When I see my children in unguarded moments thanking one another for the help or kindness they give one another, I am incredibly grateful myself to be able to live in a positive environment where the people most important to me genuinely care for one another. I didn’t actually witness the specific moment I am…Read the full article.

Whether your child is just going back to school or going to school for the first time, the sudden departure of an older sibling can be disconcerting to a younger child. Just prepare the child as best you can, and expect a period of transition. Make sure the younger child understands what is going to…Read the full article.

Even if you are ready for your child to go to school, you know that the person who counts the most during this life-changing experience is your child herself. Research and Resources for Parents There is abundant research on the transition to school, and many practical guides are available. Most school systems share resources for…Read the full article.

The decision to send your child to school or to homeschool should be made based on your child’s need and your willingness. You may also find that it helps you to make a decision if you visit schools and visit with homeschooling families. Try several, since both educational situations come in many varieties. Visit Schools…Read the full article.

When your child goes to school for the first time, it is an important transition for you both. Your child is about to go through a significant change of identity. It’s normal to be excited to start school, and it’s also normal to be afraid. Familiarity will help tip the balance toward excitement. If you…Read the full article.

Treasure hunting, orienteering, puzzle solving, and building community. That’s questing. What a great way to create engaging & educational summer activities for children. As I’ve been looking for summer activities that can spark a child’s imagination and turn into a child-lead summer project, my model has been the wonderful children’s summer activity book Weslandia. Mapmaking…Read the full article.

Children bouncing around looking for summer activities? Preschoolers are at a stage where they start to process more information about the world around them. Much the same way I add carrots and beets to smoothies, I like to suggest delicious and nutritious activities that might stimulate the mind without my children noticing much. For 3…Read the full article.

Are your children looking for activities. I’m tempted to just say, leave space to find their own adventures. One of my favorite books for children is Weslandia. Wesley, the protagonist, needs a summer activity. What to do? He lets things happen. He lets a weed happen, and he creates a civilization around it. If you…Read the full article.

If you are going camping with your baby, you may be wondering about the logistics of diapering. Yes, you can use cloth diapers while camping! Many parents are willing to share their experience to help you succeed. Steps to your cloth diaper camping success include WHAT to take, HOW to wash, and what to do…Read the full article.

Hiking with baby is one thing but camping with a baby? Sure! You plan, you pack, and you adjust your expectations. Practice Camping. If you aren’t quite sure whether you or your baby are ready, try a backyard camp out with all of your gear to see if you have what you need. This may…Read the full article.