Parenting

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

Kicking the Sick Winter Bug

Most of us are pretty aware of what to do when your child comes down with a sickness…and we know the remedy to treat it whether that means over the counter medicine, natural home remedies or going to see the doctor. But there are times I think to myself, “What should I feed this baby of mine to help her get well and to ease her discomfort?” I know that with the flu, limiting foods is best and you should stick with the BRAT diet. The BRAT diet is bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These are all gentle on the system when you or your child is down with the flu.

By Mary Bockert, ago

The Hard Truth About Infant Eczema and How to Treat Symptoms

Winter can be so hard on little ones who suffer from eczema. The term eczema refers to a number of different skin conditions in which the skin is red and irritated and sometimes has small, fluid-filled bumps that become moist and ooze. The dry air and dry skin can only make matters worse. In fact, even bathing can be a sure cause for more dry skin. Having two kids who suffer from eczema, I have a few tips to keep the dry skin more moisturized and less itchy, dry and cracked.

By Mary Bockert, ago

Keeping Kids Active in a Technology Ridden World

I believe there is a balance between kids being kids, running, playing, using their imaginations, getting together with friends, etc. and kids sitting in front of the computer, iPad, or gaming center. Just as anything in life, there should be a balance between the two. Keeping kids away from technology completely is not preparing them for the future and doesn’t give them the exposure they will need in the real world which is already technology ridden and only getting worse. On the contrary, allowing kids to play video games all day or sit on the iPad watching YouTube videos nonstop is not healthy and can actually be hurting your child in the long-run. Let’s dive into this subject a bit further…

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

The Christmas Pickle…

I’m sorry but I can’t enough of the pickle tradition this year! Every time I think about it, it makes me chuckle and I want my family to be a part of the tradition…so we are starting this year! We have implemented a lot of traditions but I think this is one my kids WILL LOVE! My husband, on the other hand, is a bit skeptical and gives me the good ole eye roll every time I talk about it. Just wait, he will be the biggest supporter once he sees it played out.

By Mary Bockert, ago