They Say Parenting

My Author Journey: Writing My First Book

(Posted on Thursday, May 16, 2019) 2 Comments

Here is my journey in writing my debut parenting book, They Say, Not Your Average Parenting Book

For the full synopsis and to preorder now: Mascot Books-They Say

My Dream

Although I always knew I wanted to help people, I didn’t always imagine myself writing a book. My eagerness and passion to help was one of the main reasons I went to college and graduate school to become a school counselor. I just didn’t know that my help would one day be in the form of writing.

When I became a mom, I … read more

20 Kid-Friendly Dairy and Soy Free Recipes

(Posted on Thursday, May 9, 2019) 0 Comments

(Perfect for Dairy / Soy Intolerant Babies and Toddlers)

My youngest two children have had dairy and soy sensitivities. Luckily, my son has grown out of these, but my youngest—at 15 months—is still intolerant.

Because I have a dairy and soy free baby, meal time has become more difficult. It’s hard to find meals which everyone in the family can enjoy. As a mom of three, I don’t have time to cook multiple meals each time we sit down to eat! Here is a list of 20 dairy-free and soy-free meal ideas which are easy. Many of these recipes can be made … read more

How to Rock the Transitions as Your Baby Turns One

(Posted on Thursday, April 25, 2019) 6 Comments

My baby is turning one! Now what?

“They say” congratulations you made it past the first year!

“They say” it’s so exciting when you reach age one—like whew! Things are easier, smooth-sailing now! You did it! It truly is exciting and many things DO become easier, BUT, there are a lot of changes happening as baby turns one! To be honest, for me transitions can be anxiety producing.

At age one, babies are transitioning from baby food to “big kid” food, switching from formula to regular milk (this can be especially challenging if you have a milk or soy intolerant baby like us), … read more

Motherhood: What We Don’t Talk About

(Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2019) 14 Comments

It’s so easy to talk about the joys of parenthood—about all the wonderful things our children say and do.

Like when your daughter is reading above her grade level, or when you notice your son understands emotions better than some adults—when he is upset and crying but can somehow verbalize it in appropriate feeling words. Or, when your baby meets a milestone, starts walking, or talking. Or maybe you had a “mom-win” when your child shared well with other children at the public library. This list could go on.

It’s a lot harder to talk about the difficult moments.

Like the other day … read more

Snowplow Parenting: What You Need to Know

(Posted on Thursday, March 28, 2019) 15 Comments

You may have heard of the term, “helicopter parent.” In the wake of the college admission scandal, a term you might not know, “snowplow parenting,” is reemerging in the headlines. This parenting style, which revolves around removing obstacles from a child’s path can actually be harmful.

If you missed this amazing segment on the Today Show, Snowplow parenting: why it’s good to let your kids fail, family counselor, Dr. Argie Allen Wilson, talks about how letting our kids fail isn’t a bad … read more

20 Easter Crafts for Kids

(Posted on Thursday, March 14, 2019) 10 Comments

Looking for something fun to do with the kids this Easter? We have compiled 20 fun and easy activities to try with your kids from some amazing bloggers! Check out 20 Easter crafts for kids of all ages! You’ll find something here for everyone.

Simply click the link below each picture for directions.

Peeps Edible Puffy Paint

Brought to you by Messy Little Monster, this edible puffy-paint craft is a fun activity all kids are sure to love!

10 Reasons Why Parents and Zookeepers Are Alike

(Posted on Thursday, March 7, 2019) 16 Comments

I’m pretty sure being a parent gives us the credentials to be a zoo keeper. Here are 10 reasons why parents and zookeepers are alike.

1. I can clean up poop like it’s my job.

Baby poop, toddler poop, poop where it shouldn’t be, identifying if something is in fact poop—we can do it all.

2. Taming wild animals—check!

Wrangling animals— another check! Sometimes having a baby with reflux is like wrangling an alligator… the kicks, the twists, the arching.

And then there are toddler tantrums… Need I say more?

3. Physical strength and endurance from chasing and constraining toddlers—got it!

If you don’t believe me, try … read more

The Best and Worst Parenting Advice from the Real Experts: Parents

(Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2019) 12 Comments

As parents, we receive a lot of advice. With three kids, I’ve heard it all.

Breastfeed. Supplement. Don’t breastfeed. Rock your baby to sleep. Don’t rock your baby to sleep—it’s a sleep association. Potty-train early. Wait to potty train. Offer baby food at 4 months. Wait until at least 6 months to offer baby food. Don’t yell at your child.

The list could go on.

Some advice is requested, but we get plenty of unwarranted advice too. I am sure the person giving the advice has good intentions, but sometimes this advice leaves me feeling like I am doing everything wrong.

What is the … read more

Alternative Valentine’s Day Ideas for Parents

(Posted on Wednesday, February 13, 2019) 10 Comments

Anyone feeling a little down because they don’t think they did enough this Valentine’s Day?

Don’t feel bad!

With Valentine’s Day can come a pressure to do something special for our significant other or for our kids. Where does this pressure come from? Well, even the Encyclopedia Britannica defines Valentine’s Day as “when lovers express their affection with greetings and gifts.” Not only this, but the Encyclopedia states that “formal messages, or valentines, appeared in the 1500s, and by the late 1700s commercially printed cards were being used.” Wow! Just based … read more

10 Valentine’s Day Activities for Kids That Won’t Break the Bank

(Posted on Thursday, January 31, 2019) 8 Comments

Have you heard them say Valentine’s Day is just a “commercial holiday,” a “money-making scheme,” or —my favorite— that it’s “just an excuse to eat chocolate?”

As unbelievable as it sounds, according to this article from the National Retail Federation (NRF), Americans were expected to spend 19.6 billion dollars on Valentine’s Day last year, which was up from the 18.2 billion spent in 2017.

This may be one of the reasons why some people love Valentine’s day and why some people hate it.

Still, no matter … read more