary, constantly putting off important tasks can lead to increased stress and anxiety when those responsibilities inevitably catch up with you. 8. Ignoring Mental Health Needs Self-care isn't just about pampering yourself; it’s also about taking care of your mental health. Ignoring signs of stress, anxiety, or depression under the guise of “self-care” can prevent you from getting the help you really need. 9. Using Self-Care as a Justification for Unhealthy Habits It's easy to justify bad habits by labeling them as self-care. Whether it’s staying up too late, spending too much time on social media, or indulging in guilty pleasures that leave you feeling worse afterward, it's important to recognize when these habits are doing more harm than good. Finding Balance: Healthy Self-Care vs. Escapism I had to take a hard look at my self-care routine and recognize that I had gone too far. Self-care should never be about escaping your life; it should be about enhancing it. That meant scaling back on the endless “me time” and finding ways to include my family in activities that nurtured all of us. I started prioritizing quality time with my kids and husband, and guess what? That became a form of self-care too. A Few Tips to Keep Self-Care in Check Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say no sometimes, but make sure your self-care isn’t pushing loved ones away. Include Your Family: Sometimes, self-care can be a family walk, cooking a healthy meal together, or just having a movie night. Be Mindful of Your Emotions: If you find yourself craving more and more alone time, it might be worth exploring what’s really going on beneath the surface. Balance is Key: Make sure your self-care routine includes activities that nurture both your body and your relationships. Self-care is essential, but it’s also important to recognize when it starts to become an unhealthy escape. Finding that balance isn’t always easy, especially when you’re dealing with hormonal changes or the stress of midlife. But by staying mindful and keeping an eye on how your self-care habits affect those around you, you can create a routine that truly supports your well-being—and your relationships. Remember, taking care of yourself should help you be more present and connected, not less. So, let’s keep self-care in a healthy place, where it uplifts both you and the people you love. If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to find the right balance in your self-care routine, my Self-Care Worksheet can help you assess where things might be going off track. It’s designed to guide you in identifying areas where you need more balance and where you might be overindulging. Then, use my Self-Care Planner to create a routine that supports your well-being without overwhelming your relationships or responsibilities. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ivy | SAHM Parenting Blogger (@sahmplus) #### When the kid doesn't sleep: why do I stress? Cranky tot is going through a phase where she doesn't want to sleep... yeah, THAT helps with the crankies!  In the past few weeks, every day is different.  One day she naps just fine, the next she could play in her crib the whole nap time (if she's not asleep by 2:00, she doesn't get any more time as I hope to have her asleep at a normal time at night)  Sometimes, she'll play for an hour and then go to sleep and I'm okay with that if she at least gets half an hour. If that's not bad enough (momma needs the break, you know), she also tries to stay up late.  Her bedtime has always been really early, so we start getting ready about 7 or 7:30, which works for us.  That is, until lately.  I can go in there to start doing the bedtime routine, she'll be yawning, and then I watch on the monitor... some nights she's stayed up as late as 9:00. I stress, get angry, aggravated, flustered, and research on the internet how to make your toddler sleep until I'm so aggravated that I have to take a shower so that I can't view the monitor.  I've tried to take out the toys, reading more, singing more... Then the hubby asks "Why does it stress you out so much?"  If looks could kill, that's pretty much the look I give him as I am daydreaming of leaving him alone with her for a week and HOPING she doesn't sleep for him too!  I want him to see her mood swings and tantrums, and ride the same horrible emotional roller coaster for a week straight.  Maybe he'll gain some insight and be a little more understanding.  Although one good night of her sleeping to show how much fun she can be when she does sleep well, might help ... but I want the torture effect. Well, I return from my daydream because it isn't going to happen ... he'd probably pawn her off on people because he likely wouldn't make it through 2 days (yes, I'll give him credit to have the strength to make it a full day).  So, I just tell him it's because her crappy mood swings drive me nuts all day.  Not that she's the best kid out there, but her moods ARE, more often than not, related to her sleep habits.  Those nights she goes to sleep on time typically produce a much easier-to-deal-with child the following day! How do you handle the phases when your little one doesn't go to sleep?  I think this is just one of the things that bother me regardless of how much I want to let it go ... if this doesn't bother you, what does? #### Why Am I An Angry Mom? Ever slam a cabinet and wonder, "Why am I an angry mom?" You're not alone. Mom rage, that volcanic eruption of exhaustion and overwhelm, is real. Let's ditch the Pinterest-perfect facade and explore the raw truth of mom rage, navigating its triggers, and finding calm amidst the chaos. Join us as we learn to tame the beast within and discover the grace beyond the messy moments. Ever slam a cupboard door so hard you swear the hinges cried? Or mutter under your breath about spilled juice with enough heat to boil the mess off the floor? (Because seriously, orange juice and light-colored carpets are a match made in cleaning hell.) If you have, then welcome to the glorious, messy, sometimes terrifying club of mom rage. We're the women who traded in glitter glue for grit, the ones who navigate tantrums like seasoned pirates through stormy seas. And yes, sometimes, the waves win. Mom rage isn't some Pinterest-perfect mommy meltdown. It's the raw, ugly cry of a woman pushed to the edge, a pressure cooker hissing steam she can't seem to stop. It's the volcano erupting after years of simmering resentment, exhaustion, and the relentless demands of tiny tyrants who wear Paw Patrol pajamas and wield sticky sippy cups like scepters. Don't get me wrong, I love my kids. Ferociously, earth-shatteringly. But even the most devoted mama bears get hangry, sleep-deprived, and occasionally, just plain pissed off. And that's okay. Because here's the secret: mom rage isn't a character flaw, it's a battle cry. It's a sign that something needs to change, a red flag waving in the wind of overwhelm. So, if you're reading this with a familiar knot of anger in your gut, chin up, sister. You're not alone. We're in this together, stumbling through meltdowns and messy moments, learning to navigate the choppy waters of motherhood with a little less rage and a lot more grace. This article is your map, your compass, your guide to taming the beast within and finding the calm amidst the chaos. Because even supermoms need a little help sometimes. Especially when that help comes with a steaming mug of coffee and a knowing wink. Let's talk mom rage. Let's understand it, tame it, and maybe even laugh at it (because sometimes, you just gotta). Because in the end, we're all just moms doing our best, one messy moment at a time. What is Mom Rage? It's not really hard to explain mom rage, but it may be difficult for some people to understand why they're seeing it when you're out running errands with the kids. As moms, we know we get glares when we lose our tempers in public and we're wishing people on the outside had some glimpse into the last hour (or even the last 3 days) at home that drove us to lose our cool. Here's a recent example: I'm out shopping with my children on our day off, our sole mission was to get my daughter a jacket and a couple last minute items & prescription refills so we'd be ready for our winter trip. Upon finding her a jacket, I see in my son's face that he's feeling left out and wanting one too. Not to be delayed so that I can get us home to pack, I glaze over this potential for a meltdown and to my surprise, find that the crisis was avoided by not giving his attitude attention. But then my daughter asks to see a shirt on the way out. "No" I say decidedly. "We need to get home and start packing." And then she has the meltdown. Surprised by her tears and annoyed that my oldest is creating the drama, I remind her that I had just let her open a Christmas gift from us the night before which included a bunch of clothing that she supposedly loved. "But I like that shirt" she musters between sobs. And I lose it ... "But you just got a shit ton of clothes" I say (maybe I cursed a bit more) as I notice a woman staring at us. I march toward the self checkout with my daughter trailing behind in tears and my son quiet, knowing better than to test the waters himself. All through the check out process, my daughter's sobbing and I ask her to help bag items. She complies half-heartedly and struggles to get the jacket in a bag. "Okay, hold the bag open so I can stuff the jacket in there." And she puts her hands out but doesn't grab the bag to help. I snatch our bags, the jacket and the receipt to storm out, this time noticing several eyes on us. What they didn't see: Just hours before, our day completely started off on the wrong foot. The kids had been warned the night before that we had to wake up and get dressed and moving early to get the pets off to boarding, go pick up last minute items for our trip and get home to pack. When I awoke, I got myself and the pets ready for their ride to boarding to find that my daughter was laying in bed with her phone instead of having gotten ready as she was instructed the night before. When I reminded her, she rolled her eyes and huffed. Strike one. She finally arrived downstairs wearing a sweater and shorts. It was a bit cool so I asked her to change into pants and got another huff as she stormed off. Strike two. She comes back downstairs and the kids start arguing about only god knows what. Strike three. I ask for help to load the car and get more eye rolls. Fuck it ... we're obviously not playing baseball because we're out of strikes and we hadn't even left the house. I was angry because: I provided expectations for the following day that were ignored I was met with attitudes when requesting help The kids couldn't get along from the moment they entered the same room I needed to get stuff done and I was being slowed down Why Am I An Angry Mom? While I think it's totally legit to have some anger, and even have an episode of "mom rage" every now and then, it's important to take assess whether or not it's a regular occurrence or if it's a healthy display of emotion. For me, mom rage had become a default over time. Raising strong, hard headed kids and feeling a bit out of balance essentially wore me out and my anger because a natural part of our day. I'm not saying sometimes it wasn't warranted, but I am saying I resorted to anger much more than finding other outlets for my emotions. And when faced with a major challenge in my relationship with my son in 2023, I realized some part of his problem was me. How I handled my emotions was having a strong effect on him, and not in a good way. Although there's much more to the story and the fault wasn't solely my own, I can only retell my part of the story. And this year I did a lot of self-reflection that lead me to a few discoveries. I've been an angry mom because: I had expectations of my children that didn't match reality, and I struggled to let go of those ideals. I wasn't taking enough breaks for self-care. I'd been working days, nights and weekends for far too long. For me, being an angry mom, and eventually regular mom rage was the result of taking on too much. The mental load of raising a family and putting in too much time at work didn't leave much time and energy for myself and my husband. So every little stressor or annoyance simply rolled right into another. Additionally, as I crept into perimenopause with out-of-whack hormones, my emotions became almost uncontrollable. And just in time for my pre-teen daughter to seemingly also begin to struggle with her own pre-teen stuff with my son struggling with ... well... life in general. All a recipe for disaster. Is It Healthy Anger or Mom Rage? When you're in the thick of it, it's certainly hard to distinguish between healthy anger or mom rage. Honestly, it's the last thing on your mind. Once you've calmed down after an episode, if you realize you had nearly zero control, it was likely mom rage. Healthy anger, I have come to realize, is less reactionary and comes after genuine triggers. Mom rage, however, is more reactionary, can feel uncontrollable and is usually followed by shame or guilt. Trivial things usually set mom rage into motion. Here's a breakdown of the key differences between mom rage and healthy anger: Intensity: Mom Rage: Intense, explosive, overwhelming anger that feels out of control. Healthy Anger: More contained and manageable, allowing for productive communication and problem-solving. Triggering Factors: Mom Rage: Often triggered by seemingly trivial events, often due to underlying stress, exhaustion, and unmet needs. Healthy Anger: Triggered by genuine injustice, disrespect, or harmful behavior. Expression: Mom Rage: Destructive outburst with yelling, screaming, or even physical aggression. Healthy Anger: Expressed assertively with clear communication, focusing on the issue itself, not personal attacks. Consequences: Mom Rage: Can damage relationships with children, partners, and family. Creates a negative and stressful environment. Healthy Anger: Can lead to constructive change and resolution of the underlying issue. Can strengthen relationships through open communication. Control: Mom Rage: Feels uncontrollable and impulsive, like a reaction rather than a response. Healthy Anger: Can be managed and directed towards expressing needs and setting boundaries. Self-awareness: Mom Rage: Often followed by shame, guilt, and regret after the outburst. Healthy Anger: Used as a tool for self-advocacy and setting boundaries, followed by reflection and problem-solving. Overall: Mom Rage: Unhealthy and potentially damaging expression of anger. Healthy Anger: A normal and necessary emotion that can be used constructively. Remember, it's okay to feel and express anger even as a parent. The key is to understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy anger and use healthy coping mechanisms to manage it effectively. Common Anger Triggers Ever feel like you're one meltdown away from earning the villain name "Captain Cranky Pants"? You're not alone, mama. Mom rage is as real as spilled sippy cups and untied shoelaces, and it often sneaks up in the most mundane moments. But before you declare war on every spilled cereal flake, let's identify the hidden ninjas triggering your inner volcano. • Exhaustion & Stress overload: Sleepless nights, endless to-do lists, and juggling responsibilities can feel like walking a tightrope over a pit of lava. One tiny wobble, and boom, the fiery rage erupts. • Feeling unheard & undervalued: When your pleas for help, requests for basic needs, or attempts at communication are met with silence or dismissal, it's like pouring gasoline on a smoldering ember. • Unmet expectations & broken promises: Whether it's a spilled juice box after ten "gentle reminders" or a cancelled date night for the third week in a row, unfulfilled expectations can chip away at patience until it crumbles. • Feeling trapped & controlled: Constantly navigating schedules, routines, and "shoulds" can feel like being stuck in a hamster wheel. It's natural to want to break free, and sometimes, anger becomes the crowbar. • Unfairness & disrespect: Witnessing your child being treated unfairly, enduring disrespectful comments, or facing blatant disregard for your boundaries can turn a simmering frustration into a roaring inferno. • Negative self-talk & blame: When the inner critic takes the microphone and starts playing the "you're-a-terrible-mom" record on repeat, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and lash out. • Physical triggers: Hunger, lack of sleep, hormonal fluctuations, even a migraine can lower your tolerance for everyday annoyances, turning minor mishaps into major melt-downs. • Underlying issues & past experiences: Unresolved personal struggles, past traumas, or childhood experiences can manifest as anger, especially when triggered by similar situations. Remember, understanding your triggers is the first step to defusing them. Once you know what sets your fire, you can equip yourself with tools and strategies to keep the flames at bay. You've got this! How Can I Stop Being An Angry Mom? Let's face it, raising tiny humans ain't always sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes, frustration bubbles over into volcanic "mom rage" – leaving everyone feeling scorched. But before you succumb to the inner fire demon, take a deep breath and reach for these handy tools to keep your cool and reclaim your calm: 1. Self-Care Superhero: Fuel your tank: Prioritize sleep, healthy meals, and exercise. A rested, nourished you is a calmer, happier you. Find your zen: Meditation, yoga, journaling – discover your stress-busting ritual. Delegate & ask for help: You're not a one-woman show. Share the load and embrace those helping hands. Speaking of helping hands, I'm a firm believer that children should have chores, and it's not only for your benefit! 2. Trigger Tamers: Identify your hot buttons: What sets you off? Once you know the culprits, you can avoid or prepare for them. Pause & breathe: Before reacting, take a deep breath, count to ten, or step away for a moment. Let the heat cool before you respond. Reframe the situation: Is this tantrum really worth your anger? Put things in perspective and adjust your expectations. 3. Communication Champions: "I" statements: Express your feelings without blaming or attacking. "I feel frustrated when..." opens communication instead of igniting conflict. Active listening: Give your child your full attention, listen without judgment, and validate their feelings. Positive reinforcement: Catch them being good! Focus on praising desired behavior instead of constantly correcting the bad. 4. Setting Boundaries: Say no!: It's okay to prioritize your needs and refuse unreasonable requests. Create clear expectations: Set fair rules and consequences, and be consistent in upholding them. Respect yourself & your child: Model good communication and emotional regulation by treating yourself and your child with kindness and respect. 5. Seeking Support: Talk to someone you trust: Share your struggles with a supportive partner, friend, or therapist. Seek professional help if needed: Don't hesitate to reach out for therapy or anger management resources if you feel overwhelmed. 6. Unleash Your Humor: Embrace the silly: Find joy in the absurd. Did your kiddo just color the cat purple? Turn it into a fashion statement and strut your stuff down the sidewalk! Inner giggles: Remember that hilarious meme you saw? Keep a mental stash of funny things to pull out when the frustration meter starts ticking. Silly voices & funny faces: Unleash your inner goofball! Make up ridiculous voices for characters, pull over-the-top expressions, and watch the tension melt away in a giggle fit. Laughter yoga: Yes, it's a thing! Look up some silly laughter exercises and get those endorphins flowing (bonus points if you get your kiddos to join in!) Family game nights: Laughter is contagious, so gather the troops for board games, charades, or even just telling silly jokes. Remember, the goal is to have fun, not win! Funny family traditions: Create your own quirky rituals that bring laughter into your everyday routine. Whether it's a nightly dance party to a goofy song or wearing mismatched socks on Fridays, silly traditions build happy memories. Remember, mama, you're not alone in this. You're a warrior, not a warrior monk. These tools are here to help you manage your emotions, not eliminate them. Embrace the journey, forgive yourself for occasional stumbles, and celebrate your victories, big and small. You've got this! FAQs About Why Am I An Angry Mom? Why am I so angry all the time as a mom?Mom rage is normal! Stress, lack of sleep, unmet needs, and constant demands can make anyone cranky.What is irritable mother syndrome?Not an official diagnosis, it's a term used to describe persistent irritability linked to motherhood. Underlying causes could be postpartum depression, stress, or other factors. Seek professional help if needed.What is depleted mom syndrome?Another non-clinical term, depleted mother syndrome describes feeling physically and emotionally exhausted due to the relentless demands of motherhood. Prioritize self-care, delegate tasks, and set boundaries to prevent burnout.Is mom rage normal?Absolutely! It's a common response to the pressures and challenges of motherhood.How does mom rage affect my kids?While occasional outbursts are unlikely to cause lasting harm, consistent anger can affect children's emotional well-being.How can I identify my personal triggers?Keep a journal or track your emotions to find patterns and potential triggers. #### Why Discipline is Important For a Child Parents can often feel trapped between enjoying time with their children and providing proper discipline. Why is discipline important for a child? In this article, we discuss what discipline is and why discipline is important for a child. Once, I was at the park with my kids when my toddler decided the slide was his personal throne. Every child who came near got a firm “NO!” and crossed arms. A part of me wanted to laugh (hello, future CEO), and another part wanted to sink into the wood chips because the other moms were watching. That’s when I remembered: discipline isn’t about being the “mean mom.” It’s about teaching my child how to live, play, and grow alongside others. Honestly, none of us like being the bad guy. We’d rather be the fun mom with snacks and spontaneous dance parties. But discipline? It’s love in action. It’s the stuff that turns tiny tantrums into big lessons about respect, safety, and self-control. In this post, I’m sharing what I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) about why discipline matters, the different types of discipline, and how it shapes our kids into kind, capable humans. What is Discipline? When I first became a mom, I thought “discipline” basically meant punishment (the dreaded time-outs, the toy taken away, and the mom voice we all swore we’d never use) and physical punishment (forms of negative discipline). But discipline isn’t really about punishment. The word actually comes from the Latin discipulus, which means “to learn.” That flipped a switch for me. Discipline isn’t about controlling our kids, it’s about teaching them. And teaching takes time (so much time), patience (even when the toddler is dumping paint on your sister-in law's carpet), and a deep understanding of who your child is. When practiced correctly, discipline uses various approaches, including the Consequence/Reward jar system, Models, and Positive punishment. When I look at discipline that way (as guidance instead of punishment) it feels a whole lot less like being the bad guy and more like being a coach. And our kids? They’re not rebels-in-training. They’re students in the hardest, longest-running class of their lives: growing up. 5 Relatable Reasons Why Discipline Is Important For a Child Child discipline is about teaching a child the right way to behave; that way they do not develop behavioral disorders, and then there is no need for punishments. Discipline is essential in a growing child's life, not only because it teaches them to be responsible adults, but it also has numerous benefits for a child's development. Some of these benefits include safety, emotional stability, proper decision-making skills, and many more. Here are a few reasons why discipline is important for a child: Discipline helps a child develop self-discipline. One day, my son reached for a cookie right before dinner. He stopped halfway, hand hovering like he was frozen in a cartoon. Then he sighed and said, “Okay… after dinner.” I didn’t say a word, but could have cried happy tears into the mashed potatoes. That’s self-discipline in action. I know I can’t (and won’t) be with my kids 24/7. So much of discipline is about helping them build the voice inside their own heads; the one that says “I know what’s right, even if Mom isn’t here to remind me.” When we’re consistent with boundaries and follow-through, we’re actually teaching them to coach themselves. That little pause before the cookie? That’s the payoff. You won't always be with your child, but you want them always to be well-behaved. Disciplining your child would develop their self-discipline and self-control skills. They know that "Mom does not like it when I do this" when they have that at the back of their minds; they can control themselves even when you are not there with them. Discipline develops good decision-making skills.  My daughter once begged to wear shorts to school in the middle of winter. I let her try… for about 30 seconds on the front porch. She ran back in, shivering, and changed into pants. Lesson learned. Discipline isn’t about saying no for the sake of it; it’s about letting kids connect actions to outcomes, so they can make smarter choices next time. Discipline helps your child learn to control their emotions. Once, on a shopping trip, my toddler threw herself flat on the floor when I refused to buy her a toy. The temptation to cave was real (the stares from strangers didn’t help). But I stood firm. After a few meltdowns like that, she slowly realized tears don’t equal toys. Over time, discipline helps kids practice coping with frustration instead of exploding every time something doesn’t go their way. Discipline can help a child manage anxiety. A friend once told me her son panicked whenever he had to decide what to eat — because no one had ever given him boundaries. The freedom felt overwhelming. Kids may act like they want total control, but really, structure is safety. When we set consistent rules, we give them the gift of predictability, which helps ease their little anxieties. Disciplining your kids can ensure their safety. One morning, my toddler insisted on touching the hot oven because “it looked shiny.” I had to crouch down and explain, gently but firmly, that the oven could hurt her, and that’s why we don’t touch it. She pouted, but the rule stuck. That’s what discipline really is: keeping our kids safe when their curiosity could get them into trouble. They may not like hearing “no” in the moment, but one day they’ll understand it was love wrapped up in a boundary. Remember, kids love to test rules, but you don't want them testing it out with something that could potentially harm them, so when they know what the consequences of their actions could be, they are less likely to try it out. The 3 Types of Discipline (Explained Mom-to-Mom) Not every child responds to the same approach, which is why no one-size-fits-all parenting book actually works. Here are the three main types of discipline, in plain mom language: 1. Preventative Discipline This is setting rules before chaos breaks out. Think of it like: “We hold hands in the parking lot,” or “Toys go back in the bin before bedtime.” It’s clear, safe, and sets expectations early. This may include: Telling your children what behavior is acceptable and what behavior is bad. Telling your children the consequences of bad behavior. Rewarding good behavior. You can find some reward ideas here. 2. Supportive Discipline This is when the rule gets bent or forgotten. Your child throws shoes across the room, and instead of punishing, you remind them: “Shoes belong by the door. Try again.” It’s about nudging them back on track without going full drill sergeant. This may include: Verbal/ Non-verbal warnings Redirecting or Reminding the child of the rules they are disobeying An immediate reaction to the bad behavior. 3. Corrective Discipline This comes last — when reminders don’t work. Maybe it’s a time-out, losing a privilege, or natural consequences. It’s not about payback; it’s about helping them reflect and learn so the same behavior doesn’t stick. What Happens to Children Raised Without Discipline? I’ll be honest ... there are days I don’t want to follow through. Saying “no” is exhausting, and tantrums are the worst. But here’s what happens if we skip discipline altogether: Undeveloped coping skills: Kids don’t learn how to handle frustration. Everything feels overwhelming. Lack of boundaries: They struggle in friendships because they’ve never learned respect for rules or limits. Laziness: A child who always gets their way struggles later when effort is required. Chasing instant gratification: Without patience, kids lean into quick fixes instead of learning persistence. Skipping discipline may feel easier in the moment, but long-term it robs kids of the skills they’ll need as adults. How Do You Discipline a Child (Without Losing Your Mind)? Set clear limits, and explain why. Praise good behavior often. Use time-outs for reflection, not shame. Take away privileges sparingly, and make sure kids can earn them back. Ignore whining when it’s manipulative (but never ignore real feelings). Let natural consequences play out when safe. (Refuse veggies? Then they feel a little hungry until the next meal.) Try fun systems like a Reward & Consequence Jar to make lessons stick. Who’s Responsible for a Child’s Discipline? Short answer: we are. Discipline starts at home. It’s not fair to expect teachers, nannies, or grandparents to carry it for us. That said, I’ve learned it works best when both parents are on the same page. No “good cop vs. bad cop.” Kids sniff out that divide in seconds. And yes, extended family can help reinforce consistency too — but the foundation? That’s us. Final Thoughts Parenting is messy, tiring, and downright confusing sometimes. But discipline is one of those gifts we give our kids that doesn’t always feel like a gift in the moment. Over time, though, it teaches respect, patience, and self-control; the building blocks of raising kids who thrive. So next time you’re faced with the tantrum, the cookie grab, or the shiny oven door moment, remember: discipline isn’t about being mean. It’s about being loving enough to set boundaries. And trust me, one day, when your child makes the right choice all on their own, you’ll feel the payoff. Resources for Child Discipline Given the importance of child discipline and wanting to create a nurturing and positive atmosphere, I found these books useful when it comes to disciplining my own children: #### Why Does Sleep Regression Happen? Sleep regression is a common phenomenon among babies. Why does sleep regression happen? We explore 7 possible triggers to be aware of. Understanding these causes can help you to take the necessary steps to get your baby's sleep schedule back on track. As a parent, you may have heard the term "sleep regression" thrown around in parenting circles. You may have even experienced it with your own baby. But what exactly is sleep regression and why does it happen? In this article, we'll explore the answers to these questions and more. Is My Baby Having a Sleep Regression? Before we delve into why sleep regression happens, let's first discuss what it is and how to know if your baby is experiencing it. Sleep regression is a period of time when a baby who was previously sleeping well suddenly starts waking up more frequently at night or having difficulty falling asleep. This can happen at various ages, but it most commonly occurs around 4 months, 8-10 months, and 18 months. So, how do you know if your baby is having a sleep regression? Look out for these signs: Increased night wakings Difficulty falling asleep Shorter naps Increased fussiness during the day Changes in appetite If your baby is experiencing any of these signs, it's possible that they are going through a sleep regression. But why does it happen in the first place? 7 Reasons Sleep Regressions Happen There are various reasons why sleep regression occurs, and sometimes it can be a combination of several factors. Here are some common causes and triggers of sleep regression: Developmental Milestones: As your baby grows and develops, they go through many changes, both cognitive and physical. These changes can affect their sleep patterns, making it harder for them to fall and stay asleep. For example, at around 4 months, babies experience a developmental milestone that causes changes in their sleep cycles. Illnesses: If your baby is sick or going through a growth spurt, it can disrupt their sleep patterns. Additionally, illness or discomfort can make it harder for babies to fall asleep and stay asleep. Changes in schedule: If you've recently changed your baby's routine, such as starting daycare or traveling, it can disrupt their sleep patterns. Changes in baby's need for sleep: As your baby grows, their sleep needs may change. They may need more or less sleep than they did before, which can lead to disruptions in their sleep patterns. Overtiredness: When babies get overtired, they may have a harder time falling asleep and staying asleep. This can lead to sleep regressions. Potty training: When babies start potty training, it can disrupt their sleep patterns. They may need to wake up more frequently during the night to use the bathroom. Making the move to a big kid bed: When babies make the move from a crib to a big kid bed, it can disrupt their sleep patterns. They may feel less secure and have a harder time falling asleep and staying asleep. Remember, sleep regressions are a normal part of your baby's development, and they usually pass on their own. By understanding why they happen, you can take steps to help your baby get the sleep they need. However, there are ways to help ease the transition and make it a little easier for both you and your baby. In conclusion, sleep regression can be a confusing and frustrating experience for both babies and parents. But by understanding the causes and triggers, you can help make the transition a little easier. Remember, sleep regression is temporary and it will pass. With a little patience and consistency, you and your baby will soon be back to getting the restful sleep you both need. Continue reading our guide to sleep regressions: Sleep Regression: What is It and What to Expect 4 Signs of Sleep Regression to Watch For Sleep Regression Ages Why Does Sleep Regression Happen? (this post) How to Deal with Sleep Regression #### Why European EVOO is the Best, and Easy Sautéed Veggies Why you might want to choose European Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  And, if you love healthy food, check out this simple sautéed veggies side dish recipe. I grew up on the outskirts of a small one-red-light town. We were out in the sticks, on a long dirt road that the county would grade about once a month.  As much as you could have considered us to be "in the country" we weren't surrounded by cows or horses. But, we were definitely raised southern.  Fried food and biscuits were staples. Country fried steak and gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, and biscuits with honey was considered a rounded and healthy meal. Sometime after having moved out on my own, I began to think about health a little differently than I'd been raised. After having children and being diagnosed with autoimmunity, I learned completely new things that challenged everything I thought I knew about healthy living. Making dietary changes became a requirement for me in the last few years.  One of the major changes was selecting oils for cooking.  Of course, fried foods are heavily limited these days too. But oil is what I want to talk about.  Not just any oil, rather Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO).  It's become a staple in my household.  I cook nearly everything in Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  That's why, I'm happy to have partnered with Moms Meet to share my thoughts on this subject.  It's one I feel a close connection to. While it's a staple, choosing an Extra Virgin Olive Oil has never been about choosing the cheapest bottle on the shelf, for me, because not all olive oils are created equally.  When it comes to my healthy changes, I make a serious effort to get the best I can afford. *Disclaimer: I received this product for free from Moms Meet to use and post my honest opinions.  Compensation for this post was provided, but all opinions are my own. Why European Extra Virgin Olive Oil? In Europe, olives have been revered for thousands of years.  According to Flavor Your Life, the Athenian Constitution included: “If one shall uproot or cut down an olive tree, whether privately owned or public, he will be brought before the Tribunal, and should the judges find him guilty, he shall be put to death.” If it's true, Europeans have taken their olives (and olive oils) very seriously.  In their campaigning, Flavor Your Life promotes European EVOO for many factors including: Low acidity Low oxidation Cultivated for flavor I liken the movement to how wine connoisseurs would select a wine or how someone would choose any artisan product.   They're looking for quality, flavor, and consistency rather than some commercially standard product made solely for quantity. Learn More about Flavor Your Life To learn more about this great mission, visit Flavor Your Life on their website, Facebook, or Twitter. How to Choose EVOO in the Store Here are some helpful tips for choosing a great European Extra Virgin Olive Oil. 1. Choose one from Europe These olive oils are most often produced to meet certain standards, not produced solely for being widely available, but for the quality they expect.  They are usually judged by expert tasters who must agree an oil meets high flavor standards, including testing for taste defects and positive attributes of fruitiness, bitterness, or spiciness. 2. Look for Cold-Pressed Cold-pressed olive oils are made without heat or chemicals.  Heat and chemicals can change the profiles of oils, which isn't as healthy. 3. Looking for a specific flavor profile? Varying regions have different flavor profiles because of the olives cultivated for their area.  You can find a blended EVOO, like the one from Zucchi, which blends various regions' olives for a unique flavor for it's blend. However, you can get single variety European Olive Oils for specific purposes.  To help you choose, know the following: Typically golden yellow in color, a Spanish oil will provide a fruity, nutty flavor.  A Cuban cookbook I bought often specifically recommends Spanish olive oil for . Probably the most widely known is the Italian Olive Oil, which is often dark green and has an herbal aroma. A Greek olive oil is green, with a strong flavor and aroma. Finally, French oil is often pale colored with a mild flavor. Simple Sauteed Veggies made with European Extra Virgin Olive Oil So, let's get cooking a healthy simple sauteed veggie side dish.  I like to make these on nights I need something easy and healthy.  This particular night, I sauteed my zucchini, squash and onions to accompany steaks.  Of course, I sautéed my veggies using European Extra Virgin Olive Oil to keep them extra healthy. Simple Sautéed Veggies Zucchini, Squash and Onion sauteed in extra virgin olive oil 1 Zucchini (sliced approx 1/4" thick)1 Yellow Squash (sliced approx 1/4" thick)2 or 3 slices White Onion (sliced thin, cut in half)2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (approximate)salt (to taste)pepper (to taste)garlic powder (to taste) Slice zucchini and squash approximately 1/4" thickCut 2 or 3 slices of white onion thinly, then cut each slice in halfHeat a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet on medium heat - 1 to 2 Tbsps should be plentyToss sliced veggies into pan.  Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.Sauté all vegetables in skillet for approximately 20 minutes, flipping occasionally to prevent sticking or over-browning. #### Why I Let the iPad Babysit My Kid and Let Go of Screen Time Studies When my daughter was younger, I wasn't a fan of allowing her too much television or sitting idly in front of electronics.  I was prone to limit the time my child spend on them.  For whatever reason, electronics made her whiny and unruly.  It was terrible! But, I had one of those weeks.  I broke my own rules on limiting access to electronics and sitting idle watching videos.  For a few weeks, the kiddo was whiny about everything.  She was driving me insane.  (You know it's okay to admit these things publicly, right?!  Maybe I just say that because I need to feel better about it)  I couldn't really stand it anymore.  I'd entered the year of the threenager.  It didn't matter if we were busy doing school work, coloring, playing, eating ... she wasn't happy with anything.  For a while there, she complained with "I don't feel good" if she was being reprimanded for her behavior.  She was seeking pity ... I know this because she wouldn't ever say that as long as things were going her way. Why I let the iPad babysit my kid Finally, after about two weeks of disagreeing and being totally incapable of making the kiddo happy, I gave up.  I said "screw the studies on limiting screen time".  I just let her sit playing ABCMouse on her iPad or watching videos because it was the only thing that kept her quiet and happy.  I needed the peace and quiet and the ability to regain some sanity. So, for a couple days, I let the iPad babysit my kid.  I'd interrupt for food, potty breaks, and quiet time (which didn't include iPad time so that she could break away from the screen for a bit).  Occasionally, I'd check in to see if she wanted to do other activities.  But, the times she was busy on the iPad were the most peace I'd had in a while.  I was able to get some cooking and cleaning done and life didn't seems as dramatic and terrible. I'm guessing this is some sort of insane 3 year old phase as I'm finding there are just some days I have to resort to the iPad sitter.  Other days, she can go all day reading, playing, or doing crafts without so much as a whine.  But, the days she can't, she's off the charts with her whining and crying.  Seems like there's no in-between which leaves me on edge. Thankfully, I loaded her iPad up with mostly educational apps, so I didn't feel some other kind of guilt for her sitter being nothing but fluff.  At least her time was spent learning, even if she thought it was all just fun and games.  The only real trouble I've had with this approach is getting her to stop relying on the iPad when she's in a better mood. Tell me: When your kiddo is driving you insane, what techniques, tactics, or devices do you use to get some peace and regain your sanity?  Have you ever let your iPad babysit your kid? #### Why I Might Just Have to Switch to Instacart Grocery Delivery One of my favorite ways to offload tasks is to have someone else do my grocery shopping!  Here's 6 reasons I'm looking to switch to Instacart grocery delivery. Oh boy ... I've been a loyal fan of another grocery delivery service for a couple years.  But, in the last few months, I've wondered what all the fuss was about when it comes to Instacart. I'm going to be brutally honest for one second about why I refused to look at Instacart as a viable option when it comes to having my groceries delivered.  It came down to annual fee.  You see, Instacart is 50% more per year than my current grocery delivery service. $149 just to have the ability to have my groceries delivered is a huge upfront annual expense, especially considering I currently pay $99/year. But, I did a little research and was soon convinced Instacart was probably worth giving a chance. Here's why I'm looking to switch to Instacart Grocery Delivery! This post was sponsored by Instacart, but all opinions are 100% my own. 6 Reasons I'm Looking to Switch to Instacart Grocery Delivery Don't forget: this is my rationale based on already consistently using a grocery delivery service.  These reasons may not be the same as if you've never used a grocery delivery service. 1. My Fridge Told Me To Okay, so my fridge doesn't talk to me.  It's fancy and all, but it isn't quite that high tech.   I have one of those cool refrigerators with the screen in the door.  It's basically a humongous tablet with very specific apps that run on it. Well, would you believe that Instacart is the only grocery delivery app available for my fridge? So yeah, my fridge is making very specific demands.  Who am I to argue with a fridge that probably knows more than I do? 2. Partnered with Meal Planning Websites Back when I researched meal planning websites, I found that nearly all of them work with Instacart directly.  That means, these websites create your weekly meal plan and automatically import the grocery list into your Instacart shopping cart. Very few of these services work with my current grocery delivery service.  And, while not a deal-breaker, I'm all for making my life easier.  Since I'm currently using a meal planning service, I'd like to get reap all the rewards I can get, right down to auto-import of my grocery list. 3. Free Delivery If all I have to spend is $35 in order to get free delivery from Instacart Express, that's a good deal.  I mean, these days, eating a healthier diet means I spend $35 in the blink of an eye.   I mean, what is that ... 3 items?  Seriously, it doesn't take much. Oh, and if I need something FAST, I can get delivery in as little as one hour. Um ... just found out you're down to the last diaper but you've gotta get the kiddo down for nap?  Forgot some items for dinner tonight or ran out of aluminum foil? Yeah, get that stuff fast! Note: Instacart Express is an optional service (this is the part that costs $149 per year).  Don't wanna pay for an annual membership?  Opt for just Instacart.  But, remember, you'll pay delivery fees based on your order amount.  You can still get your first order delivered for FREE to try them out though. 4. Price Wait, didn't I just say price was the initial factor that kept me from switching to Instacart in the first place? Price goes beyond just the initial cost to join Instacart.  Thankfully, hubby reminded me to look past the initial cost.  So a dear friend helped me with IRL comparisons.  This is what we came up with, based on items I typically purchase. In just 1o regular items, my total shop would have cost me 8% less using Instacart than my current grocery delivery service. Now, that doesn't seem like much, but when you get into the nerdy calculation stuff, here's what it equates to: If I normally spend $180 on a delivery, I would save about $14.40 using Instacart.  Since the annual cost of Instacart is $50 more than my current provider, it would take about 3.5 deliveries to make up the difference.  After that, it's just recurring savings the rest of the year. 5. All The Stores Well, maybe not ALL, but Instacart is affiliated with a bunch of stores.  In my area, I can have someone shop at Publix (and Publix Liquors - you know, because mom life), Native Sun, Whole Foods, Petco, and CVS. That means I've got a lot of choices for my general items, health food, and even have things delivered for our dog! Check to see what stores Instacart will shop at for you in your area by entering your zip code! 6. Free Trial I've got 14 days of FREE delivery to try Instacart Express, and so do you! In mom terms, that's 14 days of forgetting things or running out of random items and having someone else do your shopping for you. For 14 days, you don't have to run another grocery shopping errand after school drop off. What that really means is you can go home and finish that cold cup of coffee (or put on another pot) as the toddler destroys the playroom.  All the while someone else does the shopping for items you forgot to put on your list.  And, you haven't subjected the rest of the store with the wild beast you call your child. Will you switch to Instacart Grocery Delivery? Wait, do you even subscribe to grocery delivery?  If not, are you interested in Instacart?  Don't forget your 14-day trial! PIN ME #### Why I Use Desert Essence Anti-Breakage Shampoo on Short Hair Why I believe Desert Essence Anti-Breakage hair care is still important for the health and beauty of short hair. I thought I was going to grow my hair out.  I'd even gone several weeks, maybe even a couple months, past my last hair appointment. It wasn't exactly by choice.  I'd been trying to decide between following my hairdresser after she moved or staying with the salon I'd been going to for several years.  You see, when I found my salon, I told myself I wasn't going to chase another hairdresser down. I really liked this girl and I seriously considered breaking that promise to myself.  But, it was a huge internal battle. So, I let my hair start to grow, because I was having a hard time deciding! With growing hair, I knew I was going to be using heat styling products more often to keep it looking like I cared.  But with that, I knew damage and breakage were going to become another concern. Then, as the hairs began tickling my ears, I decided at the very least I need to have the sides and back trimmed up a bit.  I got there and suddenly, I realized I wasn't ready to grow out my hair. You see, I'm a crazy toddler mom and I need that regular visit to the salon as a break from the kids! Still, I realize damage to my hair is likely, because I choose to have my hair straightened at the salon every couple months.  But what can I do about it? Using Desert Essence Anti-Breakage Shampoo and Conditioner on Short Hair Well, for starters, I know I want a better-for-you product that isn't full of harmful chemicals.  That's why I'm really excited about my collaboration with Moms Meet to share my experience with Desert Essence Anti-Breakage Shampoo and Conditioner.  Compensation was provided for this post, but all opinions expressed here are my own. Okay, so my first confession is that I've never been all that concerned about what hair products I use.  I mean, aside from swapping out the really toxic grocery store brands for ones I have to locate at specialty stores (or online), I generally pick up a bottle of shampoo, sniff it, and go.  