They always ask me what to do next, what will help us make a difference in our lives as adoptive or foster parents? My answer always begins with … Intentionally build a safety net for your child. There are a number of ways we do that and I think one of the most fundamental ways…
Category: Relationship
Homemade toys
How often have you seen this happen during the holidays? Parents have spent a small fortune on the latest and greatest toy. After a few smiles and giggles, the parents remove the toy from its huge box and proceed to assemble it. Meanwhile, the boy finds the box quite fascinating. When the toy is fully…
Murphy Bed Desk – What is it and how is it used?
I first saw a Murphy bed desk while traveling in Europe. Some friends I have in Poland invited me to their house, and I saw the desk, but I didn’t even realize there was a bed behind it! A desk with a folding bed makes double use of the available space The main use of…
Why do we eat turkey on Christmas Day?
The festive period is full of age-old traditions like eating turkey on Christmas Day. But how did this originate and why should we continue this tradition? It has not always been traditional to eat turkey on Christmas Day. In fact, before turkey was introduced to Britain, geese, peacocks, and even wild boar’s head were eaten…
From this dock of mine: the poetry of Mario Quintana
Poetry clears life’s confusing confusion with words and music. It is an amazing fact about human nature that we could perceive the existence of an imagined world alongside the actual physical world. The true source of human creativity is poetry. Poetry reveals important truths about human life and the world. The poet meditates on our…
Early vs late potty training
Many doctors or psychologists will tell you not to potty train until your child is 3 or 4 years old. Some even say that the child should not be potty trained; that they will learn to go to the bathroom themselves when they are ready, which they say is between 4 and 5 years old….
The Elf on a Shelf – 10 Sets of Naughty Ideas to Add Magic to Your Holiday Season
The Elf on the Shelf Christmas and Elf Magic traditions are taking the nation by storm, for good reason. They offer a lovely way to build excitement for the holidays and keep kids on their best behavior. This is how they work. The “official” elf on the shelf, the magic elf elf, or another elf,…
12 April Fool’s Day jokes
April 1 is the day that everyone can freely fool their friends, co-workers, and loved ones. It’s a day that is meant to be joyous and fun, but it doesn’t always end that way. Personally, I don’t mind being played a funny joke on me, but please keep it lighthearted (and promptly let me know…
10 scrapbook ideas for Valentine’s Day with or without photos
Valentine’s Day is all about romance, love, and friendship. It might not be a common photo opportunity, but with or without a photo, there are still plenty of scrapbook ideas for Valentine’s Day. Remember this February 14 and that special someone you asked to be yours with these tips for the Valentine’s Day scrapbook page….
Send your child to kindergarten? Here is what you need to do
While some children are excited to start kindergarten, others are full of nervousness and do not want to change the routine. It is important for parents to know how to calm their little ones’ nerves and make them long for school instead of refusing to leave the comfort of home. It is also perfectly normal…