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Wellbeing

Why Buying Organic Isn't My Top Concern

I feel the pull toward the organic milk and fruit, but the truth is my wallet wins out and I go with what’s cheaper.

Inspiration women with sweater covering her mouth

Sweater Hugs, Here and Now, and From Beyond

This well worn sweater- it’s hers, it’s mine, and with it, we will always be together. At least, that’s what my grieving mind still tells me.

Learning a few books stacked up

Will Your Family History Survive the Digital Dark Age?

The promise of a “digital dark age” is enough to send this archivist into panic mode. So what’s to be done about it?

Wellbeing woman running in the snow in the country

Why Time Apart Might Be the Perfect Marriage Elixir

Though it seems counter-intuitive, one of the best things you can do for your marriage is to step away from it, regularly and intentionally.

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Is Technology Squashing Our Kids’ Critical Thinking Skills?

How will kids ever learn to retain information and connect the dots if technology rapidly provides all the answers?

Learning three pairs of feet out of the tun

Sol-Mi and the Little Songs That Are Important for Kids' Development

The sol-mi interval is found in many nursery rhymes and singing games. These little songs are important and can foster a lifelong love of music.

Parenthood baby looking at a dog

My Dog Is Potty Training My Daughter

My daughter has been much more interested in the bathroom use of our Boston Terrier, Judith Weiland, than anyone else in our home.

Inspiration boy playing with sudds in the kitchen

The Frustrating Zen of Cleaning With a Toddler

That feeling that there is always more to do – that is a permanent state. May as well embrace it.

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Why Betty Friedan's "The Feminine Mystique" Still Inspires

Betty Friedan explored identity and motherhood in her society-changing book, “The Feminine Mystique,” published in 1963. 55 years later, it still resonates.

Pregnancy women with red har from the back

12 Ways to Prepare for Motherhood So You Don't Totally Lose It

Here's a list of things you can practice before you birth your baby so that you maintain a sense of self when you're suddenly alone with a newborn all day.

Learning mom in bed looking at her baby

Why Those Baby Snuggles May Be More Important Than You Think

Physical contact between infants and their caregivers can even affect children at the molecular level – an impact that’s detectable four years later.

Learning young girl looking at books

Take Your Child to a Bookstore, and Build the Future

Across the U.S., bookstores set aside the first Saturday in December to celebrate the magic that happens when every kid has a book to read.

8 Parenting Lessons From the Dutch on Raising Happy and Resilient Kids

Each culture has its own unique strengths and beautiful ways of living life, and parenting is no exception.

Parenthood family playing video games

Could Attention Seeking Be Connection Seeking?

The term "attention seeking" generally refers to unwanted and demanding behaviors. When children seek attention, they are seeking connection and validation.

Parenthood young girl baking mess

Want to Raise a Capable, Independent Kid? Say Yes to the Mess

Giving your kid free reign of the kitchen may mean spilled milk, dropped eggs and a few mini-catastrophes. But it's well worth the mess.

Parenthood man with child on shoulders

How Janet Lansbury Made Me a Confident Father

From Janet Lansbury's books, to blogs, to podcasts, I've found her to be my best parenting resource.

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Dear Teacher: Please Just Give My Kid What She Deserves

Teachers, please don’t be afraid of raising your standards and expectations. Our kids are capable of more than you are asking for.

Learning writing a with a pen on a notebook

Gratitude's Flip Side: How to Follow Up When a Professional Lets You Down

How do people in positions of authority know when their judgments or actions harm others unless the consequences result in litigation?

Inspiration teacher with entire class cheering their hands

The Last Vermonter in Beirut

I'm not sure if he knew it, but this American gentleman saved the lives of many young people in Beirut, including mine.

Inspiration close up view of an eye with tech icons around it

3 Companies That Are Carving Space for Adults on the Autism Spectrum

There are a few up-and-coming companies that gear themselves to the needs of autistic adults.

Learning girl with hands in the air mom and dad holding her

Does Conflict in Your Home Really Matter? What the Latest Research Says

A recent study of toddlers aged 14 to 36 months focused on the impact of family conflict on parent-child interactions.

Inspiration elf on a shelf

Why Elf on the Shelf is Worth the Hassle

The beauty of the Elf is that he's instilling a sense of tradition and offering an opportunity for many families to bond over something during the holidays.

Wellbeing woman with different topis above her head

What is the Four Burners Theory and Can Anyone Actually Make it Work?

We all have four burners: family, friends, health, and career. Must we choose to turn one burner off to keep the others successfully lit?

Inspiration two kids in a shopping cart with a woman pushing the cart

Angels Do Exist (at the Grocery Store)

We made eye contact and exchanged a smile. She didn’t have to mention she was a mom. I knew the moment I saw her that she really saw me.