Of course, if it's blatantly obvious it's not meant for my hair concerns, I'll rethink it. As I age, however, I'm becoming more aware of how my choices affect everything I do.  And, while I used to buy shampoo for colored hair back when I dyed it, I was only doing it to protect the color, not so much my hair. But, I know that's not that right way to go about things.  So, now I need to pick things for specific purposes.  And, though I'm not growing my hair out, it doesn't mean I should be protecting my hair from damage from occasional hair dryer use.  More importantly, the chemical straightening every couple months as I aim to maintain a specific style. So how can I do this without conventional products? Finding a product that lends itself to more natural ingredients can feel like a daunting task.  And, if you've grown up on the conventional grocery store brands, like me, you may be worried these products won't do a good job. But, fear not.  They can be just as effective as the grocery store brands and healthier for you, too! Who is Desert Essence? Well, let's leave them to answer: "As the first company to market Jojoba Oil and Tea Tree Oil in the U.S. — both popular staples in the beauty industry — Desert Essence has a 35-year history of bringing the best of nature to personal care regimens everywhere. Inspired by the desert and its rich, nourishing ingredients, we proudly formulate our all-natural skin care, body care, baby care and dental care products with health and sustainability in mind." What is the Desert Essence Anti-Breakage Shampoo, Conditioner, and Hair Mask? This formula helps "minimize breakage and fall" with a blend of Country Life Maxi-Hair® plus Biotin, this breakthrough formula with Keratin and Pro-Vitamin B5.  Included in its ingredients are JoJoba, coconut oil, Aloe, and Saw Palmetto to make it smooth and fortified while still being manageable. Will it smell funny? Okay, I'm not going to lie.  Finding more natural beauty products has been a bit challenging in the smell department.  I've been turned off by the smells of some things because they smelled like dirt.  And there was no way I was going to bathe in something that made me smell quite that earthy. Desert Essence isn't my favorite smell, but it's not so earthy that you can't stand to be around yourself either.  While I don't love it (and neither does my husband), I noticed the scent didn't linger long after drying and styling my hair. Of course, I also don't have long hair, so I don't have it dangling in my face to constantly smell it, either.  But, for a more natural shampoo and conditioner that has a mission to protect my hair, I'm not completely turned off by the smell either. How do you use it on short hair? As with anything, you don't need nearly as much product for short hair as you would for long. What I find is that a dime sized amount is perfectly suitable for my pixie cut, unless I've not washed my hair for a few days and it's beginning to become extra oily.  In which case, I may lather on a second dose. When it comes to the conditioner, because my scalp tends to show the oil more quickly, I rub a small amount in my hands, tilt my head over and try to rub it on the tip of my hair.  My aim is to apply the conditioner to the ends of my hair without touching my scalp or getting too close to the roots. Afterwards, I remove excess moisture from my hair with a towel, then blow dry prior to styling. Get Ready to Try It Yourself Get 20% off Anti-Breakage and Smoothing Hair Care Products on desertessence.com with the promo code DELovesMomsMeet PIN ME #### Why I Wanted a Better Deodorant Everything we do has a potential impact on our health.  Why reducing toxins in skin care is a good idea and how Earth Mama Organics deodorants help me do it. "Why do you have deodorant for pregnancy?" my husband asked.  He was unnerved. I quickly respond "Don't freak out!  I am NOT pregnant.  Read the label!  It's for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and sensitive skin."  I reminded him of the previous year I spent switching to aluminum free deodorant. All he cared about were the words "I am NOT pregnant." Crisis averted. It took me a year to find a natural deodorant that didn't make me itch or smell fresh off a farm.  After writing about that experience, Earth Mama Organics asked me to try out their new line of deodorants.  Of course, because I've had a long time love for their products, I couldn't resist.  Plus, I'm all for reducing toxins in skin care, and I know Earth Mama Organics wants that for me to. I received their Earth Mama Mini Deodorant 4-pack to try out.  All opinions expressed are my own and are not swayed by my relationship with Earth Mama Organics. Why Earth Mama Organics Deodorants? Simply: reducing toxins in skin care products. Back when I was pregnant, I discovered Earth Mama Organics who, at the time, went by Earth Mama Angel Baby.  I did a pregnancy essentials bundle review and was hooked. You see, I'd developed health issues and found I had major intolerances to some of the harmful chemicals that are tossed into our conventional health and beauty items.  I began working hard to reduce harmful chemicals in the house.  Soaps, fragrances, right down to toxic toothpaste have all been changed out for the better. If it wasn't good for me, it certainly wasn't okay for my babies.  If it touched my baby's skin or my own, I found something healthier. Earth Mama believes what I do ... what goes on goes in.  Skin is your body's largest organ, and it will absorb everything you put on it.  So, they created their new line of deodorants to defend your sensitive skin.  And, if you think about it, they're not only protecting your skin, but your baby's body (if you're pregnant). Earth Mama Organics believes #whatgoesongoesin, just like me. Reducing toxins in skin care #ad Share on X So, I use natural & organic deodorant because I don't want my body to soak up more toxins.  With autoimmunity, MTHFR, and iron deficiency, just to name a few issues, I'm concerned about whether or not aluminum is safe.  And, I'm constantly working to reduce chemicals in my health and skincare products.  Even my cleaning products have gone through a major overhaul in the last couple years. What Did I Think? First of all, I loved the mini pack of 4, which includes all their scents.  They include: GingerAid Bright Citrus Calming Lavender Natural Non-Scents Let me, first, say I absolutely loved the travel-sized sticks.  While their deodorants do come in regular sizes, the 4 pack was perfect for giving them a try.  And, I love that I can pack one for travel and it won't take up too much space in my bag.  Also, Florida travel often exposes our belongings to extreme heat.  I can't tell you how many times I've had my deodorants melt on a road trip.  So, the minis are perfect if you expect this situation. I've Earth Mama Organics deodorants to be a bit sticky.  Through the day, however, I notice this less than after application in the morning. They do, however, work.  I've never experienced any itching, nor do I smell like a hobo at any point during the day.  These were my two major gripes when trying to make the switch to aluminum-free deodorants originally.  Still, because I finally successfully weaned myself off conventional deodorants, I couldn't tell you whether or not you'd experiencing itching with Earth Mama Organics if this is your first time making the switch.  Because I have always been an Earth Mama fan, I'd believe they would be okay, you just never know when you're detoxing your skin. Lastly, while all the scents were pleasant, my absolute favorite was the Bright Citrus.  It was a nice, fresh scent that almost instantly boosted my mood. As with everything, it's important to remember every body is different.  While I experienced good results with the Earth Mama Organics deodorants, you may or may not have a similar experience.  At the very least, I just want you to consider reducing toxins in your skin care routine as you keep in mind "what goes on goes in." Do yourself and your body a favor ... just try Earth Mama Organics deodorant in the mini 4-pack.  I would trust Earth Mama Organics deodorants for pregnancy and breastfeeding as much as I do for my daily routine. #### Why I'm Still Proud of the Baltimore Mom Controlling Her Rioting Son I admit two things when I saw the video of this Baltimore mother who was angry that her son was involved in the rioting.  The first, is that I was cheering her on, because I was glad to see that at least one mother was taking responsibility for her child's actions.  Secondly, I was a little perturbed that she was repeatedly hitting him.  Still, some of the remarks on social media and blog posts regarding the instance hit a nerve with me. I sat down and read a post from a mom blogger who believed that we shouldn't be applauding this mother for her abusing her son.  This particular blogger also quoted another blogger on how a "peaceful parent" would handle their child in the midst of rioting.  Further, she states that America needs more "bleeding hearts" like herself.  Before I express my opinions on this matter, you can read up on the post about the so-called "abusive mother." My rebuttal is as follows: Perhaps the mom isn't "Mother of the Year," but I was happy to see a parent that gave a crap about what her child was doing.  I didn't care what her motive was, whether she was concerned about his safety, the safety of others, or felt as though he needed to express himself in a more appropriate manner, or if she simply wanted to keep him out of jail.  SHE CARED enough to get out there and put herself in harm's way. I don't completely understand people being against the use of force.  At what point do you realize that trying to talk sense into someone rationally and calmly isn't going to make a bit of difference.  In fact, I find it funny that these so called "peaceful parents" think they know what they'd do when their children are in the midst of a violent riot.   Further, how do they know for certainty that they're not going to be angry that their child is choosing to participate in the violence?  It's naive to think you know how to handle something where your child's life is at risk ... where your child is RISKING his or her life.  You don't, I don't.  There's not one person who could tell me with any degree of certainty what would be going through their mind or how they would handle themselves in a time of crisis and violence without ever having been through it.  It's great to fantasize how well we'd handle things, but we don't know until we're there! The idea that you'd stand there with your child in the midst of rioting to protect him/her or be there until his final moments on earth puts you and the rest of your family in danger.  What if you're taken out with the one rioting son, leaving behind your spouse and other children?  Did you think about that?  Which brings me to the idea that you believe we "need more bleeding hearts in America." I've always believed that it's the Bleeding Hearts that allow the people of America to continue to cry, whine, and believe they're entitled to whatever their hearts desire.  When you're bending over backwards for one person, you're likely sacrificing another person's feelings of entitlement.  Who's right?  Not one person over the other, if you ask me.  Just like the case of the Christian bakery who wouldn't provide cupcakes for a lesbian wedding.  Why are the lesbians allowed to ruin a Christian couple's livelihood?  What makes their feeling of entitlement any better than the Christian's beliefs?  Nothing.  You see, there's bleeding hearts at work destroying lives and giving others things they don't actually "deserve".  Being gay doesn't trump someones religious practices.  And before you jump my sh*t, I want to make it clear I don't stand for EITHER party. I'm not a bleeding heart because I'm too busy being logical!  I believe everyone should be able to believe what they want and not be persecuted for it if they aren't causing you and real pain.  If someone doesn't want your business, give your money to someone who DOES.  You don't deserve some ridiculous settlement for tons of money!  It's OKAY to be told NO every now and again.  It's just another opportunity to seek out a YES!  We all need to learn that not everything goes our way.  Mature adults learn to suck it up and move on.  Mature adults find compromise to get something they want, not destroy someone, or their business, when things don't go their way. I'm happy to see a mom out there trying to do her best to get her son in line.  Maybe she's not Mother of the Year.  Maybe she's abusive (I wouldn't begin to presume to know her life outside of one short video).  Perhaps she was frightened for her son and she didn't know how to react, so that's what she did.  Honestly, it's not like she could pick him up and take him to his room for time out.  She realized it was her responsibility as a parent to get control of him.  Maybe she doesn't believe he's old enough or mature enough to make stupid decisions on his own.  And truthfully, a few smacks is a minor consequence of his actions compared to what he could face for attacking officers.   #### Why My Daughter Doesn't Get Pink, Frilly, Princess Toys I'm not exactly sure why it is, but just because I happened to have a girl, I seemed to have to fight everyone about us not wanting a bunch of pink and purple "girly" toys.  In fact, it was almost a regular debate about that and why I didn't dress her in more pink and "girly" outfits with ridiculously large bows and headbands.  (Girl is only wearing dresses because they're the easiest during diaper changes). My responses have typically been something along the lines of a) I want my daughter to be aware of all colors of the rainbow b) She's a kid - she should be playing with ALL kid toys, not just ones that are geared specifically toward girls c) I'm not a girly girl and I don't intend to raise her as one.  I am seeking balance d) If I (miraculously) convince hubby to let me have baby #2 and (hoping) we have a boy, I want to be able to hand current toys down - not be forced to start completely over It never fails that someone believes she's going to be into all the princess stuff because I'm not.  And I say, when she's old enough to tell me she wants pink princess-y toys with all the frills (shoot me), then I have to deal with it. I am just hoping to instill normal behaviors and work on normal development - she'll have plenty of external influences to help further shape her into the young woman she's destined to be, but I will NOT be pushing that girlie stuff on her myself.  I just want her to be a kid, plain and simple. The extremist in me - I'm an Aries, after all - has already said that when it comes time to get Barbie (if she has to have one of these) a Barbie car, we're taking it out of the box, rushing it to the garage, and painting it black.  No one is ever allowed to drive a pink car in this house, and we're certainly not letting Barbie get away with it either ... What's your stand?   #### Why Should Women Take Probiotics? #sponsored NOW and #MomsMeet In a few weeks, I'm planning to introduce new content to you.  After some urging from a friend, I've decided to share my personal journey with Hashimoto's, gut health, and late onset food intolerances. These problems surfaced shortly after the birth of my first baby and I've never been the same since. (Thanks S! lol)  Prior to these health issues, I would see commercials about probiotics and wonderered "why should we take probiotics? More importantly, why should women take probiotics?" Anyway, I don't want to give away all my secrets before I'm ready to release my series on the health struggles and my journey to-date.  But, I can elude some of the things I've done to get me to a better point in my health. If you want to know the truth, supplements are keeping me alive.  Hmm ... maybe that's not exactly the truth.  Well, I feel like that's what I'm doing. I have fond memories staying at my grandparents' house for a week or more at a time.  I also remember watching them down their vitamins every morning.  I couldn't understand why they took so many but chalked it up to an age thing. Here I am, a few short years from 40 (dear lord, I can't believe I just publicized that), and I'm downing as many (or more) large pills they did in their 50s.  Only now, I'm wishing mine were an age thing.  Seriously, I feel like these things are what keeps me alive and moving.  It's sad, really. I can't even think straight right now, so I'm going to estimate I've been on a routine supplement intake for nearly 4 years.  Thankfully, I'm working with a doctor who practices functional medicine.  He believes in health through more natural means.  So, while he helps me with prescriptions, he also relies heavily on supplements and good dietary practices, especially a Paleo diet. This is a sponsored post, created in partnership with Moms Meet (momsmeet.com).  Compensation and free products were provided for this post.  All opinions are my own.  I am not a doctor!  Please seek medical advice and recommendations from a trusted medical provider. Why Should Women Take Probiotics? Generally, I believe everyone should take probiotics!  Let's see if I can explain through experience ... Part of my supplement routine includes quality Probiotics to keep my gut in good health.  And, wouldn't you guess, I also don't produce enough of my own digestive enzyme to help me digest and absorb all the nutrients in my food.  So, it's great that I was able to team up with Now and Moms meet (which happens to be my favorite supplement brand) to discuss the Women's Probiotic and Super Enzymes. Let me, first, make clear that I've been working with my doctor to evaluate my needs.  Additionally, I've spent a good deal of time reading up on and attending online health summits in an effort to help myself heal.  Everything I discuss here are my opinions and what I've come to understand to be true.  Please fact check and do your own research ... do not take my word for your deciding factor on any health issues.  Seek medical advice from your trusted medical provider. Why You Should Take Probiotics To begin, it's important to know that all of us have naturally occurring probiotics in our intestinal tracts.  These are helpful in maintaining your overall health. What's interesting to note is that the tiny microorganisms (probiotics) are acquired during birth, through the birth canal and begin colonizing within the first couple days of life.  Additional supplies of these probiotics and healthy bacteria are supplied during breastfeeding and through the use of some formulas.  Through the years, we continue to obtain these beneficial microorganisms by eating certain foods (generally certain dairy products and fermented foods). So here's the thing ... our diets aren't always healthy.  Some less so than others.  And, I can tell you that I didn't grow up eating many fermented foods.  In my thirties, I also learned I'm intolerant of dairy.  And we will not even get on the discussion about lactose-free, because the intolerance is much more complicated than the lactose. I've been taking NOW® Probiotics for several years after it was determined that my body was severely deficient.  I had some serious gut issues and an autoimmune disease, which my doctor believes comes from having those gut problems. After doing a Paleo diet based cleanse, I began to personally take a heavier dose of NOW® Probiotics.  This was an important process for rebuilding a healthy balance in my gut. However, for the average woman, I believe the NOW ® Women's Probiotic is sufficient.  Even for myself, this is a better option than no probiotics. Aside from the immune system and gut support probiotics provides, NOW® Women's Probiotics support vaginal health and reduces occasional bloating (as stated on the front of the label). I choose NOW® probiotics and other supplements because they are free of gluten, milk, soy,  egg, fish, shellfish, and tree nut ingredients.  This is important to me because I have severe intolerances to gluten, dairy, and almonds.  So, a probiotic with any of those ingredients wouldn't be very beneficial to my health. Because of the massive amounts of supplements I take to "stay alive," affordability is always a driving factor in determining which supplements I'll choose.  NOW®, in my opinion, provides many of the supplements I need at prices I don't have an internal battle over spending for the sake of my health. As a brief aside, I mentioned that I don't produce the digestive enzymes to properly digest my food, so I was also instructed to use Betaine HCl.  This supplement helps me to properly digest my food and absorb nutrients my body wasn't receiving.  I recently switched to NOW Super Enzymes, which includes some other ingredients to help support healthy digestion.  At this time, I can't tell if it's helped *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. #### Why Trucks Are Becoming Very Popular Family Cars Gone are the days when a small car felt like enough for a growing family. Today's families are seeking vehicles that offer more than just a ride. They want a mobile command center, a safe haven, and a machine ready for any adventure. That's why the rugged, reliable truck has become one of the most sought-after family cars on the road. It's not just about size; it's about peace of mind, endless possibilities, and making room for all of life's precious moments. Reasons Trucks Are Popular Family Vehicles Room for Life: The Most Spacious Option Think about your family's daily hustle. The groceries, the sports equipment, the stroller, the dog, the camping gear ... it all adds up! That’s where a modern crew-cab truck shines. You can easily find trucks with five comfortable seats in the cabin for your loved ones, plus a massive loading bay behind. This bay offers significantly more space than any traditional trunk. And with a truck cover, you can keep everything safe and dry. You’re effectively getting the most spacious vehicle option out there. This vast capacity is a game-changer for families who love an unforgettable road trip and need to carry loads of luggage, or simply require plenty of storage space for those massive weekly shopping hauls. It’s about never having to say, "We can't fit that." A Fortress on Wheels: Durable & Long Lasting As a parent, safety is the unshakeable foundation of every decision, especially when you’re driving little ones around. This deep-seated need for protection is what's driven the urge for families to buy bigger vehicles, and a truck is the biggest and arguably the best of the bunch. Trucks are engineered to be extremely strong and durable. They are built to take on life's unexpected bumps, meaning they will cope well in any minor or major incident. When your family is inside a truck, you feel a greater sense of security, a strong shield surrounding your most precious cargo. Moreover, trucks are known to be an excellent, long-term investment. They’re made from sturdy materials that resist wear and tear for years. The truck bed is the only part that might eventually show its age, though loads of people opt for a truck bed liner spray service to counter this. It basically reinforces the bed, protecting it against corrosion or general wear and tear from moving things in and out. It's a simple step to ensure your investment lasts for the long haul. Unleash Your Weekend: Incredible Versatility Family life isn't lived only on paved roads. With a truck, you unlock a vehicle that is ready for absolutely anything: it can technically go off-road to find that perfect hidden campsite, it has the capacity to tow a boat or trailer for weekend fun, and still offers great, confident performance on the highway commute. It’s a more versatile family vehicle than most people give it credit for. If you want something that reliably gets you and the kids from A to B (but can instantly pivot to tow a camper for a spontaneous road trip or take you on an off-roading adventure) then nothing comes close to a truck. It’s the one vehicle that truly keeps pace with an active family's dreams. More Value, Less Worry: Great Value For Money When you combine all of these factors, the massive, life-ready space, the protective durability, and the incredible versatility, you unlock the final point that seals the deal for most families: exceptional value for money. Truck prices are often comparable to many of today’s large sedans or SUVs. Knowing you can pick the vehicle that gives you the most benefits for a similar cost makes the decision a no-brainer. Ultimately, that’s why many families are ditching their old vehicles and embracing the freedom of truck life. Ready to Drive? The Final Question Could a truck be the right vehicle for your family? It very much might be the best decision you’ve ever made, offering a blend of security and capability that few other vehicles can match. Just be aware that driving a truck differs from driving a small car because it’s way bigger. Be sure you take the time to get used to it, particularly when maneuvering! The facts show a clear trend: trucks are no longer just for the worksite. They are quickly becoming the all-in-one family hauler of choice across the US. Do you agree or disagree? Are pickup trucks truly the ultimate family vehicle, or is there another car that holds the title? Share your thoughts in the comments below! #### Why using a Reward Jar is as Important as Teaching Consequences Guys, when I first started working on my child's bad behavior, I needed a system to keep me accountable for doling out consequences.  Truth be told, I was practicing an important parenting no-no ... I wasn't following through on my threats.  My daughter was young, high-needs, and her temper was out of control with me.  Everything was an argument. I was at my whit's end with the bad behavior and tantrums.  I'd had it up to my eyeballs with my admittedly ineffective parenting.  And I was tired of fighting my daughter for everything during the day. What I learned from the consequence and reward jar system was amazing.   Not only did I needed to become better about following through with my disciplinary threats,  but I needed to lighten up a bit (or a lot).  Using a reward jar was an essential part of the consequence and reward jar system! The reward jar became a visual aide for myself and my daughter.  If she was able to hold her stuff together for the day, we were both able to share the joy in transferring a reward ball to the reward jar. Friends, this was huge because it was so easy to overlook her good behavior in that dark period of time.  By being firm and following through with consequences when they were warranted, we were setting consistent standards of expectations.  But, when she was capable of acting civilized for a day, we were both proud at the end of the day.  And as the reward balls accumulated for the first month, my opinion of my daughter's behavior was changing. Using a reward jar allowed us to visually see the results.  I was able to praise my daughter's behavior almost nightly.  And, when her reward jar filled up, the family was able to celebrate together! Using a Reward Jar There are so many ways you could use a reward jar. For our family, we added a reward ball to the reward jar nightly only if our daughter didn't pull a consequence for the day.  We knew what she was capable of, so we set our expectations high. Access what may be right for your family!  You may decide that adding balls to the reward jar should be based on various events of the day.  So maybe you're adding balls throughout the day for good behavior. We also worked toward a reward after filling the reward jar.  In our case, we used 36 puffs.  She was able to get one reward puff daily, plus she could earn an additional reward ball once daily for exceptionally good behavior or unprompted good deed.  Generally, our daughter is able to fill her reward ball in a month. At the time, she was 5, so working toward a monthly reward worked for her. If your child is younger or needs more frequent motivation, you may find that the rewards need to happen more frequently to stay on track.  That's totally okay! The thing about using a reward jar ... is that you and your child both see the good they're capable of.  No one is motivated by a constant focus on their bad.  If we can't also help them see their good, what do they have to work for? We can't just manage bad behavior, we must reward the good behavior.  That's why I suggest using a reward jar in addition to implementing a consequence jar. Want to Start a Consequence and Reward Jar System? I'm a firm believer that this system works.  You can read all everything I've written about the consequence and reward jar system here.  PLUS, if you sign up for my email newsletter, you'll get instant access to a FREE resource library, which includes printable house rules and consequence jar ideas to help you implement the system. #### Why Was My Second Breastfeeding Experience Better? Reasons I believe my second breastfeeding experience was better.  Use these as tips to help you have a more positive breastfeeding experience, too. Even though I started out scared, I decided to breastfeed my second baby.  I previously posted about my prior experience with breastfeeding first baby and why I was afraid to breastfeed again.  Then, I posted about my breastfeeding success.  I was excited about my success, but then experienced feelings of guilt over it all.  Still, I've realized, I should share why I believe my second breastfeeding experience was better, despite my apprehensions.  I don't know for sure whether it's because my son was just a born breastfeeder or dietary changes made a difference.  Regardless, I had a much better time of it the second time around.  Plus, my expectations changed. I feel like, after such a terrible first experience, such a huge change is something that may help someone else.  If you've have issues breastfeeding, I encourage you to read about my experience and see if there's anything that could help you. Possible Reasons I Had a Better Breastfeeding Experience Changing My Diet For starters, my first born had issues with dairy and soy in my diet.  At the time, I didn't know how to cut it out, so she ended up on formula.  In about the year before I got pregnant with baby #2, I also had to go on a dairy free diet for myself.  My son has never displayed any issues during breastfeeding.  I can't help but to think that being dairy-free has been a one reason for our success. I Rarely Pumped This time around, I opted to only pump for a little while to build a very small stash.  I chose not to allow myself to get caught up in the cycle of continuous feeding and pumping.  There just wasn't enough time in the day.  I preferred to feed my son and go about my day doing other things that needed to be done.  Plus, I wasn't going anywhere often enough to require a large stash of milk in the freezer. I felt more like a human this time around.  And, I'm comfortable knowing I'm producing enough milk for my son when he needs it, instead of overproducing and causing the vicious cycle of needing to pump for nothing more than having made myself overproduce.  At the very least, I felt less like a dairy cow and more human.  What a relief! I Stopped Obsessing I stopped reading about breastfeeding.  Unless I had an issue which needed some quick advice, I trusted everything was going well.  I think it was easy to read into so many people's issues, that it's easy to believe most people have them.   And then, really easy to think "do I have that issue?"  By not reading, I wasn't looking for issues.  I simply trusted that things were going well.  As long as he was gaining even some weight, everything was okay. I Never Gave a Doctor a Chance to Offer Their Opinion I never asked my doctor or son's pediatrician about breastfeeding.  I've listened to a few women lament that they weren't producing enough and their doctors suggested supplementing with formula.  When I asked them why they (or their doctor) believed they weren't producing enough, they never really had an answer.  I don't know why doctors do this, but it creates a production problem.  By supplementing, you're essentially telling your body your baby is finished and your body learns not to produce more.  The only way to signal to your body to produce milk is to continue the breastfeeding session for as long as your baby is actively eating.  If he stays latched, he wants more and that tells your body to keep producing. I Became More Comfortable Breastfeeding in Public Finally, I learned to breastfeed my son in a carrier.  I was able to breastfeed no matter where I was at.  This made it super-convenient to continue on with life and not feel like a prisoner.  I breastfed while grocery shopping, walking around theme parks, and at my in-laws house without anyone ever realizing what I was doing.  Participating in life with my family when I normally would have been confined to a seat and carrying a cover everywhere was a lovely experience. I Didn't Stress It Mostly, in the newborn phase, I was ready to quit at every hiccup.  Since I hadn't started out completely committed to breastfeeding, I was totally cool if it didn't work out.  Being that I had wanted to bottle-feed this baby (even if partially), it meant that it didn't put much stress on me either way.  Well ... maybe there was a lot of pressure when it worked so well and I hadn't exactly been prepared for that.  Either way, I went with the flow and followed my son's lead, completely putting myself aside. I'm not certain if there was one major contributing factor to this improved breastfeeding experience or the combination of them all.  My son was totally a boob man as soon as he was born, so maybe that's all it took.  But, I'll never really know.  Thankfully, though, my other coping strategies at least helped me to not hate breastfeeding.  In fact, after several months, I ended up enjoying our breastfeeding experience.   And then, after what seemed like a just a couple months, I realized it was time to work on weaning.   That fact makes me so thankful for the chance at a better story than I had initially wanted to give myself. Background image courtesy of nenetus at FreeDigitalPhotos.net   #### Why You Should Be Discussing Opioid Alternatives for C-section Sometimes having a birth plan isn't enough.  Learn about pain management for c-sections and opioids use and alternatives to discuss with your provider. So, you've decided to have a baby.  Congratulations. In the months leading up to delivery, you'll likely realize there was way more involved in childbirth than you probably ever thought about. If you're newly pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, have you given any thought to your pain medications?  I mean, really?  Like have you thought in detail about c-sections and opioids? Most of us don't jump into deciding to get pregnant thinking about the choices we'll be making for our birth plans. Generally, it goes something like this ... You've waited forever to become a mom or maybe you weren't even planning on it and it just happened. You deal with the anxiety and anticipation about how you're going to raise your little bundle of joy. Picking the perfect baby name, buying fabulous furniture for the nursery, and making a baby registry are top priority. At some point, you move into the heavy parenting stuff like taking childbirth classes and deciding who you want in the delivery room.  Maybe you'll even take newborn care classes, because you're concerned about how to change a diaper. At a sibling class as we prepared for the second baby You're sure, with all this preparation, you're equipped with the knowledge you need to have a happy, healthy baby. Unfortunately, your worries aren't over just yet. You'll find yourself wondering what drugs are safe during pregnancy if you get a headache, have body aches and pains, or come down with an illness.  And you'll often have to make decisions about whether or not you're willing to risk even a minute chance that a medication has a side effect. The truth is, there is always something that's going to come up that you're not going to be prepared for.  Your pregnancy isn't a breeze, your birth doesn't go as planned, or your baby ends up with food intolerances or allergies and you don't know anyone in your family with allergies. I've been in at least one of those situations myself, and it can be a struggle to get on track when things derail.  Which is why I always say plan for and research as much as possible, so you're not caught off guard (at least as much as possible). **This is a sponsored conversation on behalf of Moms Meet (momsmeet.com).  Compensation, educational information, and assets were provided to facilitate this post** One of the things I want to discuss, is the often overlooked pain management discussions you should be having with your doctor prior to delivery. Although I personally believe a drug-free birth is best for myself and my babies, I understand things don't always go as planned.  It's evident in the fact that 1 in 5 women will go through unplanned C-sections. And I almost guarantee there's very little discussion abouthanding c-sections and opioids as pain management. My point is, it's important to research and plan for just about everything.  And, while having a birth plan is wise, your job isn't done. Regardless of your beliefs about childbirth, it's important to have thorough discussions with your doctor about your birth plan and options available to you if things go sideways. Did you know roughly 36% of women didn't have a birth plan? By not having a birth plan at all, therefore not speaking with their doctors, these women also couldn't discuss pain management options. The sad truth is, women are prescribed almost twice as many prescription opioids as men after surgery.  But there are non-opioid options available for managing pain after surgery that could help decrease, or even eliminate, the need for opioids. Baby B born 13 days late and one day before scheduled induction Discussing Pain Management, C-sections and Opioids Your choices matter when it comes to pain management during and after childbirth. If you're not certain about the safety of an opioid and you didn't have discussions about your birth plans or pain management options before delivery, you could end up being another statistic.  According to the Choices Matter Campaign and Plan Against Pain, 44% of C-section mothers were not completely satisfied with how their pain was managed during birth. and more than half (51%) of C-section patients are prescribed an opioid despite the fact nearly nine-in-ten mothers were concerned about them during and after childbirth on the impact opioids may have on their babies, breastfeeding, side effects, and potential for dependence or addiction. 4 Tips For Arming Yourself with Knowledge on C-sections and Opioids As Pain Management Be sure your doctor thoroughly explains what you'll be feeling ... what's normal and what isn't.  Your expectations can change your perspective on pain. Request information about C-sections to know the process and healing timeline. Discuss with your doctor opioids and pain management alternatives. Ask for other recommendations for managing pain without drugs. My point is, regardless of your opinions on birth, it's always a good idea to research and discuss with your doctor, in as much detail as possible, your ideals and alternative options for pain management available prior to delivery.  It's important your doctor is aware of your concerns about most topics when it comes to the birth of your baby.  And, while we don't have total control over every aspect of our births, we should never give up total control and leave it for someone else to decide what's best for us. If you have concerns about using opioids, whether or not you're planning a C-section, voice them.  Ask your doctor about their safety and what alternatives are recommended.  You and your doctor should be able to have open conversations and come to a mutually agreeable plan of action for nearly every stage and possibility.  This allows your doctor to get to know you as a person and can determine what may or may not be appropriate for you. Finally, as with everything, always ask questions and voice your concerns prior to taking any drug at the hospital.  I, personally, never took a pill until I was told what it was and was assured what I was receiving was the best for me and my baby.  If you ever find yourself unsure of the prescription, ask about the alternatives and the associated side effects. In the meantime, continue your research with the Plan Against Pain Choices Matter Campaign to learn all about opioid usage, statistics and non-opioid pain-relieving options. Pin Me #### Will I Survive the Terrible Year of the Threenager? I feel pretty confident that the answer is no!  Maybe physically I'll survive ... nothing has succeeded in killing me yet.  Mentally, however, my threenager is making me more and more insane. Forget the "terrible twos."  In comparison, I loved two.  My daughter was learning a lot, soaking up all the information you gave her.  She was sweet and polite, using her manners regularly.  I actually enjoyed being around her, and she seemed to be happy around us.  I'd venture to say she even liked me. Now? Life With a Threenager I don't know what happened.  At three, she's turned into a tyrant crybaby with no regard for other people. Too often, she chooses to cry about things without ever using her words to express what's wrong, before busting out into tears.  She's always been dramatic, but this takes the cake.  There's nothing we can say or do to get her to talk to us before getting frustrated to the point of crying. Her sweet pleases and thank yous have turned into loud, boisterous, and outrageous demands.  Requesting that she ask for things politely only results in more anger or tears.  When her requests (or demands) aren't met, it leads to screaming, more crying, and arguing.  Still ... no sweet "please" ever willingly comes out of her mouth and getting a thank you is like pulling teeth. She spends the majority of her days arguing with me.  It doesn't matter if you disagree with her, or if you happen to agree with her, she still argues.  It makes reverse psychology impossible to implement because I can't win anyway. I can't make her happy.  If I do something she wants, regardless of my ultimate feelings about doing it, I am rewarded with screams and crying when our time is up. Whatever it was, it wasn't enough. Ever. It's the same as if we just never did what she wanted in the first place.  Either way, the end result is an unhappy, ungrateful, crying, angry, bossy little tyrant.  And I can't even just decide to do what I want with her because it ends horribly too.   So, I feel like the best option is always to just stay home.  If I'm going to have to deal with all that negativity, I might as well do so in the comfort of my own home where judgmental eyes aren't on us. At least at home, I can lock myself in my room, leaving her to work out her emotions alone for a few minutes. I force myself to get past the near-constant attitude to enjoy the short moments when she's in a good mood.  Like when we go swimming together, having fun, smiling and giggling.  I just enjoy it.  Or visiting the neighbor who has a difficult time letting us leave.  Or spending a morning at the zoo enjoying the animals or splash pad.  It's all fine and dandy until the moment something doesn't go her way, or it's time to go, and I'm certain to see a meltdown, screaming, and maybe get a bonus "bad mommy." When I've requested that she please be nice, I've been met with the response "I don't want to be nice, it's not fun." And she wants to be a grouch.  She forces herself to not laugh, or smile, or giggle. My heart aches when she says she doesn't love me or calls me a bad mommy.  I'm hurt and angry that nothing I do for my daughter is ever good enough.  I question my parenting techniques, though my husband assures me that I'm paying the price for trying to raise our daughter right.  My alternative is to give in to all her demands, in hopes of getting her to like me, but then we know we're not teaching her that people expect to be treated with respect.  The alternative means we're sure to raise someone who has high expectations of what she should get out of life and people. Crying. Arguing. Yelling. Stomping. Hitting inanimate objects. It feels like it's all day, every day. And when daddy comes home?  She's typically smiley, happy, and sweet.  He only sees short outbursts.  And, only recently, did he end up being at the receiving end of a full weekend of her wrath.  Until then, it was as though I was crazy.  I'm not entirely certain he believed just how bad our every day was. I don't think he understood just how much I can love her, yet just how much I can't stand to be around her.  I often suggest that there's probably going to be a need for mother-daughter counseling in the future.  I've even wondered if her attitude is affected by undiagnosed food intolerances.  I mean, if I have them, what makes me think she doesn't?  And we learned that some of my food intolerances did actually have an effect on my moods. That's how much I think her behaviors go beyond a typical three-year-old. But, maybe she isn't?  I don't live with another 3 year old.  Our friends don't often get a chance to see what I struggle with at home, and I probably don't see their struggles.  So, what makes me think my daughter is any worse than another threenager? Certainly, there's something wrong with me.  I experience constant guilt over how I feel.  What mother feels like everything is out of her control?  What mom wants to hide in her room for an entire day, only to want to leave the house as soon as relief has arrived?  Does a good mom have so many bad days in a row?  Does a good mom actually think there's something so wrong with her child that she thinks the kid needs a counselor or a special diet? And then, on occasion, I get a glimpse of that sweet, caring individual I knew when she was two.  Freely giving of her smiles and affections. Image Source: SAHM, plus I second guess myself.  Is it all in my head?  And, I wake up every morning hoping for a brighter day, only to have my bubble burst sometime before we've finished breakfast.  Yes, I'll give it that long, just not to sound overly dramatic myself. I know I'm going to physically survive the Terrible Year of the Threenager.  Only because I'm counting down the weeks until she turns 4.  I have hope that four brings this house some peace, even if it's a miracle.  And if it doesn't, she's going to be in VPK three days a week to give her and me both a break from each other.  And for that, I hope absence makes the heart grow fonder for us both too! She's beautiful, smart, and clever and I don't like feeling as though I'm counting the hours to bedtime from the moment she wakes up.  We both deserve better than that.  I know I'm a good mom because, every day, I try my best ... regardless of the inevitably disappointing outcome.  And I wake up every morning with a little bit of hope to have shattered.  I'm a good mom because I love that adorable little tyrant, even if I don't like her attitude or terrible behavior. Yes, I will survive the year of the threenager, just not with much sanity. #### Witching Hour for Babies: Expert Tips to Manage the Fussy Evenings Is your baby inconsolable between 5 PM and 11 PM? You aren't alone. As a mother of two, I’ve navigated the dreaded baby witching hour more times than I can count. This guide combines parental experience with developmental insights to help you understand when the witching hour starts, why it peaks at 6 weeks, and how to manage the witching hour so your family can find peace again. What Is the Witching Hour for Babies?  The witching hour, sometimes called the period of purple crying, is a time in the late afternoon or evening when a baby starts to cry seemingly for no reason. The exact period differs from baby to baby, but it usually happens between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. and lasts anywhere between a few hours till the early morning. It isn’t unusual for it to occur earlier or later, depending on your baby’s temperament, age, and feeding schedule.  In my own experience, my second born began his witching hour at about 5pm every evening. According to Dr Luke Voytas, pediatrician and author of Beyond the Checkup, the witching hour typically starts at two weeks old and peaks at six to eight weeks and usually disappears completely in three to five months.  The witching hour is characterized by a set of behaviors, including:  Excessive, loud, and seemingly inconsolable crying  Restlessness Difficulty sleeping  Arching back or clenching fists, as though in pain Difficulty feeding  Vigorous sucking, whether on a pacifier, fingers, or during breastfeeding What Causes the Witching Hour?  The witching hour isn’t an official medical term with a precise definition or diagnostic criteria. As such, the reasons that cause it remain somewhat elusive.  Here are some potential reasons that trigger it:  Overstimulation  After spending the first nine months in the comfort and warmth of your belly, the “outside world” becomes a sensory-rich and stimulating environment for a newborn.  All of a sudden, he’s overwhelmed with an influx of new sights, sounds, smells, and sensations—not a fun time!  And when evening comes, the bubble bursts. He’s had too much and lets you know through crying.  Fatigue and Frustration  Babies demonstrate self-soothing behaviors by three to four months.  Before that, though, they’re like a fish out of water, unable to regulate their nervous system when it’s time to wind down. This can lead to fussiness and frustration from being unable to sleep. They cry to not only express discomfort but also seek comfort from their parents.  Hunger  Sometimes, babies fuss during the witching hour because they’re hungry.  This hunger aligns with a behavior called cluster feeding, where a baby wants lots of short feeds over a few hours—sometimes as often as 30 minutes.  It’s common and normal, especially during the early days of breastfeeding.  Circadian Rhythm Development In the early months of their lives, babies are still developing their circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep-wake cycles.  The witching hour may coincide with the baby’s internal clock being out of sync with the family’s daily routine.  As the baby's circadian rhythm matures, the intensity of the witching hour often decreases. Trapped Wind  If a baby isn’t well-winded after his feeds, gas could build up throughout the day. By the early evening, that trapped wind can become a source of discomfort, causing him to cry, writhe, and call out for your attention.  