Tag Archives: parents

Jan5

Best Ice Skating Session EVER

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Best Ice Skating Session EVER

Hello! I was a competitive figure skater for close to a decade and it was a (mostly) wonderful experience. I haven’t gone skating as frequently as I would like in my adulthood but I think that is going to change very soon. Ever since I learned I was going to be an aunt to my first niece six years ago, I have dreamed of taking her skating. My niece told me that she would like to start learning when she was eight but then she changed it to six after talking about it. Yay because this past weekend we went skating for the first time together and it was nothing short of magical. Also my dad chauffeured us and that made it extra special too. Let’s discuss:

We visited the indoor rink in Canton, Center Ice, for our skate date and the open skate was buzzing with people enjoying their holiday vacation. This did not deter my niece from wanting to give it a shot and I was incredibly proud of her for being so brave. It can be intimidating to try something new when there are a lot of people around and I love that she just went for it. With the provided walkers to help beginner skaters at the rink, we made our way to the ice and my cold bitter heart began to swell like the Grinch.

During our first lap or two around, my niece worked on the old March, March, Glide and really got a feel for being on the ice and moving her feet. Then, she would take a quick break and sit with my dad while they watched me bust out some jumps and spins for the one time. After a few minutes I would ask if she wants to join me and we would go back to the ice together. About twenty minutes in, she even asked me if I would just skate around her and the walker so I could guide her through traffic jams if needed and she could DIY. Her confidence on the ice from start to finish raised infinitely and one lap around turned into two turned into three. It was absolutely amazing.

Not only was it a dream come true to skate with my niece for the first time, but it was pinch myself worthy to have my dad there too. My dad took me to almost every one of my skating practices. My mom would handle all of my competitions because my dad was too nervous to watch lol. It was the perfect tradeoff and I always loved that. I know that my dad being there for his granddaughter’s first “practice” was something he was looking forward to too. My dad introduced me to the joy of skating and now he got to watch me do the same for one of the little ones in our family. It was a full circle moment and I will cherish it forever.

I cannot wait to hit the rink up with my niece again if she would like to. If not, that’s okay! After this skate, I want to make an effort to go at least once a month and that seems like a great extra New Year’s Resolution!

Did you play any sports when you were a kid? Do you still play it now? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan2

Family Holiday Haul

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Family Holiday Haul

Hi hi! Whenever anyone asks me what I want for Christmas, I never know what to say. Literally all I do throughout the year is spoil and pamper myself so I already have everything I could possibly want lol. This year, however, my tune changed because there actually were a few things I would love to be gifted with. A new electric blanket because mine went kaput as well as baking pans which I have none of. I thought it would be fun for when my nieces come over as they enjoy being helpers when their mom is baking. I asked, I received, and I am so beyond happy with these gifts from my mom and dad:

My blogging bestie gifted me with an electric blanket for Christmas a few years ago. I basically lived in it and looked forward to returning home from work every day to snuggle up. Then, out of the blue, it just stopped working. There was no rhyme or reason for it and it was a sad day, indeed. Although I loved that damn heated blanket more than most people, I never bothered replacing it. It fell under my nice to have but not must have category and was the number one thing I asked for for Christmas. I was absolutely delighted when I opened it!

As for the baking pans, I never bothered getting them because Johnny and I really don’t have a sweet tooth. We might indulge in chocolate or ice cream from time to time but that is about it. I also have always preferred cooking to baking so cake pans and cupcake tins were unnecessary. My nieces just love to help with the ingredients, taste test, and decorate sweet treats, though, and I wanted to have the equipment so they could do the same at my place. Whenever we’re watching our nieces I like to have activities for the day planned and this is one of their favorites. Who knows, maybe I’ll even bake some of the recipes that I have saved and neglected on Facebook lol.

I knew exactly what I wanted this Christmas and was thrilled when my requests were waiting for me under the tree. I can’t wait to break them out!

What is your favorite thing to bake? Did you get everything you wanted this Christmas? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec30

In Laws Holiday Haul

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In Laws Holiday Haul

Hello! Johnny and I celebrated on Christmas day with his parents and it was so lovely. So much so that we are going to have Little Christmas in January to continue the festivities when his aunt comes to visit. I can’t wait because Christmas just wasn’t the same without her! Our day was full of laughter, amazing food, fun games, and wonderful gifts. Johnny’s family is always so sweet to spoil us and I can’t wait to use all of my prezzies! Check it out:

