The four boy tuck-in routine can be exhausting. Our four-year old is the most challenging of any of our kids at bedtime, and by the time he is down, I'm usually on my last nerve, or ready to collapse.When we finally get the little guy down, there are still three more boys to read to (on a good night,) say prayers with, and get into their bed. By the time I get to my oldest, it is usually an abbreviated tuck-in. He doesn't need much. He reads to himself. Finishes school work.
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Helpful Ideas for vacationing with kids (and actually enjoying it!)
I am just getting settled after nearly a month of traveling with three kids (and no hubby along!) While it is fresh on my mind I thought I would share a few of the (little ) things that I've found make a (big) difference in my travels with kids over the years.This doesn't cover everything of course, but here's a few things I had to figure out for myself, so thought I would pass along...HAVE REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS. We all know that traveling with kids will not really be a vacation in
Tropical fruit Parfaits {lightened up}
We came back from our summer travels to find Dave had harvested a truckload of tropical fruit: coconuts, bananas, mangoes and papaya. (just to name a few.) Welcome to summertime in Hawaii. Please send help. I unpacked my bags, then got busy dehydrating bananas, slurping down fresh mango (hello Heaven,) and gulping copious amounts of coconut water. (Has it always been so humid around here?) Then I thought we might as well get some dessert out of the deal. Because after a week and a half with
When feeling bad about ourselves makes us parent badly.
One thing is certain: When we're feeling down on ourselves, it will affect our parenting. We simply cannot be our best self when we are preoccupied with negative, inward-turned thoughts.Guilt Shame Self-loathing Insecurity regretNo one enjoys living with these kinds of thoughts, and I daresay, no one enjoys living with a person who is constantly tormented by their negative thought life. Therefore, as parents we have extra motivation for dealing with them. Because all the love
The Benefits of Being a Relaxed Parent
As I finish a fun week of boating in Seattle with the boys and my parents, I am sharing another favorite post from my archives. Traveling always forces me to pull back from the daily grind and get into "relaxed" mode, which includes NOT doing much writing or work of any kind. (I wish I could say that was easy for me, but it honestly isn't.)So here's a post to remind you and ME of something that I think is pretty important...The importance of being a relaxed parent.*****I hate
Stop the Fighting! A Little Help for Sibling Squabbles.
SIBLING SQUABBLING....If I could give you one easy solution to end sibling squabbles, I'd be a millionaire tomorrow. But unfortunately, fighting among siblings is an age-old problem. It goes back as far as recorded history. (remember Cain and Abel?...That one didn't end so well.)There is not one easy solution, but I can offer some tools and tricks that have helped when the bickering begins in our home.And though my boys are not perfect, and believe-you-me
Happy Father’s Day! Lessons I Learned From My Dad
I don't think there is a better gift in the world than to be raised by a loving Father. I have been blessed to grow up with not only a loving father, but a super smart, hilariously funny, and well -- a truly unique Dad. (which became all the more apparent as I compiled the following list.) Dad worked as a lawyer, and loved his work. In fact, though he is officially retired, he still goes into his office regularly. Beyond work, Dad is also crazy about his wife, (see #11-12) and has a genuine
Grilling Fish with Kikkoman Teriyaki Sauce
Spring and summer are upon us, and there is nothing better than barbecuing with family and friends this time of the year. Fish is one of our favorite things to cook on the barbecue. I think grilling fish is the easiest, tastiest, and best way to cook fish without smelling it in the house for the next two days. ;) A lot of people say they are intimidated by cooking fish, but I have found a way to make it quite simple. Whether you’re preparing it with a