Reflux During their early months, many babies experience reflux.  Reflux happens when the contents of the baby’s stomach, including the stomach acid, flow back into the esophagus. It usually happens during or shortly after feeding, but it can also occur one to two hours later. During the witching hour, babies with reflux may experience heightened discomfort.  The horizontal position during feeding or cuddling, common during the witching hour, can also trigger reflux symptoms.  What Is the Difference Between the Witching Hour and Colic?  Although the symptoms of the witching hour and colic appear identical, they’re not the same thing.  For one, the witching hour isn’t an official medical term or diagnosis; rather, it’s an expression parents use to describe a phase of increased fussiness and crying.  Meanwhile, colic is a medical term indicating severe abdominal pain due to factors like intestinal gas or muscle spasms. It involves prolonged and intense crying, usually more than three hours a day for more than three days a week, and more than three weeks in a row.  In comparison, the witching hour is characterized by periods of fussiness, on and off throughout the evenings. It can be caused by colic, as well as other factors such as overstimulation or hunger.  Witching Hour vs Colic FeatureWitching HourColicCrying DurationShort periods, interspersed with calm momentsProlonged crying (3+ hours/day)Crying IntensityModerateIntense, inconsolableFrequencyDaily, usually in late afternoon/eveningDaily, often at various timesResponsiveness to SoothingSomewhat responsive to calming techniquesLess responsive to soothingAge OnsetAround 2 weeks, peaks at 6-8 weeksAround 2-3 weeks, resolves by 3-4 monthsDurationFades by 3-5 monthsUsually resolves by 3-4 monthsCauseOverstimulation, fatigue, hunger, developing sleep cyclesUnknown, may involve gas, muscle spasms, immature digestive systemMedical InterventionNot usually neededConsult a pediatrician to rule out medical conditionsDifferences between colic and the witching hour for babies Additional Points: Witching hour is a normal developmental phase, while colic is a medical condition. If unsure about the cause of your baby's crying, consult your pediatrician. How to Prevent or Reduce Fussiness During the Witching Hours  Here are some strategies that can help prevent or reduce the intensity of the witching hour:  1. Identify Early Sleepy Cues to Avoid Overtiredness The biggest trigger for the witching hour is an overtired baby. Once a newborn passes their "wake window" (usually 45-90 minutes), their body releases cortisol, making it nearly impossible for them to settle. Watch for: Eye rubbing or pulling at ears. Turning away from lights or sounds. The "fixed stare" or zoned-out look. Action Tip: If you see these, start your bedtime routine immediately to get ahead of the crying cycle. 2. Create a Bedtime Routine  Establish a consistent routine to help them understand that bedtime is approaching.  Create a predictable sequence of activities that can help soothe your baby, whether it’s a bedtime story, a warm bath, or a gentle lullaby.  Use the same techniques when your baby appears agitated during the witching hour so he associates them with safety and relaxation. 3. Adjust Feeding Patterns If your baby tends to cluster feed during the witching hours, try to adjust the feeding patterns earlier in the evening. Offer more frequent but lesser feedings leading up to bedtime to help satisfy your baby’s hunger and also prevent reflux.  4. Reduce Stimuli  Minimize stimuli during the witching hours by creating a calm and dimly lit environment.  Lower the lights, reduce noise, and put on some calming music to help your baby wind down and get ready to sleep.  Babies love the feeling of skin-to-skin, so you can also use this time to give your little one a gentle massage.  How Do I Manage the Witching Hour With My Baby? When you are in the thick of the evening fussiness, you need strategies that work now. Here is a step-by-step management plan to help soothe your baby and protect your sanity. 1. The "Change of Scenery" Reset If the crying feels inconsolable, break the sensory cycle. Go Outside: The change in temperature and fresh air often acts as an immediate "reset button" for a baby's nervous system. The Warm Bath: The sound of running water and the physical warmth can mimic the environment of the womb. 2. Use Rhythmic Motion Babies are used to the constant movement of the womb. Replicate this using: The "Football Hold": Lay your baby face-down along your forearm with their head in your hand. This puts gentle pressure on the tummy, which helps with gas. Babywearing: Using a wrap or carrier keeps your baby close to your heartbeat while allowing you to move around (or even finish a quick dinner). 3. Implement the "Low-Stim" Zone By 6 PM, your baby’s brain has processed a lot of data. Help them "power down" by: Dimming the lights and turning off the TV. Using white noise (set to the volume of a running shower) to drown out household chaos. 4. Lean into Cluster Feeding It is common for babies to want to eat every 30–60 minutes during the witching hour. Don't fight it! Pro Tip: If breastfeeding, this frequent "ordering" helps build your milk supply for the next day. If bottle-feeding, offer smaller, more frequent amounts to avoid overfilling a fussy tummy. 5. The "Hand-Off" Strategy Managing the witching hour is physically and emotionally draining. Tap Out: If you feel your frustration rising, place your baby safely in their crib for 5–10 minutes and step away to breathe. A calm parent is better equipped to soothe a crying baby. The witching hour can be a difficult and frustrating time for both the parent and the infant. However, it’s important to understand that it’s a passing phenomenon that improves as babies grow and adapt to their surroundings.  As caregivers, understanding the factors that trigger the witching hour allows us to implement the necessary steps and strategies to create a more soothing environment for our little ones. Think of the witching hour as a training exercise for your superhero skills. You'll master the art of calming cries, decipher fussy codes, and emerge victorious, ready to conquer any bedtime battle. So, chin up, cape on, and remember, even superheroes need a cuddle break sometimes. FAQs About The Witching Hour For Babies How do I stop my baby's witching hour?There's no magic solution, but some strategies can help:Timing: Watch for early sleepiness & establish a calming bedtime routine.Comfort: Dim lights, reduce noise, try swaddling, skin-to-skin, calming sounds.Feeding: Adjust feeding to avoid hunger during witching hour, consider cluster feeding.Patience: Stay calm, offer cuddles, understand it's temporary.What age do babies have a witching hour?It typically starts around 2 weeks, peaks at 6-8 weeks, and fades by 3-5 months.Why does my baby cry at the same time every evening?Your baby could be developing sleep-wake cycles, or experiencing overstimulation, hunger, or reflux.Why is 6 weeks the peak of fussiness?Several factors contribute: immature nervous system, adjusting to the world, hunger patterns, developing circadian rhythm. #### Work At Home and Home School How is work at home and home school going?! I'd always wondered if I could handle homeschooling! Some part of me has always wanted to give it a try. But, I knew if I was going to do it, I would want plenty of time to research. Eventually, I let go of the idea because I'm an introverted mom and I like my time away from the kids. Plus, I took on working from home, so we didn't really pursue the idea of home school. Well, the Coronavirus Outbreak, social distancing, and school closures had other plans for us. And just like that, we're homeschooling. (Let me just clarify that I'm using "home-school" loosely. Our county is using virtual school during the school closure to keep kids busy. Although my daughter's lessons are planned by her teachers, I am needed preparing and supervising some activities.) So, what is our life like right now? Work At Home and Home School If you don't know us, let's give you some background. My husband works full time. I have been working my home businesses for a couple years and just last year took on a part-time work from home job in social media management. We have two children. At the time of writing this, my oldest child is 8 in 3rd grade, and my youngest is 4. My daughter (the oldest child) is fairly responsible although a bit entitled. She's smart and I would figure if anyone did well at home school, it would be her. My son (the youngest) is a handful. When I began my part time work at home job, I put him in preschool 2 days a week to give me uninterrupted time for work. Additionally, 1 morning per week was dedicated to 2 hours at the gym, mainly so I could get some more time away from the little handful. This gave me one hour of workout time and another hour to work on my job. Ahh, peace. But, this all went to crap when schools closed and mandated that we were now going to be distance learning. What the what? Okay, so at first, it was quite a shock. But, I quickly decided to roll with the punches! I only work part time Okay, so the first couple days were hard. All of us were off schedule and trying to learn a new system. The youngest, because he was only in preschool wasn't being offered virtual learning. My work load was still in full swing, if not actually increasing. But the hours in which I was available to work was dwindling. Set Work Hours On day 1, I realized I had to set work hours. With some of my freedoms gone now that the kids are home constantly, setting these hours was vital. Even more importantly, verbalizing these hours to everyone helped the family realize that I am willing to help them throughout the day. Still, I was demanding the same respect in regard to things I had to get done during the day. Put The Youngest To Work I believe everyone works better with schedules and routines. We should all know what our day looks like, to some degree. So, I found a virtual preschool program supplied through our public library. I sit and help him through his virtual preschool program while eating breakfast and/or drinking coffee. When he's determined he's had enough, we move his Hooked On Phonics app. Again, he works until he's tired of it. And I don't stress how much he does. This simply gives me time to eat, drink a hot tea, help my daughter if she needs, and maybe wash dishes or start some laundry. I Let Her Choose The 8 year old quickly figured out that she can dictate, for the most part, what she wants her day to look like. She wakes up, eats breakfast, and starts her day with zero hesitation. Most of the time she's already on the computer before I even come downstairs. She typically determines the order in which she wishes to do her work and requires very little direction from me. Sometimes I step in to let her know what needs to be done in order to fit into my schedule ... things that she can do independently need to be done during my "office hours". While they're working (or playing independently)... https://www.instagram.com/p/B-Zn8HogMkt/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet In the mornings, once they both reach independent work or play, I start housework. Laundry, dishes, or cleaning gets started during the time both kids are doing something independently. At any moment, my cleaning groove may be interrupted, so I have to work quickly and efficiently. Routine Having a daily routine has been useful in keeping our sanity. (Although, having my husband home has also been a huge help when things go awry). We have lunch right around 11 am every day and my son is required to have quiet time between noon and 2 pm. Because the hours between noon and 2 are my designated office hours, it's important to stick to a routine to keep us all on track. Afternoons are for play After my mid-day office hours, the kids and I have a snack. I check my daughter's progress on her school work to make sure she completed everything that's due for the day. Some days my daughter and I will do a quick YouTube workout together. Then, it's time for outside play. I don't direct what they do unless I want us all to walk down to the creek at the neighbor's house. Basically, I want them to burn off any pent up energy from the day. Then we eat Dinner time is early at our house and all four of us sit at the table together to eat. Evening and Night Once the kids are in bed, I do a final check of my daughter's home school activities and look to see what activities are due the following day. Most nights, I also log work for another hour or two. I need a break! A week after starting this home school stuff, I realized I was becoming pretty worn out. Falling into these routines and keeping everyone busy has made things easier on everyone than I would have expected. But, I'm an introverted mom. I've been spending a ton of time talking, listening to, and being distracted from nearly everything I get into. I need some more down time that I can focus on what I want to do. So, I take short breaks at night right before the kids go to bed to try to do a few minutes of quiet activity that I want to do (like writing this blog post, read, or close my eyes and listen to calming music). I'm designating Saturdays (or reclaiming them) as my rest day. I've given myself permission to lay around in pajamas. Maybe dinner one night will be tossing a frozen lasagna into the oven for the family while I eat an allergy friendly frozen something or other myself. How do I feel about work at home and home school? Well, the first week wasn't terrible. My husband and I have discussed that there may be some benefits to it for all of us. If we were to consider it in the future it would be because: Homeschooling days seem shorter. Shorter school days offers more opportunity to explore things that are of interest to us. I can sway discussions with my agenda/beliefs, not the other way around. We can home school on the road (perfect for wanting to travel more). Cons: Too little quiet time. Increased demands at home means decreased hours for work. Maybe it's too early to tell, but I've enjoyed the time experimenting and learning how to work at home and home school at the same time! I have had some prior practice since I was already working from home though. What about you? Are you able to work at home and home school with your sanity in tact? Or is this wearing you too thin? #### Working Mom Guilt is Real: How to Deal There are differences between working mom guilt and parenting guilt. And, YES, working mom guilt is real! Is working mom guilt the same as parenting guilt? Nope! Parenting guilt is more about how you feel you are doing as a parent (when you ask "am I a good mom?"), whereas working mother guilt is about whether or not your "absence" is bad for your child. Both, however, are strongly based on your perceptions of your parenting and working status as well as how you think others perceive your parenting. Let's be honest! You might as well prepare yourself for a lifetime of mom guilt because it happens to all of us at some time or other. What is Working Mom Guilt? "Working mom guilt" is a term used to describe the overwhelming sense of guilt that a mother might feel when she has to leave her children at home to go work. It's a feeling that many mothers across the world can relate to, and it's one of the most common struggles faced regardless of whether or not the decision to return to work is financially based. If you feel ashamed of leaving your children at home or in the care of someone other than yourself to go to work, you're experiencing working mom guilt. How Does a Working Mother Affect a Child? While the effects of a working mother on a child are not entirely clear, research suggests that both parents' work lives affect kids' growth, just not in the way we think. Although this study finds that a mom's return to full-time work in the first year of a child's life results in higher negative outcomes, it concludes that moms who return to work early in a child's life does not typically equate to behavior or achievement issues.  More importantly, however, is to consider the quality of time spent with family, rather than the amount of time. This study finds "that working mothers trade quantity of time for better quality of time." They go on to say that "children with full-time working mothers spend about six fewer hours per week in unstructured activities than children with stay-at-home mothers." The researchers conclude that it's the educational and structured activities they do with their children are to their benefit. Maybe they forgot that unstructured activities are good for kids? Regardless of your work status, it seems that instead of feeling guilty, you should focus on asking whether or not you're spending quality time with your kids when you are home. Is it Bad to Be a Working Mom? Having had the chance to be a stay-at-home mom and become a working mom before my son was in VPK, I've experienced the pleasure and guilt from both sides. For some women, staying at home with their children is essential. For others, working may be better.  Finances, and personal and family needs may dictate what is required of a mother.   From my experience, I had the choice to stay at home with my children, and then later chose to go back to work (from home). As it turns out, being a stay-at-home mom was not as dreamy as it seemed and I get much more fulfillment from working. Does that make me a bad mom? Heck no! In fact, I feel as though I'm a much better mom ... that is, I feel happier, more fulfilled and get to enjoy being around my kids when I'm not working. Turns out, working moms: Are less likely to be depressed than stay-at-home moms. Have a positive effect on their children's academic achievements. Make positive role models. Julie, from Adaptable Mama, spent 18 months of her child's life feeling "unfulfilled, bored, and depressed ... like [she] was nothing more than a nanny, cook, and cleaner." Being on round-the-clock baby duty while her husband worked and attended school to earn a Bachelor's Degree, she realized she needed a break and to feel productive, so she went back to work. Although she feels guilty when she has to wake up her child early to go to the office, she also feels happier. And aren't happy moms better for their families? What Are the Problems Faced By Working Mothers? According to Magnify Money, the percentage of dual-income families had risen to 53.3% nationwide in 2019, up from 51.9%. It's not clear, however, how COVID-19 and today's uncertain economic status will impact these numbers.   As of May 2022, the annual inflation rate in the U.S. rose to 8.6% with costs of fuel, electricity and food skyrocketing! Despite the rising costs, in a survey of over 1,000 companies in the U.S., the average projected salary increase will be a mere 3.4%. Whether you're in a single-income or dual-income family, these raises aren't keeping up with inflation, reducing buying power and, for many families, making financial decisions becomes much harder. However, it can be hard for mothers to balance work, household duties and taking care of their kids, especially after a long day at work.  The challenges that working mothers face are as follows: Lack of maternity leave: Working mothers often struggle with taking time off from work after giving birth to take care of their newborn baby and establish breastfeeding. For those qualifying for FMLA in the U.S., the requirement is up to 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave.  Zippia reports that most new moms are taking fewer than 9 weeks due to a lack of paid maternity leave. Unaffordable Childcare: Finding reliable and affordable childcare is one of the biggest challenges faced by working mothers. According to a 2021 survey conducted by Care.com, 85% of parents surveyed stated they spent 10% or more of their household's income on child care. Sadly, HHS considers child care affordable when it's 7% or less of household income. Though the pandemic resulted in higher child care costs, child care seems to be a consistent issue where money is concerned and drives many moms to choose to stay home. Workplace discrimination: In a field experiment conducted by Patrick Ishizuka, mothers are still disadvantaged in the labor market as a long-standing bias about their commitments and availability continues to exist in our culture. Lack of balance: Moms have an insane number of responsibilities and the load isn't always reduced when she goes to work. In 2020, UrbanSitter shared with CNBC Make It that of the nearly 500 parents surveyed, 53% said moms are their children's primary caregivers. And, more women took on the brunt of the responsibilities (and had to leave the workforce) when children were forced into virtual school during the pandemic! According to a report by Mavin Clinic, new mothers would leave the workforce within 1 year of having a baby at a rate of 43% before the pandemic due to burnout. The pandemic brought about 2.4 million more cases of working mom burnout and are steadily rising. Why We Feel Guilty as Working Moms There are many reasons moms may feel guilty about going back to work. For some, it may come down to their personal feelings about motherhood, while others worry about what others think of them or the standards and ideals society has set for moms (whether or not they work).  In general, moms always feel guilty when they think that they're not doing the perfect job or they're letting others down. For Laura Ferrari, co-owner and founder of Hyperchat Social, this was her story. She felt guilty while taking the time away from her kids to build and run her business ... and similarly the guilt to her team when she wanted to unplug to go on vacation to spend time with her children.  Corritta, of It's a Family Thing, tells us that she returned to work when her son was only 7 weeks old because she had very little PTO and she "felt as though [she] was missing everything." Dr. Maureen C Kenny is a professor at Florida International University and shared experience with working mom guilt with us, stating that "There is always a feeling of when I am at home, I should be at work and when I am at work, that feeling is that I should be home." She never felt she was 100% present wherever she was. Furthermore, if she missed something important in her child's life due to work, she felt "crappy." And when she'd hear about all the things stay-at-home moms were able to do, she'd feel guilty that she couldn't.   Dr. Kenny recommended the book Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead as it helped her with her working mom guilt by realizing "there is a role for everyone." How To Overcome Working Mom Guilt In this day and age, it is more important than ever for parents to have a good work-life balance. But how do you achieve that? It is never as easy as it sounds. We all know the struggle of trying to balance parenting and work commitments, let alone the guilt of neglecting one in favor of the other. Although most moms experience working mom guilt there are some ways to combat it ... and maybe even find some balance. Here's how to deal with working mom guilt: Set aside time every day to talk with your kids - discuss what they did at school or be available if something is bothering them Take time out of your busy day to play with them or do something that they enjoy doing Let go of the notion of the "perfect mom" because it doesn't exist. Recognize that you're a good mom or come to grips with "good enough." Get rid of Facebook and other social media (at least on your phone) to prevent distractions from interrupting your family life and to allow you to be more present. Plus, it'll keep you from comparing your life to other moms' seemingly perfect lives. Remind yourself of your reason - whether out of financial need, a financial goal or for some other personal reason, you're not wrong for working! Get help! I know it's usually easier said than done and StudyFinds tells us that according to a study, 3 out of 4 people don't ask for help until it's too late. Avoiding burnout is just one of the reasons asking for help is important for moms. Your parents, your spouse, your friends ... most people are more than willing to help if you'd just bite the bullet and ask.  Hear this ... Asking dads to pitch in is not babysitting.  It's called parenting and he's not relieved of those duties just because you can do it. A partner worth his weight in gold will recognize that your marriage and parenting are a partnership. That said, don't forget to: prioritize your spouse (this can go a long way toward getting his support) take time for yourself - you can't pour from an empty cup! As a mom who has been on both sides of the coin, a stay-at-home mom and later a work-at-home mom, both are difficult. And I have found guilt is a side effect of both because, either way, you don't feel you contribute as much as you should to either the finances or to being part of your child's upbringing. For me, contributing to the household finances while working in a career I love has been so much more fulfilling than being a stay-at-home mom. However, life is no less hard, just a different kind of hard. Instead of feeling mentally ill as a stay-at-home mom, there's the stress of trying to get it all done as a working mom, even though I have a great husband who tries to share child-rearing and household duties in addition to working full-time as well. I still feel working mom guilt when I miss another opportunity to chaperone my child's field trip or am too tired to do an evening activity with my kids. But, I combat this by attempting to dedicate more time on the weekends to my family, have two nights a week dedicated to date-night-in with my husband, and am working on spending more time reading and practicing self-care while turning off work notifications on the weekends. So, what can you commit to, right now, toward overcoming working mom guilt? #### Working with Felt - A Beginner's Beginner Guide to Felt Board Activity Making I say "Beginner's Beginner Guide" because I still consider myself a beginner at simply working with felt. It dawned on me that the first time I worked with felt (taking on the large task of a toddler Felt Christmas Tree), I had absolutely no idea what I was doing.  I've professed my complete lack of crafting skills in previous posts here, and this project proved no different.  I naively grabbed a used pair of scissors and began to "cut" the felt, or rather sawed at it relentlessly and got nowhere.  That was a horrid experience!  But, once I figured a few things out, I began to love felt. Last project with good scissor - felt pumpkin for Halloween After the Christmas Tree project, I had someone make S a felt board and then began working on handmade toddler felt board activities.  If you have never worked with felt before, let me give you a few pointers I wish I had known prior to delving into my first felt project. Alternatively, what you will not find here is advice on stitching or sewing felt.  I repeat, I'm not a crafter by nature!  Anyway, back to the tips I can share, and I hope I help you if you're as inept as I proclaim to be.  (Random thought: Do they make a Working with Felt for Dummies book?) Scissors should be sharp!  Don't use scissors that you've used on paper, which dulls blades.  And, don't be fooled into thinking you have to buy $20+ scissors.  I think I splurged on scissors that cost me a whopping $8 (I'm guessing) and those totally did the trick.  I even wrote in permanent marker "FABRIC" so that I knew never to use those scissors for anything but fabrics.  Here's hoping hubby never finds those things for any of his various projects, either. Patterns.  You can make simple patterns by finding simple coloring sheets of just about any shape or topic.  Cut your objects from the paper with scissors (not the fabric scissors I just spoke of, please).  Now, use a pin or hold the paper really well over the colored felt of choice and carefully cut around the paper. Freehand cutting.  Freehand is great for more simple ideas, like this easy felt watermelon seed counting activity.  The watermelon seeds came out cute without over thinking them. Perfection.  Okay, not really.  If you're using felt activities for the kids, they don't really care about how perfect it is.  I cared way too much about how perfect things were in the beginning and spent a great deal of time on finding patterns.  If you can let go of the idea of perfection, just have fun with it. Glue.  Don't even think about regular school glue... that's rubbish.  I found Tacky Glue to be the best for my projects. I'd still like someone to show me what a medium or heavy weight non-woven, nonfusible interfacing is!  What information would you offer to felt board activity beginners? #### Worried Your Child Is A Sore Loser? It's just one of many life lessons your child is better learning during their childhood!  Your child is a sore loser and it makes playing games with them pretty annoying.  So, how can you teach a child to lose gracefully and make games more fun? My daughter lost her 6th game of Whack-A-Mole in one night. After every game, she asked, "Can we play one more time?"  Then, she chose to switch to the color of the mole that just won the last round.  It was as if she believed the secret to winning was playing the color of the mole who won the last round. Sometimes she simply wants to keep trying to win.  Other times, though, she does what you might expect any 5- or 6-year-old to do: cross her arms, poke out her bottom lip and hang her head in defeat.  And of course, with it comes the inevitable whine of "But I want to win." Hubby and I feel a little sorry for her.  We try to discuss the strategy of the game - stop whacking whoever she has a vendetta against at the moment.  We've explained that the best chances of winning that game are to play smart ... whack the person furthest ahead every time you get a chance.  She doesn't listen (or understand), so she loses a lot.  Eventually, we stop feeling all that bad for her. Teaching our kids to lose gracefully is pretty difficult.  We can teach strategy and logic, but teaching kids, especially young ones, to control their emotions when things don't go their way is really difficult. Still, losing gracefully is an important lesson to teach because we all need to understand we won't succeed at everything. To teach a child to lose gracefully and with dignity is a lesson that will last a lifetime.  They will need to draw on these lessons regularly to keep their emotions in check. How To Teach A Child to Lose Gracefully Considering the Winner Help your child recognize when they are in the midst of strong emotions and try to work through them together. When your child wants to lash out angrily or run away and pout after losing an important game or competition, try to ask them how their reactions might make others feel. Show them how the atmosphere changes when they react unkindly or angrily. Do others feel like they need to walk away from them and celebrate quietly?  Or do people feel like they need to tend to their anger instead of focusing on what a good time everyone had? Remind your child about a time when they won.  Wasn't it much more enjoyable celebrating together?  They need to give the same consideration to the winner, so that everyone continues having fun. Considering the Others Who Did Not Win Help your child to consider all the others who may not have won. During your child's next team game, if his team loses, help him to share a healthy perspective with his team. Losing a game is an opportunity to try harder next time.  Or perhaps he can make a suggestion for how to play better next time.  But, reminding them that they did a great job may also be the voice of encouragement his team needs. Help your child to see the accomplishments he or she did achieve. You can teach a child to lose gracefully by helping him recognize others achievements.  Maybe one of his team mates scored his first goal, and that's something to be proud of! Working with your child to see some positive in negative situations, as well as encouraging others, will go a long way in building his leadership skills. Learning What You Can Remind your child that whenever he feels he's "failed" it's really a lesson in having the opportunity to improve.  If your child is disappointed by a big loss, help them to put things in perspective with your encouragement. If your child failed a test or simply didn't do as well as he expected, he can learn the importance of putting in more effort to study. There may be times he has to learn lessons about a friend's character.  You know, your kid spent his allotted time on a group project, but his friend's lack of effort dragged everyone down.  It's a lesson, not just on the character of others, but what not to do to others to build his own character. Or, maybe your child is accustomed to winning and needs to learn a valuable lesson in humility. There is always valuable knowledge to be gained and lessons to be learned in loss or failures. Knowing Who You Truly Are Regardless of the situation, it's always important to remember who you really are.  To be able to win or lose with dignity and grace, remembering your true self is an important concept. You can teach your child about this lesson by reminding them their value isn't in what they do, but who they are as a person. Remind them that they were created as special individuals from the moment they were born.  Each person is unique with a specific purpose to fulfill on earth.  No one else will fill those purposes quite the way they were intended to. Building their self-esteem in this way will help them bounce back from disappointments, no matter the size. Though it's fun to win, it's equally important to know how to act when we lose as well. To lose gracefully and not act like a sore loser is a well-received childhood lesson for everyone involved! Giving our children the ability to see the opportunity in loss will greatly help them to win and lose gracefully. And, knowing how to lose gracefully, your child will become a well-rounded individual, trained to succeed or become better, whatever the outcome. Model Losing Gracefully You'll find that one of my favorite tips for teaching childhood lessons is always modeling! One of the best ways to teach a child to lose gracefully is to model the behavior you want to see from your child. If you don't want your child to be a sore loser, it's important to show them how you can lose (and win) gracefully. And don't forget to praise your child when they handle a loss well! Did I give you good tips to help you teach a child to lose gracefully? I hope I've won your trust, but I won't be a sore loser if I didn't do it this time. If I did, sign up for emails so you never miss another post.  When you subscribe, you'll receive instant access to a free resource library for parents, which now includes a FREE report about more lessons our children need to learn. Sign Up Here! #### You Need to See These Places in Tampa with Kids Considering travelling to Tampa with kids?  Check out these cool entertainment and activity venues we recommend! Several years ago, I took my daughter on an overnight trip to Tampa for a mommy and me trip.  She was a toddler and, at the time, my only child.  We are blessed I'm a stay at home mom and am able to do those things. In recent years, with the addition of my son, trips like these aren't as feasible.  While I'm still (kind of) a stay at home mom, it's not as easy for me to pack two kids up to explore Florida as it was when there was only 1.  And, I miss those days. Anyway, I'd been dying to go back and visit a few of the sights my daughter and I saw on our first trip.  But, there were other places I'd been hoping to visit that we hadn't yet seen.  So, I convinced the husband that part of our vacation this year should include visiting Tampa again.  For him and my son, it would be the first time for all the attractions we visited.  For my daughter, we would be revisiting a few while others would be new to us as well. Some of the places we visited on our Tampa trip provided our family tickets in exchange for inclusion in this post.  Our Sponsors will be denoted with an asterisk (*).  All opinions expressed here are my own. Great Places To Visit In and Around Tampa with Kids The Florida Aquarium* This was the first stop on our trip.  Several years ago, this was the main reason for taking my daughter to Tampa and I couldn't wait to come back with both the kids to explore more of the area.  Of course, checking out the aquarium again was exciting. My daughter doing a happy dance when we entered The Florida Aquarium In many ways, I feel as though they've improved from the first time I visited.  The exhibits appear to be the same exciting and beautifully crafted scenes that captivate the kids (and myself).  Even the hubby, who isn't generally into aquariums enjoyed our time there.  We spent about 3 hours viewing the Aquarium and had only caught one live show. We didn't do the dolphin cruise, splash pad, or any additional adventure so spending 3 hours on the basic stuff was really impressive, in my opinion.  We hadn't quite anticipated it and had planned on letting the kids do the splash pad after lunch.  Since our afternoon plans were coming up, we had to forgo the splash pad. What I was really impressed with was that neither kid asked for a snack all morning because they were so engrossed in the exhibits. When we finally headed to lunch in Cafe Ray, they were famished and both finished their lunches quickly. Overall, I think we enjoyed the aquarium much more than we were expecting and could have definitely spent the better part of the day there if we'd caught other shows, did the dolphin cruise, and let the kids cool off in the splash pad. Side-note: As a gluten-free diner, I was extremely disappointed to find that the kitchen staff were not trained on Gluten Free options.  The website indicated gluten free options were available, however when I requested it, they kept telling me the only thing I could have was black beans because everything else wasn't vegetarian.  I tried to explain meat wasn't an issue, that the gluten (wheat products) were what I needed to stay away from.  Again, I was told even the rice was "cooked in chicken stock".  I ended up buying water and a bag of chips to hold me over. If you're on a special diet for allergies, my recommendation is to prepare to bring your own food (despite the no food and drink requirements) if you'll be at the aquarium during a mealtime. The AZA offers a zoo reciprocity program to members of a zoo that participates.  In our case, I'm a member of the Jacksonville Zoo, therefore I receive a 50% discount to The Florida Aquarium for the same number of family members listed on my own zoo membership.  This made for inexpensive zoo entry for our family of 4.  Check out the AZA Reciprocal program to see what discounts are offered if you're a member of a participating zoo! The Glazer Children's Museum* In the last few months, my son became obsessed with a YouTuber who visited The Glazer Children's Museum in one of his episodes.  Though I'm not fond of said YouTuber, I was immediately disappointed I hadn't visited the Children's Museum on the trip to Tampa with my daughter several years ago.  So, I made sure we visited while we were on our family vacation. I have to say that we were completely impressed with the amount of interactive educational opportunities available at Glazer!  As we planned out our days, I lumped the aquarium and the museum together in one day assuming we'd have a few hours to kill before bedtime. Boy was I ever wrong! We entered the children's museum shortly after they opened on Sunday and didn't leave until around 5pm.  That was 4 hours of entertainment and, admittedly, not just for the kids.  Heck, the first hour was spent on the 1st of 3 floors.  We had to convince the kids to leave the area to check out what the other floors offered. The first floor had an expansive water table, a faux cruise ship with rubber sand and sand toys, and a weather station that kept everyone occupied for a while. The second floor offered tons of imaginary play, STEM and STEAM activities, arts, and physical activity to keep everyone busy for a good amount of time.  We even had to coerce the kids to visit the 3rd floor. The third floor was the least impressive but the quietest and most necessary after several hours of play.  It housed a blanket fort building area, books, and tents for quiet reading.  Eventually, the kids and I got cozy in a tent and read a few books to wind down before leaving for dinner. Turns out, this is a must-do experience when visiting Tampa with kids!  We'll certainly be back here if we visit Tampa again in the future. Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park This was another location my daughter and I had the pleasure of visiting on our first trip to Tampa.  I had been impressed with it back then, so I added Zoo Tampa to our list of activities on our vacation in Tampa with kids. Unlike our local zoo, Zoo Tampa is a bit higher priced, but mechanical rides and some of the extra exhibits (like petting stingrays) are included in the price of admission. There are still extra encounters that you can pay for and reserve that are not included in admission, but you're not going to feel like they're nickle and diming you to death all day.  It's one thing I can say I wish our zoo would do. Now, on this trip, there were a lot of refurbishments throughout the park which I felt took away from some of the awesomeness.  Several animals weren't on display because of it, so we were disappointed a few times. Still, there were enough animals that we spent roughly 4 hours, including lunchtime, in the park. The family favorite was petting the stingrays.  My son became fascinated with them at the aquarium and was dying to touch one.  Even my daughter and I faced our fears and touched as well. What I like about Zoo Tampa is that the animals seem pretty active, so you get to see a lot of them. Note:  If you're a gluten free diner, my experience has been that staff is not trained or equipped to handle your request.  Even on this trip, when I asked the restaurant staff about their gluten free options (that are mentioned on the website), they knew what a gluten free bun was, but didn't have any.  They offered no other suggestion for what could be eaten safely.  Thankfully, I brought my lunch (leftovers from dinner the night before) so that I wouldn't be in the same situation as I had been at the aquarium. The AZA offers a zoo reciprocity program to members of a zoo that participates.  In our case, I'm a member of the Jacksonville Zoo, therefore I receive a 50% discount to Zoo Tampa for the same number of family members listed on my own zoo membership.  This made for inexpensive zoo entry for our family of 4.  Check out the AZA Reciprocal program to see what discounts are offered if you're a member of a participating zoo! I would like to return here after the refurbishments are done to see the improvements if I decide to take another trip to Tampa with kids. Dinosaur World Just outside of Tampa, and on the Way to Orlando, there's a fabulous placed called Dinosaur World. Pretending to run from a dino Dispersed throughout a large plot of land are massive dinosaurs set among the trees, bushes, and plants.  I felt as though I was stepping into Jurassic Park, only much less risky.  This is a large plot of land with vegetation, swampy area with wooden walkways over it, and massive dinosaurs throughout. Throughout the park, there are other attractions like an indoor museum (great for beating the heat of the summer), a large fossil dig, and a discovery center with people discussing dinosaur facts.  But that's just a few. There's also a playground by the picnic tables.  We let the kids burn off some energy as soon as we got there.  It was already hot at 9 a.m. so we figured it was the best time to play before it became scalding.  There were two dinosaur-themed playgrounds set up for specific age groups ... one was for the little crowd under 5 and the other was for 5 and up. If you purchase the Excavation Pass, your child will get a small fossil dig and a gem excavation (it's exactly like gem mining in the mountains). We chose to upgrade our passes to include these digs and the kids absolutely loved them!  It was awesome finding and keeping little fossils and gems as a reminder of our day at Dinosaur World. We were there for about 3 hours, but could have easily been there another hour.  Unfortunately, they don't have a café, so you either have to bring your lunch or they can have pizza delivered.  For us, neither option was a possibility, so we had to leave as early as possible so everyone could eat lunch at a decent hour. Note: If you decide to visit Dinosaur World, we highly recommend bringing bug spray.  In the swampy areas, the mosquitoes and bugs were extremely active.  We couldn't move fast enough to keep from getting bit in those areas. Other Kid-Friendly Attractions Around Tampa Now, our Tampa trip was 2 full days, so we couldn't explore everything Tampa had to offer for kids.  On the 3rd day, we stopped into Dinosaur World on the way to Orlando.  If you're planning to have a longer stay in Tampa with kids, there are plenty of other attractions to explore in the area.  These include: Busch Gardens Clearwater Marine Aquarium Museum of Science & Industry How to Explore Tampa with Kids for Less If you're planning to visit a combination of a few of these, I'd highly recommend considering the Tampa Bay CityPASS which provides 5 attractions at a pre-paid savings over 50%.  The 5 attractions are: Busch Gardens The Florida Aquarium Clearwater Marine Aquarium ZooTampa Museum of Science & Industry Tell me: Have you ever or would you like to visit these attractions in Tampa with kids? PIN ME #### You'll Love These Hobbies for Stay At Home Moms to Make Money Hobbies for stay at home moms to make money.  Lots of ideas for earning extra money in your spare time while staying home with the kids.  It's so important for us to remind ourselves that we're more than just moms!  It took me nearly a year after my daughter was born to realize this fact. When she was born, I gave her all my attention.  You know ... trying to be a good mom.  But, what I didn't realize right away was that I was neglecting myself and my husband.  I'd lost a sense of who I was and I was alienating my husband in the process.  Because of which, no one was happy.  It seemed so counter-intuitive, but that's exactly how it worked. When I finally began devoting time to myself and my marriage, everyone became happier.  I started a mom blog, pursued my passion for cars by getting into Autocross, and really began giving my husband the attention he deserved.  In turn, he became a better partner and father, too. Still, I felt a bit of a sting being a stay at home mom, not contributing to the household income.  I'd spend years working, making my own money, and had bought a home on my own.  Being a stay at home parent was a challenge in that I was no longer self-sufficient.  So, I began to look for ways to earn even some kind of income.  Sweepstaking was a big hobby and I had a really good year winning stuff, but it didn't support bills. Eventually, I realized that blogging was a way to earn an income instead of just being a fun past-time.  If you're looking for  income earning ideas, check out these hobbies for Stay At Home Moms to make money. Hobbies for Stay at Home Moms to Make Money Disclaimer: Affiliate links are included throughout this post.  Making purchases after clicking through may earn me a commission, which helps me continue running this free-to-you blog.  Your support is greatly appreciated. Blogging and Writing I don't make tons of money blogging, but I probably could.  For me, the little income I receive from part-time blogging is enough to have a little extra money to play with.  I'm pretty happy with this.  If I put in more effort, I'd probably do better.  But, I know plenty of stay at home moms who earn a significant income from blogging.  The reason I love this money making hobby for stay at home moms is because there are multiple streams of income from one source.  Check out 10 Fantastic Reasons to Start a SAHM Blog. Want to get tons of details on how to start a blog and make it a career?  Check out this course on Udemy: 2017 Blog Blueprint: How To Turn Blogging Into A Career Freelance writing is another option where you can get paid by other sites to write for them. Graphic Design Janine, from Confessions of a Mommyaholic began a blog years ago on the Blogger platform and made several switches until she landed on self-hosted Wordpress.  In the years she's been blogging, her experience grew and she learned more and more about graphic design.  Her experience led her to start J9 Designs, where she offers graphic design, VA, and other various services related to blogging and websites. Would you like to learn graphic design?  Check out Graphic Design Masterclass: Learn Graphic Design in Projects on Udemy!  You can get this course for $10 using code 17HOLIDAY10 until 11/28/17 11:59 PM PST. Crafting If you're really involved in a crafting hobby, I can see the potential for your projects to take over a room or most of your home.  Why not offer your crafts for sale?  Etsy type shops and local markets are a great way make some extra cash while doing something you love.  There's no shortage of craft hobbies for stay at home moms to make money from. Sewing - From kids clothes to bags and home decor, there's so much you can sew.  I have a sewing machine in the office that I never even learned how to use, so I had to pay someone to create and sew a travel felt board, and it wasn't cheap!  Guess I should take a sewing class, like this: Sewing 101! You can get this course for $10 using code 17HOLIDAY10 until 11/28/17 11:59 PM PST. Knitting Crochet - A sweet friend of mine crocheted an adorable ABC baby blanket for my son when I was pregnant.  I had no idea, at the time she had also created an Etsy shop selling blankets, hats, and some really cute creations!  You can check out DreamAway Crochet on Etsy for some inspiration. Crochet Basics - Learn to Crochet Within a Week!  Paper Crafting Rhien's paper crafting hobby turned into her side hustle.  She started out making mobiles, but her business grew and now she's making banners, invitations, and more!  You can check out her store, TheKGCollection on Etsy. Making Candles Soap Making Quilting Crafting isn't one of my strong suits, so I would totally need to learn some skills.  