Ages + Stages

When we moved to Oregon, I was desperate to meet other people and feel connected with our new community. I decided to try a parent-teacher organization (PTO) meeting at our new school. Thanks to TV and movies, I was...

How many of us head into the fall with summer guilt from all of the didn't-dos? We start our summer vacation making to-do lists that include projects we will catch up on, exercise schedules to keep, day trips to the zoo, and...

A few months ago, I went into my son’s room to tuck him in and kiss him goodnight. It had been a normal school night (back when our kids left our homes to go to school). We’d done homework,...

The gifting holidays are nearly upon us, so it’s the season for me to beg everyone to give their children experiences rather than possessions. Or at least to buy things that aren’t going to turn into clutter and end up...

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...

We’re all still at home! Can you believe it? You may be racking your brain for more and more ideas how to keep your children engaged, busy, and productive during this time. Hopefully, you have taken some of our...

So apparently my daughter knows the F-word. Come to find out, she also knows a lot of other swear words as well. She’s not alone, though. In the same conversation where she revealed her expanding vocabulary, it was also...

Some kids love politics and civic engagement and some kids don’t care. For the kids that don’t care, I still think it’s important to engage in the discussions, albeit briefly so their minds can digest it. I struggle with this...

She sits at her table with a stack of laminated photos of her sisters, each one telling a story about a brief moment in time during their life. She shuffles and organizes them into piles as she gains a...

Sun. Heat. Swimming. Camping. Ice Cream. All words woven into our summer vocabulary.  How about adding a few more like "sustainable," "eco-friendly," "carbon-conscious?" Many summer family activities can be modified with the environment in mind.  Here are five (easy) ways to enjoy...