Party & Play
Family Game Night with Teenagers
There are a ton of game options for the younger and older crowds, but finding something in the middle of too babyish and too mature isn’t easy. But we found some great choices.
Holidays
Alternative Ideas for Repurposed Halloween Candy
But fear not, parents who don’t want their bodies filled with sugar and shame, because there are other ways to use all of that tempting candy in your house!
Parenting
10 Ways to Stop Your Kids From Flipping Water Bottles (Without Killing Them)
If your kids, like mine, are obsessed with the Water Bottle Flip Challenge, here are a few ways we can get them to stop before we lose more of our minds with each flippin’ flip,
Big Kid
Parenting Lessons from Ferris Bueller: Taking Teens Out for the Day
Going out to explore the world with your teenagers, or Cameron, isn’t always easy. But Ferris and I can tell you that without a doubt, it’s always worth it.
Resources
Muscular Dystrophy Association Summer Camp and How to Live Unlimited
The kids are kept super busy at the MDA camps, many getting to do things they never thought they could do. And they’re not embarrassed if they don’t do it well, either, because it’s all in the trying, not in the results.
Travel
Universal Orlando: 25 Things You Must Do & See With Your Kids
Spend more time yelling, “Whee!” and less time planning your day with our handy dandy list of Universal Orlando must-dos and secret tips.
Activities
Your Everything Guide to Universal Orlando Resort
Everything you’ve ever wanted to know to plan your trip to Universal Orlando Resort and even a few things you didn’t want to know! Perfect for first-time visitors and those wanting a comprehensive guide to hotels, tickets, transportation, rides and attractions, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Big Kid
How to Immunize Your Kids From the Insanity of Election Year
How are we, as parents, supposed to keep our kids believing they should do the right thing when they see how rewarded the bad things are?
Activities
Best Things to Do at Universal Studios Hollywood & The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
An updated review of the shows and attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles, plus what’s to love about the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter that opened last year, in 2016.
Big Kid
Tuning Into Your Kids’ Taste in Music
But that’s how I feel about my kids. I really don’t care if they like my music. They spent years listening to me play Aretha, Luther Vandross, The Rolling Stones, etc. and if they one day said, “Hey, Mom? Can you put on that one AC/DC song?”, that’d be great. But I certainly don’t expect it. Just like they don’t expect me to say, “Hey, kids? Can you put on that one Tyler, The Creator song?”
Family Fun
Best TV Shows to Watch with Tweens
now that my boys are 11 and 13, there are a lot more shows that we can all enjoy and watch together. No more gritting our teeth through painful kid programming like The Wonder Pets or the one show that makes me want to scratch my skin off with a dull butter knife—Jessie. We’re in the sweet spot where we can happily meet in the middle with entertainment that isn’t too kid or too adult. Here are some of our family’s current favorites.
Health & Safety
The Straight Truth About Orthodontia for Kids
A few things I wish I’d known before we began orthodontic treatment for my kids. So if you’re just beginning the process, here is my handy guide to getting started.
Big Kid
The Middle School Snoop
I didn’t have to snoop when he was in grade school. All of his classmates lived in our neighborhood, so I already knew most of the parents. I also regularly volunteered in the classroom. But now he’s in a big school that combines three different neighborhoods, and I only volunteer when under court order. That means I don’t know anything about the kids he now wants to hang out with, and since he’s no help at all, I have to dig.
Health & Safety
When Winter is Shorts Weather for Kids
Yes, I am the not-so-proud owner of an 11-year-old boy who refuses to wear pants in the winter. He (very strongly) insists on wearing shorts year-round, even when the temperature is only in the high 20’s.
Food & Home
The Family Dinner That Changed Our Family Dinners
“Let’s try the Family Dinner Project idea with the kids, have a ‘real family discussion’ and see how it goes,” So last night, we did. And it was awesome.
Holidays
Holiday Toys and Games for Big Kids
Here are our favorite toys and games for bigger kids. There are lots of options for indoor and outdoor play.
Education
Quiz: What Type of School Parent Volunteer Are You?
Let’s talking about parent volunteering. What type of volunteer are you? Take our completely non-scientific, (kind of) ridiculous, and fun quiz to find out.
Education
Declare Your Future Career… At Age 14?
Have you heard about Texas Bill 5? It’s a somewhat controversial educational plan that will require kids as young as 14 to declare their future careers. Yep, 14.
Activities
Card Sharks: Fun Games To Play With Your Kids
Don’t ever underestimate the hours of fun that can be had with a deck of playing cards. Here are some great games and resources.
Family Fun
5 Summer Camps Parents Wish Existed
It seems like there are camps that specialize in almost any interest a child might have. Here are just a few of the kids summer camps I wish actually existed.