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!

♦ May 12, 2019 ♦ 2 Comments


  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 …

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The pitter patter of feet and other bedtime challenges

♦ March 6, 2019 ♦ 3 Comments


Ahh there is nothing sweeter than the pitter patter of little toddler feet, unless it is two minutes after putting them in bed or you wake to that sound at 2:00 am!  Once toddlers figure out that they can get out of a bed, why not pay Mom and Dad a visit?  Going to bed …

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“Sleep like a baby” Really?

♦ March 6, 2019 ♦ 1 Comment


Establishing a calming routine before bed is important! When I brought our oldest Corri home from the hospital, I thought I knew about the sleep patterns of infants.  After all, I had the degrees to prove that I was an “educated” Mom!  The truth is, nothing can prepare you for the lack of sleep that …

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What is in your discipline “bag of tricks”?

♦ February 22, 2019 ♦ Leave a comment


What is in your discipline bag of tricks? It was 7:30 am and my day was in full swing. I was chasing a two year old trying to get him dressed again. It is barely an hour into the day and I felt like I was on the verge of yelling and a time out …

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“Hurry up or I will leave without you!” and other discipline techniques that don’t work!

♦ February 21, 2019 ♦ 1 Comment


There are some discipline techniques that just don’t work as well as others! I can remember sometimes simply reacting to a behavior of one of my kids, but not really using a discipline approach.  The result was never very effective.  Some typical reactions just don’t work, or result in other issues later.  Here are some …

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Picky Toddler Eating

♦ February 10, 2019 ♦ 12 Comments


Our daughter, Kaitlyn, the picture of  toddler pickiness! Why is it that we parents worry so much about how much our child is eating?  I can remember thinking that how well Kaitlyn ate that day, determined how well I had parented.  Not true!  Children under the age of one usually nurse or formula feed well, and …

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Don’t let comparisons steal your joy and contentment!

♦ December 12, 2018 ♦ Leave a comment


Comparisons steal your joy and contentment as a Mom! I caught myself doing it again this morning….thinking “Why can’t I be more like “so and so” who always has time to…..”  As I said this to myself, I could feel the negativity creep into my morning, the joy being sucked out of my morning cup …

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

♦ December 10, 2018 ♦ 1 Comment


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 …

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Keeping the Fun in the Holidays, and the Stress Out!

♦ December 10, 2018 ♦ Leave a comment


Every year when the holidays approach there is a “to do list” that can seem daunting.  The fact is, your child will enjoy the season more, and you will too, if you limit that list and some of the stress that comes with it!  This year, promise yourself to enjoy the season and its magic …

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What should be in your child’s playroom?

♦ November 28, 2018 ♦ 1 Comment


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 …

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