Yowza! My gift bags and stocking was filled to the brim with the most thoughtful gifts. Johnny’s dad is the king of the practical gift and we had our minds blown by the portable sealing machine. My main squeeze and I are most fond of a salty snack and if our chip bags can be sealed after digging in then life will never be the same. I also deeply appreciated the tiny Lowe’s bucket which my father in law has quite the collection of. It’s so classic him and will have a shining spot to be proudly displayed on our knick knack shelves! ❤

Johnny’s mom, on the other hand, loves to find those unique little somethings that we normally wouldn’t buy for ourselves. I love the gorgeous sketchpad that I received complete with a set of colored pencils so I can craft amateur masterpieces. I have zero talent for art but, hey, it’s exciting to create and Johnny’s mom requested a Lil Red Original to hang up. I’m looking forward to giving it my best shot! Also included was a stunning pair of earrings as well as goodies in my favorite scent from Bath & Body Works – Champagne Toast. Or as Johnny would call it, “Champagne & Toast” lol.

The piece de resistance of our presents has got to be the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Monopoly board. Johnny’s family has watched this movie on every Christmas day since it came out in 1989 and it is our favorite tradition. It is never not funny and we basically recite the entire movie every time we watch it. This year, we will watch it together with his aunt on Little Christmas because we need her vocals for the “Hey, Santa Claus” song! In lieu of watching the flick, we played Monopoly instead and had a blast. Johnny ran away with it but I am confident we can band together and beat his butt next time!!! 😀

Christmas day with my second family was absolutely fabulous and I can’t wait to do it all again on Little Christmas!

How did you celebrate the holidays? What is your favorite gift that you got? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec14

Feed The Birds

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Feed The Birds

Hello! For as long as I can remember, my dad has had a fondness for filling the bird feeders in our yard every morning. Rain, snow, sleet, or hail he is out there being a modern day Saint Francis and is essentially the Postal Service of bird feeding. We all have a morning routine and this is his and I think it is truly awesome. My dad loves nature and takes time every day to appreciate and nurture it and that is something that we can all learn from. To take the time out of your day to do an activity you really enjoy. Once the bird feeders have been filled, we simply sit back and enjoy my dad’s good deed because nature puts on a show afterwards!

Before my dad has even stepped foot inside after his morning routine is complete, a full fledged feeding frenzy follows and we can see it all perfectly. My dad has expertly placed the feeders so we have a view of them from the windows and we love to bird watch together. Not only does my dad care for these birds but he knows so much about them too. He is always teaching me the names of unfamiliar ones and tailors the bird food options specific to the native birds in the area as well as the ones that have visited briefly and he would like to see again. It’s fascinating to listen to as we gaze out of the nature window in awe.

It’s exciting to see the guests that come to the feeders but my favorite has always been the Cardinal. My mom always says that when you see a red bird, then it’s a good day and I think of that sentiment every time I see one. And, although I am not a fan of winter, there is nothing better than seeing a beautiful Cardinal against the freshly fallen snow. We have also recently had several species of Woodpeckers stop by and they are so striking too! There have been at least three different kinds and my dad has told me all of the names before but I may or may not have forgotten. That’s okay, though, because I know my dad will bring me back up to speed the next time we take a peek through the nature window together. ❤

No matter the weather, my dad’s happiest place to be is in the yard tending to his plants and wildlife friends. He is best wildlife warrior around!

What is your favorite outdoor activity? Do you have bird feeders in your yard? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov26

What To Do When You’re Worried About Your Child’s Health Problems

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What To Do When You’re Worried About Your Child’s Health Problems

It’s completely normal to be worried about your child’s health problems. After all, you love them and want the best for them. But what should you do if you find yourself in this position? What action should you take? This issue comes up more than you might think. Many parents go into meltdown when something goes wrong with their child’s health, no matter how minor it might seem on the surface. Fortunately, we’ve written this guide to help. It runs through some of the tactics you can use to be your best to help your kiddo:

Trust Your Gut:

One of the best things you can do as a parent in this position is trust your gut. Accepting what’s happening and then trying to get to a solution is essential. Usually, you’ll know if something is seriously wrong or not. What’s more, as a parent, you know your child. You understand what’s normal behavior for them, and what isn’t, so your senses are attuned to theirs.

Track Their Symptoms:

It’s a good idea to track their symptoms. You want to know how they’re evolving over time. If you can figure out when it started and then measure the severity, you’re often in a good position to know how long it will take them to recover and what’s wrong. Tracking symptoms is also going to be so helpful when you take your child to the doctor so they will have a full history of the problem.

Check For Red Flags:

Red flag situations are when it is essential to take action. For example, things like a high fever or persistent vomiting: these are signs that something might be seriously wrong. You might also notice things like not responding to sound. Perhaps they need to go to the audiologist for grommets or hearing aids. Seizures and extreme lethargy or not waking properly are all red flag signs too. Get help immediately.

