Q: With school vacations and cold, wintery days upon us, we take lots of car trips. What is the most engaging way to turn a boring weekend, long car ride or snowy day into a literacy filled educational adventure? Amanda’s answer: There are endless ways to turn any of these situations into an adventure. All […]
Category: col1
Add Some Color to Your Plate!
Kids are bombarded with food choices everyday at school. From the vending machines and the cafeteria line to all the goodies at the lunch table, they are surrounded by junk food during the day. When they are home, kick their health into high gear by giving them the rainbow! Throughout the week, most kids are […]
The Parent-Teacher Conference
It’s funny being on the other side of things. Having spent my pre-mothering days as a classroom teacher, being on the receiving end of the parent-teacher conference is something I am still getting used to. In talking to some friends who are in other fields, however, many admit to not really knowing what to ask […]
Four Resolutions to Make Parenting Next Year Even Better
It’s the time of year for reevaluating, looking at our lives and seeing what is and is not working. We tend to say that we will make changes, things will be better, WE will be better – but those thoughts can lead us down a negative road. We are GREAT, but there may be things […]
Thinking Outside the “Ice” Box
It’s cold. It’s snowy. You could sleep all day. I get it. The winter months that are now upon us come so suddenly and with such force that it feels like a blizzard instead of a light snow. Children, energetic as ever, do not seem to notice. Make this season as entertaining and educational as […]
Almond Butter: Two Ways
Are you looking to make some gifts for the holidays? Make almond butter! It’s so simple! Buy unsalted roasted almonds (I like to control the salt) and process in your food processor until creamy, smooth and delicious. That’s it! Nothing else in the food processor besides those roasted almonds. I add ground cinnamon, vanilla powder […]
Best Picture Books of 2013
Best Picture Books of 2013 Here’s they are! At the end of each year, culling from reviews and other best-of lists, I compile a list of favorite picture books. I conduct an annual debate with some Boston friends, where we read the books and decide which ought to win the Caldecott medal for illustration. It’s […]
Potty Problems
I know that I should not compare, but a few friends have said that their kids are potty trained and my 2.5 year old is not yet. Should I be worried? Let’s shake it up here and change how we look at teaching your child how to go potty, while also taking some pressure OFF. […]