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Teacher gifts
In School

Custom Holiday Teacher Gifts on a Budget (Under $20, $10 and $5 Ideas!)

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Each year we want to show our deepest gratitude to the teachers who do such an outstanding job. However, it can really add up financially when we start counting each child’s teachers, plus bus drivers, crossing guards and before & after care providers. We want to show our appreciation, but we also need to be aware of our budget. Here are some ways that we can still offer these amazing people cute custom gifts, while still keeping our budgets in check.  Everybody loves a custom gift; it truly shows the thought and care that went into it. Gift cards are great but can be picked up in bulk last-minute without much thought, so to show you’ve put thought into your gifting, keep it as custom as possible and you’ll make an impact! Here are three ideas of how to take a simple custom gift, and make it extra-cute, all while…

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sick day survival kit
In Daycare

A Sick Day Survival Kit; Be Prepared for Cold and Flu Season.

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The days can feel long when the whole family gets taken out by a cold, flu (or dreaded stomach bug). Parenting when you’re under the weather is the pits, so being prepared ahead of time can help keep everyone comfortable and cozy, all while keeping your sanity intact. Keeping a sick-day survival kit can help when you need it the most. Everything from medicine to activities, you’ll thank yourself. Also, being prepared is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick – it’s murphy’s law.  You need a sick day survival kit; be prepared for cold and flu season!  It takes a few kids and late-night horror stories for most parents to learn that this kit is essential. So, do yourself a favor and prep your equipment today- before it’s too late and you’re scrambling to find Tylenol at 2 am.  Here is a list of things you’ll want…

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what to pack for daycare
In Daycare

What to Pack for Daycare; And What Comes Back-And-Forth

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When sending your baby to daycare for the first time, it can be daunting to know what to pack. Daycare providers often provide a list of what to pack, but they’re usually short on details. So, here is our list of what to pack for daycare – a little more informative. There are many things to think about, especially if you have a child with medical needs, sensitivities, or who’s just quite emotional; all these aspects affect your packing list. So, while this list is the essentials, you know what’s best for your child as a parent. First things first, purchase your adorable daycare labels!  A change of clothes Your daycare may suggest you pack a change of clothes. We suggest packing two. Remember the changing weather, so while you may provide a spare onesie- great for a hot day, you’ll also need long sleeves. So, we suggest packing two…

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tips-and-tricks-to-incorporating-the-halloween-candy-into-a-healthy-treat
In Seasonal

Tips for incorporating Halloween candy into a healthy treat!

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It’s the time of year when moms and dads start preparing for the onslaught of sugar our little trick-or-treaters are about to receive. It seems the lead-up everywhere we go there are buckets of candy for kids to grab from. Of course, we don’t want to deprive our kids of the sweet treats, but too much sugar and they don’t feel satiated. When they don’t feel satiated, they reach for more candy. Plus, they’re not getting any added nutrients. There are ways in which you can turn that Halloween candy into a healthy treat. So instead of not allowing the candy, the best way to combat this is to incorporate it into a healthy treat. It’s also a good way to use up any uneaten candy you didn’t give away on Halloween night. Here are four simple recipes to turn Halloween candy into a healthy treat Materials for chocolate dipper…

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how to talk to kids about periods
In Mom Moments

How to Talk to Our Kids about Periods

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You don’t have to call yourself a hard-core feminist to believe that periods shouldn’t be a taboo subject, and that we need to eliminate the shame and embarrassment attached to our cycles.  The best way of ending this stigma, is by talking to our kids. Our boys and our girls. Our boys need to understand menstrual cycles from a young age so that they can have an understanding, build empathy and awareness. This is crucial to eliminating shame in young girls feel about their bodies. By now, we all understand that it’s important to talk to our kids, but some of us still need tips on how to talk to our kids about periods. The conversation starts at home, but for many women it’s a difficult one to broach. This comes down to how we were taught about our periods. It can bring up awkward feelings and memories and emotions…

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tips to get kids to open up about their day
In Parenting