Call the Pediatrician:

If you encounter something you haven’t seen before or symptoms seem worse than usual, getting on the phone with the pediatrician is a good idea. They can provide advice on what to do next, including whether or not to go to hospital.

Provide Comfort:

Sometimes, just providing your child with some comfort can have a profound effect on their well-being. Their bodies are highly tuned to their surroundings. Even skin-on-skin contact, which seems quite simple, can have a huge effect. You can also do things like bring them their comfort items or put them in a room that feels safe to them. These small changes may improve their health.

Ask “Dumb” Questions:

Lastly, if you do go to the doctor with them, don’t be afraid to ask dumb questions. The more of these you pose, the more likely you are to understand what’s happening in the future if something similar happens again. Every question you have is worth asking and your child’s appointment is the time to do so.

Any health concern for your child can be scary. Keep a level head, find a solution with the doctor, and do your best to accommodate!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Oct19

Holiday Shopping For The Kiddos

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Holiday Shopping For The Kiddos

Hello! Johnny and I are the fun aunt and uncle to five amazing kiddos and it’s always so exciting to celebrate the holiday season together. I am pleased to report that I have put a decent dent in my Christmas shopping and like to think of myself as an excellent gift giver. However, with several holidays as an aunt under my belt, even I admit that I need some inspiration now and then for children’s gifts. There are seemingly endless options of adorable things and it can be hard to narrow it down! Let’s explore a few ideas to get that gift inspo flowing for the littles in your life:

First and Foremost:

Honestly, one of the best things you can do is simply ask the parents lol. This might sound lazy but it’s so true and you can be sure that you are getting exactly what is needed and wanted. It could be clothing in a certain size, a particular toy they have their eye on, or a couple packs of supplies like diapers and wipes. The last thing parents need is more clutter like yet another package of play food or making trips to return or exchange presents. If you are unsure – just ask!

Gifts of Experience:

Speaking of clutter, the resounding theme I have heard this year from my parent friends is wanting gifts of experience for their children. This is a fabulous way to make memories and have cherished quality time. It could be a trip to the zoo or aquarium, purchasing lessons for swimming or theater, or tickets to a movie or live show. Several beloved children’s programs like Paw Patrol, The Wiggles, and Gabby’s Dollhouse have theater performances that super fan kiddos will love. Lots of local theaters also have performances of The Grinch, Elf, and Rudolph which could be tons of fun too to get into the holiday spirit.

Craft Supplies:

If your littles are anything like mine, they love to get artsy! Arts and crafts gifts are great and can give parents a welcome reprieve while their kids work on their own projects. It could be big coloring or sticker books, figurines to paint, packs of model clay or kinetic sand, jewelry making kits, or retro fuzzy posters to spend an afternoon coloring. If you want to combine art with a gift of experience, how about a trip to a pottery studio like Color Me Mine or All Fired Up? Then you can enjoy creating together and eagerly await to pick up your masterpieces after they have been glazed.

Building Kits:

Of course, Lego is an incredibly popular toy but it is also incredibly expensive! There are some loopholes though. 😀 If you have a 5 Below near you, check it out. The one that I shop at has several Lego Creator and even Technic sets on the cheap. I was really surprised to find them and got a handful of kits for a song as one of my gifts for my nephew. 5 Below also has pseudo Lego kits for Strawberry Shortcake, Hello Kitty, and candy like Hershey’s and Reese’s. This can give a taste for building without breaking the bank.

And, finally, there is a store in my neck of the woods called The Exchange. It is a buy/sell/trade shop for video games, movies, records, and memorabilia and oftentimes they have used Lego sets there. If you have a similar store in your vicinity, it doesn’t hurt to stop by. Mine currently has a lot of the Wicked sets there for close to half off. Why pay more when you can pay less?!

“Pet” Gifts:

If your little has been longing for a pet of their own and it isn’t possible, there are SO many cute animal care toys on the market. My eldest niece, for example, would love pet bunnies because of my Melvin and Penelope. Who can blame her? They’re the cutest! Last year for Christmas, I got her a Little Live Pets set for bunnies and she absolutely loved it. These toys come with a mama animal and babies to birth. It also includes clothes to dress them up in, play food to feed them, and bedding to make their hutch cozy. These toys make noises and are super interactive. It could be the perfect introduction to caring for a pet of their own some day! *Note: PLEASE don’t gift real animals for the holidays. They are family, not a present to be returned.*

It feels like October is flying by and the holidays are just around the corner. Stay tuned for more inspo guides from your girl all holiday season long!