To do this, I would check out the arts and crafts category of Udemy to help me learn something of interest. Creating Printables My friend Herchel, who blogs at Gym Craft Laundry, loves creating printables (and planners).  Honestly, she's just creative.  She's totally passionate about creating projects and always up to something.  Some of her favorites are featured in her Gym Craft Laundry Etsy Shop. Do you have awesome ideas for printables but don't know how to start? You could take the How to Create Printable Quotes to Sell on Etsy For Beginners course on Udemy to get you started!  You can get this course for $10 using code 17HOLIDAY10 until 11/28/17 11:59 PM PST. Creating T-Shirts, Stickers, & More Kristin from Little Mama Jama loved creating shirts, stickers, and quote cards.  Her creative tendencies don't fit into one particular niche or interest, so she found it best to start a merchant business outside of her blog.  You can visit Little Mama Jama on RedBubble.  Learn how to Start A T-Shirt Business Teespring, Merch by Amazon & More You can even find me on Etsy as I work to build my shop with mom life, baby and children's clothes and automotive inspired items. Baking Baking hobbies can turn into small businesses or hobby businesses easily.  This is one of the most delicious hobbies for stay at home moms to make money out of! I think of all the Pinterest fails moms deal with trying to create these elaborate birthdays for their kids.  Honestly, if it weren't for my husband's adventurous spirit, my kids never would have had cool cakes ... I'd just bake a box mix cake and throw on some icing. "Tada!" But, Pinterest seems to have created this need for perfectly outrageous baked goods and stay at home moms with baking skills can capitalize on this Pinterest-perfection craze. Turn your Pinterest-working baking skills into a legitimate business! Carpentry Love working with your hands and wood?  Build things and sell them, or take custom orders. Shopping I had never really thought of shopping as a hobby that could earn money until my uncle told me about his thrift-store shopping habit.  He was notorious for picking up valuable vintage items for cheap in thrift stores.  He'd clean up good items and sell them online for a massive profit. You can do this for just about anything.  I went through a spurt visiting yard sales to pick up children's toys for cheap, then clean them up for selling online.  The profits, of course, weren't as good as selling vintage silver you pick up for fifty cents.  But, a few extra dollars for little work and finding some treasures to keep was worth it. Also, if you just love shopping, you could offer your services as a personal shopper. There you have it!  Tons of hobbies for stay at home moms to make money at home with the kids.  There's almost not limit to what stay at home moms can do these days.  Just don't fall victim to the unrealistic demands to be super moms. What hobbies for stay at home moms to make money do you recommend or enjoy? Looking for more ideas? Check out this big list of hobbies for stay at home moms. #### You're Not Really A Victim of Epidural Shaming Just because I don't agree with epidurals, doesn't mean I'm epidural shaming.  I'm not shaming you and I don't really put the blame on you for doing what I believe to be an unwise decision.   These are my opinions based on my experiences and personal research.  But I don't judge you for them. I believe women can birth without an epidural.  The potential side effects (and the needles) of an epidural scare the crap out of me.  And, I believe doctor's don't give out enough information before offering an epidural (or any other intervention). If I'm epidural shaming, trust me when I say that I shame the doctors.  And I place further blame on the thousands (or millions) of women who would have you believe you can't birth your baby without drugs. "You'll change your mind," they'll say if you express an interest in natural birth.  Trust me when I say there were very few people who cheered me on when they learned of my natural birth plans.  I was scoffed at for believing I could push a baby out of my vag without drugs. And when I was able to birth my babies naturally, I received snide remarks like "do you want a cookie?" or "you got lucky." (And yes, I did want a cookie, because what new mama doesn't deserve one?) Yep, I'm going there ... epidural shaming is actually a two-way street.  Just as you feel you're a victim of epidural shaming, natural birth mothers are often silenced for discussing not having an epidural.  Like we're not supposed to talk about and inspire others. If you felt as though you were shamed for getting an epidural, I felt the reverse.  Anti-epidural shaming? Maybe you're not really a victim of #epidural shaming ... #birth #mom Share on X Reverse Epidural Shaming If they didn't tell me I'd change my mind, these women just had to tell me all their horror stories.  Their favorites were about the ring of fire.  My favorite was the woman who felt the need to tell me she felt as though she were going to be ripped in half. You know what I found ironic about many of these stories?  Most of these women either hadn't planned a natural birth or didn't take a natural birth class to help them prepare. Scared of Labor: Overcoming Your Fear We fear that which we do not know.  Not many people experience a natural birth, though the rate of them is on the incline, thankfully.  Because so few people have experienced a birth without an epidural, they're able to continue propagating fears over the pain of natural birth. Secrets You Need to Know to Prep for Giving Birth Naturally The reality is, however, that when we're prepared and not afraid, the pain is nothing like what we are lead to believe.  That's not to say it doesn't hurt because it does.  We're just better equipped to handle it when we accept it as part of the process instead of acting as though it's wrong.  The pain of childbirth isn't wrong ... it's your body's job at that time.  We learn just how strong and capable we are.  And, those who can make it to the end without drugs will experience an empowerment unlike any other in our lifetime. Through natural birth, we learn just how strong and capable we are.  And, those who can make it to the end without drugs will experience an empowerment unlike any other in our lifetime. The Real Shame About Epidurals I hate the notion that we can't birth our babies without drugs.  The women in our society are being robbed of learning just how capable we are.  I'm sad that women mainly support epidurals and other medical interventions (yet generally don't speak about the negative side effects of the epidural). I've been angered that doctors offer interventions, including epidurals, without fully discussing potential side effects.  And I'm disappointed when a doctor leads a woman to believe she won't succeed at a natural birth. What You Should Know About the Risks of the Epidural I feel sorry for you if your doctor never fully supported natural birth.  I'm sorry if you began to doubt your abilities because of the rampant horror stories and mockery if you'd been interested in natural birth.  But, I'm not epidural shaming you for making those decisions, whether it's out of necessity or the belief that you couldn't do it. So, for those of you who keep propagating the fears of poor, unsuspecting moms to be.  You should be ashamed of yourselves.  Your experiences shouldn't dictate how someone else should experience such an important event in their lives. Stop your anti-epidural shaming and encourage women to research and prepare for childbirth.  Be their cheerleaders no matter what an expectant mama's plans are.  Encourage ... not frighten so that they do what you want.   Encourage mom-to-be to take back their power over birth.  Be inspired by them, instead of holding them back.  And if they end up getting the epidural, you can be there to support that too! Support Your Pregnant Friend's Birth Plan For those of you who feel as though you're a victim of epidural shaming, take a long hard look at the "support" and "encouragement" you had around you.  How many birth horror stories did you hear vs positive stories?  Were you inspired or did you doubt your capabilities?  How prepared do you think you were? Perhaps you aren't a victim of epidural shaming, but instead a victim of the doubt others like to create in expectant mamas.  At least, that's the way I see it! [tweetthis]Maybe you were a victim of the doubt others create for #momtobe #birth #epidural[/tweetthis] It's okay to feel guilty about things not going as planned.  It's okay to even feel some guilt if you realize you hadn't done enough research or prepared enough.  I'm pretty sure that's natural. It's yours and it's done. But really, why do you even give a rat's butt what other people think about your birth? ### Pages #### About Me Are you a mom struggling to meet the everyday demands of your time and energy?  Most of us are, it seems.  Your kids and husband want part of your energy, society deems your time should be spent in certain ways, and you're probably wondering how you're supposed to fit in all that self-care time everyone tells moms they need. Between teaching your kids valuable life lessons, striving to perfect your homemaking, and figuring out how to better your marriage, you're likely wondering how in the world anyone can expect a stay at home mom to balance everything. I struggle with it all, too!  As a stay at home mom, I can honestly say the idea of a work/life balance is non-existent.  But I share my tips, not for finding that perfect balance, but livable balance. If you struggle with that balance, join my newsletter so you can stay informed of my latest posts.  I'd love for us to connect and commiserate.  Let's learn from each other how to find solutions to every aspect of our lives because we can always seek to improve.  And maybe we can find a little bit of peace and the ability to regain our personal identities because this life is about being more than a mom! Featured ABOUT ME Hi!  I'm Ivy. I was married to my best friend in 2009.  We met through mutual friends at a Dyno Day (it's car talk) and hit it off.  We spent a couple of years as friends sharing similar interests in cars and motorcycles.  I had an old CRX I was tinkering with and ... he's been through so many vehicles that I can't remember what he was driving at the time. We have, since, had two beautiful & spirited children together ... they were born in 2011 and 2015.  After the birth of our daughter in 2011, I left the workforce with a role in Human Resources to become a full-time stay at home mom. I enjoy doing motorsports with my husband.  We are active in Autocross, Open Track Days, and currently branching out to do a bit of Rally. I re-entered the workforce on a part time basis when my son was a few years old and quickly found my place in the marketing world to become a full-time SEO professional.  And I can thank this lovely blog for it all! Look how excited we were to own our Porsche Cayenne Turbo! All of that is what leads to the "plus..." in SAHM, plus... © Ivy www.sahmplus.com I'm a mom.  It's my number 1 job.  I have to wear so many hats as a SAHM, and it's easy to forget the PLUS ... there is more to life than being a mom.  I have to remember to take care of my husband, and put him first, too.  Then, there's taking care of myself and my own needs in order to effectively care for everyone else.  I've been known to become burned out on my job as a mom when I don't take care of myself or my husband. So, I hope this blog, SAHM, plus..., will serve as a reminder to switch our priorities to find more balance in our lives, because no one part is more important than the other at all times. Prior to my re-branding in 2016, several of my posts from Ivy's Variety were featured on BlogHer.com.  I blog about parenting, traveling with our kids, being a wife, and of course, finding a balance in my life.  I really love sharing my life experiences and hope that you find them useful to apply in your own life. ABOUT SAHM, plus... SAHM, plus... is my contribution to mom life.  I love to share what I learn about parenting, marriage, and being more than a mom.  If I can help you with anything, that's what I want to do here.  I'm always excited to receive emails and comments from you - whether you have questions or just need someone to vent to. Why?  Because mom life is hard and we sometimes need to let our feelings out into the world. I recommend starting with these popular subjects: Consequence and Reward Jars for improving behavior. The ONE thing your husband wants you to know about being a mom. Expectant mom? I'm a firm believer in natural childbirth, and I give you my suggestions to succeed. Check out my sanity-saving tips if you're planning to visit Disney World with a Toddler. #### Beyond Mom I'm a stay at home mom.  But, that doesn't define me!  I believe it's important to go beyond mom.  Fulfill your marriage and find your own passions to become the individual you were meant to be. You are more than a mom! [pt_view id="b0bdcf6wp8"] #### Contact Thanks for visiting SAHM, plus... Just a fan with a question or comment? I love to hear from my readers.  You may contact me at ivy at sahmplus dot com and I'll get back to you as soon as I can! Looking for sponsored post or advertising opportunities? Please familiarize yourself with my PR/Disclosure page prior to contacting Ivy/SAHM, plus... If there is a monetary exchange or an exchange in goods or services, this is a sponsored post and 1) cannot be considered a guest post. 2) will require no-follow links and disclosure before the content describing the sponsored nature of said content. Requesting to publish a guest post for a client or a business for the purpose of building backlinks/brand awareness, whether or not you have budget, is NEVER considered a guest post. Would you like to contribute a guest post? First, what is a guest post?  Guest posts on SAHM, plus... are reserved for parenting bloggers who write similar & relevant content that provides value to a shared group of readers.  The intent is to build relevant links back to blog posts that may serve as supplemental information relevant to the topic. A guest post is not a post for the sole purpose of building backlinks to a business or for brand/product awareness. If there is payment involved, whether to SAHM, plus... or to the contributing author, this falls under the sponsored post content guidelines. All guest post requests that are clearly not from a parenting blog and are being authored by a content writer will automatically be marked as SPAM. Currently, SAHM, plus ... is not accepting sponsored opportunities. #### Encouragement For Moms This page, encouragement for moms, focuses on the many difficult aspects of motherhood.  Staying sane as a stay at home mom (sahm), reducing the overwhelm, or finding balance in a, mostly unbalanced, role as a mom.  Self care, self love, mommy me time, rediscovering yourself  and more ... [pt_view id="41a4a78qdz"] #### Instant Downloads: Family Printables Our instant downloads are designed exclusively with moms, dads, and their families in mind. We're building our library of instant downloadable family printables. Looking for more printables for kids and parents? Join our newsletter to receive access to a comprehensive library of freebies! #### Mom Life A huge congrats on entering the world of motherhood. As exciting and rewarding as mom life can be, it's also difficult to navigate alone. That's what I aim to help you with! Navigating mom life from pregnancy, being a stay at home mom or work at home mom, raising kids, and being wife. [pt_view id="2a0e9a791r"] #### Parent Resource Library Welcome to the SAHM, plus... Parent Resource Library Looking for free parenting resources and dowloads?  When you join the SAHM, plus.. . newsletter, you will receive access to a wealth of parenting resources as a thank you gift! Already a newsletter subscriber and have your password? Sign in to the parent resource library to get your freebies! Sign In to the Resource Library Pregnancy and Birth Resources These resources are bonus items from the following posts: 8 Smart Ways Mom-To-Be Should Prepare for Her New Baby What You Should Know About the Risks of the Epidural Baby is Late? How to Cope with the Disappointment Why You Need to Know Induction Isn&#8217;t Right for Every Overdue Pregnancy What Do You Need to Pack in Your Hospital Bag? + FREE Printable Checklist Homemaking and Decor These resources are bonus items from the following posts: How to Make the Best Housekeeping Schedule for a SAHM Fun School Lunch Ideas from the post How to Pack School Lunches Your Kids Will Actually Eat DIY Dry Erase Toddler Chore Chart An I'm Grateful for You printable created from 17 Surprising Things I Learned in 8 Years of Marriage Consequence and Reward Jar System Three printables are based on the consequence and reward jar system we use in this house. Crafts and Activities These resources are bonus items from the following posts: Entertaining Kids Over Summer Break, Plus a Free Summer Journal Printable DIY Felt Christmas Tree for Toddlers How the Meaning of Christmas Has Changed Since I Had Kids Teach Children How to Put Things Into Perspective Kids Summer Bucket List: Over 70 Fun Summer Activities {Printable Bucket List} Hey Baby! An Adorable and Informative Book About Baby Animals Fun, Educational Activities to do with the Play and Learn Shopping Basket Toy Childhood Lessons Our report Lessons Every Child Needs to Learn ... and how to teach them is based on our Life Lessons category. Family Disaster Preparedness Workbook Our Family Emergency Preparedness Kit evolved from our Family Disaster Content. #### PR/Disclosure PR & Disclosure SAHM, plus ... is a PR friendly blog. If you would like your product reviewed, please email me at ivy at sahm plus dot com.  Please include a description of your item and link to your website/store.   As of 2021 and for the forseeable future SAHM Plus is not accepting sponsored opportunities aside from those she seeks out directly. Disclosure This policy is valid from 21 May 2017 This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact Ivy at sahmplus dot com. This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation. This blog abides by word of mouth marketing standards. We believe in honesty of relationship, opinion, and identity. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored content. The owner(s) of this blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question. This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest. To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org Copyright Statement This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. Information on this website may be copied for personal use only. No part of this website may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without the prior written permission of the author. For questions about this blog or requests to use its content, please contact ivy@sahmplus.com. Privacy Statement This blog does not share personal information about blog visitors with any third party sites or companies. Information collected about your visit to this blog is used for the sole purpose of analysis of demographics and content performance through the use of “cookies.” You can turn off the use of cookies any time in your browser’s setting. This policy is subject to change without notice. The Right To Be Forgotten The right to be forgotten is a GDPR mandate that allows subscribers to ask to delete all of the data associated with them. You may unsubscribe from our emails at anytime, and request that we remove all of your information and data associated, and we will delete it in it’s entirety. Under GDPR, each of our subscribers in the EU has the right to erasure (or the right to be forgotten), meaning they can contact us and we, and our mail service provider will delete all of their personal data from all systems. As well, an unsubscribe link is at the bottom of each email sent.  Also in the bottom of our emails, we remind you why you are receiving this email, reminding you where you opted in to receive them in the first place. Proof Of Subscriber Consent When a subscriber opts-in to join our mailing list, they are given a double opt-in where they must confirm their subscription to join the list, and to receive the opt-in incentive. #### Pregnancy Due Date Calculator By Last Period and Cycle Length Think you're pregnant? Or have you just received a BFP? Input some information into this handy pregnancy due date calculator, which will predict an estimated due date by LMP. Have a few questions? We'll answer them below. Your browser does not support iframes. The due date calculator can be found here.Provided by YourDueDate.com What to Expect From the Pregnancy Due Date Calculator? When you input the information into the pregnancy due date calculator, it automatically calculates an estimated due date (EDD) based on lmp (last . It will also tell you the estimated conception date, how many days have passed, and how many more days to go in your pregnancy. What is LMP? LMP simply stands for last menstrual period. For calculation purposes, you need to know the first day of your lmp, which is the onset of bleeding. What is a Luteal Phase? This is the phase of your menstrual cycle that occurs after ovulation and before your period begins. You can read more about the Luteal Phase and what a Luteal Phase Defect could mean for someone hoping to get pregnant. How to Calculate Your Due Date One way to calculate your due date is to count 40 weeks, or 280 days, from the first day of your last period, or LMP. A second way to calculate your due date with LMP is to subtract 3 months from the first day of your last period and then add 7 days. If you have irregular cycles, using calculation methods based on LMP isn't going to be as reliable. In this instance, if you remember your conception date, simply add 266 days to get your EDD. Ultrasounds have also been used to calculate an estimated due date, but according to First Cry "...it is safe to say that the accuracy of the ultrasound decreases as the pregnancy progresses. Hence ultrasounds cannot be 100 percent correct and reliable." Remember, though, that estimated due dates are just that! Estimations! How Soon Can I Take a Pregnancy Test? For the most accurate results, it is recommended to wait 1 week after the first missed period before taking a pregnancy test. Don't want to wait for a missed period? Patience is key because if you take a pregnancy test too soon, you can receive inaccurate results. If you're impatient, it's recommended to wait at least 1 to 2 weeks after sex before taking a pregnancy test. Can My Due Date Change? This is rare, so exercise caution about having your due date changed later in the pregnancy, especially if you're certain about your LMP or date of conception. But, due dates can be changed for medical reasons. Discuss this thoroughly with your doctor, ask questions, and if you're sure of your LMP or conception date, stand up for you and your baby. What Are the Chances I Give Birth on My Due Date? According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, "About 60 out of 100 women give birth on or before their given due date. In another 35 out of 100 women, contractions start on their own within two weeks of the due date. But it takes longer in about 5 out of 100 women." In an article, The Evidence: On Due Dates, they share that a "[s]tudy finds that estimated due date should be closer to 40 weeks and 5 days." #### Return & Refund Policy Digital Products: No Returns or Refunds Thank you for your purchase! Please note that all products available on our website are digital downloads, which are delivered instantly via the Internet. Due to the nature of digital products, there is no way to return them once they have been downloaded. Therefore, we cannot offer refunds or exchanges. Before Purchase: We encourage you to review the product descriptions and any available previews carefully before making a purchase. If you have any questions about a product, please feel free to contact us. Technical Issues: If you experience any technical difficulties with your download, please reach out to us within 7 days of your purchase. We will work with you to resolve the issue and ensure you receive the product you ordered. Contact Us: If you have any concerns or need assistance, please contact our support team at ivy at sahm plus dot com. By completing your purchase, you agree to these terms and conditions. #### Self Love Printables Our Self Love, Self Care + Lifestyle, Personal Development, and Affirmations Printables are designed to help tired, busy moms find time and energy to rediscover the joy in their lives. Articles Related to Self Love and Self Care for Parents #### Work At Home Mom From blogging, running an Etsy shop, and other employment. This is my sounding board for how I handle being a work at home mom! Tips, tricks, and advice for working at home with kids. We cover routines, schedules, and encouragement for trying to get it all done. WAHM life isn't always easy. The rewards can be limited. But I'm here to help you! [pt_view id="244b1b88xv"] ### Media #### _freezermealsnewmoms More than 30 fabulous freezer meals for new moms. Make these freezer meals before baby arrives. Get your bulk shopping down and plan some pre baby freezer meals and spend more time enjoying postpartum life with your new baby #### "Bloop Bloop!" Goes the Poop book review Needing to up the game on potty training, I downloaded "Bloop Bloop!" Goes the Poop. Quick review. #### 10 reasons to start a sahm blog 10 fantastic reasons to start a sahm blog #### 10 simple ways to take care of self Here are 10 simple ways to take care of yourself, mom. #### 10 things i miss about life before kids 10 things I miss about life before kids #### 10-blogging-tips-for-beginners Blogging for beginners - 10 blogging tips for new bloggers #### 10takecareself2 10 simple ways to take care of yourself #### 1200x1200-lifestyle Lansinoh Smartpump #### 15-minute-challenge-clean-o Try the 15 minute challenge every day to clean, organize or take a well deserved break. The reason this works is in the simplicity! #### 15-minute-challenge-img Have you ever thought about how much you can accomplish in 15 minutes? Learn how and why a 15 minute challenge, at least once daily, is a great way to get things done! #### 15-minute-challenge-suggest 15 minute challenge tasks suggestions. P.S. - this is a race against a clock, not to put pressure on yourself to complete a project. #### 2 ingredient pumpkin spice brownies URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/welcome-fall-roundup-2016/2ingpumpkinspicebrownies/ #### 2 Luvs coupons - Luvs with NightLock Plus ™ 2 Luvs coupons - Luvs with NightLock Plus ™ #### 2016-in-Review 2016 in review. Top 5 posts and 5 faves from SAHM plus... #### 2016-in-review-5-posts-sahm The top 5 blog posts from SAHM plus and 5 favorites #### 2018-In-Review Reviewing 2018 and top 10 blog posts for sahmplus. Plus, where I want to put my energy for 2019. #### 2018-Mother's-DayGift-Guide This 2018 Mother's Day Gift Guide was created for moms who need to be reminded to practice self-care, seek a little beauty, and be a little snarky. Mother's Day Gift Guide and Giveaway #### 2018hondaodysseyelite 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite at home; black with mocha interior - how I was persuaded out of my Porsche | www.sahmplus.com #### 21waysavoidepiduralpreview Epidural during labor? There are risks associated with them. Here's a cheat sheet to help you avoid the epidural during labor. www.sahmplus.com #### 24-week-baby-belly URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/i-hate-my-postpartum-body/24-week-baby-belly/ #### 24-week-baby-belly-1 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/i-hate-my-postpartum-body/24-week-baby-belly-1/ #### 24beforedeliver 24 things to do while you're pregnant, before you have your baby | www.sahmplus.com #### 24thingsbeforebabydlimage things to do while pregnant, before you have your baby | download printable image | newsletter subscribe | www.sahmplus.com #### 27thingsbabyislate 27 recommended things to do when you're overdue and baby is late. www.sahmplus.com #### 3 kids name necklace URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/personalized-mothers-day-gifts-on-etsy/3-kids-name-necklace/ #### 365 day love calendar dating divas 365 Day Love Calendar by The Dating Divas #### 3yranniversary 3 year anniversary dinner - Ivy and her husband #### 3yroldmonsterbowling Simple to set up activity for 3 year old with the melissa & doug monster bowling set. #### 3yroldwithSpinAgain Perfect gift for 3 year old - Fat Brain Toys SpinAgain #### 4 questions before sharing parenting advice How to be careful when sharing parenting advice #### 4 tool engage early writing URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/early-writing-artistic-interests/4-tool-engage-early-writing/ #### 4 tools to have at home for early writing and artistic interest 4 tools to have at home for early writing and artistic interest #### 4-MONTH-SLEEP-REGRESSION Baby stopped sleeping through the night? Schedule change and other tips to manage the 4-month sleep regression! #### 4-parenting-styles URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/4-parenting-styles/4-parenting-styles-2/ #### 4-parenting-styles-chart URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/4-parenting-styles/4-parenting-styles-chart/ #### 40w5d Here, I was 5 days past baby's due date #### 491700_B Step2 My First Advent Calendar #### 4questions-to-ask-yourself 4 questions to ask yourself before offering unsolicited parenting advice #### 5-star-review URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/downloads/kids-letter-to-santa-printable-v1/5-star-review/ #### 6 figure blog another blogger Will another blogger teach you how to make money blogging? Absolutely! #### 6 tips handle parenting stress URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/parenting-stress-hylands-challenge-giveaway/top-5-places-to-meeta-mate/ #### 6-tips-consequence-jar-resu URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/best-results-consequence-jar-child-behavior/6-tips-consequence-jar-resu/ #### 6yearolddustingtable As a consequence, my 6 year old pulled the "dust coffee table" chore. #### 7 plugins new wordpress blog URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/7-important-plugins-new-wordpress-blog/pluginslgimg/ #### 7 plugins new wordpress blog img 7 important plugins for your new wordpress blog #### 7-behavior-books URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/books-to-help-with-child-behavior-and-discipline/7-behavior-books/ #### 7bookspreparepreschool img How to prepare your child for going to preschool with 7 awesome books #### 7by8tableappearance URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/dry-erase-toddler-chore-chart/7by8tableappearance/ #### 8 things to do before baby arrives URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/8-things-to-do-while-pregnant/8-things-to-do-before-baby-arrives/ #### 8-month-in-zen-sleepwear URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-survive-8-month-sleep-regression/8-month-in-zen-sleepwear/ #### 81132305Rachel-Pace Rachel Pace guest author #### 8yrsmarriage What marriage has taught me in 8 years.  I'd hoped to write this up for my anniversary, but life happened.  So, I'm sharing the lessons I've learned in 8 years of marriage now, because Thanksgiving week seemed an appropriate alternative. | www.sahmplus.com #### a month in housekeeping tasks A month long housekeeping schedule. #### a-peeling URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15441 #### ABCBlockologyGiveaway Blockology custom alphabet block giveaway. These custom ABC blocks perfect for birth announcements, anniversaries, and more. #### ABCmouse 2nd grade curriculum ABCmouse free month subscription perfect if you're after non-toy gifts #### abcmouse homepage review and giveaway URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/reinforce-kindergarten-education-abcmouse-review/abcmousedotcom-homepage/ #### abcmouse learning-path Image of child using ABCmouse.com learning path #### abcmouse_kinderclassroom_rgb URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/reinforce-kindergarten-education-abcmouse-review/abcmouse_kinderclassroom_rgb/ #### abcmouse_kinderclassroom_rgb-png URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/reinforce-kindergarten-education-abcmouse-review/abcmouse_kinderclassroom_rgb-png/ #### abcmouse-letter-c-sounds-book abcmouse letter c sounds book #### abcmouse-review-lg-pin-img After winning a free subscription, I wanted to share our abcmouse.com review with you. #### abcmouse.com review After winning a free subscription to ABCmouse, I wanted to share our abcmouse.com review #### abcmouseGIVEAWAY URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/education-home-abcmouse-com-giveaway/abcmousegiveaway/ #### abcmousegiveawayhostedbysah URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/education-home-abcmouse-com-giveaway/abcmousegiveawayhostedbysah/ #### abcmousereviewgiveawaysahmp How we use ABCmouse to reinforce Kindergarten education - an ABCmouse review #### above-us-consolidated-mine The start of the underground mine tour at Consolidated Gold Mine #### acceptingmomibecame URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/accepting-the-mom-i-became/acceptingmomibecame-2/ #### acceptingyourselfasabadassmom Accepting yourself as a badass mom. How can you define yourself as a badass? | www.sahmplus.com #### activitiesatcrayolaorl activitiesatcrayolaorl #### Add-To-Cart Add The Dating Divas limited time The Marriage Bundle to your cart now #### adultplatejoymeal I added green beans to this meal plan from PlateJoy #### afraid to breastfeed Mom afraid to breastfeed #### afraid to breastfeed confession, mom afraid to breastfeed baby #### afraid-to-breastfeed Confessions from a mom who was afraid to breastfeed her second baby. What I ultimately decided about breastfeeding my son | www.sahmplus.com #### after-first-haircut After my son's first haircut. I was staring at a young boy, no longer a baby. sahmplus.com #### AGEAPPROCHORES6yrold Teaching kids responsibility and life skills through these 16 age appropriate chores for 6 and 7 year olds #### AI-and-LLMs-trained-by-tots URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/tots-talk-and-ai-llms/ai-and-llms-trained-by-tots/ #### AI-and-LLMs-trained-by-tots-2 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/tots-talk-and-ai-llms/ai-and-llms-trained-by-tots-2/ #### airbnb Space and the feeling of being at home is a wonderful benefit of renting from Airbnb #### airbnb rental amenities I'm on the fence about the amenities available when weighing the pros and cons of Airbnb vs hotel #### airbnb2 Space and sleeping arrangements are a top priority in choosing a rental. I take this very seriously when weighing the pros and cons of airbnb vs hotel #### airbnb4 Having a full kitchen is a big benefit for renting through Airbnb if you're a family on a budget or have someone with food allergies #### all-mystery-is-gone marriage after 10 years meme #### am-i-a-good-mom-answer The best (and only) answer you need when you ask "Am I a good mom?" #### AmaraBlogGiveaway Amara Organic Baby Food Giveaway - 3 winners #### AMIGOODMOM Am I a good mom?  I believe you're a good mom and there's one reason why.  Share this or tag a good mommy to let them know you notice the struggle or believe they're a good mom too. | www.sahmplus.com #### angry-child-needs-discipline a child without discipline will lack self-control, boundaries and more. Learn the importance of discipline for children #### angry-mom URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/why-am-i-an-angry-mom/angry-mom/ #### Anita F author bio image Anita Fernandes, guest posting for SAHM, plus... #### anna-pomaska-books 9 of the best kids coloring and activity books by Anna Pomaska | www.sahmplus.com #### annoy-one-special-person URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15917 #### applewordimage teacher's pet Teachers pet words in glitter apple monogram - heat transfer vinyl | www.sahmplus.com #### appsonfridge Screen of a Samsung Smart Fridge #### arg-chick-ing URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/forget-meal-planning-organic-meal-delivery-sun-basket/arg-chick-ing/ #### arg-chicken-sun-basket Argentinian chicken from Sun Basket family meal delivery #### artisticintereststoddlers Encourage artistic interests in toddlers with this simple salt dough craft recipe - virtually limitless artistic possibilities for your little one | www.sahmplus.com #### ask-for-induction-freebie Should you ask for an induction if baby is late or you're getting impatient? 7 facts to know FIRST. Plus, a free printable bishop score calculator #### askedhusbanddivorce Why I asked my husband to divorce me. I don't want a divorce, I hope never to face that situation in my life, but if he's ever not happy, I don't want us to stay together for the kids. | www.sahmplus.com #### asleep-in-the-car Asleep in the car after an entertaining Disney on Ice Worlds of Enchantment Experience. #### astrid halliday Headshot of guest author Astrid Halliday #### asyouturn6 An open letter to my 6 year old daughter. Dear daughter, these are the things I want you to know as you turn 6. www.sahmplus.com #### asyouturntwo An open letter to my son, as you turn two. | www.sahmplus.com #### atporschedriveexp Keep marriage exciting with a couple's trip - couple in front of porsche #### atsiblingclass Preparing for a new baby - discussing opioids, taking parenting classes, and even sibling classes for everyone to be ready #### attoccoafallsga two of my favorite people at Toccoa Falls in Georgia on our first mountain vacation with the kids #### August Stork August StorkOTC bogo half off; get pregnant naturally with a little help. Select Target stores nationwide 8/6 - 8/19 #### authoritarian-parenting-pin URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/authoritarian-parenting-style/authoritarian-parenting-pin/ #### authoritarian-parenting-style URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/authoritarian-parenting-style/authoritarian-parenting-style-2/ #### authoritative parenting pin URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/the-authoritative-parenting-style-explained/authoritative-parenting-pin-2/ #### authoritative-parenting-style URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/the-authoritative-parenting-style-explained/authoritative-parenting-style/ #### automate housewife life Family Systems: How to Automate Your Housewife Life by Pulling Curls #### Autumn anniversary cash giveaway Enter to win $100 Paypal Cash #### avoidcaffeine URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/foods-beverages-avoid-pregnancy/avoidcaffeine/ #### avoidduringpreg A guest post about 11 foods and beverages to avoid during pregnancy #### avoidepidural 21 tips for avoiding the epidural during labor #### b-with-bookroo-box 4 year old with Bookroo Box ready to Keep Calm and Read On! #### B-working-hooked-on-phonics-app URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/work-at-home-and-home-school/b-working-hooked-on-phonics-app/ #### B14daysold An alert 14 day old high-needs baby #### B3mosold high needs baby URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/what-is-high-needs-baby-not-every-baby/b3mosold/ #### baby b 13 days late Baby B born 13 days late and one day before schedule induction #### baby food jar pumpkin craft supplies URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/easy-baby-food-jar-pumpkin-craft/img_6534/ #### baby food jars for craft img URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/easy-baby-food-jar-pumpkin-craft/img_6508/ #### baby oatmeal and orchard fruit medley Gerber 3rd Foods URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/time-feed-baby-solids-gerber-lil-bits/img_6497/ #### baby sleeping on boppy pillow - sahmplus URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/tips-for-new-moms/baby-sleeping-on-boppy-pillow-sahmplus/ #### baby to sleep tips lg 10 tips to get baby to sleep from a mom with two 12-hr a night sleepers #### baby to sleep tips sm URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-get-baby-to-sleep/10tipsbabysleepsm/ #### baby with gerber lil bits img URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/time-feed-baby-solids-gerber-lil-bits/img_6434/ #### baby-dim-room During a sleep regression, black out baby's nursery #### baby-food-glass-jar-crafts-lg-pin-img 10 of the best baby food and glass jar crafts. Great ways to reuse those baby food jars! #### baby-food-jar-candle DIY baby food jar candle craft. #### baby-food-jar-crafts 10+ amazing baby food jar crafts to do when you want to reuse baby food jars #### baby-is-late-pin How to cope with the disappointment when your baby is late. Remember, a due date is an estimate. Baby will come when it's ready. And, handle the constant questions whatever way you need. Don't rush nature! via www.sahmplus.com #### baby-is-late-wait 4 things you need to know if baby is late and 5 ways to cope with your overdue pregnancy #### baby-items-feat baby items I couldn't live without | featured image of baby feet #### baby-items-live-without URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/things-every-new-mom-needs/baby-items-live-without/ #### baby-late-cope-pregnancy-ov It's easy to feel disappointent (or depressed) when baby's due date passes by. 4 things you need to know if baby is late and how to cope. #### baby-nursery URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/8-things-to-do-while-pregnant/baby-nursery/ #### baby-shower-1983101_1280 Baby clothes line up #### BABY-SLEEP-PRODUCTS Looking for baby sleep helpers or getting started on your baby registry? Don't forget these vital baby sleep products #### baby-sleeping-on-side URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/baby-sleeping-on-side/ #### babyasleepincarrier my son asleep in the carrier after being breastfed | www.sahmplus.com #### babybgerbercerealcollage Shopping for GERBER CEREAL at Walmart with my last baby #### babydust make your own baby dust for a getting pregnant party #### babyfoodjarpumpkincraft2 Getting ready for Fall and Halloween means pumpkin crafts! Check out this easy DIY mini pumpkin jar craft using old baby food jars. Your kids will delight in helping create these baby food jar pumpkins. © www.sahmplus.com #### BABYGIFTTEACHERmaternityleave This is an adorable newborn baby bodysuit and bib, perfect as a baby gift for teacher going on maternity leave or to give at a teacher's baby shower. #### babyinaboba baby items I couldn't live without | baby in a Boba 4G | www.sahmplus.com #### babylateoverdue 4 secrets about your overdue pregnancy and tips for distracting yourself when baby is late. #### BABYMYTHS Baby myths debunked for new parents | Dispelling Baby Myths for First Time Moms | guest post for www.sahmplus.com #### babynameswsimg Baby animal names word search img #### babynameswssubscribe hey, baby! baby animal names word search with email subscription www.sahmplus.com #### babynapoutside. URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/why-babies-need-naps/babynapoutside/ #### babyrocknplay My daughter yawning in her rock 'n play sleeper. It was a god send for the first few months of her life #### BABYSDUEDATE Dear mom to be - induction isn't always the answer to going past baby's due date. #### babyshowersubscribebox Best subscription boxes for baby showers - gift any of these subscription boxes to an expectant mama in addition to something off her baby registry. She'll be really grateful! | www.sahmplus.com #### babysitter nanny URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/please-dont-give-me-a-push-present-unless/babysitter-nanny/ #### babysleepincrib Newborn asleep in crib on tummy #### babysleeping Baby sleeping on tummy on a blanket #### babysolidsgerberlg More easy transition to baby solids with Gerber 3rd Foods Lil' Bits #### babytummytime my son having tummy time on my bed #### BABYWEARING Babywearing wasn't the cause of a high-needs baby. Babywearing was the answer to dealing with a high need baby and born mama's boy. | www.sahmplus.com #### babywearing mom and baby Babywearing mom and baby outside, kiss on forehead #### babywearing result of mama's boy URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/babywearing-did-not-create-mamas-boy/babywearing/ #### babywithhighlightshellomaga Non toy gift ideas for baby or toddler - Highlights Hello Magazine. Visit www.sahmplus.com for more non toy gift ideas #### back-to-school-supplies 3 super simple tips for saving money on back to school supplies this year | www.sahmplus.com #### backofduckcrackers Non-gmo snack - Brandless organic cheese duck crackers #### backyard activities for toddlers These backyard activities are guaranteed to make your toddler happy! #### Backyard Storage Sweepstakes Step2 and Ready Shed Backyard Storage Sweepstages image #### backyard-swing-sets-all-budgets List of amazing back yard swing sets for all budgets. From small metal swing sets to big wooden play sets for a big back yard. #### bad habits to avoid in self care practice URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/bad-self-care-habits-to-avoid/bad-habits-to-avoid-in-self-care-practice/ #### Bag leather bag | gifts guys actually want | guest post www.sahmplus.com #### bakehobbysahm Baking and other hobbies for stay at home moms to make money in their spare time | www.sahmplus.com #### bandwplacesetting Black plate with white bowl on a white tablecloth for dining room inspiration #### barcelonastats A snapshot of tourist information to help determine best time to visit Barcelona #### baskingsnaketoccoafalls Snake basking on a rock at Toccoa Falls, Georgia #### batchristmas the meaning of christmas changed since I had kids | son opening gift | www.sahmplus.com #### bdiningoutwithgogrow Dining out with Go & Grow by Similac pouches #Go&GrowatWalmart #ad | www.sahmplus.com #### be a star of your own coloring page The Crayola Experience be a star of your own coloring page The Crayola Experience #### beachbagpacked Looking for packing tips for Discovery Cove with little kids? This is part of our Discovery Cove essentials for small children #### beat or whisk eggs with fork beat or whisk eggs with fork #### beat school morning rush tips for beating the school morning rush #### beat-school-morning-rush Dreading the school morning rush? Use these tips to eliminate some of the morning rush #### beautyquote positive parenting tip 1 - Teach your children beauty isn't just their physical appearance #### bedmadeup Making a bed is a great chore for a 6 or 7 year old #### bedtime-books-toddler best toddler bedtime books | www.sahmplus.com #### bedtime-struggles-PIN End bedtime struggles with your kids. New routine, new bedtime habits, happy parents, happy kids #### Before you have your baby: 8 things to do while you're still pregnant Before you have your baby: 8 things to do while you're still pregnant #### before-first-haircut Before my son's first haircut - he had long hair and was often mistaken for a girl #### before-underground-tour About to start the underground mine tour at Consolidated Gold Mine with our family Gold Fever Package #### begin gold tour The start of our gold tour with the Gold Fever Package at the Gold Museum | www.sahmplus.com #### being a stay at home mom is a job Why I'll never be convinced being a stay at home mom isn't a job ... because it's not all fun and games, even if I DID ask for it #### being-a-mom-lg-pin-image The one thing your husband wants you to know about being a mom. #### being-a-stay-at-home-mom-finance Being a stay at home mom is my financial contribution to our family. #### being-induced-could-be-negative Why being induced would have been bad for my natural birth plan #### belaBAND-2 Check out the Bela Band from Dona Bela Shreds for the 2018 Mother's Day Gift Guide #### belaSHRED-ivy I'm wearing the belaSHRED by Dona Bela Shreds. It functions as an accessories and pulls double duty as a headband #### belly band under clothes URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/review-belly-support-bands-for-active-moms-bellybandsforactivemoms/belly-band-under-clothes/ #### belly suport active mom URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/review-belly-support-bands-for-active-moms-bellybandsforactivemoms/belly-suport-active-mom/ #### belly support band Maternity and belly support bands for active moms. Review of The Motherload belly support band from Body After Baby. www.sahmplus.com #### benefits of breastfeeding for baby 12 cool reasons to breastfeed your baby #### benefits of natural childbirth URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/giving-birth-naturally/image-1/ #### benefits of visiting the library with a toddler 10 benefits of visiting the library with a toddler - do you make it a habit to take your little ones to the library? | www.sahmplus.com #### benefits-of-babywearing-pin Benefits of babywearing for mom and baby - is it safe? how long can I babywear? and more ... #### benefits-of-reading-for-kids 7 Benefits of reading for children. Stress relief is just one reward of reading for kids. Why do children need books? #### benefits-of-reading-with-parent reading with a parent has its benefits! #### benefits-of-risk-taking-for-children-blog-image URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/benefits-of-risk-taking-for-kids/benefits-of-risk-taking-for-children-blog-image/ #### best housekeeping schedule DIY best housekeeping schedule DIY - I'll walk you through it. Because premade schedules really only work for the person who made them. #### best housekeeping schedule for a SAHM Best housekeeping schedule for a SAHM. Get a free printable weekly housekeeping schedule designed for the stay at home mom. An easy, fill in the blank schedule designed to be updated when your schedule changes | www.sahmplus.com #### best-reward-jars-charts-pin The consequence and reward jar system is the most effective child behavior management system I've found yet. Either make your own reward jar or check out this list of 5 of the best reward jars and charts to accompany the consequence jar. Round out the consequences with rewards for good behavior. | www.sahmplus.com #### bestkidsvideocameras2018 Want to gift your kids a cool video camera? I believe these are the 3 best kids video cameras 2018 #### bestnaturaldeodorant