Tips to Help Your Kids Open Up about Their School Day

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One of the most exciting things about our kids starting a new school year is hearing all about it. But, in fact, that rarely happens. Kids are notorious for giving one-word answers or clamming up when we ask about their days. It can be heartbreaking to parents who want open lines of communication and are eager to hear the details of their kids’ day. Kids’ minds work differently than adults; developmentally, they’re just not ready to recall all the details of their day after school. Unfortunately, this is often the time that we see meltdowns happening or our chatty kiddos shutting down. But don’t worry, this is normal. While we may think we need to embrace what happens at school, stays at school but not all hope is lost. Here are a few tips to help your kids open up about their school day. 1) Don’t bombard them with questions.  …

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daycare drop-off
In Daycare

Tips for a Smooth Daycare Drop-Off: Short & Sweet

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Daycare drop-off can be a teary-eyed ordeal for parents and kids. The tears, tantrums, clingy to mom or dad, and screaming can be painful for parents to watch. The guilt is heart-wrenching, but there are ways that you can make it easier for everyone. We asked several daycare providers their top tips for a smoother drop-off. The consensus, keep it short and sweet. Here are five tips to keep the dreaded drop-off as smooth as possible  Prepare the night before.  Don’t rush! Do as much as you can the night before; rushing kids overstimulates them and increases their stress hormones, which leads to tantrums. Be prepared the night before, so you’re not rushing your kids and creating a stressful morning for everyone. Stick to a routine.  Babies and toddlers do better when they know what to expect. Keeping a routine means knowing what steps are coming and feeling less anxious about what’s coming.…

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lunch box review
In School

Bento Lunch Box Review

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With so many different brands and styles of lunchboxes available, selecting the right one for your child can be easily overwhelming. Will it break? Can my child open it? Are the more expensive brands worth it? Here is a review of six of the most popular bento style lunchbox brands on the market to help with your decision making process. Bentgo Cost: approx. $30 How is it to open: The two clasp style can take a little practise, but overall this is one of the easier lunchboxes for younger children to open. The lid is tough to lift up with the first use, but overtime it loosens up, making it easier for little grasps.  Benefits: Fits standard lunch bag. Removable, dishwasher safe tray. Easy to clean. Microwave and freezer safe. Leak proof seal around each compartment. Very durable.  Dislikes: A bit on the heavier side Smaller compartments, not ideal…

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Mothers with ADHD
In Mom Moments

Mothers with ADHD; Strategies, Struggles and Support

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For a long time, we’ve been talking about the “hot mess mom” we’ve created memes about her disorganization and laughed collectively about the struggles. Unfortunately, for many Mothers, the hot mess mom is far more than a joke; the prevalence of women being diagnosed with ADHD is growing, and we’re learning that some of the “hot mess moms” are struggling to fit into an ablest, neurotypical parenting world. The largest group of people currently diagnosed with ADHD/Autism is women, primarily Mothers.     Parenting isn’t easy at the best of times. ADHD is added to the regular Motherhood struggles, becoming completely overwhelming. It can bring up feelings of self-doubt, anxiety, and anger. Anything from forgetfulness, difficulty planning and following through, focusing, and decision-making becomes a massive burden as you try to cope with your struggles and manage your enormous role as a parent.  Parenting with ADHD can leave you feeling like a…

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In Parenting

Swim and Water Safety Tips for Kids This Summer

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With the summer months now upon us, we’ll be getting outside more, swimming, and enjoying the hot weather. However, we must never forget that anytime we’re near water, it’s important to remember the dangers that can come with it. Swim and water safety tips for kids are crucial to remember in the summer months, and so important to brush up on your swim and water safety skills.    As you spend time in the water, it is essential to remember the importance of swim safety. Being knowledgeable about swimming and water safety can spell the difference between a fun time in the water or an increased risk of drowning, whether in a pool, river, or lake. We spoke with Bear Paddle infant swim lessons, where they teach basic water safety. They reminded us that learning how to swim is a gradual process that can be improved over time. Children can start with…

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