(Updated Feb 2023, back by popular demand!)
Last year, my family and I made an effort to eat less meat. We started with “Meatless Mondays” and now we are aiming for “Meat-free Fridays” too. I wanted to come up with something that was still tasty and fun, yet packed with goodness. So after some brainstorming, I concocted my Greek-inspired Crispy Lentil, Spinach and Feta Fritters.
If you’re like me and have struggled to put your finger on exactly why it’s so damn hard to be and raise a girl or young woman these days, I have the book for you. Girls on the Brink is required reading for anyone desperate to understand the scientific, environmental and social causes that are creating a mental health crisis among girls and young women. Using new brain science to explain how our modern lifestyle is completely at odds with our girls’ unique psychological needs, author Donna Jackson Nakazawa provides crisp, digestible insights and advice that are easy for the layperson or the stressed-out, at her wit’s end parent to understand and put into action. Why do we need this book? It is estimated that one in four adolescent girls suffers from symptoms of major depression. Girls and young women are also twice as likely as their male counterparts to…
Encouraging girls to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is important for promoting gender diversity and equality in these fields. Studies have shown that girls often have a strong interest in STEM subjects but may be discouraged from pursuing them due to societal stereotypes and lack of female role models. February 11 was proclaimed by the United Nationals to be the International Day of Women and Girls in Science to safeguard access to and participation of women and girls in science. Programs such as STEM education in schools, mentorship opportunities, and encouraging girls to participate in STEM competitions and activities can help to promote their interest and participation in these fields. But what about when they’re younger? How do we encourage them to be interested, stay interested and carry that through into their adult life? Here are some toys (great recommendations from our friends at Mastermind) as…
We know that a child’s deepest need, above all else, is to feel loved. Kids who feel loved grow up with fewer mental health challenges and are more emotionally stable. Kids who feel valued are more likely to find an emotionally healthy relationship. We often assume that our unconditional love is enough for our kids. We tell them we love them; we hug and kiss and say I love you daily. But what if we express love isn’t the same way they receive love? What if all the I love you’s don’t have the effect we think they do? Parents can often fall short of loving when we’re not doing it right for each kid. Parents tend to show love to their kids in the ways they wish to receive love themselves. The same goes for siblings; each child will receive love differently, and what makes one child feel loved may not…
When you experience the Sunday Scaries like I do – adding a Superbowl party into the mix brings me a great deal of anxiety. This year. I’m hosting *yikes* But I have done this before, so I know I can do it again! Here is the plan I followed previously, and I can proudly say, I had a great night! So, if you’re hosting the Superbowl this year – follow my tied and true tips to making it easy on yourself! You veggies & dip don’t need to be in the shape of a football stadium, and your dessert doesn’t need to be shaped like a football, believe me you’ll still have a good time! FOOD: Make a list This year with the price of groceries so high, I did some calculations and the amount of ingredients needed will cost far more than the cost of buying pre-made trays and…
When it comes to babies weaning, the only thing you can truly expect is that you won’t know what to expect. A great piece of advice is to go slow and follow their lead. Some babies can jump straight into an open cup, and that’s amazing, maybe even preferable. But, for many, dealing with the constant spills is too much. Other times, babies have difficulty adjusting or having the motor skills to go straight to an open cup. Transitioning from breastfeeding to a sippy cup can be a long process, especially finding one that works well. The trial-and-error process can become frustrating and expensive, so have a game plan and research before buying cups. A good rule of thumb is if they can sit up in a highchair, they’re probably ready to try a sippy cup. Of course, there may be babies where this rule may not apply, but as the parent,…
I’m going to be honest – The only reason I ever attend a Superbowl party is so I can eat all of the delicious, guilt-inducing, thigh-widening food. What’s better than an excuse to eat a month’s worth of fried, cheesy treats in one day?!
Most kids give sports a try at some point in their childhood. If it takes, and they enjoy it and keep it up, it usually becomes a big part of the week for the whole family. Many parents who never considered themselves sporty suddenly find themselves soccer, hockey, or dance moms. We’ve all heard the stories of dance moms (heck, there is a show about them!); it’s essential to remind yourself that your kids’ participation and enjoyment of a sport can depend on your attitude as a sports parent. Your attitude and character as sports parent also teach your child life-long skills, respect, good sportsmanship. Being a good sports parent involves supporting and encouraging your child’s interest in sports while setting appropriate boundaries and expectations. Your job as parents includes providing transportation to practice and games, helping with equipment and uniforms, and being a positive role model by displaying sportsmanship. …
A highly intelligent, deep thinker with a passion for fighting for causes. That might just be in your future if you have a little Aquarius running around or you’re expecting one soon. Wondering how to raise an Aquarius? While researching information about Aquarians, I noticed they were repeatedly described as intelligent, independent, but also ‘unique’, or ‘different’, and even ‘eccentric’. Now, I’m no expert but Bob Marley, Guy Fieri, and Isla Fisher are just a few famous people born under this sign, so there might be some truth to that. Oh, and if you don’t think of Isla Fisher as that ‘different’, keep in mind she’s married to Sacha Baron Cohen, aka Borat. I mean, you need to be a little off to be married to Borat, right? (I still love Isla Fisher though!) So, what else can you expect if you’re raising a little Water-Bearer or expecting one to…
A bag of sweaty hockey equipment is like a Holiday Inn for bacteria. When the zipper closes, it creates a damp, dark environment where bacteria will thrive, resulting in the pungent, unpleasant smell that hockey parents know so well. (Sorry to be the one to tell you, but as your young player enters the tween and teen years, it only gets worse!) I play hockey myself and have many hockey-parent friends, so I’ve compiled their best tips for washing hockey gear and keeping it as clean and odor-free as possible. Moisture is Your Opponent The number one tip was unanimous: dry it out. Immediately following each game or practice, every piece of equipment should be removed from the bag and hung up (or at least spread out) to dry. To facilitate this process, I purchased a metal “tree” style rack with rods that hold various pieces of equipment and allow…