I can’t say that the pandemic has been the best. After all, lots of people have lost their lives and their jobs. Since I am one that has been furloughed I know that it hasn’t all been roses. Still, there are some upsides to COVID-19.
9 Things You Need to Know About Your Kids and Video Games
Games have come such a long way since you helped your favorite plumbers collect coins and swoosh through pipes. These days, games can hold some serious educational value for children and even help them develop critical skills they can use throughout their lives. So if you are on the fence about allowing your kids more game time, here’s what you should know:
Managing the unknowns of the world
12 Resources to Help Work-at-Home Parents Find Balance
If you’re like many parents right now, you’ve been dealing with the chaos of trying to work from home while also taking care of your kids. Perfecting this balancing act takes time, as well as a lot of trial and error. It can feel downright impossible to juggle all of the new responsibilities that fall to you when you have to manage a full-time career on top of being a full-time parent. However, the resources below can help you get through it all.
I never thought the first day of kindergarten would look like this
How I was reminded to change my attitude about school this year
Remote learning for 9 weeks…. 9 whole weeks… at least! That’s the news we got last month about the re-opening of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yes, I know it’s safer for our awesome teachers and families, especially those that are at risk. Yes, I know that bringing the kids into school would both cost a lot more for cleaning and possibly put the kids at risk. Yes, I want to be a good citizen and protect others. However… NINE. WHOLE. WEEKS. TEACHING. AT. HOME. I was terrified. I AM TERRIFIED.
Autism is…
Autism is… trying to interrupt the obsessiveness and incredibly focused nature that dictates the life of my five year old in order to keep him safe. Autism is… loving the spark of creativity that he brings to the world and the magic he sees all around. It’s awesome, inspiring, exhausting, and complicated.
Time is only lost if you forget to live
I know I’ve spent many car rides commuting back and forth to work over the years thinking that I would do certain things “if I only had more time.” Well, here we are. With the pandemic of COVID-19 we ALL have more time. More time to spend time together, organize, exercise, or some other lofty goal we had. I’m sure many of us have chosen instead to binge watch “Tiger King.” I mean I just can’t look away from that train wreck!
How I'm trying not to treat a gift like a burden
I knew that being at home with four kids wouldn’t be easy and I was right. While I’m trying to juggle working and entertaining a 5, 3, 2, and 10 month old I have to keep reminding myself to give myself a break. Here I am thinking that I can have it all, but I can’t possibly be all things to all people, and if I try, I will be the one that breaks.
Looking into the crystal ball for the event industry
The world is crazy right now. With so much uncertainty surrounding the spread of COVID-19 and a collective charge to practice social distancing, we have all started to navigate what this looks like for us personally and professionally. The goal for me is to keep my life as routine as possible. There is something about keeping things in my control that gives me comfort and I know I’m not alone in this.
5 Simple Ways Parents Can Become More Financially Savvy
Parents have a lot of reasons to be financially cautious; after all, it can cost anywhere from $150,000 to $400,000 to raise one child in the US. On top of that, arguing over finances is one of the top reasons couples split up or divorce. It’s no wonder that parents feel burdened by money woes more than most. Whether your child is 2 or 12, it’s never too late to make financial planning a priority. Here are five ideas to help you get started.
Don't stop inviting us to your shindigs
We lead a crazy life. With four kids under the age of six, we have a lot of hands to hold, songs to sing, butts to wipe, mouths to feed, and noses to clean. When we get your invitation to a Halloween party that doesn’t start until 7 p.m. or a Christmas cookie swap in the middle of our two year old’s nap time we have to politely decline.
How to Plan a Fun-Filled Family Vacation on a Budget
Family vacations offer a wonderful opportunity to relax with your kids as well as experience new adventures. Vacations are also a great way to learn about different cultures and bond with your children. Unfortunately, vacations can also be very expensive. But with a little flexibility and research, you can plan a fun-filled family vacation without busting your budget.
The autism diagnosis that set me free
As a parent, I never know if I’m doing a good job or not. And I won’t know until my kids grow up and leave the nest. For someone that suffers with anxiety and depression it can feel like so much pressure to try and do everything right. Did they eat enough vegetables? Am I teaching them the right things? Are they social? Did I let them watch too much television? Was I too hard on them? As a result, I constantly fear that what I do and say to my kids may or may not be “the right thing.”
We had a "fiver party" and you should too!
Our oldest celebrated his fifth birthday this month and we decided to throw him a “fiver party”. So what’s a fiver party? I’m so glad you asked. A fiver party is where you ask everyone that attends to bring $5 in lieu of a gift. The parents of the birthday child purchase one big gift in advance and all the money received goes towards one big gift chosen by the child.