Healthy Living

Television and Kids…What’s the Scoop?

I remember as a kid planting myself in front of the television and watching my favorite shows…Murder She Wrote was at the top of my “Favorites” list. I’m not sure if my parents warned me against too much television or if they were oblivious…but I have several pictures of me as a child propped in front of the tv smiling at the camera. Don’t get me wrong, I am not faulting my parents…they always had my best intention in mind, but I do feel they were young and naive to the effects of too much tv on my development.

By Mary Bockert, ago

Let’s Talk Dental Health

•Let’s talk oral health•

When I took my oldest daughter to the dentist for the first time (she was a year old), I was surprised when her dentist asked me if I brush her teeth after each meal. “No,” I quickly answered. “I brush them in the morning and again in the evening before bedtime.” The first time they asked I was sure they were trying to see if I would be “honest” with my response…almost like they were tricking me with their question. Then I quickly realized they were not. Humph! Mom fail #10,000! Where in the “Kid Manual” does it say that they need to brush their teeth 4-5 times a day???

By Mary Bockert, ago

Creating Routines for Your Child to Thrive

Life is BUSY…I get it because I am one of those moms that tries to squeeze in something fun, entertaining or educational any free second of the day. In fact, if it weren’t for my 10 month old, we would be on the go all day long. So when I talk to you about routine and schedules, I’m taking my own advice as well…because we all know what’s best for our kids (for the most part) but actually doing it is another story.

By Mary Bockert, ago

Breastfeeding-Don’t Let it Fool You

If you know me, have read any of my posts, or a have traveled to my social media pages, you know that I am BIG into living a  healthy lifestyle. In our household, we make sure the kids get a balanced meal, we get in enough exercise for the day and live a healthy lifestyle. That being said, it was a no brainer when my first daughter was born that I would be breastfeeding her for the next 12 months. It is the healthiest thing for the baby, it helps bond mommy and baby, and it saves money…A LOT OF MONEY.

By Mary Bockert, ago

Getting Into a Solid Routine Once School Starts

Routine…ahhhh…what every kid thrives on. In fact, when we are out of routine, my life feels like utter chaos and I end up a grumpy mess. Some families find comfort when school starts because life has a flow again where over the summer it was more of a stagnant pond (or better yet, crazy hurricane). It is true, kids do better all around when there is some sort of routine to follow. Think about it, the first week of school is all about learning the classroom routine and procedures on how to do things. Why do teachers take the time to do that? It’s because they are setting their year up for success. When kids know what to expect and how to navigate their day, there tends to be less behavioral issues, less chaos in the classroom and less overall misuse of time.

By Mary Bockert, ago

Keeping Kids Healthy When Germs Seem to Be Inevitable

I am one of those mommas…Yes…the ones who see another child sneeze into their hand and cringe because you know the inevitable is going to happen. You immediately rush your child to the restroom, scrub them down from head to toe and wait…wait…wait for the cold to set in a few days later. Eeek…it gives me the weebie jeebies just typing it.

Being a former teacher, I have a few tricks up my…

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

Properly Packing Healthy, Kid-Friendly Snacks and Meals for a Theme Park

A six year old, a 3.5 year old and a 6 month old…

Those are the ages of my three beautiful girls. Those are also the ages of three little ones going to their first amusement park to have yet another new adventure in their short young lives. If you are anything like me, you feel the stress of the trip the day you think up the idea to go on it. What should we pack to eat? Should we pack or buy our food while there? How will the girls do without their naps? What should I pack for snacks? Does the park allow food from the outside? What should the girls wear? What if it rains? etc.

AHHHHHHHH……

By Mary Bockert, ago

Fit Mommyhood…How to Give of Yourself and Still Fill Your Own Tank

Being a mommy can be tough, trying and HARD. Between cleaning the house, getting everyone ready and out the door for school, working, planning and making dinner; finding time for yourself seems far from reach. Been there and done that…and I have learned through trial and error how to carve out time for myself as a busy mom.

It isn’t about squeezing out a minute or two here and there, but more about intentionally making time for YOU. At first, it may seem or even feel selfish to take time just for you but if you neglect yourself for others too long, it starts to break your spirit. Keeping the person (YOU)  in tact before “Mommy” is key to successfully feeling like your tank is always full or better yet, overflowing.

By Mary Bockert, ago