ML Interest Tag: blog-post

Want to Win at Parenting? Try These Tips

By Nina Meehan

Full disclosure…I feel really awkward writing a blog post about my parenting “wins” or “successes” because, honestly, it seems like I’m bragging or saying that I’m doing an Instagram-worthy job of parenting at all times. So, here is my reality: sometimes I win and a lot of times I’m in learning mode and then I have moments of TOTAL FAILURE parenting. I think we all have these three modes, but I have recently found three parenting tips that are totally working for my family and I thought it would be worth sharing in case they can help another mom or dad move into the win category for one more moment of their week.

Parenting Win #1: The Family Breakfast

When my kids were little, we sat down for dinner together every night we possibly could at just about 6 p.m. I read all the studies and I know that family meals have huge correlation to a positive family connection, fight childhood obesity, better academic performance, higher self-esteem, etc. But, now that my boys are older, their afterschool activities consistently encroach on the 6 o’clock hour and those activities are super positive for the boys. But, my four-year-old can’t wait for dinner until after 7 p.m. when the older boys are finished at the pool or the gym. 

So, what’s a mom to do? Enter the family breakfast! If we can’t sit down for family dinner consistently, why not breakfast? We started by piloting one week over the summer when there wasn’t a time crunch to get to school. We all gathered at 6:45 a.m. And it worked! We all sat down and connected at the beginning of the day. And it was delightful!

When the school year began, we really went for it. At first, it was hard to get the rhythm going—the kids had to wake up 15 minutes earlier. But, once we figured out the ins and outs, this has become a routine that is really working. 

Some things we learned that I hope are helpful for you:

  • Don’t try to make anything fancier than a normal school day breakfast. If your kids like Cheerios, they should eat Cheerios.  
  • If you have one naysayer, do it anyways! Positive peer pressure will win the day.

Parenting Win #2: Conversation Topics Assigned to Each Day of the Week

This win is directly connected to family breakfast for my family, but it really could be any time of the day like afternoon pick-up from school, family dinner, or part of a bedtime ritual. We have a different topic of conversation for each day of the week and the kids helped come up with these:

  • Monday: What are you looking forward to this week?
  • Tuesday: What are you reading or writing?
  • Wednesday: What is something interesting you heard or learned recently?
  • Thursday: What is something that happened recently where you learned from making a mistake?
  • Friday: Gratitude Friday

Why is this a Win? Well, for starters, since implementing these questions, we have a more varied and interesting conversation as a family than we have had in years. It’s so easy to get stuck in the “What are you doing at school?” or “How is work?” rut. Those questions are important, but how do you peel back the onion layers to get at something new or different? These questions also give space for the adults to be vulnerable in front of our kids and to connect with their kids on shared interests. I would say that for us, having the structure of pre-determined conversation topics has opened the door to much more freedom in how we are all conversing. 

Parenting Win #3: Audiobooks and Podcasts

We are all battling the world that is technology these days. What is a good use? What is inappropriate? What is educational? How much is too much? I don’t know any parent who isn’t struggling with this to some degree as kids are getting phones and iPads younger and younger. So, my recent parenting win is that using the iPhone app screen time settings by limiting our kid’s ability to access anything other than audible and podcasts. And, wouldn’t you know it, the kids have taken to listening to all sorts of fantastic shows and books I don’t feel guilty, they think they are getting screen time and they are listening to something that often I enjoy too….a big win all around. Listening to stories is a tradition as old as time, why not embrace our modern versions of that? We are using these in the car, before bed, on lazy Saturdays, and on boring shopping trips that kids get dragged on.

Here are a few of our favorites that will entertain a span of ages:

Harry Potter Audiobook

Inkheart on Audiobook (a little scary for the 4-year-old)

Smash Boom Best

Brains On

Molly of Denali (more popular with the younger 2)

Circle Round

 

Nina Meehan is CEO and Founder Bay Area Children's Theatre and the host of the Creative Parenting Podcast. An internationally recognized expert in youth development through the arts, Nina nurtures innovation by fostering creative thinking. She is mom to Toby (13), Robby (10) and Meadow (5).  