Finding the best natural deodorant wasn't easy! Here's the crazy year I spent switching to aluminum free deodorant and what I found to work ... finally | www.sahmplus.com #### bestresultsconsequencejar When working on getting better behavior out of your children, I suggest a consequence and reward jar system. These are tips for getting the best results when using a consequence jar. Teaching your child that there are consequences for their actions is a necessary evil in the world of parenting. www.sahmplus.com #### better behavior with consequence and reward jar system The benefits of the consequence and reward jar system wasn't limited to my child's better behavior. I learned something as a parent, too. #### better-with-cons-reward-jar URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/what-i-learned-consequence-reward-jar-system/better-with-cons-reward-jar/ #### betterdeodorant URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/earth-mama-organics-deodorants/betterdeodorant/ #### bfinpublicanxiety How to breastfeed in public with less anxiety. Tips from a mom who learned to breastfeed in public and no one really knew it. | www.sahmplus.com #### Bialetti-Holiday-2017-Givea Bialetti Pasta Pot and Coffee Grinder Giveaway | www.sahmplus.com #### big diaper bag baby must haves for new moms - a really big diaper bag #### birth-in-the-tub Childbirth without an epidural - dull pressure in the tub #### bishop score calculator free printable bishop score calculator #### bishop score calculator img Image of a bishop score calculator to determine if you should be induced #### bishop-score-calc-preview Bishop score calculator preview #### BISHOP-SCORE-CALCULATOR What you need to know about a Bishop score calculator and why it's important before scheduling an induction. #### blackout curtain baby to sleep URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-get-baby-to-sleep/blackout-curtain/ #### blanket-fort things to do instead of watch tv - have kids build a blanket fort #### bloggers everywhere coschedule help URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-coschedule-helps-bloggers-be-everywhere/bloggers-everywhere-coschedule-help/ #### blogging help boost blog performance Do you need some blogging help? I've got tips to help you boost your blog's performance and learn how to blog better! #### blogging tips for beginners 10 tips for starting a blog #### bloghobbysahm Blogging and graphic design hobbies for stay at home moms to make money | www.sahmplus.com #### bloop-bloop-goes-the-poop Bloop Bloop goes the poop - the children's potty training ebook that started my toddler's poop jokes #### blowing-bubbles Over 70 kids summer bucket list activities including blowing bubbles #### boil chicken broth URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/chicken-and-yellow-rice-recipe/boil-chicken-broth/ #### boil chicken broth homemade chicken broth coming to boil for chicken and yellow rice dinner #### Book Review "The Fir Tree" by Hans Christian Andersen Book Review "The Fir Tree" by Hans Christian Andersen #### Book Review "The Fir Tree" by Hans Christian Andersen URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/book-review-the-fir-tree-by-hans-christian-andersen/book-review-of-2/ #### book-giveaway-1 The Great Book Giveaway ends Nov 18, 2016 #### book-review-The-Fifth-Petal Book Review of The Fifth Petal by Brunonia Barry. Spellbinding thriller with paranormal themes #### bookinhonda Finally took some time to finish a book! I stole a few minutes to myself to read, including some time I was waiting in car line at school pickup #### bookrooboardbooks A BookRoo Board Book Subscription Box makes a wonderful gift idea for a 3 year old #### bookroochaperbooks Lifestyle image of Bookroo chapter book subscription box #### Books books | gifts guys actually want | guest post www.sahmplus.com #### books about a new sibling Is your child having trouble with the idea of being a big brother or sister? These are the best books about a new sibling to help them cope. #### books-about-kindergarten Does your child struggle with big emotions or anxiety about starting kindergarten? Help them deal with going back to school and start kindergarten with these books about kindergarten. These are the top books about kindergarten. | www.sahmplus.com #### books-by-anna-pomaska Activity and coloring books are awesome gift ideas. Plus, they're perfect for travel or fun summer break busy work! Check out the 9 best books by Anna Pomaska to keep kids busy www.sahmplus.com #### books-child-behavior Why won't my child listen or do as he's told? These 7 books may help with your child's behavior as you learn to discipline effectively. Understand your child's behavior before tackling it! via www.sahmplus.com #### books-kindergarten The best books about kindergarten to read aloud to your child to help him know what to expect with this transition #### books-love-languages Mother's Day gift guide 2018 - a good book #### boringwall turning a boring dining room into something less drab #### boudreauxkitflatlay Boudreaux's Rash Kicking Kit is my trusty, go-to diaper rash remedy. #### bouncingbotsbox how we're working on basic math and motor skills with our 6 year old - sponsored post for Bouncing Bots game by RoosterFin | www.sahmplus.com #### bouncingbotsfall These bouncing bots were difficult to get to land flat - so much for scoring. Bouncing Bots by Rooster Fin game review | www.sahmplus.com #### bouncingbotspieces Bouncing Bots game by Rooster Fin; Pieces include instructions, 2 targets, 8 bouncing bots - providing family motor skills challenge | www.sahmplus.com #### bouncingbotsupright Bouncing Bots finally upright! Bouncing Bots by RoosterFin Game review | www.sahmplus.com #### box Luvs with night lock plus Box of Luvs with new Night Lock Plus save money necessities for baby #### box of Luvs diapers April May 2017 Luvs coupons box of Luvs diapers April May 2017 Luvs coupons #### boywithmap volunteer with children - get kids involved in volunteering while on travel #### brandless-kit I was provided this kit from Brandless in a collaborative post from MomsMeet - this is my healthier products kit that's budget-friendly #### brandlesscheeseduckcrackers The family really enjoyed the Brandless organic cheese duck crackers, which made a healthier non-gmo snack alternative to a similarly priced national brand that's not as healthy #### breakfastchicfila Mom and daughter selfie at ChickFilA Breakfast #### breakfastdiscoverycove Breakfast at Discovery Cove - day with the kids #### breakfastmenuqueue A few of my breakfast choices from PlateJoy #### breakfastrollup PlateJoy Review - 1 breakfast of ham spinach egg roll-ups #### breastfeed a baby A breastfeeding baby - pin image for How to breastfeed a baby - a collection of the most helpful advice from moms who want you to succeed at breastfeeding your newborn and beyond | www.sahmplus.com #### breastfeed-a-baby-tips Breastfeeding tips from moms who have been there and done that #### breastfeedincarrier Why I learned to breastfeed in a carrier. One event made me want to learn to breastfeed in a carrier | www.sahmplus.com #### breastfeeding benefits of breastfeeding for baby #### breastfeeding comfort fall nursing top Juliette nursing top for breastfeeding comfort in Fall #### breastfeeding products Natural and organic guide for breastfeeding essentials #### breastfeeding success guilt lg img URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-my-breastfeeding-success-makes-me-feel-guilty/breastfeedingguilt/ #### breastfeeding top Juliette URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/breastfeeding-comfort-fall-giveaway/img_6590/ #### breastfeeding-experience Tips for having a more successful breastfeeding experience, or reasons I think my second breastfeeding journey was better | www.sahmplus.com #### breastfeeding-mother a breastfeeding mother #### breastfeeding-tips After failing with my first, I found myself surprised at the easy breastfeeding experience I had the second time around. I share what I did differently to breastfeed my second baby and how it may help you. #### breastfeedinpublic How to breastfeed in public more confidently and comfortably. Tips to overcome uneasy feelings about breastfeeding your baby publicly | www.sahmplus.com #### britax-frontier Britex Frontier ClickTight Harnessed Booster Seat Giveaway #### bts-supply-list Planning ahead and knowing what we need is essential in helping me save money on back to school essentials. This is our back to school supply list | www.sahmplus.com #### buddy and ivy rally racing unique self care (1) URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/personalize-your-self-care/buddy-and-ivy-rally-racing-unique-self-care-1/ #### buddynivy2016 Marriage strengthening tips from a couple who things they have it figured out #### budgetdiningroom Decorating a boring dining room on a budget when you're getting ready for a family gathering at your home. #### Build Housekeeping Schedule Month Calendar Building the perfect housekeeping schedule starts with a simple single month calendar. #### Build Housekeeping Schedule Trash Day Start building housekeeping schedule with absolutes FIRST. Create around things that have specific days that need to be done, like trash day. #### bundle of joy giveaway Stuff for your bundle of joy. Giveaway dates 8/17/16 to 8/30/16 #### BundleOfJoyGiveaway Bundle of Joy Giveaway ends 4/15/18. Enter for a chance to win a big prize pack of goodies for your new baby . www.sahmplus.com #### bunintheoventtcparty getting pregnant party idea bun in the oven #### bunn my cafe single cup coffee brewer I'm writing additions to this post 2 years after switching to the Bunn My Cafe. I'm still loving my coffee brewer #### burned-out-working-mom URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/working-mom-guilt-real/burned-out-working-mom/ #### busy-imagining-sex URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15440 #### busymomstowaway Busy mom on the go? You're going to love Stowaway Cosmetics! #### butterfly-garden plants in a pot for a mini butterfly garden #### buy-weekly-groceries There are plenty of benefits to weekly grocery shopping trips. If you're meal planning and looking to save time, here's how to have a successful weekly grocery shopping trip #### bwithepicbooks Toddler sitting still for an age-appropriate book on Epic! for kids | www.sahmplus.com #### cabanadiscoverycove Private cabana rental at Discovery Cove Orlando with young kids #### cakecapitalgrille chocolate cake on rectangle plate that says Happy Anniversary #### cakematernitybrabook select the perfect fitting bra with the Cake Maternity Bra Book #### cakematernitypackaging Exterior packaging of the Cake Maternity nursing bra and brief set received in the mail. #### cakereviewcoverimg Cake Maternity Nursing Bra and Brief review cover image | sahmplus.com #### calculator-and-travel-insurance Get travel insurance, especially when planning overseas and expensive trips #### can i ask to be induced (1) pregnant woman researching can i ask to be induced #### can you make money blogging Can you actually make money blogging? Yes, and I know just the person to help! #### can-i-feel-you URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15439 #### candess Candess from Make Food Safe in a guest post on teaching food safety to kids #### candlegiftselfcaremom A candle or spa - 10 Holiday Gifts That Promote Self Care for Moms. A guest post for www.sahmplus.com #### capitalgrillephoto Our anniversary photo at The Capital Grille #### cars-on-ice Cars Disney on Ice #### carters-promo-code-Dealspot Carters promo code example on Dealspotr #### carters-validate-coupon How to validate a coupon and earn points on Dealspotr - make money with coupons #### cash back at jet.com with ibotta cash back at jet.com with ibotta #### caughtlizard How I catch a lizard in the house without touching it #### cause-of-hypothryoid Common and rare causes of hypothyroidism? | Finding out what causes hypothyroidism is an important step in receiving proper treatment of your thyroid | www.sahmplus.com #### cbdoilwithvitamins URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/medterra-cbd-oil/cbdoilwithvitamins/ #### celebrate and respect each others differences When we celebrate and respect each others differences, we can potentially end mommy wars. #### celebrateamericanheartmonth Your heart health matters. Instead of focusing on Valentine's Day, learn ways to take better care of yourself and celebrate American Heart Month #### change-your-parenting-style URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-change-your-parenting-style/change-your-parenting-style/ #### chatgpt-at-capacity URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-mother/chatgpt-at-capacity/ #### chatgpt-good-mom URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-mother/chatgpt-good-mom/ #### chatgpt-joys-of-motherhood URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-mother/chatgpt-joys-of-motherhood/ #### chatgpt-safe-and-supportive-environment URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-mother/chatgpt-safe-and-supportive-environment/ #### chatgpt-self-esteem-promotion URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-mother/chatgpt-self-esteem-promotion/ #### chatgpt-what-it-means-to-be-a-mother URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-mother/chatgpt-what-it-means-to-be-a-mother/ #### cheapkeurigalternative 5 of the best cheap keurig alternatives for travel or budget single cup makers #### checklist 8 things to do while pregnant before have your baby Checklist - 8 things to do (or not) while pregnant, before you have your baby. Like this? Share. via sahmplus.com #### chef or cook URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/please-dont-give-me-a-push-present-unless/chef-or-cook/ #### chibebegiveaway Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a Chibebe Snuggle Pod #### Chicco NextFit ix Giveaway Chicco NextFit ix Giveaway ends Oct 8, 2017 www.sahmplus.com #### Chicco-Car-Seat-Safety-Info Chicco car seat safety infographic for Chicco NextFit ix Giveaway | www.sahmplus.com #### chicken bones in slow cooker for chicken broth URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/easy-homemade-crockpot-chicken-broth-recipe/img_2935/ #### chicken-and-yellow-rice URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/chicken-and-yellow-rice-recipe/chicken-and-yellow-rice/ #### chicken-rice-dinner-feat Easy chicken and rice dinners roundup featured image #### chicken-strawberry-salsa Chicken with strawberry salsa from The Dinner Daily on kids plates #### child loves dinosaurs Child hugs dinosaur - pin for Child loves dinosaurs - tons of awesome stuff for kids who love dinosaurs | www.sahmplus.com #### child staring at elmo Let's Imagine Elmo review | child staring at Elmo in box | www.sahmplus.com #### child vitamins child drinking MegaFood vitamins Child drinking MegaFood nutrient booster powders, child vitamins #### Child watching his tablet in the bed. Illuminated child face fro URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/screen-time-affecting-childrens-sleep/child-watching-his-tablet-in-the-bed-illuminated-child-face-fro/ #### child-and-ai URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/tots-talk-and-ai-llms/child-and-ai/ #### child-in-bad-mood Discipline takes some degree of creativity | consequence jar ideas | www.sahmplus.com #### child-lacks-of-tact Are you tired of your child's tact of tact? Raising children to be tactful is an important skill. Though honesty is the best policy, teaching children to care for other's feelings is also important, and some things just don't need to be said. How to raise tactful children. www.sahmplus.com #### child-not-listening Child not listening www.sahmplus.com #### child-says-you-dont-love-them Does your child feel unloved? What to do when your child says you don't love them. #### child1withplatejoymeal My daughter was really happy about her meal from PlateJoy #### child2withplatejoymeal My son trying a new food and saying radish. Loving our PlateJoy menu #### childartgiftideas Art gift ideas for children with artistic interests | www.sahmplus.com #### childartinterest Great gifts for children with artistic interests. If your kid loves art, they'll love these awesome art gift ideas | www.sahmplus.com #### childbirth-without-an-epidural Have you wondered if you could handle the "pain" of natural birth? Read what these moms said about childbirth without an epidural #### childhoodlessonreportimg Childhood Lessons free report for SAHM, plus... subscribers; dropbox download link | www.sahmplus.com #### childhoodlessonsemailsubsim FREE Childhood Lessons report in a parenting resource library for fans of SAHM, plus... | www.sahmplus.com #### childinbathtub 3 year old boy playing in a bubble bath as an indoor activity to keep busy #### childinhardhatglazer Son playing in a hard hat at the construction exhibit at Glazer Children's Museum Tampa #### childmakinglunch One key to packing school lunches your child will actually eat: have them make their own lunches | www.sahmplus.com #### childpaintatCrayola One way to rock motherhood: encourage your child's interests #### childplaywithmightyminds Child playing indoors Mighty Mind for kids #### childreadingnebulasecret National Geographic Kids book The Nebula Secret: Explorer Academy #### children-and-perspective Teaching children how to put things into perspective #### childrens-books-570121_1280 Children's books and toys. Get kids to read over the summer with summer reading programs for kids #### childsettingupavatarepic Epic! for kids - child setting up avatar and colors in Epic! books app for kids | www.sahmplus.com #### childstaringoff When your child says they don't love you #### childwithtablet Screens are here to stay, but raising humans in the digital era doesn't mean they're without limits. #### chipdaletoddler toddler chip and dale disney character greet- disney cruise with a toddler | www.sahmplus.com #### choascoordblackongray Kids and chaos go hand in hand. This chaos coordinator is a great Mother's Day gift idea, sold on Etsy #### Chocolatey-Trail-Mix-Cereal Chocolatey trail mix cereal bars made with O's cereal. These healthy-ish bars are toddler friendly, made without honey. And, it's even fun to get your kids to help you make. These are made gluten free and dairy free. www.sahmplus.com #### choice-of-books-by-theme Epic! for kids - choice of books based on "friendship" theme | www.sahmplus.com #### choose-doctor-thyroid Whether you simply have hypothyroidism or hashimotos disease, choosing the right doctor is essential in seeing results. Check out these tips for choosing the right doctor for thyroid treatment. Your thyroid doctor should be a partner in your health, not just a doctor. www.sahmplus.com #### choose-right-doctor How to choose the right doctor for your thyroid #### choosing-the-perfect-baby-carrier What is the best baby carrier? Mother with baby in a wrap style baby carrier. Tips for Choosing the perfect baby carrier | www.sahmplus.com #### choosingbookonepic Epic! is like the Netflix of kids books. Child choosing a book on the Epic! app | www.sahmplus.com #### chorechartheaders URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/dry-erase-toddler-chore-chart/chorechartheaders/ #### chorechartimgsearch URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/dry-erase-toddler-chore-chart/chorechartimgsearch/ #### chores-for-your-toddler Recommended chores for your toddler and how to make the best of the imperfections #### chores6and7yearolds These are some of the chores for 6 and 7 year olds my kids do, and a few more I know they're capable of. #### christine-children-travel-b URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/christines-travel-blogging-mom-hobby/christine-children-travel-b/ #### Christmas spirit and stress holiday roundup Getting into the Christmas spirit and dealing with holiday stress. A big holiday roundup via sahmplus.com #### christmas-tree-2015 our pre-lit fake Christmas tree in 2015 - sans my favorite holiday scent | www.sahmplus.com #### Cicis Picnic fun giveaway Cicis picnic fun giveaway summer 2017 ends July 30 2017 #### cinco-de-mayo-recipes-(1) 30 Recipes to make your Cinco de Mayo Party Rock! #### cleanfloorsdyson Cleaning my tile bathroom floor with a Dyson Stick Vac before hand mopping with vinegar and water #### cleanfloorsteammop Cleaning tile floor with my bissell steam mop #### cleaning jars with goo gone URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/easy-baby-food-jar-pumpkin-craft/cleaning-with-goo-gone/ #### cleaning supplies URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/housekeeping-schedule-for-new-moms/img_2287/ #### cleaning tile floors with vinegar and water How to clean bathroom floor with vinegar #### cleaning-a-corner Busy mom's holiday cleaning tips. Move and organize to make room for more holiday gifts - clean behind items that have been in the room a long time #### cleaning-kitchen Vacuum set in a clean kitchen. Image for best housekeeping schedule for a SAHM and free printable cleaning schedule for stay at home moms | www.sahmplus.com #### cleanschedemailsubimage subscribe image for printable cleaning schedule | www.sahmplus.com #### cleantilevinegar Cleaning ceramic tile with vinegar in the bathroom #### clickworthyheadlines It's important to get click-worthy headlines. Writing headlines for the blog posts you spent hours on can be daunting. And how do you make an irresistible headline that makes people want to read your blog? I can help | www.sahmplus.com #### closeuphamcheese Cute and easy toddler snack idea - ham and cheese shapes on crackers #### clothdiapers URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/save-on-baby-stuff/clothdiapers/ #### clothes-nice-on-bedroom-floor URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15438 #### clothespin rudolph craft easy clothespin rudolph craft for kids #### cocoa-and-marshmallows URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15437 #### cocoa-and-marshmallows-1 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15448 #### coconut-curry-lunch splendid spoon coconut curry lunch bowl #### codebreaking Code Breaking on Explorer Academy #### Cologne cologne | gifts guys actually want | guest post www.sahmplus.com #### colorbooksandpencils Coloring books and good colored pencils make great gift ideas for Mother's Day #### coloring dino lingo coloring book URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/dino-lingo-review-childrens-language-learning/coloring-dino-lingo-coloring-book/ #### coloring gold museum The kids coloring at the gold museum on our gold tour with the Gold Fever Package in Dahlonega, GA www.sahmplus.com #### common-bad-parenting-advice-1 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/bad-parenting-advice-not-to-follow/common-bad-parenting-advice-1/ #### common-sleep-regressions-ages-chart URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/sleep-regression-ages/common-sleep-regressions-ages-chart/ #### complete baby food jar pumpkin craft DIY mini pumpkin jar craft for Halloween/ Fall decorating; complete baby food jar pumpkin craft © www.sahmplus.com #### complete halloween pumpkin felt activity Completed Halloween pumpkin felt activity ready for your kids and felt board #### conquer-family-schedule-lau Time management tips and tricks for parents. A guide created by a SAHM for mastering the family schedule #### cons reward follow up I wouldn't have guessed what MY take away would be from the consequence and reward jar system #### consequence jar parents disciplining kids - pin for Consequence jar best practices for dealing with misbehavior. How to effectively and easily discipline your kids without yelling or spanking | www.sahmplus.com #### consequence jar slips Consquence jar ideas. Slips for your consequence jar #### consequence jar slips Consequence jar slips. Ideas for consequence jars. #### consequence-jar-better-resu Are you ready to implement a consequence jar? Check out these 6 tips to make sure you get the best results in improving your child's behavior. #### consequence-jar-ideas Consequence jar ideas for starting a child's consequence jar in a step toward better behavior | free printable consequence jar ideas | www.sahmplus.com #### consequence-jar-ideas-img Consequence jar ideas printable image | email signup for free printable consequence jar slips | www.sahmplus.com #### conservative-books-for-kids-1 The best conservative books for kids. #### conservative-search-definition URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/conservative-childrens-books/conservative-search-definition/ #### consrewardjarBIG URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/improve-behavior/consrewardjarbig/ #### constructionutensils construction utensil stocking stuffer ideas for toddlers #### Contest-Collage Giveaway winner receives Step 2 All Around Easel, My First Advent Calendar, and $50 Costco Cash #### conversation-being-recorded URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15918 #### Copy-of-typesofdisastersstep1 Your family's disaster preparedness 1st step and free printable emergency prepping kit with kids in mind. #### cornstarch-boiling-water Mixing cornstarch with boiling water for toddler squishy bag #### cornstarch-mix-gel The cornstarch mixture is more like gel at this point #### cornstarch-squishy-bag Cornstarch for toddler squishy bag #### coronavirus-outbreak-PIN Social distancing and closures can feel isolating during the coronavirus outbreak. These tips will help make your stay at home with kids more bearable as the world deals with the coronavirus pandemic. #### coschedule content calendar URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-coschedule-helps-bloggers-be-everywhere/coschedule-content-calendar/ #### coschedule-blogger-everywhe URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-coschedule-helps-bloggers-be-everywhere/coschedule-blogger-everywhe/ #### Costco-Easel-Sale URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=14615 #### couple-date-night-in couple date night in to create healthier marriage after baby #### crayons Ecofriendly toddler crayons in Ecocentric Mom Subscription Box #### crazy-mom-life As a modern day stay at home mom, I struggle to find balance between parenting, marriage, work, and self-care. Ultimate Homemaking Bundle is made to help all moms through this crazy mom life. #### crisson-tractor-tour Tractor tour at the Crisson Mine #### critical-race-theory-text-from-edweek URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-raise-a-conservative-child/critical-race-theory-text-from-edweek/ #### crochethobbysahm crochet and crafting hobbies for stay at home moms to make money at home | www.sahmplus.com #### crock pot chicken broth A ridiculously easy homemade crock pot chicken broth recipe. Perfect slow cooker recipe after you've cooked a whole chicken. #### cropped-sahmplussquareicon.jpg https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-sahmplussquareicon.jpg #### cropped-stay-at-home-mom-memes-PIN.jpg Funny stay at home mom memes; Hilarious truths about being a stay at home mom; Stay at home mom humor #### cropped-Working-Mom-Guilt.jpg https://www.sahmplus.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-Working-Mom-Guilt.jpg #### cross stitch As one hobby, mom, Jenni, does cross stitch. #### Crying Asian baby URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/what-is-baby-sleep-regression/crying-asian-baby/ #### crying in the middle of the night Kids waking up at night crying? 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I'm testing Himalaya Botanique Complete Care Toothpaste thanks to #MomsMeet #ad This toothpaste is fluoride free, gluten free , and free of other potentially dangerous ingredients like Carrageenan and SLS #### ditchconventionaldeo ditching yucky deodorant in favor of switching to aluminum free deodorant | www.sahmplus.com #### do-parenting-styles-change-when-we-have-more-children URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/do-parenting-styles-change-with-multiple-children/do-parenting-styles-change-when-we-have-more-children/ #### doartsandcrafts Gather some inspiration from around the house and do simple arts and crafts indoors with your 3 year old #### doctor-giving-epidural URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/challenge-epidural-safety-study/doctor-giving-epidural/ #### dolphincruiseflaquarium On the boat for the Dolphin Cruise with The Florida Aquarium #### dont-feel-like-doing-anything-except-you URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15435 #### dont-know-bon-bons URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/stay-at-home-mom-memes/dont-know-bon-bons/ #### dont-take-epidural Reasons you should consider not taking the epidural. 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Earth Mama Organics is a favorite brand | www.sahmplus.com #### earthmamaorgdeobox Box of Earth Mama Organics deodorant 4-pack mini | www.sahmplus.com #### Easel-Collage URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=14614 #### easter-baskets My kids' Easter baskets 2016. Yes, there's candy, but look at the cute non-candy options I put in there! #### easter-crafts-activities 20 adorable Easter Crafts and Activities the kids are sure to love #### easter-egg-decorating 16 unique Easter egg decorating ideas for all ages #### Easter-treats 27 cute Easter treats and snacks. Maybe too cute to want to eat! #### easy chicken and yellow rice recipe Easy chicken and yellow rice recipe - uses leftover chicken, homemade chicken broth and vigo yellow rice in one pot | www.sahmplus.com #### easy crock pot chicken broth After you cook a whole chicken, throw the bones and a few other items in a crock pot to make homemade chicken broth! #### easy literacy activities indoors URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/easy-literacy-games-indoors-rainy-day/easy-literacy-activities-indoors/ #### easy-chicken-and-rice-dinne When you're tired or overworked and take-out isn't an option, check out these 15 easy chicken and rice dinners sure to please your family #### easy-rudolph-clothespin-craft Quicky and easy Rudolph craft for kids | holiday crafts | Christmas Craft | reindeer craft for kids | www.sahmplus.com #### Easy-Rudolph-Craft-Ideas Over 20 easy Rudolph crafts for just about everyone in the family to choose from and make. These Christmas reindeer crafts aren't just for the kids! | www.sahmplus.com #### easytoddlersnacks Fun and easy toddler snacks moms and little ones will love #### eat-healthy-to-get-preg Get or stay healthy to get pregnant naturally | www.sahmplus.com #### eatthismuchgainweight Eat This Much meal planning website calorie calculator showing my weight gain goal #### echo the mad mommy Guest post author Echo from The Mad Mommy #### ecocentric mom subscription box Why the Ecocentric mom subscription is the perfect gift for an expectant mom and her bump or a mom with a new or older baby | www.sahmplus.com #### ecocentric-mom-box My Ecocentric Mom Subscription Box - customized for mom and toddler with ecofriendly products #### ecocentric-mom-subscription-box Ecocentric Mom Box - subscription box for mom and her bump or baby's well-being | www.sahmplus.com #### ecocentric-pamper Pampering items in my Ecocentric Mom Subscription Box | www.sahmplus.com #### educating with dino lingo URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/dino-lingo-review-childrens-language-learning/educating-with-dino-lingo/ #### educational workbooks with tear out sheets educational workbooks with tear out sheets #### educational-dry-erase-activity-book DIY educational dry erase activity book for kids #### effective-consequence-jar Tips for implementing and using a consequence jar for discipline. And, I have some freebies for you #### elective-induction The decision to induce labor shouldn't be made lightly. 7 things to think about before deciding if you should be induced #### electricity Daddy's teaching his daughter about electricity in the house building exhibit at Glazer Children's Museum Tampa #### elf-on-shelf-failed-parenting Is the Elf on the Shelf making you fail parenting? #### elfonshelffail Elf on the shelf is an epic parenting fail. How elf on the shelf reminds me I suck at parenting | www.sahmplus.com #### ellieexplorertoddlerPIN Toddler and mom sit on couch with remote - a pinterest image - 4 reasons Ellie Explorer is the perfect toddler show | www.sahmplus.com #### elliefunnyllamasong toddler watching Ellie Explorer sing about llamas | sponsored content written on sahmplus.com for WildBrain #### embracing your postpartum body URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/postpartum-body-positivity-new-moms/embracing-your-postpartum-body/ #### emergency-supplies Consider the emergency supplies you'll need as you discuss an emergency preparedness plan for your family #### enbloc-explant-surgery-pin Enbloc explant surgery! My breast implant illness explant story; 1 week of gratitude #### entersweepstakes Oh cool! Enter to win a fun trip on the Explorer Academy website #### entitlement mentality I don't think most of us go into parenting believing we, or our children, are entitled to anything in this world. But, it's a entitlement mentality is natural for kids and it's something we should work to curb. 5 tips for doing so. #### entrepreneurship-for-kids teen starting a business on her computer - teaching kids about entrepreneurship #### epicforkids Is Epic! for kids really that epic? Touted as the Netflix of childrens' books, is it really worth it? | www.sahmplus.com #### epicsetupprofile Creating a profile in Epic! books for kids | www.sahmplus.com #### epidural during labor (1) woman in labor - should you take the epidural during labor? Here's what you need to know, first #### Epidural-or-Natural Epidural or natural? Your birth plan is going to be one of the top questions you get when you're pregnant. It's also going to be the forefront of your mind as you try to decide how you want to give birth. | www.sahmplus.com #### epidural-shaming So, you're feeling guilty about getting the epidural during labor? Childbirth didn't go as planned and now you're feeling like a victim of epidural shaming. Why you may not actually be the victim of epidural shaming, rather the victim of doubt created by a society who wants you to take the epidural. | www.sahmplus.com #### epiduralornaturalbirth Epidural or natural birth? One question you'll be asked a lot, and asking yourself too www.sahmplus.com #### epiduralshamingtruths Truths about epidural shaming you need to know - from a natural birth mama of two. Birth is an emotional event in a woman's life, but you may not have been a victim of epidural shaming. A natural birth mom's views on the subject | www.sahmplus.com #### Eric-Carle-ride-on For the Little Ones Holiday Giveaway Eric Carle Ride On #### escape-labor-induction-past-baby-due-date how I escaped labor induction 13 days past baby's due date. The surprising story may have you rethinking your maternity care and questioning whether or not being induced is a good idea, just because baby is late. www.sahmplus.com #### etsybanner (1) URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/etsybanner-1/ #### European extra virgin olive oil Why and how to choose European extra virgin olive oil. Plus an easy sauteed veggie side dish recipe | www.sahmplus.com #### evoo bottle closeup evoo bottle closeup | www.sahmplus.com #### EVOOflavoryourlife EVOO flavor your life campaign #### exceed blog traffic goals img Using social media to increase blog traffic stats, plus a Tailwind Mommy Bloggers Tribe invitation. #### exceed-blog-traffic-goals How I exceeded blog traffic goals for 2017 at the end of 2016. Piinterest was my biggest change! #### excitednewporscheowners excited parents Porsche Cayenne Turbo before trading back to Honda Odyssey | www.sahmplus.com #### fakesnowandgirl Took my daughter to St. Johns Town Center for the holiday event on our failed mommy daughter date #### Family emergency prep kit Family disaster preparedness workbook #### family riding dumbo URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/magic-kingdom-infant-friendly-theme-park/img_2206/ #### family-bonding URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/fun-simple-ways-laugh-family/family-bonding/ #### family-dinner-together Family enjoying a meal together at the table. #### family-meal-planning-tips Busy schedules don't discriminate. I share 8 tips to help you meal plan for your family. #### family-on-sidewalk Parents share responsibility in disciplining their children. Second comes extended family - grandparents, aunts and uncles can help reinforce rules and expectations #### family-playing-board-games playing board games as a family is a great indoor activity while stuck at home with kids #### family-schedule-organized Two simple ways to best organize your family schedule. Sharing a family calendar and visual family schedule board. #### familycouchtv give yourself permission to rest, relax, and veg out on summer rainy days #### familyemergencyprep 3 things to consider at the start of making an emergency preparedness plan for your family. Disaster prep for families; emergency preparedness for families #### familyschedulepin Planner on wooden background. How to effectively organize your family schedule and keep everyone up to date | www.sahmplus.com #### familysetup The Dinner Daily, family setup and select location #### father-kissing-baby-1 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/fathers-are-important/father-kissing-baby-1/ #### father-playing-with-kids-sunset-1 father playing with kids in sunset #### father-teaching-kid-to-read father teaching daughter to read #### fathers-are-important father kissing baby #### fathers-day-gift-ideas daughter giving dad a gift - personalized father's day gift ideas on Etsy #### favearthmamadeo My favorite Earth Mama Organics deodorant - Bright Citrus | www.sahmplus.com #### favoriteholidayscent Let's take a trip down memory lane ... what is your favorite holiday scent? Why? | www.sahmplus.com #### feeling-like-a-failure-mom-wife URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/tired-of-being-a-mom-and-wife/feeling-like-a-failure-mom-wife/ #### felt watermelon seed counting activity Teach preschoolers to count with this felt watermelon seed counting activity. You could also discuss math concepts like half and whole. #### felt-pumpkin-activity-lg-im Get crafting with this easy DIY felt pumpkin activity to keep your kids entertained for Halloween. #### felt-watermelon-activity What toddler or preschooler doesn't like felt board activities? This DIY Felt Watermelon Seed Counting Activity will keep your little one busy. | www.sahmplus.com #### feltchristmascrafts More than 25 festive Felt Christmas Crafts and projects for every skill and age to help you turn your home into a Felt Christmas Wonderland. | www.sahmplus.com #### feltwatermelons felt watermelon seed counting activity for preschooler www.sahmplus.com #### feltxmastreeornament Creating ornaments for a toddler felt christmas tree | www.sahmplus.com #### finding wholeness after having kids URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/finding-wholeness-after-having-kids/finding-wholeness-after-having-kids/ #### finding wholeness as a mom URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/finding-wholeness-after-having-kids/finding-wholeness-as-a-mom/ #### finding-joy-in-motherhood URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/finding-joy-in-motherhood/finding-joy-in-motherhood-2/ #### findinglizard The kids are outside getting fresh air, chasing and catching lizards, having screen-free fun #### fionaSHRED Woman wearing fionaSHRED by Dona Bela Shreds #### fionaSHRED-ivy URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/2018-mothers-day-gift-guide-giveaway/fionashred-ivy/ #### fionaSHRED-ivy I'm trying out the fionaSHRED by Dona Bela Shreds for the 2018 Mother's Day Gift Guide #### first-day-of-preschool-lg-pin-img Emotions I didn't expect on the first day of preschool #### first-haircut-thoughts URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/my-sons-first-haircut-the-day-our-lives-flashed-before-my-eyes/first-haircut-thoughts/ #### firstaquariumseaworld This was the first aquarium the kids saw at SeaWorld Orlando #### firstbaby Ivy with her first baby, natural birth in hospital #### flashlight-reading Make reading more fun - like reading with the flashlight before bed. #### Flipp-Giveaway-Image-Visa Flipp black friday visa gift card giveaway #### flirty-memes-for-him-PIN Sexy, flirty memes for him! Funny, cute, and flirty ways to tell your husband "I want you". Flirty memes for couples #### food-color-cornstarch-mix Add food coloring to make the toddler squishy bad a color of your choice #### food-safety-kids A fun game parents can play with kids to help make teaching food safety fun and interesting. #### foodoverhead food viewed from above while meal prepping | sahmplus.com #### foot-massage-spa-treatment Give mom a day off her feet and time for a relaxing spa treatment #### forget-meal-planning Forget meal planning - save time with Sun Basket organic non-GMO meals delivered to your family | www.sahmplus.com #### foster exploration through books Learn why National Geographic Kids books are more than just about reading facts ... #### foundation Open bottle of Stowaway foundation in hand on counter #### Frame-3.png URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/frame-3-png/ #### free hospital bag checklist preview of free hospital bag checklist #### free school ideas dl img Free printable fun school lunch ideas for back to school season | www.sahmplus.com #### free self care assessment 640x427 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/tired-of-being-a-mom-and-wife/free-self-care-assessment-640x427/ #### fridgefulloffood I believe everything in moderation, but it's always helpful to know why and what foods and beverages to avoid during pregnancy #### friendsatCEC Building healthy friendships - making and keeping friends. Friends taking turns on games at Chuck E Cheese's | www.sahmplus.com #### friendsatlibrary Making and keeping friends - friends playing at the library storytime | www.sahmplus.com #### friendsfrommom2summit2017 New friends at Mom 2.0 Summit 2017 | www.sahmplus.com #### Fun-School-Lunch-Ideas-page Free printable fun school lunch ideas for newsletter subscribers | www.sahmplus.com #### funbitescuteshapes FunBites food cutters for kids - cut shapes with red heart FunBites | www.sahmplus.com #### funbitesfoodcut Close up shapes using the FunBites food cutters for kids | www.sahmplus.com #### funbitessandwich Cutting through a sandwich with the FunBites food cutters | www.sahmplus.com #### funny breastfed infant bodysuits Funny breastfed intant bodysuits for breastfeeding moms with a good sense of humor #### funny wine glasses for moms Because kids ... funny wine glasses for moms #### funny-marriage-memes Find humor in married life with these funny marriage memes #### funny-wine-glasses-moms Dear mom in the thick of it, I know raising kids isn't always fun. "Mommin' is hard" they say. I get it! But, having your liquid therapy at the end of the day doesn't have to be so serious! 6 funny wine glasses for moms! www.sahmplus.com #### funnybone-toys-and-games-spirot-giveaway Check out Parenting Patch's review of Spirot game and enter this giveaway. #### gem-mining-crisson Gem mining at Crisson Mine #### gemminingdinoworld We upgraded the kids to an excavation pass so they could do some gem mining at Dinosaur World #### genitalia-should-get-in-touch URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15433 #### GERBER CEREAL meal prep preparing baby's breakfast with GERBER CEREAL #### GERBER CEREALS at Walmart URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/parenting-my-last-baby-thoughts-before-toddlerhood/img_2693/ #### Gerber Chicken Itty Bitty Noodle baby food URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/time-feed-baby-solids-gerber-lil-bits/img_6446/ #### get-baby-to-sleep-pin Tips from a mom of two 12-hour a night sleepers | How to get baby to sleep | baby sleep tips and tricks | www.sahmplus.com #### get-overtired-baby-to-sleep settling an overtired baby down for sleep #### get-preg-naturally 5 tips on how to get pregnant naturally. Let's talk fertility | www.sahmplus.com #### get-pregnant-naturally 5 tips for handling fertility and how to get pregnant naturally. Whether or not you struggle with fertility, these tips are useful when you're ready to have a baby | www.sahmplus.com #### get-pregnant-party A get pregnant party? Should you really throw a getting pregnant party? Is a preconception party a good idea? | www.sahmplus.com #### GET-RID-OF-FACEBOOK What benefits might you expect when you get rid of Facebook? I found that I became a better parent. I found some mental health benefits after deleting Facebook from my phone! #### get-rid-of-facebook-benefits what benefits will parents see when they get rid of facebook? #### getpregirregperiod2 Worried about infertility? 7 tips for getting pregnant naturally with irregular periods #### gettingbuttpaste Putting Boudreaux's Butt Paste on their Butt Brush for a diaper rash #### gettingpregnantparty Some call it a getting pregnant party others a TTC party.  No matter what, the concept is the same ... you're ready to announce to the world you're hoping to have a baby.  