raisingkidswithlove

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

Category Archives: Uncategorized

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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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Distraction and redirection…it works!


She was on the move…so our job in redirection and distraction had begun! When we are holding our newborn, most of us can’t even wrap our mind around the idea that some day this precious child might need a little redirection or even a time out!  But the days and weeks fly quickly, and you …

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Add a little silliness to your discipline…it works!


A little “clowning around” with discipline will work!  Infuse a little silliness in your day!  🙂 All the discipline discussion over the last few days and I feel like a very serious parent!  Discipline is serious business, and a very real necessity for your child, but there certainly are moments that a little bit of …

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The pitter patter of feet and other bedtime challenges


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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