Are you an early or last minute holiday shopper? Who is the most difficult person to shop for on your list? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug18

Disability-Friendly DIY: Making Playtime Accessible (And Fun!)

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Disability-Friendly DIY: Making Playtime Accessible (And Fun!)

Play is the way children develop skills, discover their world, and relate to other children. For families with children of varying abilities, it does take a bit of effort to come up with activities where all of them will be able to play together, but it is also very rewarding. Better still, you don’t have to spend very much money or have an extensive workshop setting in order to achieve it. Let’s look at a few different ways to explore how:

Start with What They Love:

Every child has something that will get them excited, a favorite activity type, texture, or color. Start with that. If your little one loves music, think of ways to integrate movement and sound into games. Drumming on turned-over pots, shaking handmade chimes, or beating along with one hand on something will entertain children of all abilities.

Keep It Flexible:

Inclusive play also means adapting play so that all children can participate at their own pace. Envision a game of catch with an enlarged ball that is easy on the grip and rolls more gradually. Or create a sensory bin with things of different textures, such as smooth rocks, soft cloths, and crinkled paper, so children can choose and select whatever entertains them. The more adaptable the arrangement, the more likely it is that each child will create his or her own manner of participating.

Take Into Consideration Space and Accessibility:

At other moments, it is not the activity that creates the barrier but the configuration of the room itself. Bypassing floor obstacles, the use of low tables, and gaps between the path and other zones all help greatly. If it is an outside game being organized, ensure that the ground is firm and easily negotiable for all users. Simple adaptations of this sort will allow full participation in the game to children with mobility devices or those requiring more space within which to move.

Involve the Whole Household:

When everyone joins in, play feels more inclusive. Siblings, cousins, or friends can be given simple roles like keeping score, helping to pass materials, or partnering up for team activities. This not only supports the child with additional needs but also builds empathy and understanding among all the kids involved.

Bring in Useful Inspiration:

Innovation is not always required. Sometimes the best of practical tips come from those already on the other side of the journey. Consultation with therapists, teachers, or other parents in support groups within the community will give you new activity ideas that work. At an even broader scale, information offered through a life care planning company might give you ideas on how you might incorporate environments and routines that specifically complement all of the family members’ abilities and needs.

Make It About Joy, Not Perfection:

The objective isn’t that all children finish the activity identically. It’s laughter, curiosity, and bonding in common moments. If the tower of blocks topples over, that’s all in good fun. If a child paints the grass rather than the paper, a new medium of art has been made!

Once you’ve discovered some things that all of you love to do, incorporate them into your regular lineup. You’ll notice over time which subtle changes make them more fun. Soon you’ll have a collection of games, crafts, and sensory activities that unite the entire family and you’ll see that with a little imagination, play really is for all!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Aug5

6 Challenges Parents Might Face With Their Children

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6 Challenges Parents Might Face With Their Children

Parenting is one of the most challenging journeys a person can take. From the toddler tantrums to teenage independence, every start stage of a child’s life brings new obstacles. The daily balance of nurturing, teaching, guiding, and sometimes just getting through the day can feel overwhelming. When considering educational options, many parents explore structured environments like Montessori preschools in hopes of supporting their child’s development. But this isn’t the only challenge that parents face, and how to navigate those challenges with patience and perspective is not always easy:

Managing emotional outbursts:

Parents are managing these outbursts from the moment they bring a newborn home from the hospital, but young children are still learning how to process emotions in healthy ways. Tantrums, tears, and yelling are all part of that process, but that doesn’t make it easy to handle. Parents will often struggle with how to stay calm and supportive while setting boundaries. Understanding that outbursts are normal and rooted in emotional development can help with consistency and empathy. Along with clear routines, you can give your children a sense of security and predictability.

Struggles with screen time:

This is a big challenge given that we’re now living in a more digital world than ever before. Managing technology in the home is a modern parenting challenge, and while screens can be educational, along with being entertaining, too much time can affect behavior, sleep, and attention span. Parents will often feel guilty no matter which way they choose to go because too much screen time feels lazy, but too little can feel isolating. The key is to find that balance.

Sibling rivalries:

When more than one child is involved, sibling dynamics can bring a whole new layer of stress to parenting. Arguments, jealousy, and competition are very common, and you might find yourself playing referee more often than intended. By encouraging cooperative play and celebrating each child’s strengths, you can foster empathy between siblings and ease that tension over time.

