#MomLife — Family

The transition back to school each year is, in my opinion, the hardest one, not only for children as they enter a new grade with new friends, but for families, too. Here are a few ways to best prepare the whole family for this big transition.

I am a mom of five, and of those five children, three are extremely picky eaters. I’ve tried everything to get them to try new foods, with not much success to speak of. Then I stumbled on the idea of using our family vegetable garden. Getting my picky eaters involved in planting and growing vegetables also got them involved in eating vegetables. 

Just think: What if you offer your children’s guests a great party favor that meets all of your criteria and also makes parents appreciate the favor, rather than stress about finding it when their child suddenly “remembers” it? Here are 3 that just might make the cut. 

The intention of going out to eat is good; it’s meant to be a night off for parents and something different and fund for the kids. But sometimes the very idea of going out to eat is more taxing than just making dinner at home. There are ways to make a night out with the kids less stressful and even, perhaps, fun for everyone. 

New Year’s resolutions can help give a new feel for a new year. It’s a fresh start, and flipping over to a new calendar with fresh ideas, goals and outlooks can help start the year on the right foot. While typical resolutions are not realistic for children, there are goals that can be set with children to kick off the year. Here are three family-focused New Year’s resolution ideas to get you started.

At 15 months old, my son was diagnosed with a peanut allergy. It wasn’t long before I realized there was a lot more to this allergy than simply avoiding peanut butter sandwiches. And because he’s too young to understand the importance of this diagnosis, I realized I needed to come up with an action plan to educate myself, my family and friends.

As a mother and preschool teacher, I've brought in many ideas to support children’s emotional development and independence in handling these emotions. I found resources that were in line with my teaching and parenting philosophy. And they also all aligned with “gentle parenting.” So what is “gentle parenting” and what does it entail?

You know something is off these days when a parent breathes a sigh of relief and says, “Oh thank goodness, it’s just croup.” But this not-so-old-fashioned viral infection is still around these days. Largely treatable at home, here's what you need to know to get your little ones through it. 

Potty training your little one? Trying to get your toddler to at least take one bite of a carrot? Or struggling with endless sibling bickering? Any of the above will make you lose your temper once in a while – you’re only human. Experts say getting upset is a physical response as much as it is an emotional one, and these frustrations may also be felt by your kids. Here are 5 exercises to keep in mind so that when tempers begin to flare, as they often do in parenthood, you have an outlet to help soothe the body and mind of you and your child.