Welcome to the Parenting Page.  As a mom of 2, a former in-home childcare provider, babysitter since 11, a dance mom, and PTO mom I have learned a lesson or two.  I tried to be practical, sensible, and considerate in my approach to parenting and child care.  I loved being involved in my kids activities, have fun, be imaginative as well as give them room to explore, learn consequences and be independent.  Now in their early twenties they are living on their own, have successful jobs, lots of friends, and are confident.  They know they are loved and will always have the support of their family.

I hope you enjoy the articles that I have posted here on this page.  Combined with my own experiences and a lot of research I hope that you find the information informative and helpful.  There is a little bit of everything on this page:  Password Safety, Should We Assign Chores, getting ready for college, fun printable games, the most complete Dance Competition Checklist you will ever need, and more!  Thank you for stopping by!

How to be College Ready!

So – you made it! 

High school is done and you are taking the next big step!  College! 

Are you ready?  

You don’t know what you don’t know so here is some information so you are in-the-know!

“I just need to get this done!”

 “If I had a few uninterrupted minutes I could finish this!”

Do you find yourself screaming these words (either out loud or internally)?  

The answers lie within…

How to get your kids (& others) to stop calling you during work!

Is too much praise a bad thing?

You might be thinking:

What a minute here!

How did something so simple, liking praise become another thing I need to worry about as a parent (or coach/teacher)?

Here is your answer……

Children & Chores - Yes or No?

The debate of assigning chores to children has been around for ages. Before you decide whether or not chores are appropriate for your family consider reflecting on your household; write down a list of all the things you and your spouse do for the house, and what the kids’ do for their activities.

Go ahead and be specific. 

Once you have the list…..

At what age did you start working?
Was it because you wanted money?

Did you need to help support the family?

Was it a family business that you were expected to help with?

Every family situation is different.  

Do you require your kids to work?

Do you want a relationship with your kids that is built on trust and mutual respect?

Can you remember what it is like to be a kid? 

Yes, of course you can. It wasn’t that long ago (or was it?).

Do you remember how frustrated you got when your parents did not trust you?

They set ridiculously early curfews, they never let you sleepover at your friend’s house, and going to a party was out-of-the-question!

Don’t just SURVIVE the holiday’s – ENJOY the holiday’s with these fun creative games & tips!

Beat the hangover!

It happens to the best of us. That one last drink that snuck up on us and left us feeling a little too happy!  Take these steps to prevent a bad next day. 

This memory game was designed with your young ones in mind. They can play alone or better yet, join them! 

 
Same School!
You are Fin-tastic!
O-fish-ally Awesome

How many people are you shopping for?             

What is your budget?

Can’t remember what you bought or who you got it for?

This super simple, no details left unchecked, shopping list template will be the ultimate organizational tool to help keep you organized and keep your budget on track.

Whether you are shopping for just the kids – or the entire village – you got this!

Every year my family is Vermont bound for a good ole fashioned family Christmas.  The whole fam damily is there and it is crazy loud, chaotic and just shy of 3-ring circus entertainment.  It is what we look forward to every year and wouldn’t want it any other way!  Load up the Suburban sleigh and off we go over the river and through the woods; literally. 

Like Santa, I keep a list, check it twice and deliver presents naughty or nice! I am sharing the secret to my organization with you.    Elves not included.

Click below for your downloadable version of this fun-for-all Thanksgiving themed word search. 

Thanksgiving Word Search

Are you looking for a fun game for you and the kiddos?  Scavenger Hunts get everyone off their feet and exploring.

Creep October organized with this detailed Halloween Check List.  You won’t regret it. 

Parents & dancers
this is "the" list you need to download!

Page 2.Dance Mom List
J, Me, H 2019

Have you ever been yelled at by your kid that YOU forgot THEIR shoes?  Water bottle? Well, never again!

H at her 2nd dance recital 2008
Click image to download

Here's a Life Lesson for you....

Password Safety is making headlines in the news almost daily!  

The most recent suggests NOT using the SAME password for every account.  

PLUS, you should be more careful about those security questions!!  That is how we got hacked!  We made it too easy for hackers to find our information!  Click here!

Texting!

If you are texting someone for the first time and are not sure if they would have your number…

Identify yourself. 

If you receive a text – or – email from someone you do not know what should you do?  Click here!