   

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5 Reasons to Plan a Trip to Big Bear

by Kenzie Kramer
Partner Content

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We’ve all become experts at enjoying outside activities this past year. And Big Bear Lake has no shortage of incredible family adventures to be had in the great outdoors. From camping to hiking, biking to kayaking, families can easily find their niche in this beautiful Southern California mountain lake escape. Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, this four-season recreation hub is a must-visit spot for SoCal families (or anyone who is looking for a rejuvenating getaway out west!). Here’s why:

Book your getaway to Big Bear today!

1. It’s a Quick Trip from LA, But Feels Worlds Away

Peace out, traffic. Buh-bye, schedules. Big Bear Lake’s breathtaking mountains are a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of city and suburban life. In just 2-3 hours, you’ll be far from the LA metropolis. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, there’s nothing better than packing up the car in the morning and officially being on vacation by lunchtime. Parents and kids will feel connected to nature and totally disconnected from the daily grind. 

2. There’s Snow in the Winter

Southern California residents love an occasional snow experience. At Big Bear, winter brings all the things you definitely don’t see every day—snowfall, skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and plenty more cold-weather fun. Get your lift tickets and hit the slopes all day. Explore the valley’s stunning landscape via a snowshoe tour with Action Tours or the Big Bear Discovery Center. Check out Big Bear Snow Play for fun family tubing (day or night!). And as Anna always asks, “Do you want to build a snowman?” Of course, your beach baby does! 

Book your getaway to Big Bear today!

3. You Can Truly Experience Lake Life with Watersports

Days spent on the lake are a must in summertime. Big Bear has six full-service marinas—perfect spots to head out on a pontoon boat, kayak, jet ski or stand-up paddleboard. Thrill-seekers will love the adrenaline rush of wakeboarding or tubing around the lake. And for fishing adventures, book a charter to reel in a variety of local fish. Stop at Big Bear Sporting Goods for everything you need to set out on the lake. And for a different viewpoint, discover the scene from ziplines or segways.

4. There’s One of the Only Alpine Zoos in the U.S.

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is an incredible place to meet some of the area’s “wild” residents. This rehab facility brings injured, imprinted and orphaned animals into a safe haven to heal or stay permanently if they aren’t able to survive in their natural habitat. (FYI: 90% of the animals brought to the Zoo are successfully released!) Book a guided tour and be sure to catch an "Animal of the Day" or Behavioral Enrichment presentation. Kids and grownups alike will be fascinated by watching the zoo’s animal keepers encourage these resilient animals to thrive. 

5. It’s a Hiker’s Happy Place

From paved turf to rocky terrain—and everything in between—there are tons of hiking trails throughout the area. Get the lay of the land from the staff at the Big Bear Visitors Center. They’ll provide a map and great recommendations on choosing a trail. Take in all the surrounding beauty—rocks, towering trees, wildlife, and of course, the majestic mountain views. Hiking with littles? This is a great blog post on must-see spots from a local mom. For those who enjoy camping, there are awesome spots to pitch a tent and make s’mores, too. (And who can pass up a toasty marshmallow under the stars?) 

Book your getaway to Big Bear today!

—Jessica Solloway

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Why I’m Dreaming of Family Travel This Year

By Lindsay Goh

With 2020 firmly behind and the 2021 summer around the corner, our hopes are on the rise for the resumption of travel this year. While grateful for being relatively COVID-safe in Singapore’s golden cage, the smallness of our island has us pining for the outside.

2021 and there are 227 inhabited Greek islands. Where should we even get started?

As they say in Greece, hope dies last. Under lockdown, I’ve combed through island after island, selecting our visions of paradise for the next three summers. By now, I’ve read every major travel magazine article, little known blog post, and forum review on the destinations of interest. Each island has a tab in my spreadsheet and a file on Instagram collecting information and inspiration as I go.

Finally, I have the luxury of time to plan a vacation. A true rarity for moms. And finally, I’ve found exactly what we’ve been looking for: stylish and reasonably priced vacation villa gems located directly on child-friendly beaches in mid-size Cycladic seaside villages. Day trip options for semi-private cruises to neighboring islands with out-of-this-world beachscapes. Where to send the kids for a pottery workshop while in Sifnos…Any trip from here will never be so well planned. And as parents with the load of baggage we carry, some volatile with surprises, invaluable is a seamlessly organized holiday.

