I was a middle school teacher for over a decade before becoming a stay-at-home mom. As a teacher, you attend professional development–to stay up to date on best practices, but as a mom, there isn't a formal scheduled list...
"Tell me a story, mama."
This is the phrase often uttered by my three-year-old in the moments before nap time. I used to dread it. With a newborn and older son to worry about, I'd always want to rush the...
March 2nd is Read Across America Day and officially kicks off National Reading Month! Read Across America originated in 1997 and coincides with Dr. Seuss’ Birthday. Celebrating literacy and the freedom to read are the building blocks for our...
I’m not really sure how I ended up here or why I thought it was a good idea to space my children four years apart exactly. I’m pretty sure at the time I thought I didn’t want to have...
The single best advice I can give other parents is this: don't forget to study your child. I spend a lot of time giving parents advice about their children as a pediatrician. Sure, there are tried and true answers to...
As I am reflecting on this first year of life with my twins, it is easy to immediately think of the obvious hard aspects. The several hours a month preparing bottles. Changing approximately 10-12 diapers per day. Tireless attempts...
Is there anything quite as good for your self-esteem as being at the top of a toddler’s list?
They’re tiny but their opinion is mighty; when you’re the one they want, the one they ask for, it can make you...
Little Blake squeals in delight as he jumps and wiggles on his bed. He's sorting balloons leftover from his second birthday by color. Blue, silver, and white, all his favorites. He places them into piles. He points and murmurs...
My 12-year-old son is a serious video gamer. He’s been playing seriously for a couple of years now and with predators and hacking being so prevalent these days, I do my best to monitor his safety along with his...
As a wife and mother of two toddlers, I have really grown to appreciate my best friends. They have been my best friends since practically day one of college, 14 years and counting.
Our memories began during our college days...
As parents and caregivers keeping our children safe and healthy is one of our highest priorities. We would never want to do anything to put these sweet little ones in harm's way; however, being a parent is busy and...
In an age of limited screen time, I'll be the first to admit that my family and I love watching TV. My kids don't have tablets, so TV is their only screen time, and over the past 19 months...
Our 12-year-old pet dog Eddie was having more and more accidents by the week. And I’ll be honest, I was not happy to be cleaning up more messes in the house when I already had a 3-year-old and 5-year-old...
After a year of anticipation, the time has finally come, and I am 40. I do not take this lightly and honestly, it is not met with any trepidation, I am strangely excited. After many hours of therapy and...