Healthy Living

Healthy Snacks That Will Make Your Child’s Mouth Water

As a parent, I am continuously managing what is going into my children’s mouths. As toddlers, it is inedible objects and the fear of choking. As they grow a bit older, it becomes sugar, candy and sweets galore. I am very health conscious and try to teach my kids the importance of feeding our bodies right but I am also aware that they are kids and want to splurge a bit at times (like us all right?). So how do you, as a parent, find a balance? I have spent HOURS creating a repertoire of recipes my kids will enjoy and feel like they are getting their “sweets” fix…minus the bad sweets. The list of recipes goes from the most popular in my household to the least popular but still tolerable. LOL

By Mary Bockert, ago

Fun Easter Activities to do with Kids

It’s that time of year when the dead of winter has FINALLY lifted and spring is in the air. The kids can go outside and play a bit more and crafting is at its finest. I get it, having ideas from other people is MUCH easier than coming up with something on your own. So many times I am glued to Pinterest trying to fill time slots throughout the day. I tend to plan things out for the week and decided that I would share these ideas I found and also came up with to celebrate the Easter holiday.

By Mary Bockert, ago

Flu Season and Kids

We have been hit! Gah-The flu bug is in full swing in our household and I have completely forgotten how terrible it can truly be. It is bad enough when you, yourself have come down with the flu bug, but when it affects your kids, it’s a whole new ball game.

By Mary Bockert, ago

Kicking the Sick Winter Bug

Most of us are pretty aware of what to do when your child comes down with a sickness…and we know the remedy to treat it whether that means over the counter medicine, natural home remedies or going to see the doctor. But there are times I think to myself, “What should I feed this baby of mine to help her get well and to ease her discomfort?” I know that with the flu, limiting foods is best and you should stick with the BRAT diet. The BRAT diet is bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These are all gentle on the system when you or your child is down with the flu.

By Mary Bockert, ago

The Hard Truth About Infant Eczema and How to Treat Symptoms

Winter can be so hard on little ones who suffer from eczema. The term eczema refers to a number of different skin conditions in which the skin is red and irritated and sometimes has small, fluid-filled bumps that become moist and ooze. The dry air and dry skin can only make matters worse. In fact, even bathing can be a sure cause for more dry skin. Having two kids who suffer from eczema, I have a few tips to keep the dry skin more moisturized and less itchy, dry and cracked.

By Mary Bockert, ago

Keeping Kids Active in a Technology Ridden World

I believe there is a balance between kids being kids, running, playing, using their imaginations, getting together with friends, etc. and kids sitting in front of the computer, iPad, or gaming center. Just as anything in life, there should be a balance between the two. Keeping kids away from technology completely is not preparing them for the future and doesn’t give them the exposure they will need in the real world which is already technology ridden and only getting worse. On the contrary, allowing kids to play video games all day or sit on the iPad watching YouTube videos nonstop is not healthy and can actually be hurting your child in the long-run. Let’s dive into this subject a bit further…

By Mary Bockert, ago

Teething Hacks to Make Your Baby Feel Better

Four budding teeth! My poor baby girl is struggling because four teeth are trying to make their debut and her tender little gums are hurting. As a momma, you never want to see your child in pain or suffering in any way. As she struggles with the pain, I immediately do Google search after Google search to hear what remedies others have used to relieve the pain.

By Mary Bockert, ago

Television and Kids…What’s the Scoop?

I remember as a kid planting myself in front of the television and watching my favorite shows…Murder She Wrote was at the top of my “Favorites” list. I’m not sure if my parents warned me against too much television or if they were oblivious…but I have several pictures of me as a child propped in front of the tv smiling at the camera. Don’t get me wrong, I am not faulting my parents…they always had my best intention in mind, but I do feel they were young and naive to the effects of too much tv on my development.

By Mary Bockert, ago

Let’s Talk Dental Health

•Let’s talk oral health•

When I took my oldest daughter to the dentist for the first time (she was a year old), I was surprised when her dentist asked me if I brush her teeth after each meal. “No,” I quickly answered. “I brush them in the morning and again in the evening before bedtime.” The first time they asked I was sure they were trying to see if I would be “honest” with my response…almost like they were tricking me with their question. Then I quickly realized they were not. Humph! Mom fail #10,000! Where in the “Kid Manual” does it say that they need to brush their teeth 4-5 times a day???

By Mary Bockert, ago