Echo shares this fun post with 5 ideas to help you party right! | www.sahmplus.com #### GF DF crock pot sweet potato casserole GF DF crock pot sweet potato casserole #### gf-french-toast GF french toast available at Caribe Royal breakfast - MommyCon Orlando 2017 momcation | www.sahmplus.com #### GFDFchocotrailmixbar These no-bake chocolatey trail mix cereal bars are amazing! Plus, they're gluten free and dairy free! These make a delicious treat for kids and adults. | www.sahmplus.com #### gift-ideas-for-mom Gift ideas a mom really wants. Get mom a gift she'll appreciate #### giftguidekids 2017 Holiday Gift Guide for Little Kids (3 and over) plus a great giveaway to help you get your Christmas gift list checked off faster | www.sahmplus.com #### giftguidetoddlers 2017 Holiday Gift Guide for Toddlers, plus a giveaway of awesome Christmas gifts for toddlers. | www.sahmplus.com #### gifts-mom-wants Gift ideas a mom will appreciate. Whether it's Mother's Day, Christmas, or Birthdays, give mom a gift she'll love #### giftsfortoddlers2017 Best Christmas gifts for toddlers in 2017. A Holiday gift guide for toddlers and a giveaway of fabulous gifts for toddlers everyone will love | www.sahmplus.com #### giftsguysactuallywant 10 awesome gifts for men | gifts guys actually want | guest post | www.sahmplus.com #### giftsmomsetsy2018 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/awesome-mom-gifts-etsy-2018/giftsmomsetsy2018/ #### giftsselfcaremom 10 Holiday Gifts That Promote Self Care for Moms | A guest post for www.sahmplus.com #### gingerporkspicepotato PlateJoy Review: Dinner ginger glazed pork with spiced potatoes, salad and green beans #### giphy-tumblr Dancing with excitement over 2 Luvs coupons #### girl science ner URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/my-little-girl-science-nerd/img_2125-2/ #### girl tacky box set girl tacky box set #### girl-cleaning-bathroom Why chores are good for kids. Picture of girl cleaning bathroom sink #### girlsintents Two Teepee Joy tents with girls playing #### girlvaccuumhallway I love teaching my kids the value of earning money for taking responsibility. Vacuuming is an easy chore for a 6 or 7 year old #### giveaway_MyCreativeMandalas My creative mandalas moms & kids creative kids giveaway | www.sahmplus.com #### global-business-internet-network-connection-iot-internet-things-business-intelligence-concept-bus.jpg URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/global-business-internet-network-connection-iot-internet-things-business-intelligence-concept-bus-jpg/ #### Gloves leather gloves | gifts guys actually want | guest post www.sahmplus.com #### gluten free dairy free sweet potato casserole crock pot gluten free dairy free sweet potato casserole crock pot #### gluten free dairy free sweet potato casserole recipe gluten free dairy free sweet potato casserole recipe for your slow cooker. A holiday side gluten-eaters will still eat! #### gluten-free-quick-snacks delicious vegan, gluten free quick snacks for on-the-go, at your desk, and for the family #### go-ahead-ask-what-i-do-all-day URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/stay-at-home-mom-memes/go-ahead-ask-what-i-do-all-day/ #### gogrowdrinkshelf One way to handle if your toddler is a picky eater: Go & Grow Toddler Drink by Similac at Walmart | www.sahmplus.com #### gogrowontable On the go healthy nutrition for a picky toddler ... Go & Grow by Similac pouches | www.sahmplus.com #### gogrowoutside On the go nutrition when your toddler is a picky eater thanks to Go & Grow by Similac | www.sahmplus.com #### gogrowpouchonshelf Go & Grow by Similac pouches at Walmart for a picky toddler #### going to preschool books image URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/going-to-preschool/7prekbooks/ #### going-to-preschool Settle anxiety about going to preschool with 7 awesome books about preschool for an uncertain child #### gold-fever-package-kids Taking kids on a gold tour with the Gold Fever Package in Dahlonega, GA. 3 stops include a gold museum and 2 gold mines, gold panning, and gem mining. Half a day family adventure in Dahlonega | www.sahmplus.com sponsored post #### goo gone baby food jar pumpkin craft lg URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/easy-baby-food-jar-pumpkin-craft/goo-gone-pumpkin-craft-lg/ #### good self care assessment URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/resource-library/good-self-care-assessment/ #### good self care assessment URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/good-self-care-assessment-2/ #### good-mom-angelina If you want to know if you are a good mom, just ask your kids #### good-mom-ivy If you care enough to ask, you are a good mom! | sahmplus.com #### good-mom-lisa-loeb You are a good mom if you're not sleep-deprived according to Lisa Loeb #### good-moms-quote URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=11288 #### good-mother-Elder a good mother loves her children delleeply elder m. russell ballard quote #### goodmomquote If you care enough to ask "Am I a Good Mom" you are! via sahmplus.com #### google-home-on-dresser What I loved in May 2017 | Google Home device on dresser | www.sahmplus.com #### google-home-on-dresser1 Why your family needs google home www.sahmplus.com #### gorilla-blanket-on-head Even the animals enjoyed the rare, cool weather in Florida #### graco infant car seat giveaway Come on in and enter the SnugRide SnugLock 35 DLX Infant Car Seat Giveaway by 5/6/18 #### graco snugrider picture You can win this car seat! SnugRide SnugLock 35 DLX Infant Car Seat Giveaway #### graco-hello-baby-1 Graco hello baby banner #### Gracouno2duo lifestyle Family using Graco UNO2DUO stroller #### grand-walk-in-giveaway Step2 Grand Walk-In Wood Kitchen + Accessories Giveaway - a play kitchen is the perfect addition to your child's playroom | www.sahmplus.com #### grandpa-walk Remember, grandparents are important for your kids #### grandparents undermining parents Grandparents undermining parents? What to do when grandparents undermine parents and overstep boundaries . | www.sahmplus.com #### gratefulforyou 8 years of marriage has taught me to be grateful, so I created this printable - perfect for Thanksgiving or sharing your thankfulness every day. Grateful for you 8x10 printable | www.sahmplus.com #### green-kids-dinosaur-kit URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/buy-stuff-child-loves-dinosaurs/green-kids-dinosaur-kit/ #### groceriesoncounter Let Instacart shoppers deliver your groceries to your home #### groceryshopactivitypin Free printable grocery shopping activity for toddler or preschooler. Plus the Play and Learn shopping basket toy review | www.sahmplus.com #### groupon coupons Groupon coupons is an excellent way to save money on back to school essentials for the new school year | www.sahmplus.com #### growing-dinosaurs URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/buy-stuff-child-loves-dinosaurs/growing-dinosaurs/ #### guide-to-setting-up-a-will URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/guide-to-setting-up-a-will/guide-to-setting-up-a-will-2/ #### gym-after-surgery at the gym; healing after surgery #### H5iwgI Special event table setting from Bright Settings #### hall-view-caribe Hall view from the bedroom of a 1 bedroom suite at the Caribe Royale for MommyCon Orlando 2017 | www.sahmplus.com #### haloday1-305-680x453 For the Little Ones Holiday Giveaway Haloday #### hamcheesecrackers easy toddler snack ideas - ham and cheese on crackers #### hamiltonbeach I ultimately decided on the Hamilton Beach Flex brew 2 way coffee maker as one of my Keurig Alternatives this time around. | www.sahmplus.com #### handburned-recipe-board Hand burned family recipe board, heirloom mother's day gift idea on Etsy #### handinbowl toddler hand in bowl of Brandless organic cheese duck crackers non-gmo snack #### handmade embroidered totes URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/personalized-mothers-day-gifts-on-etsy/handmade-embroidered-totes/ #### handmopfloors Hand mopping ceramic tile floors with vinegar and water solution on spongs #### handsonpregnantbelly URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/dental-care-pregnancy-breastfeeding/handsonpregnantbelly/ #### happiness-penis URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15432 #### Happy Interracial Family Playing with Baby URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/signs-sleep-regression/happy-interracial-family-playing-with-baby/ #### happy new year 2017 ubc Wishing you a Happy New Year and participating in the ultimate blog challenge. Ready for 2017? #### happy-hooked-on-phonics learning beginning letter sounds on hooked on phonics #### happydanceaquarium My daughter was doing a happy dance when we entered The Florida Aquarium #### hatchimals-horiz 7 year old girl hatchimals collection #### have-little-partners-kitche We've all put our littles on the counter or set them in chairs to include them in the kitchen. But those are really unsafe choices. Check out one smart way to keep your kids safe while helping in the kitchen. This simple solution will help you to have Little Partners in the Kitchen without the worry that they fall off the counter. Plus, a recipe for toddler friendly cereal bars via www.sahmplus.com #### have-sex-with-me URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15431 #### having-cupcakes Our anniversary day concluded with cupcakes at a local cupcake shop #### Headphones headphones | gifts guys actually want | guest post www.sahmplus.com #### headphonesmusicstress Taking mom mental health time is easy when you plug in headphones. Tune into calming music and tune out the kids to conquer stress quickly | www.sahmplus.com #### heal-after-explant-PIN 3 recovery tips after explant surgery. Natural healing after surgery #### healing-after-surgery Healing after surgery - 3 photos over 5 weeks after explant surgery #### healthy baby skin URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/keep-babys-skin-healthy-happy/healthy-baby-skin/ #### healthy pumpkin spice latte URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/welcome-fall-roundup-2016/healthy-psl/ #### Healthy-and-Non-GMO Feeding your family healthy and non-gmo products on a budget. Brandless is my secret to affordable non-GMO and organic products for our family of four | www.sahmplus.com #### healthyfamilymealsonabudget URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/healthy-family-meals-on-a-budget/healthyfamilymealsonabudget/ #### HEALTHYMARRIAGE Being happily married seems like a mystery because of these myths you may believe about healthy marriage #### healthyonabudget This is one secret that you should share - outfitting a family with healthier, organic, and non-toxic products doesn't have to be expensive. How Brandless helps #### hearthealth Image of hands making a heart shape on blue background. Celebrate American Heart Health Month #### HearthSongGiveaway HearthSong gift card giveaway hosted by Love Mrs Mommy via www.sahmplus.com #### hearty-beef-and-vegetable-soup URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/welcome-fall-roundup-2016/hearty-beef-and-vegetable-soup/ #### help pour ingredients My little partner in the kitchen using The Original Learning Tower as he helps pour ingredients into a bowl #### help-manage-parenting-stres These suggestions will help you manage parenting stress. Don't worry, they're not your typical self-care for moms ideas you find online. | www.sahmplus.com #### helping-cook Here I am with my Little Partner making trail mix cereal bars using The Original Learning Tower from Little Partners #### Hidden-Dangers-in-Your-Childs-Favorite-Apps URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/childs-apps-dangers-privacy-tips/hidden-dangers-in-your-childs-favorite-apps/ #### hidingpregnantwoman URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/baby-is-late-disappointment/hidingpregnantwoman/ #### high-needs-baby-fb The saying "all babies are high needs" really irritates me. There IS a difference #### high-needs-baby-long URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/what-is-high-needs-baby-not-every-baby/high-needs-baby-long/ #### high-needs-baby-pin What is a high-needs baby? High need babies can be labelled with many terms, but not all babies are high needs. I share my experience with two challenging babies #### himalaya-botanique-toothpas Blogger review kit of Himalaya Botanique Complete Care Toothpaste from #MomsMeet #ad www.sahmplus.com #### Himalaya-Botanique-Whitenin After having health issues, I began to swap out conventional products for healthier alternatives. Fluoride-free Himalaya Botanique Complete Care Toothpaste is also gluten free. Review #ad #momsmeet #### hobbies for sahm The day to day activities of a stay at home mom can become mundane. Give yourself something to look forward to with this big list of hobbies for stay at home moms! #### hobbies-for-stay-at-home-moms A big (maybe surprising) list of hobbies for stay at home moms. Ready to make some time for yourself but don't know what you want to do? Get some hobby ideas for moms here | www.sahmplus.com #### hobbiessahmmoney Hobbies for stay at home moms to make money. If you have one of these hobbies, you can earn an income as a SAHM | www.sahmplus.com #### hobbiessahmmoney3 Check out these fabulous hobbies for stay at home moms to make money. A SAHM can stay home, do what she loves, and earn an income! Ways to make money while at home with the kids | www.sahmplus.com #### holiday gift guide for moms It's a Holiday Gift guide filled with awesome gift ideas for mommy. Things she REALLY wants #### holidaycleantips Holiday Cleaning Tips for the busy moms who have no time and too much stuff to organize #### homebirth-feat-img Is homebirth right for you? Why would you choose homebirth? #### homeschool tricks URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/homeschooling-hacks-they-wont-realize/homeschool-tricks/ #### homeschooling hacks URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/homeschooling-hacks-they-wont-realize/homeschooling-hacks/ #### Hospital Bag Checklist What to pack in your hospital bag #### hospital bag img What's in my hospital bag, plus free printable checklist #### hospital-bag-checklist Getting ready to have a baby? What should you pack in your hospital bag? Check out what was in my hospital bag and get your free printable hospital bag checklist via www.sahmplus.com #### HOTELS-VS-AIRBNB I think renting from Airbnb has changed our view of family travel with young kids forever. Why we almost never rent hotel rooms anymore. #### hours-before-enbloc-explant URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/enbloc-explant-post-op-gratitude/hours-before-enbloc-explant/ #### HOUSE RULES URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/resource-library/house-rules-2/ #### HOUSE RULES Customize-able House Rules Printable #### housekeeper URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/please-dont-give-me-a-push-present-unless/housekeeper/ #### housekeeping schedule printable housekeeping schedule for new moms #### housekeeping schedule img URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/housekeeping-schedule-for-new-moms/housekeeping/ #### housekeeping schedule in due app This is my housekeeping schedule as shown in the Due schedule/task app #### housekeeping schedule in due app 2 This is my housekeeping schedule as shown in the Due schedule/task app #### housekeeping-schedules Looking for housekeeping schedule ideas? Check out these 15 amazing cleaning schedules to inspire you to keep a clean house. #### how crayola came to be how crayola came to be #### how much water do women need URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-much-water-should-women-drink-per-day/how-much-water-do-women-need/ #### how to be a better mom URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-be-a-better-mom/how-to-be-a-better-mom/ #### how to be a better mom in 11 ways URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-be-a-better-mom/how-to-be-a-better-mom-in-11-ways/ #### how to build best housekeeping schedule Stop searching the internet for housekeeping schedules that aren't the right fit. This is how you build the best housekeeping schedule YOU customize based on YOUR schedule. #### How To Catch A Lizard In The House No need to call one of the guys ... here's how to catch a lizard in the house without touching it. #### how to deal with a disobedient child (1) Child who doesn't listen. 5 tips on how to deal with a disobedient child. #### how to embrace your postpartum body URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/postpartum-body-positivity-new-moms/how-to-embrace-your-postpartum-body/ #### how to get baby to sleep How to get baby to sleep (maybe even through the night). Baby sleep tips for tired moms | www.sahmplus.com #### how to get baby to sleep through the night how to get baby to sleep through the night. #### how to get pregnant with irregular cycles Irregular periods and trying to conceive naturally doesn't feel possible? Check out 7 tips about how to get pregnant with irregular cycles #### how to have a more positive breastfeeding experience How to Have a More Positive Breastfeeding Experience #### how to keep kids safe outdoors URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/keep-kids-safe-outdoors/how-to-keep-kids-safe-outdoors/ #### how to relax after kids go to bed URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/keeping-your-cool-4-ways-to-relax-after-the-kids-bedtime/how-to-relax-after-kids-go-to-bed/ #### How to Start Organizing Your Home How to start organizing your home for getting organized month or any time of year. Tips on home organization from a busy parent | www.sahmplus.com #### how we got our toddler to eat What do you do when your toddler won't eat? We fed our toddler M&Ms for dinner ... we just wanted our toddler to eat. #### how-can-i-avoid-epidural-during-labor How can I avoid epidural during labor? Check out my favorite tips for birth without epidural! #### HOW-END-MOMMY-WARS Reflect on your perceptions on reactions to others to figure out how to end mommy wars #### How-Screen-Time-is-Ruining-Your-Childs-Sleep URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/screen-time-affecting-childrens-sleep/how-screen-time-is-ruining-your-childs-sleep/ #### how-to-agree-on-parenting-styles-pin URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-agree-on-parenting-styles/how-to-agree-on-parenting-styles-pin/ #### how-to-agree-on-parenting-styles-when-they-clash URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-agree-on-parenting-styles/how-to-agree-on-parenting-styles-when-they-clash/ #### how-to-breastfeed-a-baby How to breastfeed a baby: A collection of helpful articles to help you breastfeed your baby. Breastfeeding tips, tricks, hacks, and experiences from moms #### how-to-change-your-parenting-style URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-change-your-parenting-style/how-to-change-your-parenting-style-2/ #### how-to-choose-a-baby-carrier How to choose a baby carrier! Best tips for happy babywearing. Sling, wrap, soft-structured carrier? I'll help #### how-to-end-mommy-wars How to end mommy wars: Ending mommy wars starts with you and the thoughts in your head. Your assumptions and reactions to opinions can make or break relationships. #### how-to-get-an-overtired-baby-to-sleep Why is my baby fighting sleep? Signs you have an overtired baby and how to get an overtired baby to sleep. #### how-to-preserve-family-history URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-preserve-family-history/how-to-preserve-family-history-2/ #### how-to-raise-a-conservative-child It wasn't always like this, but as I aged and especially after children, I realized I found myself with more politically conservative views. I choose personal responsibility, less government control, etc. These are the things I think help us in the hopes of raising a conservative kid. #### how-to-stop-breastfeeding-pin A mother's guide to when and how to stop breastfeeding! What you need to know about weaning if you think you're ready to stop breastfeeding. #### HOWTO_USA_OTC_v1_small How to use a Stork OTC to increase your chances of getting pregnant naturally. The step before seeking infertility treatments or medical assistance. #### howtoplanatriptoeurope How to plan a trip to Europe; The anniversary vacation of your dreams. How we planned our 10 year anniversary trip #### huband-labor-support Should my husband be my labor support in the delivery room? | Do you think he'll support your wishes? | It can be beneficial or detrimental to your relationship | www.sahmplus.com #### huffingtonpost-good-mom there really is only one answer - you are a good mom according to huffington post #### hugging-zafooz Thanking Zafooz for today's mindfulness practice #### hurricane evacuation packing ideas for kids hurricane evacuation packing ideas for kids from a mom who evacuated with her two kids alone by car. #### hurricane-disaster-family Do you know the disasters likely in your area? knowing is the first step in proper family emergency preparedness #### hurricaneevactokentucky Taking the kids on a hurricane evacuation trip to Kentucky from Florida #### husband-in-delivery Should my husband be my labor support? Are you trying to decide who to include in the delivery room? www.sahmplus.com #### husband-thinks-im-crazy URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15920 #### husband-thinks-im-crazy-1 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15921 #### hypothyroidism-diagnosed How is hypothyroidism diagnosed? Straight facts on the minimum tests you should expect for properly diagnosing hypothyroidism and/or Hashimoto's for treating your thryoid. www.sahmplus.com #### I wish i'd known before i became a mom You aren't likely to hear the terrible truth about motherhood until it's too late. What I wish i'd known before i became a mom #### I-admire-my-husband Reflecting on time my husband was home, I'm reminded of why I admire him. #### i-dont-like-being-a-mom-2 mom holding her head with baby in the background thinking "I Don't Like Being a Mom" #### i-dont-love-you What do you do when your child says "I don't love you"? | mom problems | motherhood | child behavior | www.sahmplus.com #### i-hate-my-postpartum-body URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/i-hate-my-postpartum-body/i-hate-my-postpartum-body-2/ #### i-loved-in-May-2017 What I loved in May 2017 | Family | Tech | Travel | Blog Conference | www.sahmplus.com #### i-need-a-break URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/work-at-home-and-home-school/i-need-a-break/ #### I-See-Me-personalized-books Increased engagement with I See Me! Personalized Children's Books. Plus, a giveaway to win your very own I See Me! Personalized Gift Set #### i-see-me-pirate-tale-gift I See Me Pirate Tale gift set - img © sahmplus.com #### i-want-you URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15430 #### I'm A Toddler Mom Parenting is hard enough without noticing you judging me. I'm a toddler mom ... enough said! #### ideal-body-weight URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15429 #### ideas for anniversary celebration I'm not sure why we believe we have to have extravagant anniversary celebrations. I like these low-key ideas for anniversary celebration #### idle-hands-IG should kids have chores? this quote about idle hands is 1 good reason the answer is YES #### iloveyourwarmbody URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15932 #### iloveyourwarmbody-1 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15933 #### image URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/keeping-your-cool-4-ways-to-relax-after-the-kids-bedtime/image/ #### Image About Ivy from SAHM, plus... Image About Ivy from SAHM, plus... #### IMG_0167 Yummi reusable food pouch review #### IMG_1695 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/summer-return-blogging/img_1695/ #### IMG_1873 getting ready to make foam with baking soda and vinegar #### IMG_2056 improve behavior with consequence and reward jars #### img_3199 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/chicken-and-yellow-rice-recipe/img_3199/ #### img_3204 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/chicken-and-yellow-rice-recipe/img_3204/ #### img_6623 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/halloween-pumpkin-felt-activity/img_6623/ #### IMG_7139 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/self-awareness-insight-tasha-eurich-book-review/img_7139/ #### imperfect but happy mom URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-be-a-better-mom/imperfect-but-happy-mom/ #### importance of consistent bedtime routine for baby URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/importance-baby-bedtime-routine/importance-of-consistent-bedtime-routine-for-baby/ #### importance-of-consistent-bedtime-routine-for-baby-1 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/importance-baby-bedtime-routine/importance-of-consistent-bedtime-routine-for-baby-1/ #### importance-of-parenting-styles URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/importance-of-parenting-styles/importance-of-parenting-styles-2/ #### importance-of-parenting-styles-pin URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/importance-of-parenting-styles/importance-of-parenting-styles-pin/ #### improve behavior Improve your child's behavior with this simple and highly effective system | www.sahmplus.com #### improve fertility Want to improve fertility naturally? These are the first 4 tips you need to follow if you're just starting to think about your fertility and getting pregnant | www.sahmplus.com #### improvebahaviorimg URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/improve-behavior/improvebahaviorimg/ #### in-trailer-crisson-tour Part of the family on the tractor tour at the Crisson Mine #### increase-blog-traffic-Pinte 5 ways to increase blog traffic with Pinterest and Tailwind #### increase-blog-traffic-with- 5 ways to increase blog traffic with Pinterest... but I give you more secrets to rocking Pinterest #### increase-pinterest-traffic Steps to increase pinterest traffic by optimizing blog content and Pinterest descriptions #### indooractivities3yearold Over 30 ways a 3 year old can play indoors #### indoorplaymuseum playing indoors at a museum on a rainy day. #### infantfriendlydisneymk Should you take your baby to Disney's Magic Kingdom? Yes! #### infrontoflemurs We're in front of the lemur exhibit at The Florida Aquarium Tampa #### ingredpreferencesplatejoy Making selections about variety and seasonal items will change the outcome of whether or not PlateJoy will save money for your family #### inkentucky We made it to Kentucky, having traveling from Florida in a hurricane evacuation #### Inner Parents Logo Inner Parents Logo for dispelling myths about babies for first time moms #### insert table URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/dry-erase-toddler-chore-chart/insert-table/ #### Insight_Cover_Art URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/self-awareness-insight-tasha-eurich-book-review/insight_cover_art/ #### insightreviewselfaware "Insight" by Tasha Eurich. Exploring the truths and depths of self-awareness I THOUGHT I understood. #### instacart-coupons view of coupons on Instacart grocery delivery app #### instant DL Mom's Self Care Worksheet URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/downloads/mom-self-care-worksheet-2/instant-dl-moms-self-care-worksheet/ #### instant DL tired mom wife self care planner URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/downloads/self-care-planner-journal/instant-dl-tired-mom-wife-self-care-planner/ #### instavsshiptimg comparing item pricing Instacart vs Shipt #### Instill_ChildrenQuote Building your child's future depends on what you instill in them today - positive parenting tips #### interest-in-entrepreneurship-1 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/cultivate-interest-in-entrepreneurship/interest-in-entrepreneurship-1/ #### introduce-peanut-butter-to-prevent-peanut-allergies URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/early-intro-peanut-allergy-prevention-in-babies/introduce-peanut-butter-to-prevent-peanut-allergies/ #### introvert-mom-extrovert-kid URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/raise-extrovert-when-introvert/introvert-mom-extrovert-kid-2/ #### introvert-raising-extrovert Introverted parenting tips for raising extroverts #### introverted mom parenting is extroverted work, which can be hard on introverted moms #### introvertedmom In this guest post, one mom shares her introverted mom story and how she finds her moments to handle extroverted parenting #### invest make money blogging Ready to make money blogging and rock sponsored posts? There's never a better time than now to invest in yourself and your blog! #### irisawardsmom2summit2017 Iris Awards Mom 2.0 Summit 2017 | www.sahmplus.com #### Is 5 PM Too Early for Baby's Bedtime URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/is-5pm-too-early-for-baby-bedtime/is-5-pm-too-early-for-babys-bedtime/ #### Is 5 PM Too Early for Bedtime URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/is-5pm-too-early-for-baby-bedtime/is-5-pm-too-early-for-bedtime/ #### is-breast-implant-illness-real Is breast implant illness real or is it all in my head? Why I took the leap of faith and had my breast implants removed! #### is-breast-implant-illness-real-PIN URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/is-breast-implant-illness-real/is-breast-implant-illness-real-pin/ #### is-it-time-to-stop-breastfeeding Mother holding baby. Is it time to stop breastfeeding? #### its-all-a-blur URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/stay-at-home-mom-memes/its-all-a-blur/ #### Its-this-simple-hand-4 simple but tasty vegan gluten free quick snacks - love corn snacks #### ivy is a flight risk I had to turn down time out of the house - I deemed myself a flight risk. #### ivy with her big water tracking water bottle URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-much-water-should-women-drink-per-day/ivy-with-her-big-water-tracking-water-bottle/ #### ivy with one of her chickens identity in self care URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/self-care-and-discovering-your-identity/ivy-with-one-of-her-chickens-identity-in-self-care/ #### ivy-belly-8-years-after-last-baby URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/i-hate-my-postpartum-body/ivy-belly-8-years-after-last-baby/ #### ivy-plank made time for exercise while stay at home orders were in place #### ivy-workout being stuck at home was the perfect opportunity to do focused exercises using YouTube! #### ivy175x175 Ivy B is a SAHM blogger at SAHM, plus. You can expect to find parenting, marriage, travel, and review posts. #### ivyafterusingdesertessence Ivy's completed hair-do after using Desert Essence Anti-Breakage Shampoo & Conditioner #### ivyandbuddy How we're handling how love in marriage changes. #### ivyandbuddytogether We keep things exciting in our marriage by taking time for ourselves #### ivyandhubby1 Me and hubby at a restaurant on an adult weekend away from the kids #### ivyandhubby2 Taking a ride in the jeep with my husband, making him a priority #### ivyandhubby3 Putting our marriage first and making it a priority is a big deal! #### ivybabyshelby I was going crazy as a new mom - losing myself. #### ivybuddygunrange Ivy and buddy at the gun range for couple's hobby outing | sahmplus.com #### ivygrowinghairout I knew with growing my hair out, I would have breakage concerns because I'd be exposing my hair to heat styling regularly. #### ivys-babies On the last day of my daughter's winter break, we visited the Jacksonville Zoo #### ivysdailyharvest URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/finding-joy-in-motherhood/ivysdailyharvest/ #### ivyskincare September self love activities and things I did for myrself. #### ivywithdesertessence ivy with a bottle of Desert Essence Anti-Breakage shampoo. Why and how I use it on short hair. #### ivywithstowaway Me after putting on Stowaway Cosmetics #### jasmine Author image of Jasmine from Live Love Laugh Motherhood #### jax-zoo-garden-through-a-ho jacksonville zoo and gardens - looking at a garden and koi pond through a hole #### jenni-little-superheroes Jenni from Raising My Little Superheroes shares her Autism stories and her multiple mom hobbies! #### jerk-chicken-paleo-chef Jerk Chicken from The Paleo Chef Cookbook | www.sahmplus.com #### joypositivepregnancytest URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-get-pregnant-with-irregular-periods/joypositivepregnancytest/ #### JURASSIC-QUEST-pin How I took my dinosaur loving children on a Jurassic Quest in Jacksonville, FL #### jurassic-quest-sahmplus-img Jurassic Quest Jacksonville, FL review from SAHM, plus... #### jurassic-quest-ticket-price Jurassic Quest ticket prices in jacksonville, FL 2017 #### jurassic-quest-toddler-jax Toddler enjoying coloring at Jurassic Quest Jacksonville FL #### keepmarriageexciting Ways to spice up your marriage and it's not all about sex. Tips to keep marriage exciting even after kids | sahmplus.com #marriage #married #love #relationships #couples #sahmplus #### keurig alternatives Coffee cup and coffee grinder keurig alternatives pinterest image | www.sahmplus.com #### Keurigalternativescoffeemak 5 reasons to seek out Keurig Alternatives and 4 top choices in single serve coffee makers. Which did I choose in my recent switch? | www.sahmplus.com #### kid-eating-salt-and-vinegar-love-corn girl eating salt vinegar love corn snacks after school #### kid-friendly meals from PlateJoy How to plan kid-friendly meals from PlateJoy. Children picky eaters? Make meal planning fun and easy by using PlateJoy #### kiddiecrabride Ivy and kids on the Flying Fiddler kiddie crab ride at SeaWorld Orlando | sahmplus.com #### KidGiveaway URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=4316 #### kids books about manners Over 20 books about manners for kids: Toddlers, preschool aged kids, and even teens. Parents can easily teach manners to kids with a great selection of books, including a parent's guide to manners! #### Kids Bundle Giveaway ends 092316 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=1256 #### Kids Powpro Digital Video Camera Giveaway Kids Powpro Digital Video Camera Giveaway This adorable camera is great for ages 3 - 9 years. #### Kids Summer Bucket List-page-001 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/resource-library/kids-summer-bucket-list-page-001/ #### kids unplug for screen-free week How to maintain sanity during screen-free week with the kids. #### kids-app-safety-tips-for-parents-1 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/childs-apps-dangers-privacy-tips/kids-app-safety-tips-for-parents-1/ #### kids-baking-in-kitchen set the kids loose to bake a cake in the kitchen instead of sitting through more television #### kids-chores-in-kitchen Benefits of giving kids chores #### kids-in-mountains Thinking about taking the kids to the mountains? Do you know what to pack for a summer mountain vacation with kids? via www.sahmplus.com #### kids-letter-to-santa-printable-V1-hero-image URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/downloads/kids-letter-to-santa-printable-v1/kids-letter-to-santa-printable-v1-hero-image/ #### kids-messy-room URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/things-to-think-about-while-holiday-cleaning/kids-messy-room/ #### kids-outside-social-distance kids outside social distancing during coronavirus outbreak #### kids-perspective-activity Sometimes children learn best through activity. Teach kids about perspective with this free printable perspective activity for kids | www.sahmplus.com #### kids-playing-at-creek Kids feeding fish at the creek for afternoon activity #### kids-summer-bucket-list-pin More than 70 ideas for things to do this summer with kids. Plus, get a free printable kids summer bucket list #### kids-watching-movie The entertainment system in the 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite was the saving grace taking two kids on an evacuation road trip #### kidsatdiscoverycove Although Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive resort style day, there are still 9 things you need to pack in your bags for a day at Discovery Cove with Kids. #### kidsatseaworld Penguin character meet - kids at SeaWorld Orlando #### kidseattheirfood With FunBites food cutters for kids, I can usually get even the picky toddler to eat his food. Why FunBites is more than just fun food cutting, but a mom sanity saver | www.sahmplus.com #### kidsinfrontofaquarium kids staring at a big fish in a large aquarium #### kidsinfrontofrideseaworld Crowd was so light I got a fantastic shot of the kids in front of Mako ride at SeaWorld Orlando #### kidsmelatonin Kids melatonin to try to help kids sleep better at night and keep them from crying in the middle of the night #### kidsopenbookroo both the kids excited to open their individually wrapped books from BookRoo #### kidsplayonstairs marriage benefits for children. Why marriage is important #### kidspretendshop Kids and dad playing Publix shopping at the Glazer Children's Museum #### kidsshamustadium My kids standing in front of the Shamu Stadium before the show at SeaWorld Orlando #### kidsswinging Swinging in the backyard is a beloved toddler outdoor activity, usually. #### kidstrainrideseaworld Ivy and kids riding the little train at SeaWorld Orlando #### kidswatchwater Young kids watching the lazy river at Discovery Cove #### kidtastic-giveaway Kidtastic Giveaway #### kidwashingfood Teaching kids healthy habits and food safety with a fun game #### kindergarten education ABCmouse Kindergarten education reinforcement can be done easily at home with ABCmouse | www.sahmplus.com #### kindergarten education abcmousecom Reinforcing kindergarten education at home is easy with ABCmouse #### kindergarten-jitters 1st day of Kindergarten anxiety? Check out 16 of the best books about kindergarten to help ease your child's first day of kindergarten jitters. | www.sahmplus.com #### Kindergartner standing in front of The Crayola Experience Orlando Kindergartner standing in front of The Crayola Experience Orlando #### kissing-burns-calories URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15428 #### kiwi-crate-rocket-launcher non-toy gift ideas for kids - S built a rocket launcher from one of her Kiwi Crate educational subscription boxes www.sahmplus.com #### kristy-author-pure-nurture Kristy, author of Pure Nurture #### kwik-stix-thin-stix kwik stix thin stix creativity pack kids holiday gift guide | www.sahmplus.com #### labor-induction-feat-img URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/elective-induction/labor-induction-feat-img/ #### Lansinoh-Prize-Package-Give Breastfeeding or pumping mama? Planning to nurse until you have to go back to work? You're going to want to enter this Lansinoh Breastfeeding Prize Package Giveaway #### last-day-of-winter-break I'm pretty sure I didn't take my own children to the zoo. The last day of winter break ended up being the perfect day at the zoo. #### laugh-as-a-family Simple ways to prompt family bonding time and laugh as a family. If laughter is the best medicine, it's time to laugh as a family. www.sahmplus.com #### laughter-is-the-best-medici Lighten up mom! I know parenting is serious business, but laughter is the best medicine. Why and how to incorporate laughter into your parenting for a happier and healthier family! #### laughter-parenting Incorporate laughter into your parenting for a happier and healthier family #### learned-conseq-reward-jar Does a parent's mood affect a child's behavior? What I learned from the consequence and reward jars ... it may not be all about your child's behavior! | www.sahmplus.com #### learned-from-cons-reward-lg-pin What I learned after implementing the consequence and reward jar system for better behavior #### learned-from-consequence-re An introspective look at our consequence and reward jar system. What I learned about myself #### legoduploatstore Lego Duplo belongs on every 3 year old gift guide #### lemursflaquarium Lemurs at the Florida Aquarium with a toddler #### lessons8yrsmarriage What marriage has taught me in 8 years.  I'd hoped to write this up for my anniversary, but life happened.  So, I'm sharing the lessons I've learned in 8 years of marriage now, because Thanksgiving week seemed an appropriate alternative. | www.sahmplus.com #### let go of perfectionism for self care URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/self-care-letting-go-of-perfectionism/let-go-of-perfectionism-for-self-care/ #### lets imagine elmo URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/lets-imagine-elmo-toy-review/lets-imagine-elmo/ #### lets imagine elmo back of box Let's Imagine Elmo back of box #### letting go for self care URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/self-care-letting-go-of-perfectionism/letting-go-for-self-care/ #### Levoit-salt-lamp-Giveaway Enter this giveaway for a chance to win a Levoit Himalayan Salt Lamp #### licorice-twists-newmans-own URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/newmans-own-organics-review-and-giveaway/licorice-twists-newmans-own/ #### light-switch URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15427 #### lightedcastle Image of the Cinderella Castle lit up for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas at Magic Kingdom, Disney World Orlando #### LightWCar Litom 24 LED Outdoor Motion Sensor Solar Light and Amazon Gift Card Giveaway #### like-your-beard URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15443 #### lionartcontestdrawing child drawing for the National Geographic Lion Conservation poster contest | sahmplus.com #### lionsemailsignup free printable lion word search with email signup to sahmplus #### lipstickinhand Showing the size of Stowaway Lipstick in hand above beauty bag #### Little swaddled baby in white bed Adorable newborn baby sleeping swaddled in white bed. New born boy taking a nap in blue crib. Kids sleep. Swaddling for infants. Little kid wrapped in warm blanket relaxing in crib with canopy. #### Little Tikes Big Digger Sandbox Giveaway img Welcome to the Little Tikes Big Digger Sandbox Giveaway #### Little-Ones-HGG2 For the Little Ones Holiday Giveaway #### little-partners-in-the-kitc One of my little partners in the kitchen helping make chocolatey trail mix cereal bars. via www.sahmplus.com #### littleadventuresdressupfeat Featured image for Little Adventures dress-up clothing giveaway #### littlekidgifts Awesome Christmas gifts for kids and a giveaway in the 2017 Holiday Gift Guide for Little Kids | www.sahmplus.com #### LittleTikes2Pic Little Tikes Big Digger Sandbox Giveaway - image your child playing alongside these kids in this adorable sandbox! #### lizard-caught-in-bowl Catching a lizard in the house using a paper plate and bowl #### llbeanbts L.L. Bean logo for back to school post on www.sahmplus.com #### lose-gracefully-arms-crosse My child being a sore loser and how we try to teach her about losing gracefully www.sahmplus.com #### lose-gracefully-smile How to teach your kids to lose gracefully - smile and don't be a sore loser www.sahmplus.com #### lose-gracefully-sore-loser- How and why you need to teach your child about losing gracefully. Nobody likes a sore loser, so it's important your child learn to lose gracefully. www.sahmplus.com #### love dinosaur jurassic quest S sitting on a dinosaur at Jurassic Quest Jacksonville, FL #### love-corn-box-contents Love Corn Snacks momsmeet review box contents #### love-corn-habanero-chili-snack-at-desk habanero chili love corn snacks while working at desk #### love-corn-snacking-in-st-augustine grab and go love corn snacks in st augustine #### Love-Is-A-Choice Marriage advice - marriage is a lifelong commitment and you must choose love #### love-your-personality-but URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15444 #### LSGiveaway L.O.L. Surprise! Prize Pack Giveaway! ends Dec 4, 2017 #### lucky-one-honeymoon Us on our honeymoon. I discuss who the lucky one is in our relationship #### lunchbox_sm-500x628-500x600 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-i-plan-to-start-our-school-year-with-less-stress/lunchbox_sm-500x628-500x600/ #### lunchesmade How to make lunches your child will actually eat | premade lunches | www.sahmplus.com #### lushlash #7 meskinlabs LushLash from MeskinLabs might make an excellent choice in mother's day gifts #### luvs coupon Luvs $1.00 print at home coupon #### m position for babywearing Proper babywearing technique - M position to prevent hip dysplasia #### Magicube-by-Geomag-Giveaway magicube by geoworld safari park #### mahakguestauthor Headshot of Mahak, guest post author on sahmplus.com #### make-her-scream-my-name URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15922 #### make-money-blogging Can you actually make money blogging? Make 2017 the year you learn to treat your blog like a business and rock sponsored posts #### make-reading-fun-kids How to make reading more fun for reluctant kids - take the pressure off! #### make-save-money-Dealspotr Save money (or make money) as a Dealspotr coupon member. I show you show to do both. #### make-time-for-family-meals create togetherness, stability, and sense of belonging when you make time for your kids for regular family meals! #### MAKE-TIME-FOR-YOUR-KIDS URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/make-time-for-your-kids/make-time-for-your-kids-2/ #### make-yourself-priority Do you think making time for yourself means your family sacrifices a bunch? Ditch the mom guilt and still make yourself a priority. #### makeover your marriage conference Makeover Your Marriage Conference All Access Pass by The Dating Divas #### makereadingfun Teaching a reluctant reader that books are fun can be difficult. But, these tricks will help make reading more fun for kids at home. #### makeupinhand Packing my beauty bag for travel with Stowaway Cosmetics #### makingasciencenerd URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/my-little-girl-science-nerd/makingasciencenerd/ #### makingfriends This easy to read book helps teach kids how to make and keep friends. What do kids need to know about making friends and building healthy friendships? The answers are here and easy for kids of many ages to grasp. Clearly written for all children, but includes ways shy or awkward children can make friends too. www.sahmplus.com #### mama embroidery hoop art URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/personalized-mothers-day-gifts-on-etsy/mama-embroidery-hoop-art/ #### mama-bear-jewelry Mama bear necklace, mama bear jewelry, personalized with number of bear cubs #### manage-children-chores It's time to get with the program and manage chores in the electronic age, don't ya think? via www.sahmplus.com #### manage-chores-digital Should we still be using physical chore charts to manage a child's chores? Learn how to manage chore in the digital age. Chore Check is a great way to manage chores electronically while teaching children valuable lessons in responsibility. Even better, you have the option to pay them with a reloadable prepaid debit card to spend their allowance. via www.sahmplus.com #### manage-parenting-stress Stress can have a negative effect on your health. Being a parent is hard, so It's important to manage parenting stress to maintain good health. Here are tips to manage parenting stress. via www.sahmplus.com #### manage-stress-feat Why managing stress is important to your health. Being a parent is hard, but it's important to manage parenting stress. via www.sahmplus.com #### manandchildatbeach Man holding child's hand walking toward a beach #### marriage boosters collage 1 The Marriage Builders Collection by Intentional Moms #### marriage changes Love in marriage changes over time. Truths for the transformations in your relationship. #### marriage changes over time The love in your marriage changes over time. Your actions matter in the outcome of your relationships. #### marriage-after-baby 7 ways to sabotage a healthy marriage after baby! These truths will help strengthen and improve your marriage, even if you think having a baby ruined your relationship #### Marriage-Bundle-Graphics---600x900 The marriage bundle from The Dating Divas is a limited time set of marriage boosters that will save you money #### Marriage-Is-A-Day-a-Marriag A wedding is a day to pronounce your love; a marriage is a lifelong commitment to choose love and continue to honor your vows #### marriagestrengtheningtips Want to build a strong marriage. These are 7 marriage strengthening tips you don't want to miss! #### married-couple Looking to build a strong marriage? 7 tips for building a strong foundation #### mashed sweet potatoes mashed sweet potatoes #### matching couples racing shirts A great anniversary gift for couples that race together is this shirt that says "the couple that races together stays together" #### maternity-support-band I was exhausted and in pain during my second pregnancy, especially being a busy mom of a preschooler! Having a maternity band was a lifesaver. Why you should consider investing in belly support bands for active moms. sponsored | www.sahmplus.com #### McLaren Collage Step2 McLaren 570S push sports car collage for giveaway #### mclaren-giveaway Step2 Mclaren 570s Push Sports Car Giveaway #### MEAL-PLANNING-apps-family Meal planning websites to help you plan your family dinner menu. These are the best meal planning apps that help save time and sometimes money on family meal plans for the week | sahmplus.com #### meal-planning-tips Meal planning saves me time and worry about what's for dinner. I share my meal planning strategy tips for keeping your family happy. #### meaningchristmas I know what the true meaning of Christmas should be, but I'm human and I struggle with it, just like the kids. | How the meaning of Christmas has changed since I had kids | www.sahmplus.com #### meaningofxmas How the meaning of Christmas has changed since I had kids | As a parent, my view of Christmas is slightly different. And while I know what the true meaning of Christmas should be, I struggle with it in real life, just like my kids | www.sahmplus.com #### meatmom2summit2017 Ivy from SAHM, plus... at Mom 2.0 Summit 2017 | www.sahmplus.com #### medterracbdoil URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/medterra-cbd-oil/medterracbdoil/ #### medterracbdoilpin Medterra CBD oil benefits, side effects, and where to buy #### MegaFood child vitamins URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/sneaking-child-vitamins-parent-approve/img_6613/ #### MegaFood child vitamins in juice img URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/sneaking-child-vitamins-parent-approve/img_6617/ #### MegaFood sneaky child vitamins review img A review of sneaky child vitamins from MegaFood #### mequilibrium-review Recognize your stressors and the techniques to handle them. A great little book which will help you live a healthier and happier life. MeQuilibrium book review via www.sahmplus.com #### mesmerized-disney-on-ice Mesmerized by Disney on Ice via www.sahmplus.com #### MessmatzGiveaway2 Messmatz creativity mat giveaway ends 10/16/17 www.sahmplus.com #### Mickey educational workbooks educational workbooks with Mickey Mouse found at Dollar Tree #### middle aged mom with 2 kids URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-be-a-better-mom/middle-aged-mom-with-2-kids/ #### mindful-mama-to-be Mindful mama-to-be practicing mindfulness #### mindful-mama-to-be-(1) Why should you learn to practice mindfulness during pregnancy? There are many benefits to becoming a mindful mama-to-be. Learn why and how. Plus, a fun mindful exercise with chocolate. Guest post for www.sahmplus.com #### mindful-practice-with-choco Practice mindfulness with chocolate. Mindful mama-to-be #### mindfulness-for-kids Kids sitting in mindfulness practice - learning breathing and concentration #### mindfulness-for-kids 1 tool teaches mindfulness for kids. Activities and resources for kids mindfulness practice with Zafooz #### mindfulness-journal-review-pin-image Book review: "Mindfulness: A Journal" by Catherine Price #### miposaur URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/buy-stuff-child-loves-dinosaurs/miposaur/ #### miss-your-hugs URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15445 #### MistakeQuote Teach children that obstacles are opportunities - positive parenting tip #### mix topping for gf df sweet potato casserole mix topping for gf df sweet potato casserole #### mk infant friendly theme park URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/magic-kingdom-infant-friendly-theme-park/infantfriendlydisneymkcover/ #### mom and wife self care worksheet URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/mom-and-wife-self-care-worksheet/ #### mom blogger mom hobby fb img Tyane's mom hobby is mommy blogging at Boy Mom Blessed #### mom brain and reclaim focus URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/hidden-burnout-mom-brain/mom-brain-and-reclaim-focus/ #### mom confessions afraid to breastfeed Breastfeeding my first baby was unsuccessful. Confessions from a mom who was afraid to breastfeed again. #### mom gift massage URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/mom-really-needs-holiday-gifts-mom/mom-gift-massage/ #### mom hobby ballroom dancing Mokina's mom hobby is ballroom dancing. She used to compete, but now she makes time about once a week as her mommy time out. #### mom hobby ballroom dancing fb img mom hobby ballroom dancing fb img #### Mom hobby reading and book club How reading and book club may be just the new hobby you're looking for when you're needing some me time #### mom necklace kids name birthstone URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/personalized-mothers-day-gifts-on-etsy/mom-necklace-kids-name-birthstone/ #### mom with 2 young kids URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-be-a-better-mom/mom-with-2-young-kids/ #### mom with newborn New mom with her newborn baby in her arms. #### mom-gifts-etsy 10 gift ideas for moms on Etsy #### mom-hobby-autocross Ivy shares her mom hobby. While Autocross isn't something you'd picture most moms doing, Ivy encourages you to find a mom hobby you're passionate about. #### Mom-Hobby-family-travel-blo Needing some inspiration for a mom hobby? Check out Christine's hobby - travel blogging #### mom-hobby-inspiration-multi When you think you need to find a hobby, because momming is hard, check out this inspiring story of a mom with multiple hobbies #### mom-hobby-mom-blogger Mom hobbies come in many forms. Tyane is a mom blogger at Boy Mom Blessed #### mom-hobbyinspiration Check out this mom hobby - paper crafting for life's memorable moments with Rhien. #### mom-rage URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/why-am-i-an-angry-mom/mom-rage/ #### mom-sipping-tea Introverted moms need extra self love - steal a moment during the day #### Mom-staring-down-at-smiling-baby-in-baby-carrier URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/tips-for-new-moms/mom-staring-down-at-smiling-baby-in-baby-carrier/ #### mom-who-judged-me An open letter to the mom with the bluetooth headset who judged me for being on the phone #### mom-who-judged-me-feat URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/to-the-mom-who-judged-me-on-phone/mom-who-judged-me-feat/ #### mom-who-judged-me-phone An open letter to the mom at the park on the bluetooth headset who judged me for being on the phone. To the mom who judged me. | www.sahmplus.com #### MOM-WITH-BABY URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15221 #### mom-with-infant URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/dental-care-pregnancy-breastfeeding/mom-with-infant/ #### mom-with-multiple-hobbies This week, I interviewed a mom with two children on the Autism spectrum. Listen to her story and be amazed at how she finds time to take part in multiple hobbies! #### mombreak Mom should take a break. Why moms need a mom's night or mommy me time #### momcation-mommycon How I used MommyCon Orlando 2017 as a reason for a momcation. A weekend break from the kids, learning to be a better parent, and networking for my blog. www.sahmplus.com #### Mommy-Blogger-Tribe-Tailwin Mommy Blogger Tribe tailwind invitation #### mommy-hashimotos URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/i-have-hashimotos-disease-motherhood-health/mommy-hashimotos/ #### mommy-wars-advice How can we end mommy wars? Get over yourself and allow people to be different! Stop closing lines of communication with whining, complaining. Start accepting and celebrating our differences. It's OKAY to be different! #### momprepnewbaby 8 smart ways mom-to-be should prepare for her new baby. A mom-to-be's to-do-list can be overwhelming. Are you ready for baby? Check out the 8 smart ways to prepare and download a free printable outlining 24 ways you should be getting ready for baby. | www.sahmplus.com #### momsguilthobby Moms Shouldn't Feel Guilty for Having a Hobby. 