My son loves scary stories. At age eight, we hesitantly introduced him to my favorite childhood scary books – Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. He was hooked! The two sequels were quickly added to the rotation…then we tapped out the library. Around this time, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark was turned into a movie. And there he is. Harold. Right there on the cover. If you know, you know. But, if you don’t, let me tell you – Harold is hands-down the scariest story in all three books. It hits all the creep and is definitely the one to skip ifRead More →

It is back to school 2021, Houston! This time can be some of the most exciting and stressful times of the year. Especially these days when every day at school is not guaranteed – will we stay in person? Will virtual rear its ugly head? Who is ready to skip back to school and start homeschooling?! Kids have a lot to look forward to. They get to see friends again, maybe start at a new and unknown place, and (not to mention) new clothes, and shoes, and binders – oh, my! However, from the parents’ side, it is the “return of the routine.” Running withRead More →

‘Tis the season for school graduation! April and May get very busy and some of the best celebrations during this season are graduations. It is amazing to see the culmination of years’ worth of intentions and efforts result in such amazing accomplishments. And, what better way to celebrate than a graduation ceremony? School graduations are a way to bring family and friends together to celebrate. Ready to party? It is now that you need to decide which type of celebration you will host and what types of invitations should you send. What Type of Celebration? Graduation celebrations typically follow the schedule of ceremony then reception.Read More →

The Gilded Ones, by Namina Forna Order Now Her blood proves her worth. Deka lives in Otera, a land that has ritualized the patriarchy to keep women in their place. ‘The Gilded Ones,’ Namina Forna’s debut novel, takes you deep into these themes and more. As girls reach their sixteenth year they are sent to the village temples for a ceremony to determine their purity. If their blood runs true they become a member of society. If their blood runs gold a girl is impure and sentenced to death. What is not shared about these gilded girls is that gold blood does not just markRead More →

hot cocoa bombs

So, it is nine days until Christmas and you need Hot Cocoa Bombs – let me help a mama out! Without a doubt, hot cocoa bombs are the breakout stars of the 2020 Holiday season. Perhaps the best thing to come out of 2020 as a whole! However, if you have been so immersed in that #quarantinelife that you have no idea what I am talking about let’s recap. What is a Hot Cocoa Bomb and How to Use Them Hot cocoa bombs are a hard chocolate shell, filled with all the goodies you need for premium hot cocoa – except the milk. They areRead More →

Today’s Guest Post is from Sara Gruber about her daughter’s experience learning about the Battle of Gettysburg from her backyard. Thanks for sharing! The new norm? Sitting at the kitchen table, trying to do my “job” while homeschooling my two daughters. Oh, you have a literature Zoom at 2:30 pm? My mind runs through today’s to-do list… which report can I finish in that 30-minute window? Your worksheet is taking a while? Maybe I can draft a media release now so I won’t be up as late tonight. Every minute is painstakingly filled to maximize productivity and it’s somehow become our normal. What’s more? EvenRead More →

Kids need us to help them navigate hard times. We are sharing seven easy ways to help your kids feel safe, fun, and in control during trying and tumultuous times. Be a Role Model Kids take their cues from the people they love and look up to. You! Be aware of how you talk about COVID-19 around your kids. Be calm and explain how your family will stay safe. Save negative or unsure topics for adult-time. Practice proper handwashing and coughing Social distancing (you can’t expect them to be reasonable about staying away from friends if you aren’t) Maintaining a regular household routine (as muchRead More →

Halloween-themed science experiments

Need something ‘fall-y’ to do with the kids? Try these easy and fun Halloween-themed science experiments from IDEA Lab Kids. They are sure to keep your little monsters engaged.  Between the start of the school year and the holidays, it seems like time flies. Juggling work, your kids’ schedules and all of their activities leaves very little time to plan fun projects, let alone projects that will teach your kids a thing or two about science.   Luckily, there are many fun and fuss-free Halloween-themed science experiments you can bring to the (kitchen) table to tickle your kids’ fancy and their brains. The best part? YourRead More →

By Annette Hines When my daughter, Elizabeth, was young, I used to dread the transition from her school program to her summer program as much as she was looking forward to it. Elizabeth was blind and in a wheelchair. She didn’t speak and used a lot of medical equipment to eat and breath and well, just live. Along with the change in the weather from rainy spring to beautiful hot summer days came the treacherous change in personnel, scenery and numerous threats to my medically fragile child’s health and well-being! Over time I developed this checklist to maintain my sanity and her safety. As parents ofRead More →

gratitude

Gratitude is a spirit of thankfulness and being grateful. During this time of year, it is shared with overwhelming alacrity. Gratitude can be contagious – people “pay it forward” and dig a little deeper. Our nightly news stories shift to stories of positivity and highlight the good in humanity. But, it can also shine a spotlight on our own prosperity and how it comes into stark contrast with those who are less fortunate. We, parents, often want to help our children understand that they won the lottery just by being born into a country brimming with the spirit of hope, independence, and opportunity. How canRead More →