The simulation of travel in the planning process soon became therapeutic escapism. From home, I visualized us on that beach house patio with a cool glass of Assyrtiko in hand. Slowly sipping, we watch the kids frolick in fine white sand as the sky changes color. Later, we take an evening to wander through cobblestone paths of whitewashed villages, alive with the soul of Greece. I deviate to shop online for kaftans. I think we will dine at a Greek restaurant tonight.

Sure, I may have to cancel everything a month before June but herein lies a precious exercise in non-attachment and letting go: There is meaning in learning to defer to forces beyond our control. So much of our days as parents never go as planned anyways. And if the process of pursuing an end result designed to bring happiness, instead dominates with anger and frustration, what then is the point of the whole endeavor?

Savor the planning, inhabit the surprises, heal if you must, and journey on. Enjoy the entirety of your travels, and consider 2021 an opportunity for the most well researched you, ever. Whether in a summer sojourn, or the journey of life.

 

A restless city-loving Singaporean learning how to be still, embrace the antithesis of her husband's Greek nature and homeland, and master motherhood. After moving from Athens, we now live in Chicago, and are set to return to Singapore for a proper village welcome of our second baby.

 

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Here’s How to Get a Sneak Peek at the New Season of “Fixer Upper”

by Karly Wood

It feels like eons since we’ve seen Chip and JoJo grace the silver screen, but with the launch of new streaming platform Discovery+, they’re officially back! Debuting on Jan. 4, the platform is now streaming several of the upcoming shows from Magnolia Network, that will debut later this year, and has all the Gaines goodies you could ask for.

The “Magnolia Network Preview” is currently showing advanced episodes of Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines and the new Fixer Upper: Welcome Home. The rebooted DIY fan fave is set to debut on Fri., Jan. 29, with a new episode airing each Friday through Feb. 19.

In a blog post by Chip, he writes “This past year, we have poured our hearts into content and programming for Magnolia Network. Searching for stories we believe the world needs to hear. Stories that bring us together, that let us see things in a whole new light. Stories that connect us to our roots, and to one another. And for Jo and me, it dawned on us that we wanted to be a part of this lineup with a new season of Fixer Upper.”

You can expect more of what you’ve come to love from Fixer Upper, including Demo Day, ham sandwiches, shiplap and a look into the Gaines family as they change homeowners’ lives. Get a trial of Discovery+ and stay tuned for the official launch date of The Magnolia Network later this year.

––Karly Wood

Featured photo: HGTV

 

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Joanna Gaines’ New Children’s Book Is Available for Pre-Sale

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Joanna Gaines is getting ready to release her second children’s book. The new book written by the New York Times bestselling author and illustrated by Julianna Swaney celebrates how creativity and acceptance can come together to make for a bright and beautiful adventure. The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be will be on stands Nov. 10, but it is available for preorder today.

Joanna Gaines book

The book follows a group of children as they each build their very own hot-air balloons. As the kids work together, leaning into their own skills and processes, to fill the sky with beautiful colors, we discover that the same is true for life, it’s more beautiful and vibrant when our differences are celebrated.

In a blog post announcing the book, Gaines said, “The goal was simply to convey a message that all of us need to hear—no matter who you are, or where you are from, or how old you are, or what you look like, or who you love, or what the color of your skin is, or what you believe in—the world needs you. It needs your abilities and your talents, your quirks and your curiosities, your unique thoughts and your beautiful mind. It needs you just the way you are.”

Preorder it now $19.99

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Magnolia

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Can We All Admit That We Aren’t Okay?

By Jamie Johnson

It has been over two months since I have written a blog post. I wish I could say that it’s because I was having so much fun with my family during this global pandemic that I didn’t have time to write.

But that would be a lie.

I have seen so many women posting about how wonderful quarantine has been at home with their families. That even though things have gotten rough, they are making it through and coming out on the other side of this a much better person overall. They have succulents and do crafts with their kids.

And I wish I had been doing those things.

But, to be completely honest, I am just trying to make it out of this mess of a world in one piece.

Disclaimer: Don’t tell me to look on the bright side after reading this. I have been. I am making the most of all this. But I also know that this hasn’t been easy on anyone and let’s stop lying and say we’re 100% okay.

Look at the last three months of our lives. It’s been a true clusterf*ck. Everything was cancelled. Literally everything.

