Hey there, mamas (and any dads sneaking a peek—welcome!) The school year is creeping up faster than my girls can outgrow their shoes, and if you’re anything like me, you’re already thinking about backpacks, pencils, new outfits, and trying to Read more
Hey mamas! Summer in Ohio means longer days, backyard adventures, and… yes, a few more messes. Between popsicle drips on the patio, sandy shoes from the splash pad, and endless loads of swim towels, our houses can go from “lived-in” Read more
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Hey there, mamas (and any dads sneaking a peek—welcome!). Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where we chat about the real, messy, beautiful chaos of raising kids while trying to keep our own sanity intact. As a Read more
Hey there, mamas, There’s something about watching your child ride a bike for the first time without training wheels that hits different. One second you’re holding the back of the seat, heart pounding, and the next they’re gliding down the Read more
Hey there, mamas (and any dads sneaking a read…welcome!). Grab your coffee, or if you’re like me on most days, your third iced tea, and let’s have a real talk. I’m sitting here reminiscing about my girls…my three energetic, opinionated, Read more
Hi, I’m Mary, and if you’ve been around my blog for a bit, you know my heart is all about connecting families with the resources that truly make a difference for our little ones. My husband and I have been Read more
Hey sweet friends, If there’s one area of motherhood that can leave me feeling defeated faster than almost anything else, it’s mealtime. Between the endless “I don’t like that” comments, the hidden veggies that somehow get discovered, and the exhaustion Read more
here’s something special about packing up the car, grabbing some snacks, and heading out for a day of adventure with your family—especially when it doesn’t cost a fortune. If you’re like me, you want meaningful memories without the stress of overspending.
The good news? Ohio is full of hidden gems, charming towns, and family-friendly destinations that are easy on the wallet and big on fun.
Here are some of my favorite budget-friendly day trips in Ohio your whole family will love.
Hey there, mamas (and any dads sneaking a peek—welcome!) Welcome back to my cozy corner of the internet, where we’re all about cherishing the real, messy, and oh-so-beautiful moments of motherhood. I’m just a mom of three energetic girls, stumbling Read more
Hey sweet friends, Can we just pause for a second and admit it? Spring always sneaks up on me. One minute I’m surviving winter cozy mode, and the next the sunshine is screaming “OPEN ALL THE WINDOWS AND PURGE EVERYTHING!” Read more
Here are some of the healthy finger food recipes I used to make all the time for my little ones. They’re nutrient-packed, low-mess (relatively!), and focused on whole foods like fruits, veggies, proteins, and grains. Safety was always top priority back then—soft textures, no choking hazards like whole grapes or nuts for the under-3 crowd—but these translate well today.
Hey there, mamas (and dads who might be peeking in—welcome!). Raise your hand if you’ve ever muttered under your breath about the endless cycle of laundry, the “I’m bored” chorus from the kiddos, or that nagging mom guilt that creeps in after a long day. Yeah, me too. As a mom of three energetic girls, I’ve been there more times than I can count. But here’s the good news: those common mama complaints don’t have to rule our lives. Today, I’m sharing some practical, no-fuss solutions that have been game-changers for me and my crew. These aren’t pie-in-the-sky ideas—they’re real, doable tips to lighten the load and bring a little more joy back into the mix. Let’s dive in!