4 reasons it's good for mom to have her own hobby and to take time for herself | www.sahmplus.com #### momsidehustlemotivated How my motivation to work a side hustle was hurting my marriage #### momsubscriptionboxesfb URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/self-care-promoting-mom-subscription-boxes/momsubscriptionboxesfb/ #### MomsWhoRockGiveaway Moms Who Rock CD collection Giveaway #### momtakeabreak URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/moms-need-a-break/momtakeabreak/ #### momzelle green Juliette breastfeeding comfort Breastfeeding comfort in Fall with the Momzelle Juliette nursing top #### momzelle-suzy-nursing-dress-image Momzelle Breastfeeding nursing apparel review #### momzelle-wrapping momzelle wrapping paper #### monika ballroom dancing Monika Ballroom Dancing professional shoot #### Monika ballroom dancing close up Monika ballroom dancing close up #### monthly subscription boxes for babies Discover great products for your newborn (and yourself) with these monthly subscription boxes for babies #### more-cleaning-15-minutes-before-hubby-arrives URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/stay-at-home-mom-memes/more-cleaning-15-minutes-before-hubby-arrives/ #### more-time-for-family Would you pay $4 and give an hour of your time to read practical time management tips for parents? Find more time for your family #### morse code bracelet URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/personalized-mothers-day-gifts-on-etsy/morse-code-bracelet/ #### Mortons-Anniversary-Pic URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=12240 #### Mother Giving Daughter Ride On Back In Park URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/finding-joy-in-motherhood/mother-giving-daughter-ride-on-back-in-park/ #### mother-2605133_640 breastfeed in public with a cover for more comfort #### mother-and-small-baby self-care tips for new moms; have a support system and ask for help when you need a break #### motherhood-hashimotos-disea Being a mother with Hashimoto's Disease. The beginning of the autoimmune story via www.sahmplus.com #### mothers day paper flower shadow box URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/personalized-mothers-day-gifts-on-etsy/mothers-day-paper-flower-shadow-box/ #### mothersdaygiftbox Mother's Day gift box with personalized item and choice of sweet #### mothersdaygiftideas 7 genius Mother's Day gift ideas. Mother's day gifts that show her you care better than flowers! These presents are sure to please #### MotorishySpecs Motorishy Backseat car organizer specs for Motorishy giveaway #### motorskillsbouncingbots Improve motor skills and dexterity as a family while building basic math skills for younger kids with the Bouncing Bots game by RoosterFin. | www.sahmplus.com #### mountain-vacation-with-kids A great summer mountain vacation with young kids doesn't happen, it's planned... at least as much as possible. via www.sahmplus.com #### move and groove Basic image for toddler Move & Groove Game by ThinkFun #### moveandgroovegame The Move & Groove game cube has a pouch to hold game play cards with not in use. #### Music concert tickets | gifts guys actually want | guest post www.sahmplus.com #### my-child-thinks-I-dont-love-her URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/when-your-child-says-you-dont-love-them/my-child-thinks-i-dont-love-her/ #### MyProScooterGiveaway hot giveaway item for a cool kid aged 5 year or older. This Razor A3 Scooter Giveaway ends April 1, 2018 #### myth-baby-allergenic-food Dispelling Baby Myths for First Time Moms - feeding baby allergenic foods #### myth-baby-crying Dispelling Baby Myths for First Time Moms - baby and excessive crying #### myth-baby-knees Dispelling Baby Myths for First Time Moms - baby knee caps #### myth-baby-love Dispelling myths about babies - instant love #### myth-baby-poop-freq Dispelling Baby Myths for First Time Moms - baby poop frequency #### mythsbabybath Dispelling Baby Myths for First Time Moms - baby bath #### nat-geo-kid-reading Child reading National Geographic Kids Leveled Readers #ad #momsmeet #### Nat-Geo-leveled-readers National Geographic Kids Leveled Readers img #ad #momsmeet #### natgeobookshoriz National Geographic books for kids - fun and engaging learning through fantastic fact and fiction #### natgeoheybabyfoal Nat Geo Kids Hey, Baby! adorable and informative book about baby animals - beautiful imagery and short text make learning fun | www.sahmplus.com #### natgeokidheybabycontents National Geographic Kids Hey, Baby! Table of Contents www.sahmplus.com #### natgeokidsheybabypin adorable and informative book about baby animals HEY, BABY! from National Geographic Kids. In partnership with #momsmeet | www.sahmplus.com #### natgeokidslooking Hey, Baby! adorable and informative book about baby animals that keeps kids of many ages entertained as they learn | www.sahmplus.com #### natgeomomsmeetkit National Geographic Kids #MomsMeet program for Hey, Baby! an adorable and informative book about baby animals | www.sahmplus.com #### national-geographic-kids Celebrate National Reading Month with National Geographic Kids Leveled Readers and Super Readers Program #ad #momsmeet #### national-nutrition-month-platejoy National Nutrition Month with PlateJoy image #### naturalchildbirthbooks To achieve your natural birth, you have to focus on mind, body, and having support. You need these 5 top rated natural childbirth books #### naturalchildbirthnoepidurallg I don't want you to redefine natural childbirth to make yourself feel better because you had an epidural #### need to know baby late cope 4 Things you need to know when baby is late. Plus, 5 ways to cope with your overdue pregnancy #### need-a-google-home Do you have a Google Home device? Why every family with kids needs a Google Home www.sahmplus.com #### nemossplashpad URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/disney-cruise-with-a-toddler-2/nemossplashpad/ #### nemossplashpad URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/disney-cruise-with-a-toddler-2/nemossplashpad-2/ #### never-laugh-at-wifes-choices URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15934 #### never-leave-work URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/stay-at-home-mom-memes/never-leave-work/ #### new wordpress blog right track URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/7-important-plugins-new-wordpress-blog/newwprighttracklg/ #### New_HBHP_logo Seventh Generation Healthy baby home party img #### new-mindfulness-practice new mindfulness practice for kids - the youngest was a bit impatient #### newborn-baby-yawning yawning newborn baby laying on back #### newborn-in-a-wrap baby items i couldn't live without | newborn in a moby wrap | www.sahmplus.com #### newmans-own-organics-box-to URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/newmans-own-organics-review-and-giveaway/newmans-own-organics-box-to/ #### newmomessentials This is a list of things I considered to be the top baby items for new moms. Do you have these new mom essentials or did I miss any? www.sahmplus.com #### newyearresolutions Need some ideas for new year resolutions in 2016? #### ngeorgiavacawithkids There's tons of family-friendly things to do with kids in North Georgia. This is how you can spend a week of vacation in North Georgia with the kids and still have things to come back for next year! www.sahmplus.com #### no 1 reason sleep training fails URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/1-reason-sleep-training-fails/no-1-reason-sleep-training-fails/ #### no push present Please don't give me a push present unless ... What are your thoughts on giving or receiving push gifts? #### no push present img URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/please-dont-give-me-a-push-present-unless/nopushpresent/ #### no school morning rush img S is ready for school without experiencing school morning rush #### no-socks-matching-panties URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15446 #### no-work-life-balance-sahm-pin-img There's no such thing as work life balance for stay at home moms #### non-candy easter fillers URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/non-candy-easter-basket-egg-stuffers/easterfillers/ #### non-candy-easter Candy-free Easter basket and egg stuffers that will make everyone happy | www.sahmplus.com #### Non-Candy-Easter-pin Non-candy Easter egg and Easter basket filler ideas #### non-candy-easter-stuffers Moms aren't the only ones who will be happy with these non-candy Easter basket and egg stuffer ideas! The kids won't even mind their Easter baskets are candy-free ... they'll be too busy having fun | www.sahmplus.com #### Non-Toy-Gift-ideas These non-toy gift ideas for toddlers and preschoolers are sure to please them (and you)! | www.sahmplus.com #### non-toy-gift-ideas-lg-pin-img Non Toy gift ideas for toddlers and preschoolers. Gift ideas to reduce gifting "stuff" #### non-toy-gifts-kids Ultimate list of non-toy gifts for kids - when the STUFF is overwhelming! #### non-toy-gifts-kids-feat-img URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/ultimate-list-non-toy-gifts-children/non-toy-gifts-kids-feat-img/ #### noo URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/newmans-own-organics-review-and-giveaway/noo/ #### noo-chocolate-bar-open URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/newmans-own-organics-review-and-giveaway/noo-chocolate-bar-open/ #### noo-chocolate-bars URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/newmans-own-organics-review-and-giveaway/noo-chocolate-bars/ #### noo-mints URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/newmans-own-organics-review-and-giveaway/noo-mints/ #### norestrictionsplatejoy Getting kid-friendly meals from PlateJoy is as simple as selecting the no restrictions plan, under the personalize tab in the website #### not-a-9-to-5-job URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/stay-at-home-mom-memes/not-a-9-to-5-job/ #### not-a-pinterest-mom URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/stay-at-home-mom-memes/not-a-pinterest-mom/ #### not-girly-valentines Valentine's Day cards for your child's classroom that aren't girly, you don't have to make, and are non-candy #### notseriousatChicFilA making weird faces on our afternoon date at Chic Fil A #### nottosaytooverduepregnant What not to say to a pregnant woman who is overdue #### now-womens-probiotic NOW women's probiotics supports your immune system, vaginal health, and relieves occasional bloating #### now-womens-probiotics NOW supplements why women should take probiotics #### nursery lamp URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-get-baby-to-sleep/nursery-lamp/ #### nursingbrabrief Review of Cake Maternity Nursing Bra and Brief, Sherbet #### nurturing-a-newborn-baby-pin 5 tips for newborn care that won't stress out new parents. Nurturing a newborn from breastfeeding to baby's day out. | sahmplus.com #### Nyxia URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/book-review-nyxia-by-scott-reintgen/nyxia/ #### nyxia-book-review Book Review: Nyxia by Scott Reintgen. A book review from Cristen, resident book reviewer for www.sahmplus.com #### nyxiabookreview Book Review: Nyxia by Scott Reintgen. A book review from Cristen, resident book reviewer for www.sahmplus.com #### OberseeGiveaway Obersee Kids Luggage Giveaway #### old-tool-crisson Crisson Mine | Gold Fever Package | www.sahmplus.com #### old-tools-mining A sampling of old mining tools at Consolidated Gold Mine underground mine tour | Gold Fever Package | Dahlonega, GA #### oldwivestalesttc old wives' tales and TTC advice for getting pregnant party #### oliveoilkit My #MomsMeet European Extra Virgin Olive Oil kit | www.sahmplus.com #### Once Again Organic Nut Butters Review Once Again Organic Nut Butters Review + Their Trail Mix Cookies recipe! #### Once Again Organic Nut Butters samples Once Again Organic Nut Butters Sample Kit from Moms Meet sponsored #### Once Again Organic Nutter Butters Review and Trail Mix Cookies How amazing are Once Again Nut Butters? Plus their recipe for Trail Mix Cookies. #sponsored #MomsMeet #### ONEPOTCHICKENYELLOW Easy stovetop Chicken and Vigo Yellow Rice Chicken Recipe #### open letter to santa Christmas 2016 A mom's open letter and plea to Santa, Christmas 2016. Dealing with holiday stress, wish list, gifts, and family gatherings. #### opendoorforlizard Opening the door to release the lizard outside after catching him in the house. #### openlettersantamom An open letter to Santa for Christmas from the mom who's stressed out over the holidays. What could a stressed mom want from Santa this Christmas? www.sahmplus.com #### organizing craft closet These are the new shelves bought for organizing the craft room closet | www.sahmplus.com #### organizing home beginning stages of organizing our home, the craft room #### othercouplesvsus URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15935 #### othercouplesvsus-1 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15936 #### otis-grows-teach-diversity URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/teach-diversity-to-young-children/otis-grows-teach-diversity/ #### overduemomsnight Overdue for a mom's night out? Moms need time alone. Do you recognize the signs of overwhelm and needing a break? What happens when you catch up on your overdue mom time? | www.sahmplus.com #### overtired-baby overtired baby crying #### overwhelmed stay at home mom This ONE purchase is helping me overcome clutter, organization, and time management as a modern day stay at home mom #### ozeri auto wine opener Ozeri Wine Opener - don't get stuck without your wine after the kids are in bed #### pack-school-lunches-pin How to pack school lunches your kids will actually eat - a few helpful tips for mom to get their children to eat packed lunches | www.sahmplus.com #### pack-summer-mountains How should you pack the kid stuff for a summer mountain vacation? Here's my list of must haves for a summer vacation in the mountain with young children. | www.sahmplus.com #### packdiscoverycove A day at Discovery Cove with small children requires a few essentials you must bring #### packedbeachbag A packed beach bag for little kids at discovery cove orlando #### packedlunches Rock Motherhood: skip the morning rush by planning ahead the night before #sahmplus #rockingmotherhood #### packing-hot-lunches Want your child to eat a warm school lunch? |Packing hot lunches for fall school days. | www.sahmplus.com #### packinghotlunchsupplies Packing hot lunches for cool school days | hot lunch packing supplies | www.sahmplus.com #### pain natural childbirth 3 things you need to remember about pain and giving birth naturally #### panning-at-crisson Gold panning at Crisson Mine | Gold Fever Package | Dahlonega, GA #### panning-consolidated Gold fever package panning for gold at Consolidated Gold Mine | www.sahmplus.com #### Panosonic-Giveaway panasonic long-range baby monitor giveaway - image of panasonic baby monitor prize #### pants-falling-for-you URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15449 #### Parent-and-Family-Blogs URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/10-blogging-tips-beginners/parent-and-family-blogs/ #### parent-as-a-team-resources URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/parent-as-a-team-resources/parent-as-a-team-resources/ #### parent-bribe it's easy to get caught in the trap of offering gifts or bribes when a child feels unloved. #### parenting as a team Parenting as a team takes practice, but pays big rewards #### parenting as a team Parenting teamwork - why it's important to parent as a team and how to do it right | www.sahmplus.com #### parenting stress lg img URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/parenting-stress-hylands-challenge-giveaway/parentalstresslgimg/ #### parenting-my-last-baby Am I doing this right? Parenting my last baby! #### parenting-my-last-baby Questions I have about parenting my last baby. Have I been a good mom and have I given my babies everything they've needed? #### parenting-teamwork-resource Struggling with parenting as a team? Check out these 6 amazing resources to help you parent as a team, regardless of your family dynamics #### parentingishardwork Parenting is hard work. 8 truths about why being a parent sucks. #### parentingteamworksuccessful Interested in making parenting teamwork successful. 8 tips you need to work on to parent effectively as a team | www.sahmplus.com #### parents-mood-child-behavior Does a parent's mood affect a child's behavior? What I learned from the consequence and reward jars #### parking at magic kingdom disney Tips for parking at Disney with a toddler or preschooler #### pBuzzGiveaway pBuzz Giveaway musical instrument for kids ends Aug 30 2017 #### peanut-allergy-prevention-research URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/early-intro-peanut-allergy-prevention-in-babies/peanut-allergy-prevention-research/ #### peanut-power-bites-mega-food-child-vitamins recipe Peanut Power Bites MegaFood recipe to sneak child vitamins #### peanuts Peanuts - foods and beverages to avoid during pregnancy #### pediped-force-flex For the Little Ones Holiday Giveaway pediped force #### penguin-exhibit Penguin viewing at Zoo Tampa #### Perfect Valentine's Not So Girly Check out these Perfect Valentine's that aren't overly girly, perfect for your child's classroom | www.sahmplus.com #### perfect-marriage URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15923 #### permissive-parenting-pin URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/permissive-parenting-and-its-effects-on-children/permissive-parenting-pin/ #### permissive-parenting-style URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/permissive-parenting-and-its-effects-on-children/permissive-parenting-style/ #### personalized heating pad URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/personalized-mothers-day-gifts-on-etsy/personalized-heating-pad/ #### personalized-father's-day-gifts 9 Personalized Father's Day Gifts to buy on Etsy. Sentimental gifts for dad who has everything #### personalized-gifts-mothers-day Fabulous personalized Mother's Day gifts on Etsy. Mom & Grandma will love these personalized Mother's Day gift ideas. #### perspective-activity-resour Fun perspective activity for kids - teaching kids how to put things into perspective with physical objects to gain understanding of how perspective is used in our daily lives | www.sahmplus.com #### perspectivedlincent Teach children how to put things into perspective with a free perspective activity printable - a simple prompt for teaching perspective through visualization, leading the way to understanding perspective as it applies to our daily lives. | www.sahmplus.com #### petstingrays Petting sting rays at Zoo Tampa on family vacation #### pexels-julia-m-cameron-4145354 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/focus-trick-giving-choices/pexels-julia-m-cameron-4145354/ #### photowordwall Bold family and photo word wall in an otherwise boring dining room setting #### picky-eater-(1) Picky toddler pushing plate of food away | www.sahmplus.com #### Picnic_Overhead-Group Summer 2017 Picnic overhead image for Cicis Picnic Fun Giveaway #### pictures-of-kids URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/stay-at-home-mom-memes/pictures-of-kids/ #### picturing-you-naken URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15447 #### pinterest-blog-traffic Tips for optimizing your efforts on Pinterest and increasing blog traffic! #### pizza-delivery When hubby is away on travel, make your mom life easier and order delivery or go out to dinner #### plan-disney-on-ice The magic of Disney on Ice can be so much more with thought out planning. How to plan your Disney on Ice Experience for the best time! #### plane-in-the-clouds Should you use a travel agent or book your own flights when planning a trip to Europe? #### planning your travel URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/nail-trip-planning-process/planning-your-travel/ #### planning-a-natural-birth URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-prepare-for-natural-birth/planning-a-natural-birth/ #### planning-a-walt-disney-world-vacation top of castle at magic kingdom. Tips for planning a Walt Disney World Vacation #### PlasmaCarGiveaway Original Plasma Car Giveaway www.sahmplus.com #### platebowlscissors Some of the supplies for my tutorial on how to catch a lizard in the house without touching it #### platejoy-review What our family thought of our first week of healthy meal plans in this PlateJoy Review #### platejoyonfridge Eating healthier through PlateJoy #### play-and-learn-shopping-basket-toy-pin-image Educational activities you can do with your Play and Learn Shopping Basket toy. A shopping basket toy review. #### playballinyard Father and daughter playing ball in the yard - kids summer bucket list #### playingmoveandgroovegame Toddler playing Move & Groove Game alone #### playpianoatneighbors One idea from Screen-Free Fun book: visit a lonely neighbor. The kids are playing on the neighbor's piano #### playrugalts Pottery barn kids play rug alternatives that save money but are still loads of fun for the kids. | www.sahmplus.com #### playwithfeltwatermelon toddler playing with felt watermelon seed activity www.sahmplus.com #### please don't get the epidural during labor URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/epidural-during-labor/stories-3-2/ #### polyboxmommycon Polybox wooden totems - education toy blocks at MommyCon Orlando 2017 www.sahmplus.com #### poorchildren Poor but happy children peace signs at the camera #### porch-logo-2x URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/about-sahm-plus/porch-logo-2x/ #### pork-chop-dinner Pork chop dinner - healthy family meals on a budget with The Dinner Daily #### porschetohondaodyssey How the 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite convinced me to trade in my Porsche. The new Honda Odyssey is the ultimate minivan for a cool mom and her cool kids | www.sahmplus.com #### Portrait of a four months old baby URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/why-does-sleep-regression-happen/portrait-of-a-four-months-old-baby/ #### positiveparentingtips A guest post from a mom of 5 - positive parenting tips you'll love. #### postpartum-freezer-meals-for-new-moms Whether you're looking for meal train ideas for mom-to-be or you're trying to prepare for your new baby, you'll love these freezer meals for new moms. These are great make ahead freezer meal options. From make ahead casseroles to crock pot freezer meals, there's surely a make ahead meal mom will enjoy. www.sahmplus.com #### Pottery Barn Kids Play Rug Alternatives Pottery Barn Kids Play Rug Alternatives will save you tons of money. And your kids will still have loads of fun | www.sahmplus.com #### pottery-barn-play-in-the-park-rug pottery barn play in the park rug #### pour sours multivitamin Tired and sick kid boosting her immune system with Rainbow Light Power Sours® Multivitamin gummies | www.sahmplus.com #### power sours multi travel Rainbow Light Power Sours® Multivitamins are perfect for on-the-go and travel | www.sahmplus.com | momsmeet sponsored post #### Powpro Pro DVC-7CAM Kids Digital Video Camera features Powpro Pro DVC-7CAM Kids Digital Video Camera features image for the kids video camera giveaway #### practice-making-babies URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15450 #### pre-k dolch sight words URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/downloads/dolch-sight-words-prek-printable/pre-k-dolch-sight-words/ #### pre-k-dolch-site-words-mockup URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/downloads/dolch-sight-words-prek-printable/pre-k-dolch-site-words-mockup/ #### pregnancies-differed It's true every pregnancy is different. 16 strange, sad ways my pregnancies differed. #### pregnancy-due-date-calculator URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/signs-that-you-are-pregnant/pregnancy-due-date-calculator-2/ #### pregnancy-due-date-calculator-1 When is my baby due? This simple pregnancy due date calculator provides estimated due date, possible conception date and how many days left of your pregnancy based on LMP. #### pregnancy-test Finally got a BFP and want to know when your baby is due? Use this pregnancy due date calculator for your estimated due date by lmp #### pregnancyduedatepassed How to irritate a woman when her pregnancy due date has passed. Do you know what not to say (or do) when a pregnant woman's baby is late? www.sahmplus.com #### pregnancytest pregnancy test for getting pregnant party ttc party #### pregnant woman drinking water URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-much-water-should-women-drink-per-day/pregnant-woman-drinking-water/ #### pregnant-friend How to support your pregnant friend's birth plan, or what to ask for when you need birth plan support #### pregnant-rest A pregnant woman resting in her third trimester #### pregnant-woman-doing-yoga URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-prepare-for-natural-birth/pregnant-woman-doing-yoga/ #### pregnant-woman-in-labor URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-prepare-for-natural-birth/pregnant-woman-in-labor/ #### PREKdinoobsession Books for a preschooler's dinosaur obsession. 15 fantastic preschool dinosaur books that will teach your kids everything from ABCs to social skills. | www.sahmplus.com #### prepare disney cruise with toddler lg img Preparing for a Disney Cruise with a Toddler #### prepare for disney cruise with toddler sm img URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/prepare-disney-cruise-with-a-toddler/preparecruisetoddlersm/ #### prepare for giving birth naturally What you need to know if you're planning on giving birth naturally #### prepare for labour and delivery 3rd trimester to-do to prepare for labour and delivery. Mahak in her 3rd trimester #### prepare-better-new-year 8 ways I'm preparing for a better New Year 2017 #### preparelandd syndicated post about 10 ways to prepare for labour and delivery in your third trimester #### preparing-dinner Kitchen counter with pot and crockpot full of food being prepared for family dinner #### prepdisneycruisetot Toddler ready for her Disney Cruise! How to prepare for a Disney Cruise with a Toddler | www.sahmplus.com #### preschool at home How The Preschool Box helped me start preschool at home with my 3 year old without losing my mind. #### preschooler reading on her own not yet 5 and already reading her own books #### PRESENTS for 7 year old girls What to get 7 year old girls for Christmas gifts #### presentsfor3yearolds My favorite gift ideas for a 3 year old in the 2018 Holiday Gift Guide for 3 year olds! #### prices drop on luvs with jet.com prices drop on luvs with jet.com #### printable house rules and consequence jar slips Free printable house rules and consequence jar slips for implementing the consequence jar and reward jar system. Improve your child's behavior #### Printable-Summer-Boredom-Bu Dating Divas has a wonderful summer boredom busters printable pack for kids #### probiotics Toddler probiotics in Ecocentric Mom Box #### promo-code-validating-Deals URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/use-dealspotr-save-money-make-money/promo-code-validating-deals/ #### promote toddler independence 5 easy ways to promote toddler independence and reduce tantrums and power struggles in the process. #toddlerlife #toddlermom #toddlerparent #toddlerparenting | www.sahmplus.com #### prosconsairbnbhotel1 Weighing the pros and cons of renting through Airbnb vs staying in a hotel when traveling with kids #### pumpkin crafting URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/easy-baby-food-jar-pumpkin-craft/pumpkin-crafting/ #### pumpkin template on felt Place your pumpkin template on orange felt. #### pumpkin-crafts-activities-k Fun pumpkin crafts and activities for kids, perfect for Fall #### pumpkin-felt-activity Easy DIY craft: pumpkin felt activity. Kids can decorate pumpkins for Halloween without the mess of carving pumpkins. This felt activity will give your kids endless Jack O' Lantern face possibilities! www.sahmplus.com #### put-things-into-perspective Putting things in perspective during difficult situations can be tough as adults. But, as parents, not only do we need to model this ability, we need to know how to teach our children to put things into perspective. 3 simple strategies for teaching perspective. #### puttinghusbandfirst I love the benefit I receive after working hard to prioritize my husband and marriage. #### qtq80-JQZ1fe get click-worthy headlines for your blog without falling into the click-bait habit | www.sahmplus.com #### quality-time-for-yourself even your spouse and children will receive benefits of taking quality time for yourself #### quality-time-with-family Maximize on spending quality time with family. How to get the most out of your time with your kids, spouse, and your own self-care! #### quality-time-with-spouse quick tips for maximizing quality time with your spouse #### questionableparentinggrayshirt Questionable parenting style mom shirt sold on Etsy #### questions-to-ask-yourself-before-offering-parenting-advice before offering parenting advice #### quick-way-to-get-kids-attention URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/stay-at-home-mom-memes/quick-way-to-get-kids-attention/ #### quiettimeglazer 3rd floor of Glazer Children's Museum was perfect for winding down at the end of the day. Blanket forts, tents, and reading! #### Race race car | gifts guys actually want | guest post www.sahmplus.com #### rainbow light moms meet review Rainbow Light Power Sours Multivitamin #momsmeet review kit | www.sahmplus.com #### raise your kids with conservative values URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-raise-a-conservative-child/raise-your-kids-with-conservative-values/ #### raise-a-leader How to raise a leader you can be proud of. Teach children leadership qualities that will make them great leaders. #### raising my chickens as self care URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/personalize-your-self-care/raising-my-chickens-as-self-care/ #### raisinghumansinadigitalworld Raising humans in a digital world; setting screen time rules and building a healthy relationship with technology in a tech age #### Randi-Zinn-Headshot Randi Zinn Headshot in a guest post on 10 holiday gifts that promote self care for moms #### rashkickkitflatlay I trust Boudreaux's Rash Kicking kit every time one of my littles has gotten a diaper rash #### rawchicken image of uncooked chicken breasts on cutting mat - foods and beverages to avoid during pregnancy #### read-together-teach-diversi Reading "Otis Grows" to teach diversity to my young child #### reading-buddies My daughter reading to her little brother - makes reading more fun as she shows her little brother how cool reading can be #### reading-corner Using a special reading corner can make reading more fun at home for kids #### readingsurfdom Learning about government and collective planning through The Tuttle Twins and the Road to Surfdom children's book #### readingtuttletwins1 Introducing conservative ideas and values through The Tuttle Twins children's books #### readingtuttletwins2 Conservative values taught in conservative children's books #### Ready Shed by Backyard Discovery Ready Shed by Backyard Discovery in the backyard. #### real-life-wonder-woman in childbirth with an epidural, this mom felt like a real life wonder woman #### reasons-kids-should-do-chores Should kids help with chores? 10 reasons kids should do chores #### rebrand Ivy's Variety is being re-branded. #### register-for-hospital-stay URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/8-things-to-do-while-pregnant/register-for-hospital-stay/ #### reinforce-kindergarten-educ Reinforcing Kindergarten education after school with ABCmouse. A review. #### releasing-lizard Releasing the lizard from catching him indoors. #### resource-library-free-subs Access to free resource library for parents with SAHM, plus ... newsletter subscribe | free printables for all stages of parenting journey | mom-to-be | pregnancy | consequence and reward jar | house rules | parenting | back to school | www.sahmplus.com #### rethink-unhealthy-after-school-snacking-in-the-car URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/rethink-after-school-snacking-healthy/rethink-unhealthy-after-school-snacking-in-the-car/ #### retro-homemaker the overwhelmed stay at home mom roles of 2018 doesn't look anything like the retro housewife #### review-the-fifth-petal-feat URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/book-review-the-fifth-petal-brunonia-barry/review-the-fifth-petal-feat/ #### Reward ideas for good behavior Happy kids. Reward ideas for good behavior at home. Whether or not you use a consequence and reward jar system, these are great ideas for rewarding your child's good behavior | www.sahmplus.com #### reward jar URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/what-i-learned-consequence-reward-jar-system/img_2282/ #### reward-idea-open-gym open gym - reward ideas for good behavior and filling a reward jar | www.sahmplus.com #### reward-idea-park At the park - reward ideas for good behavior and filling a reward jar | www.sahmplus.com #### reward-idea-zoo URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/reward-ideas-good-behavior/reward-idea-zoo/ #### reward-jar-feat Why you should be using a reward jar when instilling a consequence jar to manage a child's behavior. | www.sahmplus.com #### rewardideabouncehouse bounce house - reward ideas for filling the reward jar, good behavior | www.sahmplus.com #### ricedinnerrecipespin-(3) 30 rice dinners you're going to want to try whether you're looking to jazz up rice or need an easy and affordable weeknight meal for your family. These rice dinner recipes look amazing! | www.sahmplus.com #### rings-and-birds Why I wouldn't choose staying together for the kids. | www.sahmplus.com #### roadsterracertoddlergift Must have Mickey and the Roadster Racers gifts for toddlers! These are 11 of the best toddler gift ideas for the little ones who love the Roadster Racers | www.sahmplus.com #### roast-chicken-thigh-paleo-c Roasted chicken thighs from The Paleo Chef by Pete Evans | www.sahmplus.com #### rock-motherhood Get inspired to feel good about being a mom. Here are the 10 ways I rock motherhood. Can you name 10 things that make you a good mom? #### rock-pinterest-blog-traffic Boost your blog traffic with tons of must-have tips for Pinterest! #### ROCK-SINGLE-PARENT Are you wondering how to succeed at single parenting while your husband is away for business? I have some tips to help you hold it together while parenting alone #### roll-with-the-punches-PIN Roll with the punches. Life is challenging ... Can we adapt to change in the world? #### ronicagiveaway baby book and baby stickers Ronica Giveaway #### roomba is like a baby When it comes down to it, my Roomba and my 8 month old are strikingly similar #### Roomba stuck Roomba stuck under a shelf #### roombababysm why are babies and Roombas alike? #### roombababysm Why is a Roomba like a baby? #### rubbersandplay Cute rubber sand play area complete with sand toys #### rudolphcraft putting together the easy Rudolph craft | www.sahmplus.com #### runfromdino Daughter pretending to run from a scary looking dinosaur at Dinosaur World #### s watching dino lingo URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/dino-lingo-review-childrens-language-learning/s-watching-dino-lingo/ #### s-with-dino-lingo URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/dino-lingo-review-childrens-language-learning/s-with-dino-lingo/ #### sahm laziest days Stay at home mom quotes - this one from Mom's Life Uncut #### sahm plus favicon favicon for sahm plus blog #### SAHM plus header image SAHM, plus ... covers all things moms need to know ... how to give time to ourselves, our husbands, and our kids. #### sahm plus pinterest board SAHM plus blog posts pinterest board #### sahm plus pinterest profile An example of my pinterest profile. Note that I use the same personal image on all my social media accounts. #### sahm-at-nap-time URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/stay-at-home-mom-memes/sahm-at-nap-time/ #### sahm-hobby-knitting URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/hobbies-for-stay-at-home-moms/sahm-hobby-knitting-2/ #### sahm-hobby-painting hobbies for stay at home moms - idea: painting #### sahm-hobby-paper-craft URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/hobbies-for-stay-at-home-moms/sahm-hobby-paper-craft-2/ #### sahm-hobby-stamps URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/hobbies-for-stay-at-home-moms/sahm-hobby-stamps-2/ #### sahm-no-vacation-or-breaks URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/stay-at-home-mom-memes/sahm-no-vacation-or-breaks/ #### sahmcleanschedwritten This is my best SAHM housekeeping schedule | www.sahmplus.com #### sahmlaundry Being a stay at home mom is a job because of all the not-so pleasurable duties #### sahmplussquareicon URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/sahmplussquareicon-2/ #### sahmplussquareicon SAHM, plus ... logo #### sahmplussquareicon URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/sahmplussquareicon-3/ #### sahmtowahmPIN URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/sahm-wahm-transition/sahmtowahmpin/ #### salad-not-sandwich Beyond the sandwich, mix it up with a salad for your child's lunch #### saltdoughtoddlerart homemade salt dough toddler art and craft #### same-feeling-you-get-food-restaurant URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15924 #### sandwich-alt-lunch It's almost back to school, but you're anticipating the day your child is tired of sandwiches for lunch. Check out these sandwich alternative lunch ideas to help you think beyond the sandwich and mix it up. And you can still pack a healthy lunch for school | www.sahmplus.com #### santa letter A4 V1 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/santa-letter-a4-v1/ #### santa letter USltr V1 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/santa-letter-usltr-v1/ #### santa letter v1 USltr URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/santa-letter-v1-usltr/ #### santa letter v1 USltr URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/santa-letter-v1-usltr-2/ #### sarahguestauthor guest author headshot for sarah #### satchristmas The meaning of christmas since I had kids | daughter opening gift | www.sahmplus.com #### Savannah's mom hobby is saving money Savannah's mom hobby is saving money #### save-image-for-web-using-PS How I save images for web using Photoshop Elements Editor. #### save-money-bts 3 simple tips to help you save money on back to school essentials. Planning ahead and Groupon coupons will help you save time and money on all your children's back to school gear. www.sahmplus.com #### SAVE-ON-BABY-ESSENTIALS Babies are expensive. Save money on some of these baby essentials with these suggestions. Plus, a $1 off coupon for Luvs #SharetheLuv #ad #### save-on-baby-stuff 9 tips to save money on baby stuff #### says-i-dont-love-you-feat Pains of motherhood aren't made easier when your child says "I don't love you." | www.sahmplus.com #### Scared of Labor? Overcoming fear of childbirth Tips for overcoming fear of childbirth when you're scared of labor. #### scared-of-labor Scared of labor? Tips to help overcome fear of childbirth from a mom who did it without drugs twice! | www.sahmplus.com #### scared-of-labor-pin Are you scared labor? What are you most concerned about when you think about giving birth? I share some tips to help you overcome your fear of labor and delivery. Giving birth naturally isn't as scary or as painful as you may believe | www.sahmplus.com #### school morning rush tips URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/school-morning-routine/morningrushsm/ #### school-morning-routine Really productive hacks for a better school morning routine! Help your kids beat the back to school morning rush with these tried and true tips for your family. #### school-morning-rush-pin URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/school-morning-routine/school-morning-rush-pin/ #### school-morning-rush-pin Back to school season is upon us | These easy tips will help you beat the school morning rush | time management and back to school organization for parents | www.sahmplus.com #### school-zone-work bored at home - child working on preschool workbook from School Zone #### science nerd girl making crystals URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/my-little-girl-science-nerd/img_2125/ #### Screen Shot 2021-11-04 at 7.58.55 PM URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/about-sahm-plus/screen-shot-2021-11-04-at-7-58-55-pm/ #### Screen Shot 2021-11-04 at 9.18.14 PM URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/about-sahm-plus/screen-shot-2021-11-04-at-9-18-14-pm/ #### screenfreefun New book Screen-Free Fun gives us TONS of timely ideas for screen-free week 2018 #### Screenshot-2023-10-22-141040 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/signs-that-you-are-pregnant/screenshot-2023-10-22-141040/ #### Sealy Mattress Giveaway Sealy Quiclted Crib Mattress Giveaway - get baby to sleep or transition to toddler bed www.sahmplus.com #### see-bottom-of-laundry-basket URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/stay-at-home-mom-memes/see-bottom-of-laundry-basket/ #### see-you-naked URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15451 #### self care and self discovery URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/self-care-and-discovering-your-identity/self-care-and-self-discovery/ #### self care doesn't have to be self improvement URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/self-care-doesnt-have-to-be-self-improvement/self-care-doesnt-have-to-be-self-improvement/ #### Self Care Isn’t Selfish... URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/bad-self-care-habits-to-avoid/self-care-isnt-selfish/ #### self love body image affirmation cards 8.5x11 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/downloads/affirmations-for-body-and-self-love/self-love-body-image-affirmation-cards-8-5x11/ #### self love body image Instant Download URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/downloads/affirmations-for-body-and-self-love/self-love-body-image-instant-download-2/ #### self-awareness-pin-img Do you actually know about self-awareness? Things are the things you need to know about self-awareness. And, you think you may, but reading the book "Insight" may prove otherwise. The importance of and exploring self-awareness through this honest book review by Cristen at www.sahmplus.com #### Self-Care Promoting Mom Subscription Boxes Taking mommy me time can be as easy as a monthly subscription box devoted to self-care for moms #### self-care-tips-for-new-moms 5 self-care tips for new moms that are effective and affordable to reduce risks for common health problems. #### self-love-body-image-Instant-Download URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/healing-after-surgery/self-love-body-image-instant-download/ #### selfcaremomboxtwitter For moms having a hard time devoting regular self-care into their routine, check out these amazing subscription boxes for moms #### settable Bold statement pieces in an otherwise drab dining room. #### setting-new-healthy-after-school-snack-habits-in-the-car URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/rethink-after-school-snacking-healthy/setting-new-healthy-after-school-snack-habits-in-the-car/ #### setting-up-a-will-for-your-children URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/guide-to-setting-up-a-will/setting-up-a-will-for-your-children/ #### setup The Dinner Daily setting up food preferences and fine tuning #### sex-on-the-couch URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15452 #### sexy-yoda URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15453 #### shapesandwichtoddlersnack Fun and easy toddler snacks - turkey and cheese sandwich cut into shapes #### share common interests with your spouse Your marriage is begging for some attention. Improve your marriage and strengthen your relationship when you share common interests with your spouse. Don't let "being parents" be the reason your marriage fails. #### sharktankseaworld The shark aquarium at SeaWorld Orlando allowed us to see sharks to our sides and overhead. The kids really enjoyed this #### Shaver electric shaver | gifts guys actually want | guest post www.sahmplus.com #### sheet protectors for dry erase activity book URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/diy-dry-erase-activity-book-kids/81wh6wjwxbl-_sl1500_/ #### shelby3mo URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/to-my-daughter-as-you-turn-6/shelby3mo/ #### shelby3mo As you turn 6 - S at 3 mo old www.sahmplus.com #### shelbynewhaircut S with new big girl haircut, as you turn 6 www.sahmplus.com #### shelbysick2015 Parenting is hard work because you have to work around surprises ... they never pop up when it's a good time either #### shelbywithB S with baby B, good big sister, as you turn 6 www.sahmplus.com #### shipt vs instacart price comparison of 1 shopping trip - Shipt VS Instacart #### shipt vs instacart main image Here I compare Shipt VS Instacart in the grocery delivery world #### shipt-homescreen See the sales on Shipt by clicking the "on sale" tab #### shipt-vs-instacart-pin Which grocery delivery service is better? Shipt VS Instacart #### Shirts custom shirts | gifts guys actually want | guest post www.sahmplus.com #### shoplistsubscribe Shopping list subscribe image created for Play and Learn Shopping Basket toy review | www.sahmplus.com #### SHOPPING-LISTsubscribedimg shopping list activity for preschooler or toddler - from the Learn and Play shopping basket review #### shoppinglist032819 The Dinner Daily shopping list noting sale items making healthier family meals more budget friendly #### Should-I-Get-a-Gym-Membership If you've wondered "should i get a gym membership" as a stay at home mom, here's 7 reasons why you should! #### should-women-take-probiotic Why should women take probiotics? Aside from immune and gut health, women's probiotics can have other health benefits, specific to them. #sponsored #momsmeet via www.sahmplus.com #### show your husband affection Simple ways to show your husband affection, not just on Valentine's Day #### Show your husband you love him You can show your husband you love him with these 14 suggestions. These tips can help you show your husband affection for Valentine's Day, Anniversaries, and all year long | www.sahmplus.com #### show your husband you love him (1) Showing your husband you love him shouldn't be left to dates on a calendar. 