Family Time

Favorite Children’s Books to Have in Your Repertoire

know when I started teaching in my twenties, I was overwhelmed by the number of children’s books out there these days. It also overwhelmed me that some parents are on the more conservative side and wouldn’t appreciate their first, second, or third-grader reading some of the books that are out there. I certainly didn’t want to offend anyone but I also wanted to make sure that I had a collection “teacher-worthy” as I started out. I did a lot of research and was fortunate enough to get many classics that I feel should be in every teachers’ and (grand)parents’ library.

By Mary Bockert, ago

16 Spring Break Activities That Won’t Cost a Penny

I get it…

the kids are home from school for spring break, the littles are excited to have the bigger kiddos home, and chaos seems inevitable. You scurry to the arts and crafts cabinet only to sigh with disbelief that you can’t think of a single thing to “create” or a single place to go. You want to make memories during this time but also want to stay within a tight budget. Spring break can be downright nerve-wracking and can bring a lot of pressure to keep things busy and fun.

By Mary Bockert, ago

Winter Activities to do With Your Family

If you live where snow covers the ground in the winter months, you can start to feel a little bit stuck in house…AKA…Cabin Fever. I know for me, not being able to let the kids run and play outside because of freezing conditions is not always rainbows and butterflies. I have resorted to being creative on these days and thought maybe I would share some fun things you, too, can do with your littles when the weather seems to hold you in.

By Mary Bockert, ago

Giving Each Child Their Own One-On-One Time

It can be so hard to make sure you are pouring into each child’s attention tank as parents. Oftentimes I find myself spending more time with one or the other or even the opposite of that, not giving either child the one-on-one time they crave. So how do you make sure you are covering your bases and making everyone feel loved like they deserve from their parents?

By Mary Bockert, ago

Fun Summer Activities to Get the Kids Moving

SUUUUUMMER!!!!!!!

Who doesn’t LOVE the warmer weather, the sandals coming out of the closet, the cookouts, the windows open in the house and car and all of the festivals going on? Spring and Summer are my two FAVORITE seasons followed closely by Fall. There are merely endless opportunities to get moving, be active, and enjoy the weather.
Our family turns the TV off and we PLAY. We play outside, inside, we have play dates, we explore local parks, etc. In fact, I have had NO PROBLEM keeping my littles busy over Summer break. I want to share the many ideas that you too can implement into your summer routine.

By Mary Bockert, ago

Five Reasons Your Kids Need a TeePee Tent

We all know that kids love a play house and a teepee tent for kids is a super cute choice. In addition to the fact that your kids will love it, there are lots of benefits and uses of kids teepee tents. Here, I will highlight a few uses for a teepee tent for kids and why I think that you, as a parent, will love teepee tents just as much as your kids! This post is brought to you by La Vie Vert’s ideas.

By Mary Bockert, ago

Lucas County, Ohio Fairs and Festivals to hit in the Month of June

Oh it is that time of year!!! I LOVE checking into everything going on in the area and exploring with my family. I usually plot out all of the different “to-do’s” in the area and my family hits the festivals and fairs with grins and giggles. I know how overwhelming it can be to try and figure out the good places to go and things to do so I thought it might be helpful to share some fun things going on in the area.

By Mary Bockert, ago