I was supposed to go to a Backstreet Boys concert with my sister this fall and it has been rescheduled for 2021. I don’t know if Backstreet will be making it back. They are older than me and I can’t walk up a flight of stairs without getting winded.

But back to the real world. The crappy one we have been living in. I can’t even take my kids to a playground.

I can’t run an errand when it’s just me and the boys because I can’t take them into the store with me, but I also can’t leave them in the car because DCBS would get called.

And then, finally this Coronavirus was starting to get a little better and things were easing up and everyone goes out and people start getting sick again.

Sending our kids to school in the fall will be like sending them into a spaceship of plastic in tiny hazmat suits. Kind of like that Flight of the Navigator movie from my early nineties childhood.

THEN some douche dongle decides to murder an innocent black man in cold blood with people yelling at him to stop and the crowd filming the entire incident.

And that’s when the world went up into flames. I decided to educate myself about racism and realized that as a privileged 35-year old woman living in a mid-size, mostly white town in Kentucky, that I had been unknowingly judging people because of the color of their skin.

That was absolutely embarrassing and it’s hard to admit because it feels so dirty. But now I know and am learning more and have realized that black lives matter and some people that call themselves Christians are still racist.

Disclaimer: I will get about 7 hateful emails because of the comment above.

So not much has happened over the last three months. Just chillin’ with my fam on the back porch.

Can we all just admit it?

This has absolutely been one of the hardest times in my entire life. I have been trying to balance all this change with raising two young boys, working and trying to be a good wife.

My husband had his entire baseball team’s season cancelled and was absolutely crushed for the ten seniors that were on the team this year. At least five, maybe six now, have been signed to play baseball in college. Logan, I just want you to know I am proud of the coach you are.

On the other side, I have been working full time at the office and Logan has been taking care of the kids while working from home.

And the sum of all that craziness showed us that marriage isn’t easy.

I never talk about our marriage on here, but this pandemic and the chain of events following have made us realize how much work it is to make a marriage work and that we have to spend time together communicating every day. It can be hard because we are both tired and frustrated and want our lives to feel a small bit of normalcy again but it’s worth it.

So yeah, unicorns and rainbows over here.

Oh, and I need someone to potty train my two-year old but that would just be pouring gasoline on this dumpster fire right now. His poop is the size of my arm and it’s getting so gross but he is not showing interest. So I will continue letting him wear big boy underwear over his diaper.

So let’s take a vow that we will start being honest about how we are feeling. I have been having a hard time. Lots of anxiety. And I just realized it because I had been lying to myself that everything was great and that life hasn’t thrown me a curveball of poop that was on fire.

Until next time, which is hopefully sooner rather than later.

Jamie

This post originally appeared on Hashtagmomfail.com.

I am a full time working mom with two little boys, Henry and Simon. I write about real life and real life gets messy. Contributor for Motherly, HuffPost Parents, Scary Mommy, Today Parents, Love What Matters and Her View From Home. 

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Splash Mountain Is Getting a Princess-Themed Makeover

by Karly Wood

One of Disney’s hottest attractions is getting an update! This week, the parks announced that Splash Mountain would undergo a transformation into a new Tiana-themed ride at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Released in 2009, The Princess and the Frog was the first musical to feature a black princess, and it’s time for the leading lady to get her own ride. While still under development, Imagineers have released that the attraction will pick up after the final kiss, and will follow Princess Tiana and Louis on an adventure as they prepare for their first Mardi Gras performance, showcasing music from the film.

photo: Courtesy of Disney

In a Disney blog post, the company states “The new concept is inclusive – one that all of our guests can connect with and be inspired by, and it speaks to the diversity of the millions of people who visit our parks each year.” The ride will be set in the Louisiana Bayou with a working title of New Adventures with Princess Tiana.

The reimagining of the attraction will mean that the Splash Mountain moniker will be retired forever, along with Br’er Rabbit and other animal icons. The attraction’s theme was originally derived from the musical, Song of the South, a controversial film with racist imagery that is not even available on Disney+.

While the timing of these changes couldn’t be more fitting given the recent protests across the United States, Disney has actually considered revamping the ride for over five years. “It’s important that our guests see themselves in the experiences we create,” says Carmen Smith, Creative Development and Inclusive Strategies Executive.

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Matthew Freeman via Flickr

 

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