Christmas is a struggle for minimalists. Here’s why our minimal(ish) house goes all out for Christmas.
7 Ways Moms can Change the World: raising kind and tolerant kids in a divisive and hate-filled world
This post was written in the aftermath of Uvalde, but the promises hold true of any hate-filled and divisive time. Here are 7 concrete ways you can be part of the solution to end hate, discrimination, violence, and school shootings. Change starts at home.
Vertical Coloring- coloring benefits, vertical work, and a calm down strategy
Looking for an easy calm down strategy for kids? Vertical coloring is in my top 5. This activity has the usual coloring benefits and includes midline crossing and a slew of other positives. It’s the perfect before-bed activity, transition, or calm down strategy.
Etiquette for Kids: Gifts
Children don’t magically know how they’re supposed to act around presents—we need to teach them! Good manners for kids is possible. Be the mom who has polite kids. Check out this series of etiquette for kids!
The Work of Christmas
The work of Christmas can be overwhelming. It’s stressful, somewhat ridiculous, materialistic, excessive and above all, self-inflicted. I see you, mama, putting all this pressure on yourself, and I see how much WORK this season is. But the magic… the magic is so short lived, and the work is so very, very worth it.
The Only Elf on the Shelf Planner You'll Ever Need
Plan out your elf on the shelf ideas and decrease your Christmas stress. This free downloadable tried-and-true TEMPLATE will always work for your children, their interests, your house, your supplies, and your energy level because YOU choose what your elf does each night. I give you the framework. You make the magic! This is the only Elf on the Shelf planner you’ll ever need!
Thoughtful Gifts for Teachers
Wondering what your child’s teacher REALLY wants? Look no further… here are the most thoughtful gifts for teachers — that they actually want! — and two gifts to avoid.
Should I Start Elf on the Shelf? Pros & Cons (and a Compromise)
Should you start Elf on the Shelf to add to the Christmas spirit? Here’s a new perspective on this emotionally exhausting but very fun tradition, with pros, cons, and a thoughtful compromise.
What to Do When Your Kid Doesn’t Listen
So your child won’t listen? If you’re frustrated, repeating yourself a million times, or have children you can’t take anywhere because your kid doesn’t listen, then this advice is for you. You can change your family dynamic and become that mom who confidently takes her well-behaved children anywhere.
7 MORE Christmas Tradition Ideas for Families
Looking for Christmas Tradition ideas for families? Here are even more of our tried-and-true traditions to start with your family this year. Your children will love these!
Christmas Tradition Ideas for Families
If you’re looking for Christmas tradition ideas for families, look no further! Check out these tried-and-true traditions. They’ve held up over the years and given my family much joy, and I’m happy to share them with you. Your child(ren) will love the magic and joy of these Christmas traditions for families.
Benefits of Sensory Play
The benefits of sensory play are vitally important, but sensory play is often going by the wayside in our world of constant screens. Thankfully it’s not that hard to incorporate into our daily life - check out these easy ways to up the sensory play in your home!
9 Success Strategies for Road Trips with Kids
Road trips with kids can be tricky, but these 9 tried-and-true tips will keep every happy... whether you're driving 2 hours or 20 days!
Summer Time Schedules and Rhythms
For some children, summer is WHERE IT’S AT. The bomb. Awesome. Freedom. Perfect. For some children, the transition to summer is stressful, especially for kids who thrive on a set and strict schedule. What’s a mom to do? Use a mix of schedules and rhythms.
Raising Readers
I didn’t read to our children every day as babies and toddlers. Those early days of mothering are long and hard, and frankly, I didn’t have the energy at the end of the day, even though I knew I was supposed to be reading to them. Here’s what I did instead to raise happy and eager readers.
The Magic of Reading at Tea Time
Make reading fun! Tea Time is perfect for reluctant or enthusiastic readers. You gather your children around the table, serve a special treat (like cookies or hot chocolate), light a candle, and read aloud to them. Simple, but so effective!
How Many Sheets Do I Need?
How many sheets do I need? It’s a very common question if you’re new to minimalism. Sheets and towels rarely have sentimental value, so it’s a great place to start decluttering. How many sheet sets do you need? You might be surprised by my answer.
HIKING GEAR for Families - What You Need to Start Hiking With Kids
Hiking is a great family activity, and it can be a lot more enjoyable if you have the right gear. Here are your seven hiking essentials for families new to hiking, and other “nice-to-have” lists broken down by season. Let’s get your children hiking!
Tin Foil River - Backyard Water Play
Creating a foil river checks so many boxes: simple supplies, no-prep, STEM, water play, sensory activity, teamwork, problem solving, and FUN.
Leave No Trace - Teach Children Nature Etiquette
Leave No Trace is a well-known phrase among hikers and campers. If you’re new to these worlds, you probably have some questions, like what does Leave No Trace mean, how do I follow the rules, how do I teach them to my children, can I get in trouble for not following them, and why are they important? Read on for all the answers!