14 simple ways to show love to your mate, not just Valentine's Day! #### SHREDlite A stock image of a woman wearing SHREDlite by Dona Bela Shreds #### SHREDlite-ivy 2018 Mother's Day Gift Guide - Ivy wearing a Dona Bela Shreds SHREDlite #### shrimip-lettuce-cups URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/forget-meal-planning-organic-meal-delivery-sun-basket/shrimip-lettuce-cups/ #### sick-child-at-pediatrician Preventable illness suck when parents don't follow the sick kid etiquette. #### sick-kid-etiquette Having a sick child is no fun. Moms everywhere want other moms to learn sick kid etiquette. #### sick-kid-laying-on-couch having a sick child is no fun, especially when it could have been prevented. Keep your sick kids at home! #### side-effects-of-stress Parents, your kids need you, but STRESS KILLS! Know 2 serious side effects of stress and what you can do about it #### side-under-top URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15454 #### sidehustlemarriage A guest post for sahmplus.com - Jasmine recounts how her side hustle messed with her marriage. What she and her husband were doing to fix it #### signs-youre-pregnant-feat Am I pregnant? Sometimes it's easy to spot the signs of pregnancy. These are the 7 common signs you're pregnant and need to start prenatal appointments. #### sillyfaceskating Our 9th anniversary was spent low-key just enjoying each other's company #### simple blogging tips I want to share more simple blogging tips for beginners #### simple-sauteed-veggies Use European Extra Virgin Olive Oil for this simple and delicious sauteed veggie recipe. An easy vegetable side dish to accompany your meal | www.sahmplus.com #### sing-along-song-gift I See Me Sing Along Song personalized gift set. Image © sahmplus.com #### sleep-regression-ages URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/sleep-regression-ages/sleep-regression-ages-2/ #### sleep-regression-tips tired parents wondering how long baby sleep regression lasts #### sleeping-8-month-old URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-survive-8-month-sleep-regression/sleeping-8-month-old/ #### sleeping-baby A sleeping baby #### sleepingdetox Getting enough sleep is a good way to detox your brain #### sleepthroughnight 5 tips for getting baby to sleep through the night #### small-chest small chest in cute bra. This is an enboc explant surgery recovery story. How after 1 week post op, I felt gratitude after explant #### smart-baby Benefits of breastfeeding may include increased IQ #### smilesatskating Our low-key anniversary at the skating rink #### smiling baby child portrait relax on couch at home URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-deal-sleep-regression/smiling-baby-child-portrait-relax-on-couch-at-home/ #### smilingbaby Bradley smiling baby #### smooth-seas roll with the punches and adapt to the challenges we are facing! #### Soft-Surroundings-Holiday-2 The history of the star tree topper and a soft surrounding metal star tree topper giveaway | www.sahmplus.com #### soledad-placeholder-1920x1080-1 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/soledad-placeholder-1920x1080-1/ #### soledad-placeholder-1920x1080-2 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/soledad-placeholder-1920x1080-2/ #### soledad-placeholder-1920x1080-3 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/soledad-placeholder-1920x1080-3/ #### soledad-placeholder-1920x1080-4 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/soledad-placeholder-1920x1080-4/ #### sons-first-haircut My mind races as my son gets his first haircut. I see my children in the future and I realize THIS is the day I no longer have babies #### sonturnstwo To my son, as you turn two | www.sahmplus.com #### souvenir at The Crayola Experience souvenir at The Crayola Experience #### Spa day of pampering | gifts guys actually want | guest post www.sahmplus.com #### spa-day 2018 mother's day gift guide, mother's day gift suggestions. A spa day for mom with a Spa gift card #### spend-quality-time-family-chores Give kids a sense of belonging and responsibility, while spending quality time together doing family chores #### spend-quality-time-with-family We should all be spending more quality time with our children. Here are 14 ways you can spend quality time with family, starting now. #### spending-the-summer How we spent the summer with ONE really cool book focusing on my child's interest in science. The making of a science nerd. #### splashpadflaquarium The Florida Aquarium has a cool splash pad perfect for little kids to take an activity break #### splaywithwooddoll toddler plays with wooden nesting dolls | www.sahmplus.com #### splendid-spoon splendid spoon box of smoothies and lunches #### splendid-spoon-matcha-smoothie splendid spoon green matcha smoothie #### st-pats-crafts-activities St Patrick's Day crafts and activities for kids of all ages and skill level #### stachris giveaway baby on the go essentials stachris giveaway baby on the go essentials #### starbucksbath Parents don't always give themselves much deserved time off. #### start school reduce stress img URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-i-plan-to-start-our-school-year-with-less-stress/reducestressstartschool/ #### startsignup First step in signing up with PlateJoy is to describe the family portion sizes and differentiate between kids and adults #### stay at home mom time URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/be-considerate-stay-at-home-mom-time/sahmtime/ #### stay positive during an evacuation trip with kids stay positive during an evacuation trip with kids - things to think about during an evacuation #### stay-at-home-mom-burnout-feat Coping skills for stay at home mom burnout. 7 ways not to blow your lid as an overwhelmed SAHM. #### stay-at-home-mom-burnout-PIN 7 tips for coping with stay at home mom burnout. SAHM struggles from schedules to finding time for the elusive self care #### stay-at-home-mom-meme-kids URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/stay-at-home-mom-memes/stay-at-home-mom-meme-kids/ #### stay-at-home-mom-memes-PIN Funny stay at home mom memes; Hilarious truths about being a stay at home mom; Stay at home mom humor #### stay-in-touch Discuss how you'll keep in touch when considering emergency preparedness plan for your family #### stem-skills-bathblocks-lg-img Build STEM skills in the bathtub with BathBlocks. Educational bath toy review #### step2 charming cottage playhouse collage Collage of Step2 Charming Cottage Playhouse images | www.sahmplus.com #### step2 charming cottage playhouse giveaway Step2 Charming Cottage Playhouse Giveaway | www.sahmplus.com #### Step2 Disney Pixar Cars 2 Roller Coaster Step2 Disney Pixar Cars 3 Roller Coaster Giveaway ends Oct 9 2017 www.sahmplus.com #### step2-cars-3-ride-on Step2 Cars 3 Ride on collage image for Step2 Cars 3 ride on giveaway #### step2-cooler-giveaway-680x680 Step2 Stone Front Patio Cooler & Storage Giveaway #### step2-disney-cars-giveaway Step2 Disney Cars 3 Giveaway image #### step2-stone-front-cooler-680x451 Step2 Stone Front Cooler collage image for giveaway #### step2-tree For the Little Ones Holiday Giveaway Step2 tree #### Step2-wooden-kitchen Step2 Grand Walk-In Wood Kitchen image collage #### sticker-by-number-dinosaur URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/buy-stuff-child-loves-dinosaurs/sticker-by-number-dinosaur/ #### stickers-and-coloring-pages URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/buy-stuff-child-loves-dinosaurs/stickers-and-coloring-pages/ #### stockedfridge A well stocked fridge #### Stop comparing child to others Why you need to stop comparing your child to others. When you think a mom's child is better behaved than yours, give this a thought | www.sahmplus.com #### stop comparing your child to others URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/stop-comparing-your-childs-behavior-to-others-its-just-a-moment/stopcomparingchildren/ #### store chicken broth in freezer store chicken broth in freezer #### Store-Digital-Disclaimer The Dating Divas store digital disclaimer #### stork-otc-components How to get pregnant naturally with the help of the Stork OTC home conception device | www.sahmplus.com #### Storkcraft-Crib-Finishes Storkcraft crib finishes #### Storkcraft-Graco-Giveaway Storkcraft Graco Crib Giveaway #### storkotcbox The Stork OTC to help aide in getting pregnant naturally with results rivaling IUI | www.sahmplus.comA #### Stowaway-Cosmetics-Review 5 reasons I'm switching to Stowaway Cosmetics #### stowaway-flatlay3 flatlay image of my stowaway cosmetics makeup collection #### stowawayandmakeupbaghoriz Getting ready to travel with my Stowaway Cosmetics. All my health and beauty items in one bag. #### stowawayinhand My full face of makeup fits in one hand ... Stowaway Cosmetics #### streamline headline analyzer URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-coschedule-helps-bloggers-be-everywhere/streamline-headline-analyzer/ #### stuck-at-home-PIN We weren't bored stuck and home. We weren't looking for things to do. Activities were handed to us (virtual school) and we found projects to do! #### stuckonyou-pjs For the Little Ones Holiday Giveaway stuck on you pajamas #### subscriptionboxbabyshower 10 best subscription boxes for baby showers to promote self care for moms and healthy development for babies. Best subscription boxes for women and babies to give at a baby shower. Many can be personalized for the phase of motherhood or by gender. | www.sahmplus.com #### subscriptionboxestoddlers Best subscription boxes for toddlers activities, books, crafts, and style. #toddlers #toddlerlife #toddlermom #shopping #subscriptionbox #subscriptionboxes #toddler #gifts #giftideas #kids #littlekids #fun #subscription #### successfulsahm While success is different for everyone, these 4 tips will help you become a successful stay at home mom... at least get you on the right track #### SUCCESSFULSAHM Success is subjective, but these 4 tips can help you get on track to stay at home mom success. How to be a successful stay at home mom #### summ journ cover1-page-001 A great summer journal to help your kids make the most of even the most mundane summer days. Critical thinking skills for them and a bit of peace and quiet for mom! #### Summer Journal URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/resource-library/summerjournalemail/ #### Summer-Break-journal summer journal for kids can be a special keepsake, memory builder, and a great way to keep kids busy ... making the most of summer break | www.sahmplus.com #### summer-break-journal-(1) You know there are days over summer break you can't entertain the kids constantly! Let your little writers and artists entertain themselves and practice writing and art skills with their own Printable Summer Journal. Memory building and fun personalized keepsake from their summer adventures. www.sahmplus.com #### summer-bucket-signup-image Sign up for the SAHM, plus ... newsletter for a free printable Kids Summer Bucket List #### summer-journal-kids How are you entertaining kids over summer break? | free printable summer journal for kids | make the most over summer break with a summer journal keepsake and memory builder | www.sahmplus.com #### summer-journal-to-use Ready to use summer journal printable | www.sahmplus.com #### summer-mountain-vacation Traveling with small children for family vacations can be stressful. You have to consider comfortable sleeping arrangements, entertainment, and activities to make children of all ages happy. How to plan an amazing summer mountain vacation with young children. #### SUMMER-PLAY-SPACE Whether you're having a summer staycation or just looking to keep the kids busy for the summer, check out these awesome outdoor toys to help you create an amazing summer play space! www.sahmplus.com #### SUMMER-PLAY-SPACE-feat Create a dreamy summer play space with these awesome outdoor toys! www.sahmplus.com #### summer-play-space-img What do you need for an awesome outdoor summer play space? Check out this list! www.sahmplus.com #### summer-reading-programs-for-kids Summer Reading Programs for kids with incentives and activities to keep them entertained over the summer. Libraries, book clubs, and more provide book logs and incentives to get kids to read #### summerbubbles Kids chasing bubbles in the yard, summer | www.sahmplus.com #### summerjournalsubscribeimg Subscribe for a free printable kids summer journal | make the most of your child's summer break | www.sahmplus.com #### summerplayspace2 Creating an awesome summer play space could be as simple as selecting amazing outdoor toys. Keep your kids busy and outside this summer with this selection of outdoor toys perfect for every interest! | www.sahmplus.com #### summerprintablesshare Free summer printables for moms and kids #### summerrainydayactivities Summer rainy day activities for kids. Boredom busting ideas for children when summer rains on the day! #### summersafetyforchildren Summer Safety Tips for Children all parents need to remember #### summerwalkedit Summer Walk with the kids | how to keep the kids busy over the summer sahmplus.com #### Sunlight_Pilgrims A book review of The Sunlight Pilgrims #### sunshine-and-rain you are my sunshine and my rain ... fun, flirty memes to send to him #### supplies for homemade chicken broth supplies for homemade chicken broth #### suppliescleanfloor Vinegar, hot water, and sponge are 3 supplies you need to clean tile floors #### support birth plan image How to (effectively) support your friend's birth plan. #### support-birth-plan Our birth plans are as individual as we are. How we should really offer our support of individual birth plans. What birth plan support should be like for an expectant mom | www.sahmplus.com #### support-birth-plan-cover-img How to support your pregnant friend's birth plan #### supportbirthplan How to support a birth plan, even if you don't really understand it #### supporting friend through unexpected pregnancy URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/support-friend-unexpected-pregnancy/supporting-friend-through-unexpected-pregnancy/ #### supporting friend through unexpected pregnancy URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/support-friend-unexpected-pregnancy/supporting-friend-through-unexpected-pregnancy-2/ #### surprised-by-new-books child surprised by new books from BookRoo, getting benefits of reading delivered to home #### survival-food-water Survival food storage ideas - make sure you have enough water for your family in an emergency #### survivalfoodstorage Think about the foods your family will eat and stock a supply closet or pantry with these survival food storage ideas. #### survivalfoodstorageideas Do you know how to stock your pantry for an emergency? Check out these survival food storage ideas for families. #### survive When asked about childbirth without an epidural, this mom said "you can survive anything for half an hour" #### survive-8-mo-sleep-regression URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-survive-8-month-sleep-regression/survive-8-mo-sleep-regression/ #### swaddleme baby to sleep URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-get-baby-to-sleep/swaddleme/ #### sweet-potato-casserole Gluten free dairy free sweet potato casserole - cook this simple and delicious dish in the slow cooker #### swing-sets-for-small-yards 5 swing sets for small yards your kids will actually enjoy #### switch to Instacart grocery delivery 6 reasons I'm making the switch to Instacart grocery delivery, as a consistent user of these services #### switching to aluminum free deodorant Switching to aluminum free deodorant wasn't an easy feat. The trials I experienced in the year searching for the best natural deodorant | www.sahmplus.com #### switchtonaturaldeodorant switching to aluminum free deodorant for the best natural deodorant I could find! #### swithchorecheckapp Child with Chore Check app. Manage chores in the digital age with chore check app and chore check pay membership via www.sahmplus.com #### swithmoveandgroove Shelby holding move and groove game cube #### swithnewcard Child with chore check pay card .... managing chores and allowance electronically with Chore Check Pay www.sahmplus.com #### symptoms-breast-implant-illness-IG list of symptoms of breast implant illness commonly complained about by women with breast implants #### tableandhutch Dining room decorations when you can't remodel - white table cloth on a table and a corner hutch in the background #### takeaways-Mom-2 3 unexpected takeaways from Mom 2.0 Summit 2017 | www.sahmplus.com #### takingkidstoseaworld How my SeaWorld Orlando stacked up. Thinking about taking kids to SeaWorld Orlando? See what we thought #### takingmommentalhealth Taking mom mental health time doesn't always have to be scheduled. If you recognize the signs of stress and overwhelm as a parent, use these 4 quick tips for crushing stress. Quick ways for stressed out moms to lessen stress. | www.sahmplus.com #### talk-to-child Discipline doesn't have to be harsh punishment. How do you discipline children? #### TAMPA-WITH-KIDS Thinking about visiting Tampa with kids? They'll love these children's activities ... and so will you! #### tandem nursing twins Tips for a positive experience tandem nursing twins via Two Came True #### target-excuse-to-get-dressed URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/stay-at-home-mom-memes/target-excuse-to-get-dressed/ #### tax credit fears URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/child-tax-credit-may-change/tax-credit-fears/ #### teach your children The things you should teach your children now that Donald Trump is president looks a lot like things you should be teaching them anyway #### teach your children president Donald Trump is President and you're wondering what you should teach your children now #### teach-a-child-to-lose-gracefully Worried your child is a sore loser? How to help a sore loser and teach kids to lose gracefully. #### teach-a-child-to-read My favorite tips to teach a child to read! How to teach reading to kids of any age - start early and read often #### teach-diversity-young-kids URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/teach-diversity-to-young-children/teach-diversity-young-kids/ #### teach-empathy-to-kids When I became a parent, I realized how important childhood lessons were and how necessary it was to model good traits for them. That's good parenting, But, I've also seen how little people are empathetic in this world ... especially in the world of parenting. Teaching empathy to kids can be done in four simple ways, and one is to practice being empathetic to others. www.sahmplus.com #### teacher's pet bodysuit A baby bodysuit created for a teacher going on maternity leave. Would make the perfect baby shower gift for a teacher. #### teachkidsleadership To raise a good leader, it's important your children learn to follow. Knowing how to follow instructions will be critical in remember how it felt and will make a more empathetic leader. | www.sahmplus.com #### TeachMeQuote Showing a child how to do something will not yeild the same results as working alongside your child - positive parenting tips #### teachpetbib Completed custom baby bib. "Teacher's pet" in glittery apple on a bib. A perfect baby shower gift for a pregnant teacher. #### teachreliability We should teach reliability to kids so they learn to be trusted and who they can rely on. Teaching our children to be reliable makes them better team mates, friends, and more agreeable people to be around. www.sahmplus.com #### teal pumpkin tips img URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/welcome-fall-roundup-2016/teal/ #### teen-with-ipad raising humans in a digital world requires some thought and structure #### TeePeeExtras Matching extras for the Teepee Joy of your choice - Teepee Joy Giveaway #### TeePeeJoyGiveaway Welcome to the Teepee Joy Giveaway! #### Teleflora-Mothers-Day-2017-GIveaway Teleflora Mothers Day 2017 Giveaway #### tell-me-what-you-want URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15456 #### temp-single-parenting Tips for single parenting success when your husband is away on travel #### thanksgiving board books for toddlers URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/thanksgiving-board-books-for-toddlers/thanksgiving-board-books-for-toddlers-2/ #### that-sexy-thing-you-do URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15457 #### the paleo chef by pete evans URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/cookbook-review-paleo-chef-pete-evans/thepaleochefpin/ #### The Preschool Box Finally doing home preschool activities is made easier with The Preschool Box. This is how our first month went #### The Tea Planter's Wife book image Book Review: The Tea Planter's Wife #### the tea planters wife book review This novel, set in the 1920's, is about plantation life and nasty secrets. Book Review of "The Tea Planter's Wife" by Dinah Jefferies #### the year santa lost his list book review What happens when Santa loses his list? Check out what I think of the book "The Year Santa Lost His List" by Jill Vanderwood: A book review #### The_Fifth_Petal_Cover URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/book-review-the-fifth-petal-brunonia-barry/the_fifth_petal_cover/ #### the_fir_tree URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/book-review-the-fir-tree-by-hans-christian-andersen/the_fir_tree/ #### the-great-turkey-race-board-book URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=18955 #### The-Lucky-One-in-our-marria A private look into our lives as I share who I believe is the lucky one in my marriage. #### The-More-Children-You-Have-The-More-Your-Parenting-Style-Changes URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/do-parenting-styles-change-with-multiple-children/the-more-children-you-have-the-more-your-parenting-style-changes/ #### the-witching-hour-babies URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/witching-hour-for-babies/the-witching-hour-babies/ #### thefloridaaquariumreview A mommy and toddler daughter trip to The Florida Aquarium in Tampa #### thekgcollection-collage Looking for some inspiration to decide on a mom hobby, check out paper crafting... #### TheMerryKid-olidayGiveaway Come on in for a chance to win fabulous kid prizes worth over $200 in The Merry Kid-oliday Giveaway. Giveaway ends December 12, 2017. #### Thena Thena from Hodgepodge hippie guest headshot #### thepreschoolbox indoor activities for 3 year old, using The Preschool Box for educational activities #### thetuttletwinsbooks Parenting conservative ideas and values through children's books about liberty and freedom #### thetuttletwinspin URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/the-tuttle-twins-books/thetuttletwinspin/ #### things to teach kids hurricane helene URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/teaching-our-kids-the-power-of-kindness-and-patience-during-hurricane-helene/things-to-teach-kids-hurricane-helene/ #### things-for-kids-to-do-instead-of-watch-TV 13 things for kids to do INSTEAD of watch TV when they're bored. #### things-to-do-at-home-with-kids stuck at home with kids? Check out these fun things to do at home with kids - educational, virtual tours, exercise, crafts, and more! #### thismoms2018goals This mom's 2018 goals. A mom's resolutions or goals for taking care of herself, her marriage, and her blog. Things have got to change. www.sahmplus.com #### thought-done-arguing URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15926 #### thought-done-arguing-1 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15927 #### THREENAGER There's always talk about the terrible two's, but I wasn't prepared for a threenager! #### threenager URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/will-i-survive-terrible-year-threenager/img_8852/ #### threenager meme threenager meme #### thryoidpituitary15533191_s URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/what-is-hypothyroidism-wife-mom/thryoidpituitary15533191_s/ #### tiger-swimming We had the pleasure of watching a tiger taking a swim at Zoo Tampa #### time-management-for-parents Time management for parents. New ebook "How to Conquer Your Family's Schedule" created with the busy family in mind. #### time-management-for-parents New ebook coming to help with time management for parents. Conquer your family & household schedule, plus find time for elusive self-care #### tinyfossildig Vacation activities in and around Tampa with kids. This was a fossil dig for kids at Dinosaur World Plant City #### tips for a happy marriage as parents Kids and life consume so much energy that working on our marriages can seem like a daunting task. But, making your marriage a priority is important if you want to keep it! 7 tips for a happy marriage as parents. #### tips for no epidural during labor Things I had to remember to get through labor without epidural #### tips for summer safety Parents must remember these summer safety tips for children to have a healthier, fun summer! #### tips-for-birth-without-epidural URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/tips-for-birth-without-epidural/tips-for-birth-without-epidural-2/ #### tips-for-new-moms URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/tips-for-new-moms/tips-for-new-moms-2/ #### Tired Mom and Wife Self Care Planner URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/downloads/self-care-planner-journal/tired-mom-and-wife-self-care-planner/ #### tired-of-being-a-mom-and-wife URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/tired-of-being-a-mom-and-wife/tired-of-being-a-mom-and-wife/ #### tired-of-being-a-mom-and-wife URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/tired-of-being-a-mom-and-wife/tired-of-being-a-mom-and-wife-2/ #### tired-woman-hypothyroid In order to receive proper thyroid treatment, it's important to find out the root cause of your hypothyroidism | www.sahmplus.com #### to-do-while-pregnant 7 things to do (and 1 not to do) while pregnant; before you have your baby #### toccoafallsga View of Toccoa Falls behind the rocks for a more private viewing | www.sahmplus.com #### TodayQuote You're not guaranteed tomorrow or any other day - positive parenting tip #### todderdippingberries Easy toddler snacks - toddler dipping fruit and berries into dish of vanilla yogurt #### toddler chore chart printable toddler chore chart in Microsoft Word format for easy editing #### toddler chore chart URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/dry-erase-toddler-chore-chart/toddler-chore-chart-3/ #### toddler chore chart URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/dry-erase-toddler-chore-chart/chorechartivysvariety/ #### toddler chore chart URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/dry-erase-toddler-chore-chart/toddler-chore-chart/ #### toddler chore chart printables 6 free toddler chore chart printables. Easily start your toddler on chores with one of these toddler chore charts. | www.sahmplus.com #### toddler chore chart-1 DIY yourself toddler chore chart in Microsoft Word. Or, sign up for my newsletter and print your own free editable toddler chore chart. #### toddler mom tee don't judge ... I'm a toddler mom t-shirt on redbubble #### toddler-bedtime-books URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/bedtime-books-for-toddlers/toddler-bedtime-books/ #### TODDLER-CHORES URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/toddler-chores/toddler-chores/ #### toddler-chores What chores can a toddler do? Easy, age-appropriate list of chores for toddlers. Toddler chores to include them and teach responsibility | www.sahmplus.com #### toddler-chores-tips Chore suggestions for a toddler and tips for making them fun #### TODDLER-FELT-CHRISTMAS-TREE How I made a toddler felt christmas tree with felt christmas tree ornaments - endless toddler fun this christmas with a large felt christmas tree for little kids | www.sahmplus.com #### TODDLER-FELT-CHRISTMAS-TREE How to make a toddler felt christmas tree with felt christmas tree ornaments - endless toddler fun this christmas with a large felt christmas tree for kids | www.sahmplus.com #### toddler-grabbing-food Turns out, he's not a picky eater, he was just too busy to sit still to eat. This is what I do when my toddler won't eat dinner #### toddler-is-a-picky-eater Help! My toddler is a picky eater! How to deal when your toddler becomes a fussy eater. #sponsored Go & Grow by Similac pouches | www.sahmplus.com #### toddler-is-a-picky-eater-1 How do you deal when your toddler is a picky eater? Amazing tips to help when your child won't eat. | www.sahmplus.com #### toddler-leash URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/dont-judge-im-a-toddler-mom/toddler-leash/ #### toddler-mom Being a toddler mom is a roller coaster ride. Please don't judge me ... I'm a toddler mom! | www.sahmplus.com #### toddler-plate partially eaten food on a busy toddler's plate #### toddler-squish-bag-dump Dump the gel into the ziploc bag and zip up tight for your toddler! #### toddler-squishy-bag-ingredi Ingredients and supplies for a toddler squishy bag #### TODDLER-SQUISHY-BAG-LG-PIN Toddler squishy bag recipe and instructions. The activity turned into a mommy therapy/sensory activity instead of a toddler activity #### TODDLER-SQUISHY-BAG-PIN DIY Toddler Squishy Bag recipe and instructions for a fun toddler activity #### toddler-squishy-bag-play Toddler playing with his new toddler squishy bag #### toddler-toy-gift-ideas Toddler toy gift ideas that won't disappoint. These are some of the best toddler gift ideas yet #### toddleratlibrary URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/benefits-visit-library-toddler/child-1522870_640/ #### toddlerbackyardsandbox Toddlers and sandboxes are a match made ... well, they're a match. Often a source of stress for moms, but what toddler doesn't love digging in sand? #### toddlerbath Toddler in a baking soda bath #### toddlerbrushteeth One way I promote toddler independence is to all my toddler to be responsible for personal hygiene, like brushing his own teeth | www.sahmplus.com #### toddlerbubbles Backyard activities for toddlers - bubbles #### toddlerchorechart In just a few minutes, you'll have your own printable toddler chore chart which can be turned into a dry erase chore chart for toddlers with a quick hack! #### toddlereatonrun URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/hack-toddler-wont-eat-dinner/toddlereatonrun/ #### toddlereatonrun Letting my toddler eat on the run has been a sanity saver - and proves my toddler isn't a picky eat afterall #### toddlerfelttreesketch sketch on paper to start cutting a toddler felt Christmas tree | www.sahmplus.com #### toddlerholdingsnacks Easy toddler snacks. Toddler hands hold ham and cheese crackers #### toddlermoveandgroove Our review of a toddler game: Move & Groove by ThinkFun #### toddleronbeach toddler girl on the beach. Is a Disney Cruise with a toddler a good idea? #### toddlerrefusingtoeat 1 simple tip could take toddler mealtime battles to toddler dinner wins. Maybe he's not a picky eater #### toddlersnacksfruitdip Easy toddler snack idea - berries and fruit dipping into vanilla yogurt #### toddlerstockingstuffers You'll love these stocking stuffer ideas for toddlers that aren't candy. Having trouble with toddler stocking stuffers? Try out these fabulous toddler gifts to stuff into their Christmas stockings | www.sahmplus.com #### toddlerwidelegstand When my son has a diaper rash, he'll walk with his legs far apart and won't wrap his legs around me while I hold him. #### toddlerwithcheeseduckcracke Toddler excited about receiving Brandless organic cheese duck crackers non-gmo snack #### toddlerwonteatdinner Maybe your toddler isn't a picky eater ... maybe your toddler need you use this simple mealtime hack! What to do when your toddler won't eat dinner #### toilet-deodorizer A great toilet cleaner deodorizer in my Ecocentric Mom Subscription Box #### told-i-dont-work URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/stay-at-home-mom-memes/told-i-dont-work/ #### too many baby food jars URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/easy-baby-food-jar-pumpkin-craft/img_6512/ #### top 5 treatments telehealth URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/top-5-treatments-telehealth/top-5-treatments-telehealth/ #### top content report URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-coschedule-helps-bloggers-be-everywhere/top-content-report/ #### topbabyitems Check out these top baby items for new moms you'll probably want to put on your baby registry | www.sahmplus.com #### topbabyitemsnewmom Top Baby Items for New Moms - are these top baby products on your baby registry? | www.sahmplus.com #### tot-cant-wait-sun-basket Toddler can't wait to open Sun Basket meals #### totatlantisaquaventure Dad and toddler at Atlantis Aquaventure - Disney Cruise with a Toddler | www.sahmplus.com #### totcolorjungle Toddler coloring a jungle page - a sponsored post on behalf of WildBrain | www.sahmplus.com #### totfeltchristmastree Toddler felt Christmas tree complete with felt ornaments and candy canes | www.sahmplus.com #### totgiftguidegiveaway 2017 holiday gift guide for toddlers plus a huge giveaway of awesome toddler prizes | www.sahmplus.com #### totinatower what we loved in May 2017 - toddler in The Original Learning Tower by Little Partners | www.sahmplus.com #### totindependentselffeed Promote toddler independence through self-feeding with EZPZ mat | www.sahmplus.com #### totonhipatstove My toddler hanging out on my hip as I'm cooking at the stove ... the not-so glamorous life of a stay at home mom #### totwatchellieapes toddler in front of TV, watching Ellie Explorer - episode about apes to accompany our home preschool jungle theme for the week | sponsored content written for WildBrain on www.sahmplus.com #### totwatchelliefrog toddler watching Ellie Explorer, fun and educational online video from Wildbrain | sponsored content between WildBrain and Sahmplus.com #### totwithcutfood Toddler eating his cut food after mom used FunBites food cutters for kids | www.sahmplus.com #### totwithgogrow When my toddler is a picky eater, sometimes it's a self feeding battle. Here he's feeding himself a Go & Grow by Similac pouch. | www.sahmplus.com #### toy-story-on-ice-start URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-great-disney-on-ice-experience/toy-story-on-ice-start/ #### toys-706162_1280 baby toddler toys #### tpb-playdough-numbers The first month with The Preschool Box ... shaping play dough into numbers and balls for counting #### tpbletterAtrace 3 year old learning to trace and write the letter A with activities from The Preschool Box #### tpbletterBbeans The Preschool Box, first box, week 2 doing letter B bean craft #### tpbLetterDdotpaint The preschool box activities are fun for preschoolers- this one is painting dots on a letter D page with a q-tip and watercolors #### tpbsortingredblue 3 year old learning to sort colors red and blue from The Preschool Box #### tracey-montford tracey montford guest posts on benefits of breastfeeding for baby #### trail mix cereal bars finished No-Bake Chocolatey Trail Mix Cereal Bars via www.sahmplus.com #### trail-mix-cereal-bars No bake chocolatey trail mix cereal bars. Made with gluten free O's cereal. And, no honey, so it's perfect for your toddler to enjoy. Gluten free dairy free trail mix cereal bars are a perfect after school treat. via www.sahmplus.com #### trail-mix-cookie-bit Soft and delicious trail mix cookie made with Once Again Organic Nut Butter sponsored via MomsMeet www.sahmplus.com #### trail-mix-cookie-toddler My toddler eating a trail mix cookie made with Once Again Organic Nut Butters #### trail-mix-cookies-stack Once Again Organic Nut Buttes Trail Mix Cookies Stack sponsored MomsMeet via www.sahmplus.com #### transform-home-fall URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/welcome-fall-roundup-2016/transform-home-fall/ #### travel internationally without baby travel internationally without baby - pumping for the EBF mom on travel via Baby Castan on Board #### Travel review and experience gift for kids The Crayola Experience Orlando Travel review and experience gift for kids The Crayola Experience Orlando #### travel-items-for-europe travel sized items i'm packing for a trip to Europe #### travel-makeup-europe URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-plan-a-european-trip/travel-makeup-europe/ #### travellunch On the way to The Florida Aquarium, the toddler and I stopped at a rest stop for lunch #### TRAVELmakeup Short on space but want all your makeup to travel? You must switch to Stowaway Cosmetics #### treeornamentsimg Tree ornament printables for toddler felt christmas tree | www.sahmplus.com #### treeornamentsubscribe subscribe to newsletter for a free printable of starter tree ornaments for your toddler felt christmas tree | www.sahmplus.com #### triceratops-bath-wrap URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/buy-stuff-child-loves-dinosaurs/triceratops-bath-wrap/ #### Trio Dona Bela shreds trio stock image for 2018 mother's day gift guide #### trip-to-the-florida-aquarium A mom and toddler daughter travel review of The Florida Aquarium in Tampa. #### TriSideEasel_2Kids-600x600 For the Little Ones Holiday Giveaway Little Partners trisideeasel #### truck popular family vehicle URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/trucks-popular-family-cars/truck-popular-family-vehicle/ #### truly-pawsome-giveaway Enter to win a Doggie Box in the Truly Pawsome Giveaway. Ends 11/12/16 ARV $40 #### ttcpartyideas Some call it a getting pregnant party others a TTC party.  No matter what, the concept is the same ... you're ready to announce to the world you're hoping to have a baby.  Echo shares this fun post with 5 ideas to help you throw a fabulous party for yourself or a friend who is trying to conceive | www.sahmplus.com #### ultimate marriage raok kit The Ultimate Marriage RAOK Kit by Nichelle Lora Designs #### ultimate-potty-training-chart review Victoria Chart Company - The Ultimate Potty Training Chart. Review and giveaway #### ultimatehomemakingbundle The ultimate homemaking bundle isn't just for stay at home moms. It's for all moms looking to improve their time management, self-care, and more! #### understand-parenting-styles URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/4-parenting-styles/understand-parenting-styles/ #### unexpected advice about babies URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/the-most-unexpected-advice-youll-hear-as-a-new-parent/unexpected-advice-about-babies/ #### unhappy marriage quote from Brainyquotes about lack of friendship and unhappy marriage #### uninvolved parenting pin URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/uninvolved-parenting/uninvolved-parenting-pin-2/ #### uninvolved-parenting-style URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/uninvolved-parenting/uninvolved-parenting-style/ #### uno2duo-stroller-giveaway Graco UNO2DUO Stroller Giveaway runs 7/23 - 8/3/2018 #### unsolicited-advice URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/quit-giving-unsolicited-parenting-advice/unsolicited-advice/ #### unsolicited-parenting-advic You won't be living with the consequences and 3 other reasons to stop giving unsolicited parenting advice #### upset-child How not to raise entitled children #### use-Himalaya-Botanique Before and after using Himalaya Botanique Complete Care Toothpaste (whitening) ©Ivy www.sahmplus.com #### using little partners tower Toddler using The Original Learning Tower from Little Partners. Snacking on ingredients for trail mix cereal bars. via www.sahmplus.com #### using smush in wordpress Use smush plug-in in WordPress to further compress images #### using-a-reward-jar-pin Managing a child's behavior isn't all about focusing on consequences for bad behavior. | Using a reward jar can help to focus on the good behavior you may be overlooking | www.sahmplus.com #### using-summer-journal Using Summer Journal to log book information #### valentine-cards-not-girly URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/6-perfect-valentines-not-overly-girly/valentine-cards-not-girly/ #### varietytimepreferences lunch variety selection and how much time do you have to prepare meals #### vegetables for chicken broth vegetables for chicken broth #### Verde Pork Posole recipe img URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/welcome-fall-roundup-2016/posole1/ #### vernatgeokidsbooks My daughter sitting with her new National Geographic Kids books Almanac 2019 and The Nebula Secret #### viewdolphinsseaworld The kids were viewing dolphins in a tank view port at the end of the day at SeaWorld Orlando #### viewfromcabana We had a spectacular view of the dolphin swim area from our private cabana at Discovery Cove Orlando #### vigo-yellow-rice-ingredients Is Vigo Yellow Rice Gluten-Free? Vigo Yellow Rice Ingredients Images #### vigoyellowricerecipes Bored of white rice? Maybe you're just tired of basic rice sides? Check out these great vigo yellow rice recipes! Vigo Yellow Rice dinners and sides for many tastes. www.sahmplus.com #### vigoyellowricerecipes-(1) 13 recipes to help you use your Vigo Yellow Rice differently! 13 temping Vigo yellow rice recipes you should try tonight | www.sahmplus.com #### visiting-family URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15928 #### VOLUNTEERWITHKIDS URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/volunteer-with-children/volunteerwithkids/ #### walkingdinosaurworld walking down a path at dinosaur world plant city #### walkwithchild Reduce heart disease risks for American Heart Month by walking with your children as a low impact exercise #### Walmart Flipp Giveaway Walmart Gift Card Giveaway sponsored by Flipp | www.sahmplus.com #### Walmart Flipp Giveaway $100 Walmart Gift Card giveaway sponsored by flipp app | www.sahmplus.com #### want-you-inside URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15458 #### Washing-hands Washing hands and dirty food for teaching food safety for kids #### washing-mashine Moms don't get breaks #### watch prices drop adding to cart jet.com watch prices drop adding to cart jet.com #### watchellieexplorerPIN Ellie Explorer, from WildBrain, is much more than just silly fun. 4 reasons you should let your toddler watch Ellie Explorer | www.sahmplus.com #### watchinglionvideo daughter watching a lion conservation video on National Geographic Kids website after reading Almanac 2019 #### water for crock pot chicken broth water for crock pot chicken broth #### water-hopscotch Water hopscotch from Hearthsong makes an excellent outdoor toy for creating a summer play space the kids won't want to leave #### water-stories-climbing A climbing activity related to water at Glazer Children's Museum Tampa #### watermelon-activities Summer and watermelons go together like peas in a pod. 12 adorable watermelon activities and crafts for preschoolers to extend the feeling of summer | www.sahmplus.com #### watermelonactivitiesfeature Watermelon activities for kids to help prevent summer slide and keep kids busy over the summer #### watermelonactivitiespin Keep kids busy while having screen-free fun with 20 watermelon activities and crafts #### waxpoeticcatalogue 2018 mother's day gift guide - waxing poetic jewelry catalog #### waxpoeticcloseup 2018 Mother's Day Gift Guide - mother's day gift idea Waxing Poetic Birdsong Charm engraved with "mom" #### waxpoeticset 2018 mother's day gift guide - mother's day gift suggestion Waxing Poetic birdsong mom charm and ball chain make a great gift set for mom #### ways-to-tell-womans-mad URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15929 #### wearing belly band My baby bump in a belly support band for active moms. The Motherload by Body After Baby. www.sahmplus.com #### weaving loom kids 2018 holiday gift guide for 7 year old girls - weaving loom kit in work #### weekly family schedule board This is our weekly family schedule chalkboard for keeping the family organized. #### weekly lunch prep school morning rush Beating school morning rush with weekly lunch prep #### Weekly-Cleaning-Schedule printable weekly cleaning schedule freebie for newsletter subscribers #### WEEKLY-GROCERY-SHOPPING Meal planners and those looking to save time ... here are some tips and tricks for weekly grocery shopping trips #### weekly-schedule URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15273 #### welcome-energizer bunny I admire my husband, who is like the energizer bunny! #### welcome-tofall roundup of fall related posts #### welcomemom2summit2017 Welcome to Mom 2.0 Summit 2017 | takeaways from Mom 2.0 2017 | www.sahmplus.com #### what chickens taught me about self care URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/self-care-doesnt-have-to-be-self-improvement/what-chickens-taught-me-about-self-care/ #### what do stay at home moms do What do stay at home moms do? Our condensed laundry list of things a SAHM does. #### what is jet.com? save time, save money, coupon code and cash back what is jet.com? save time, save money, coupon code and cash back #### what-does-a-healthy-marriage-look-like What does a healthy marriage look like? These are the signs you're in a good one #### what-happens-when-a-child-doesnt-feel-loved URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/what-happens-when-a-child-doesnt-feel-loved/what-happens-when-a-child-doesnt-feel-loved-2/ #### what-happens-when-children-dont-feel-loved URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/what-happens-when-a-child-doesnt-feel-loved/what-happens-when-children-dont-feel-loved/ #### what-is-a-healthy-marriage What is a healthy marriage? These are the signs you're in a lasting relationship #### what-is-hypothyroidism What is hypothyroidism? How does having hypothyroidism affect me as a wife and mom? | www.sahmplus.com #### what-is-hypothyroidism-feat How does hypothyroidism affect you as a wife and mother? Find out here. www.sahmplus.com #### what-is-sleep-regression-pinterest-pin URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/what-is-baby-sleep-regression/what-is-sleep-regression-pinterest-pin/ #### what-is-the-witching-hour-for-babies URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/witching-hour-for-babies/what-is-the-witching-hour-for-babies/ #### whatmarriagetaughtme What marriage has taught me in 8 years. Would you like to know the 17 surprising lessons I've learned? | www.sahmplus.com #### when your child says they don't love you URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/when-your-child-says-they-dont-love-you/whenchildsaystheydontloveyou/ #### when-i-tell-someone-i-am-a-stay-at-home-mom-meme URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/stay-at-home-mom-memes/when-i-tell-someone-i-am-a-stay-at-home-mom-meme/ #### when-you're-scared-of-labor How to overcome your fear of childbirth #### where-to-go Discuss possible places to stay when making an emergency preparedness plan for your family #### while pregnant baby img Before you bring baby home... your to-do while pregnant #### white noise machine baby to sleep URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-get-baby-to-sleep/white-noise-machine/ #### whitetile how i used to clean white tile and grey grout with vinegar and water | sahmplus.com #### who-knows-dad-best-mockup URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/downloads/fathers-day-questionnaire-printable/who-knows-dad-best-mockup/ #### whosupfirst URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15937 #### whosupfirst-1 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15938 #### why do babies need naps Parenting always comes with sets of challenges to overcome. And baby sleep and nap time schedules are one of the most interesting. Find out why do babies need naps... #### Why I let the iPad babysit my kid Why I said "screw the studies on screen time" and let the iPad babysit my kid #### why-am-i-an-angry-mom URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/why-am-i-an-angry-mom/why-am-i-an-angry-mom-2/ #### why-choose-homebirth Reasons to consider homebirth #### why-dads-are-important-PIN Why dads are important! Importance of fathers to daughters and sons - why kids need their dads to be present and engaged. #### why-is-discipline-important-for-children-1 What is discipline and why is it important for children. Exploring the reasons parents should invest time in learning the importance of discipline for kids. #### whymarriageisimportant Do you honestly ever consider WHY marriage is important? The benefits of marriage exceed beyond love and companionship. #### wife-made-me-coffee URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15930 #### wife-made-me-coffee-1 URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15931 #### wildarcticseaworld On the Wild Arctic ride at SeaWorld Orlando with my 6 year old daughter #### wine-glass-and-coaster Funny sayings for moms who like to drink wine (and coffee) #### winners-and-losers Why we should be teaching our children there are winners and losers. Healthy competition gives our kids something to work for! Greatness isn't built from settling for average and being the same as everyone else. | www.sahmplus.com #### winning-moves-christmas-2016 Enter to win Scattergories Categories & BRAINSPIN. Ends Nov 12, 2016 #### wish-it-were-you URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15459 #### wish-you-were-touching-me-inappropriately URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/?attachment_id=15460 #### witching-hour-for-babies URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/witching-hour-for-babies/witching-hour-for-babies/ #### woman trying to be a better mom URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/how-to-be-a-better-mom/woman-trying-to-be-a-better-mom/ #### woman-doing-yoga Self-care tips for new moms - exercise daily #### woman-face-massage self care for new moms - pamper yourself once a week #### woman-plank-at-the-gym Getting fit and taking a health break isn't just for those who work. 7 reasons a gym membership is perfect for stay at home moms too #### woman-reading self-care tips for new moms, a woman reading a book alone #### woman-sit-with-child Woman sitting with a child #### woman-with-cleaning-supplie Check out these housekeeping schedules! These bloggers share cleaning schedule ideas (and some printables) to keep you motivated! #### womancruisevacation Woman with cruise ship in background. Send mom on a cruise to give her some REAL TIME OFF #### womangroceryshopping Mother's Day gift idea ... get someone else to do mom's grocery shopping #### women-talk-at-table Communicate with others when you're feeling overwhelmed with new motherhood #### WomensHealth_Infographic_05 infographic about women's concerns over c-sections and opioids #### woocommerce-placeholder URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/woocommerce-placeholder/ #### wooden-dino-stamp-set URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/buy-stuff-child-loves-dinosaurs/wooden-dino-stamp-set/ #### woodnestdolls Wooden nesting dolls | www.sahmplus.com #### work life bal There's no such thing as work life balance for a stay at home mom #### work-at-home-and-home-school Working at home with two kids isn't easy. Working at home with one kid doing home school (virtual learning) and another unexpected out of school due to school closures is harder. But, we're making work at home and home school work. This is how. #### work-at-home-mom It wasn't the plan, to go from SAHM to WAHM just yet. In fact, this was 2 years before I'd intended to go back to work. But, when opportunity knocks... #### work-during-nap-time URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/stay-at-home-mom-memes/work-during-nap-time/ #### Working-Mom-Guilt URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/working-mom-guilt-real/working-mom-guilt/ #### wowwee-magnaflex-14-piece-magnetic-strip-set-animals--A01DCF65.pt01.zoom wowwee magnaflex animal set for kids holiday gift guide 2017 #### wrap-instead-sandwich Turn the sandwich into a wrap for a fun twist on the usual. Beyond the sandwich #### wringoutsponge Wring out a sponge after dipping in vinegar and hot water to clean floors #### wrong-mindset This mother had the wrong mindset for childbirth without an epidural #### xmaswordsearchimg Christmas word search free printable | www.sahmplus.com #### xmaswordsearchsignupimg FREE printable Christmas Tree Word Search | www.sahmplus.com #### yaychoochoo The family says "yay choochoo" while waiting for the train at Zoo Tampa #### yellow-flower-in-May URL: https://www.sahmplus.com/loved-may-2017/yellow-flower-in-may/ #### yogadetoxbrain Do something you love to detox your brain through hobbies or exercise if you enjoy it #### yogapose Why moms should get a gym membership #### zafooz-handle zafooz soft matching handle to take mindfulness practice anywhere #### zafooz-standing Zafooz are meditation cushions perfect for teaching mindfulness to kids