Ages + Stages

When I married my husband, my stepdaughter was only seven-years-old. She was a sweet little girl who loved American Girl Dolls and gymnastics. Today, she is twenty-years-old and a sophomore in college. Not only do I personally regret not seeking out...

There are a lot of lists out there with tips on how to NOT raise an entitled, obnoxious kid. But here's what those lists don't address; I WANT to give my kids the things that they want, and I...

We know not to compare. We know that every baby is different. Given a long enough timeline, nearly every baby will talk and walk and have all their teeth. We're all doing the best we can and we're good,...

Oh, birth mom. I think of you. And not just because it's National Adoption Awareness Month. Most days, I'm awakened by a tug of my comforter as at least one of the boys climbs atop the fluffy covers. That is...

"I don't like school and I hate to read!" My second grader sobbed as I sat at the kitchen table and watched helplessly as giant tears dripped on her folded hands. "But reading is wonderful! Why don't you like it?" I...

Will this mom thing ever get easier? Nope. Not easier. Just different. I've cracked the code, friends. Basically through each stage, your problems just move to a different area of your house. Trouble has somehow gotten ahold of your...

I’m constantly breaking up arguments between my kids about who can be first. Whether they are running to the van to see who gets to ride shotgun, or pushing to the front of the line to order their ice...

There is much hope in any beginning, and a new school year is filled with many. In order to see those hopes realized in my family, we are all ready talking about the end of the school year and how...

Motherhood is difficult. I thought it was hard with one child, and then we went and did it again. Baby number two just joined the family. We are only a month in as a family of four, however the...

As a teacher and mom, I'm seeing a lot of complacency lately when it comes to parenting. Some of it stems from exhaustion or the sheer fear of our children. You might not like what I am about to...