Even if you got an A+ in parenting when your kids were young, you may be feeling a little less than confident about achieving parenting success during the tween and teen years.  We loved this parenting “cheat sheet”from IMOM with 5 shortcuts for understanding and dealing with how your tween and teen thinks. Make your boundaries clearFocus on redirecting your child’s actions as they relate to your standards; don’t focus on changing their opinions. Let them know your boundaries exist for their own safety and wellbeing—but don’t expect them to like it. Don’t squash their dreamsWhen your teen ..read more

Although a lot has changed since our parents were “parenting”, there are numerous nuggets of parenting advice that still ring true with the kids of today.  Country Living shares 30 pieces of old-fashioned parenting advice that are as pertinent as ever—here are 10 of our favorites: Eat togetherCan’t make it happen on weeknights? Sunday breakfasts count, too. Let kids failIf he forgot about the science fair tomorrow, it’s not your job to run out and buy supplies tonight. Kids need to understand that someday you won’t be there to bail them out. Send them outside to playFresh air ne ..read more

The start of the school year will soon be here, which is also the beginning of the season we like to call the “dinner time challenge”.  We loved these easy make-ahead dinner recipes from Scholastic and can’t wait to give them all a try.  Which one is your favorite? Broccoli-Cheddar Quiche Breakfast for dinner? You bet! Frozen pie crust makes quick work of this cheesy crowd-pleaser! Chicken-Parmesan Casserole This hearty take on the classic dish doubles easily. Green and White Four-Cheese Lasagna Your kids will love this cheesy, veggie-filled pasta dish. Meatloaf with Potato Topping G ..read more

As we prepare for a new school year, I bet you can’t wait to have those great after-school conversations with your kids where they tell you all the juicy details about their day. Wait, this isn’t how it plays out at your house? Don’t worry; most parents are sitting in the same after-school boat. To keep you from getting nowhere with the traditional “How was your day?”, might we suggest adding these questions to your after-school conversations? Did you smile or laugh extra today? Did you learn anything that surprised you today? What part of school do you enjoy the best besides recess? Wha ..read more

Parenting is hard—and sometimes, we as parents make it harder than it has to be.  Mother.ly recently shared 15 things we should let go of in order to enjoy the parenting journey even more.  Here are 8 of our favorites. “Supposed to”Holding onto the way things are “supposed” to be, you may miss enjoying how they actually are. Keeping scoreKeeping score wastes energy. Just do what you feel inspired and able to do, and stop comparing yourself to other parents. Your need to look perfectEmbrace your imperfections. Laugh at yourself. The best parents are always willing to learn, change an ..read more

If your child is ready for braces or clear aligners, our partner Innovative Orthodontic Centers suggests now might be the best time to get them. “While, of course, our orthodontists offer care year-round, there are some key benefits of getting braces or clear aligners before the new school year kicks off,” says Dr. Manal Ibrahim of Innovative Orthodontic Centers. Here’s why: Gets the Longer Appointments Out of the Way The first step in the process is a consultation, which takes about an hour. Completing the consultation and, for braces patients, the bonding appointment during the summer when s ..read more

Sending your child off to their first year of college?  If you’re like New York Times writer Kelly Corrigan, you might be worried they won’t remember all the important things.  “To every child everywhere who is leaving home soon, could we agree that we love each other, and that’s what matters?  And real quick, before you go, let’s just make sure we covered everything. “ According to Kelly, here are a few of the important things every kid headed off to college should remember (read all of them here—it’s worth your time!): Don’t take other people’s Adderall to help you study. Whe ..read more

Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine can be challenging during summer break. However, a structured sleep schedule is crucial for children’s overall well-being and development. Below are some effective tips to establish bedtime routines for your children during the summer months.  Set a Consistent Bedtime: While the allure of staying up late may seem appealing to children during summer break, it’s essential to establish a consistent bedtime. Aim to maintain a routine that closely resembles their school-year schedule. Consistency promotes better sleep quality and helps regulate their in ..read more

We hate to break it to you, but summer will soon be coming to an end. If you’re hoping to be more organized this school year, our partner, Organize by Designe, shares 12 habits of organized moms that will help you have the best school year yet. Here are a few to get you started. Create a Strong Morning Routine A strong morning routine will benefit the whole day. This includes waking up early, nourishing your body with a healthy breakfast, and getting a little workout in. Plan Ahead Create meal plans for the week, make school lunches the night before, set out clothes in advance, and have a fami ..read more

During the long, hot days of summer, it’s important to offer your children snacks that are both quick to prepare and nutritious. Here are some quick and easy healthy summer snacks that your children will love: Grazing Boards: Make a grazing board, a kid-friendly version of a charcuterie board, with your child’s favorite fresh fruits and vegetables, sliced cheeses, and cured meats such as salami and ham. Use a wide variety of flavors for your grazing board to please even the pickiest eaters. Not only does a grazing board give your child choices, but it is also a great way to add nutrients, int ..read more