Sleep issues:

Whether it’s bedtime resistance, night wakings or early rising, sleep challenges affect everyone in the family. Lack of rest can impact not only their mood and behavior, but also the parents ability to function. A calm night time routine and limiting stimulation before bed can prove to be beneficial. Ditch the tablet for a good book, put on some white noise or calming music, and encourage healthier sleep hygiene.

Balancing discipline with connection:

One of the hardest parts of parenting is disciplining gently with love. It’s very easy to slip into extremes such as being too strict or too permissive, especially under stress. A big part of parenting is re-parenting yourself from an early age.

Worrying about their education and development:

From speech delays to learning styles, parents worry if their child is on track and the pressure to make the right educational choices can feel quite heavy. Choosing the right program can offer peace of mind, but it’s all about aligning it with your child’s pace and their individual interests. If you have concerns about your child’s developmental progress, it is a wise decision to make an appointment with their GP ASAP.

Whatever challenges you are facing, it is normal. And you are doing a much better job than you are giving yourself credit for!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jun20

Could Multigenerational Living Work For Your Family?

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Could Multigenerational Living Work For Your Family?

For a long time, multigenerational living carried a bit of a stigma. People assumed you’d only move back in with family if something had gone wrong like a job had been lost or relationship ended. But now it’s more common to see grown up children living with their parents while saving for a home, and in many cases, ageing parents are moving in with adult children too (sometimes both).

What’s changed is the way families are doing it, it’s no longer just a temporary fix. It’s a setup that people are actually planning for, and in many cases, choosing. It usually starts with a practical reason like childcare, housing costs, or the price of care homes. But for some families, once the arrangement settles, it starts to work on other levels too. Grandparents and grandchildren spend more time together, meals are shared more often, and there’s always someone around. People begin to appreciate the overlap of different generations under one roof.

It only works when the space works:

Not every home is built for this kind of life, and not every family dynamic suits it either. But the physical layout matters more than most people realize. It’s easier when there’s a bit of separation. Not necessarily an annex or separate floor (although that helps) but enough room for people to spend time apart. A spare bedroom can become a small sitting room, a garage converted makes more space. Even just having an extra bathroom can make things more manageable. The smallest change can take pressure off if it gives someone a bit more autonomy.

Daily life can feel a little easier:

Multigenerational living really can improve the way life runs for everyone involved. From school pickups to dentist appointments, someone to keep an eye on the baby while the dinner’s on all become easier when you have a household with more people in. If you have an elderly family member who needs care, more people around to help with this can make things a lot easier for everyone. And you still have the option of using a home care agency too if you need extra help. It feels busier when you live with your multi generation family but it often works out to be more efficient too. There’s no need for constant favors or negotiations, it all just becomes part of life. That sense of support matters more than people expect, especially during the early years with small children or when someone’s health isn’t great.

It depends on boundaries, not rules:

There’s a balance to find with this kind of lifestyle and it doesn’t always go smoothly. Some families fall into old patterns, and it takes effort to reset those roles. Not everyone wants parenting advice from their own parents while they’re trying to raise kids of their own, and some older relatives struggle to let go of routines they’ve had for decades. But it tends to get easier when people talk openly about what’s bothering them before it builds up. It helps when there’s a clear understanding of what each person is responsible for. Not strict rules, just enough clarity so nobody feels walked over.

Multigenerational setups look different in every home. Some feel more communal, with shared meals and group outings. Others are quieter, with people mostly doing their own thing. Neither is right or wrong. What makes it work is usually a mix of space, patience, and a bit of flexibility. It’s not something everyone sets out to do, but for more families now, it’s becoming the option that feels most natural.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jun15

Happy Father’s Day!!

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Happy Father’s Day!!

Hello everyone and a Happy Father’s Day to all of the dads, pet dads, and any other kind of dad out there! Today is the day to celebrate all of the fellas in our lives who make it so special. Whether you are spending your day grilling out, taking a hike, or my dad’s preferred desire for “peace and quiet”, I hope that it is the perfect day for you. While dear old dads should be celebrated each and every day, my wish is that you feel especially showered with love during your celebrations!

I am so incredibly lucky to have the best dad in the world and although he doesn’t care to celebrate his birthday or days like today, I just have to give him a shout out anyways! My dad is the most wonderful man. He is hilarious, kind, beyond skilled at gardening, and shreds on guitar. Not only is he my super dad, but he is the most loving PopPop of five and it is such fun to see him interact with my four nieces and nephew. It shows me what him and my mom were like when my siblings and I were little and that is a true gift to me. They were both the best way back then and they still are now. I love you, dad! Thank you for all you do each and every day. ❤

Happy Father’s Day!!!!