raisingkidswithlove

You don't have to be perfect to be the perfect parent!

Author Archive: Raising kids with LOVE

Get a little dirty…it is time to garden!


It is that time of year when I am doing a bit of grumbling about all the yard work, but also looking forward to getting my perennial beds cleared and blooming, my cut flower bed planted and preparing my vegetable garden for this summer’s crop of tomatoes, beans and of course sunflowers.  I definitely am …

Continue reading

Parenting advice…a hindrance or a help? It can be both!


New parents will always receive advice…from many different people!  Don’t be too quick to judge, there are many “pearls of parenting” that you just might learn!  Parent with an open mind to advice, but make your own parenting decisions. I am slowly learning how to be a parent of  adult (adult? really?) children.  It is …

Continue reading

Number 2 on the way….what were we thinking??


Our oldest loving her little sister….every moment wasn’t always this precious! Most parents experience pure excitement and joy when they learn they are pregnant with their first child.  They dive right in to learning about a healthy pregnancy, preparing for labor and delivery, and planning the nursery.  Often the experience is a little different when pregnancy occurs for …

Continue reading

Joyful parenting….be mindful.


So how can we enjoy this wild ride of parenting and raise children in a home that is happy and joyful?  How can we look at our day to day life and realize that yes, the days may be long; but the years really are very short. I often remind parents, there are only 936 weekends …

Continue reading

What should be in your child’s playroom?


The Holiday Season is here and the shopping has begun!  I was in Target this past weekend, the toy choices are overwhelming and expensive!  What are the best toys for your child?  Which toys will be fun and valuable for your child’s development? It is difficult to decide what toys are the best choice! I …

Continue reading

“We always do that!” Why Family Tradition is Important!


Our “traditional” Christmas tree.  A little more “perfectly” decorated than years past….there are ornaments even on the bottom of the tree now!  If we are smart we listen to our children when they say “That is how we always do it!” or “That is what we always do!” even when we have only done it …

Continue reading

Parents, Let’s Raise Children Who Can Change the World


So many questions over the last few days. How can we do better? How do we make things different for our children? Children are not born harboring prejudice or knowing how to bully or  how to hurt another physically or emotionally. These are behaviors that are unfortunately learned. About age 2, children will start to …

Continue reading

Simple steps to prevent childhood obesity…we can do it!


We all have heard that childhood obesity is a major health issue in our country.  Children who are overweight will be more likely to be overweight adults and develop significant health issues.  We hear so much in the media about what to eat, what not to eat, how to cook, how much exercise we all …

Continue reading

How much juice? None if under age 1!


Why would your child need a glass of juice?  The short answer that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) gives is almost never.  While a juice box of 100% juice for an older child isn’t the worst thing to have, it certainly isn’t the best choice.  The AAP recommends even stricter guidelines for juice in a …

Continue reading

Baby Sign…How do you start?


Teach your child sign…help him express his feelings!  The “I love you” sign can be used as a special sign for many years to come! How do you start? 1.  Familiarize yourself with signs through books, websites or other sources.  There are many resources on the web…don’t try to learn all the signs, you will …

Continue reading