Hey there, mamas! February is all about LOVE, right? Hearts, pink, red, cuddles on the couch… but I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how we can stretch that love a little further this year. My girls are at the Read more
Hey mamas (and dads who sneak in here too), Can we just pause for a second and admit it? February sneaks up on us every single year. January is all fresh starts and big intentions, then boom…here comes the shortest Read more
Hey there, mamas. Grab your coffee (or your third Diet Coke of the morning— no judgment here). I need to talk about something that’s been sitting heavy on my heart lately (and I can’t ignore the slight nudge from a Read more
Hey mamas (and dads who read along), Raise your hand if you’ve ever handed your kid a tablet, watched them instantly zone in, and then immediately felt that little pang in your chest. The one that whispers, “You’re a terrible Read more
Summer is the season we all eagerly await, especially those of us who endure long, cold winters! After all, it’s the perfect time to slow down, soak up the sun, and maybe even plan a little family getaway. But even Read more
With so many conflicting recommendations out there about SUN, babies, and sunscreen, it’s hard to know what to do. Thus: Your guide has arrived! Yesssss! Protecting Sensitive Skin from the Sun Since unprotected sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor Read more
Adults are not the only ones who get bored, kids also get bored as well. Just like emotions, boredom is a two-edged sword. You have to teach your kids how to handle boredom or else it becomes a burden on Read more
It’s spring! The leaves are unfurling, the flowers are blooming, birds are building nests and gardens are growing. It’s time to get outside and enjoy the spring weather. And it’s time to explore spring colors and themes through arts and crafts Read more
Keep kids busy all summer long with the ultimate Summer Bucket List ideas. Filled with 110 fun ideas and activities to entertain families so you don’t have to hear “I’m Bored” all summer break. No more stressing about what to Read more
If you’re looking for stuffed animal storage you are going to love today’s post! I needed a better solution in the girls’ room..and this over the door organizer is perfect!!! I saw it on Amazon, bought it, and immediately was so impressed with Read more
What are you up to this weekend? I’m going to a bridal shower and my daughter’s have ballet rehearsal…it’s busy and fun! Hope you have a good one, and here are a few fun links from around the web… In Read more
As Piaget put it, “Play is the work of children.” Play-based learning encourages kids’ natural curiosity and teaches them important communication and problem-solving skills. Think of the skills it takes to engage in negotiation and planning to create and manage Read more
Hi friends! I don’t know about you but the month of March ALWAYS seems to be the longest for me. Between the small tastes of spring weather and that awkwardness between the next big holiday of Easter, it just seems Read more
Whatever the case may be, whether it’s sick kids or new neighbors, giving meals goes a really long way. And, of course, tech helps. Seriously, how did our parents survive without it? Here, I’m sharing my 3 favorite go-to sites Read more
You’ve already met me and learned a little about our journey to clean-ish eating, but we also have a very special regular guest here at Pairings & Parenting I’d love you to get to know, and she brought along her Read more
Here ya go, the the best preschooler and toddler Christmas gifts, for kids ages >1-4. I’ve had 3 toddlers/preschoolers at this point and countless Christmases with them full of good and bad toys! These toys are all SCREEN FREE! The Read more
The anticipation of Christmas is half the fun of the holiday. The best way to track it? An advent calendar, of course. Not only do they help you count down the days, but they sometimes reward you with a sweet treat or small Read more
I get sooooo many questions about car seat safety and I had some questions for my pediatrician about it as well. I decided to write a blog based on CDC guidelines. Many times I look to these guidelines to direct Read more
What Is a Sensory Bin? A sensory bin is a shallow container that combines filler material and various small odds and ends. You fill the bin with a filler material such as sand or rice, then add items from around Read more
The choice can feel overwhelming — but here are 5 evidence-backed signs of success to look for… If your child is headed to preschool next year, you’re not alone if you feel overwhelmed as you navigate the selection process. Cities Read more
It’s never to early to start teaching some valuable lessons on self-care and hygiene to young children. Check out these ten skills and how to teach them: I have too many kids to do everything for them. Hard fact. When Read more
Kid Friendly Dinner recipes your whole family will love. These quick, easy dinner recipes are so delicious it’ll be hard for even the pickiest eaters to say no. With plenty of One Pot and Healthy recipes included.
Glass City is the start of bigger things to come, and a destination in its own right. A glass pavilion with rooftop plants and plazas, a sledding hill, walking paths, an event lawn for 5,000 people and incredible views of the city, the new park is a go-to spot beside the largest river on the Great Lakes — the Maumee.
How to keep infants and babies cool on hot days Give them a sponge bath: Place your baby on a towel inside or in a shady protected spot outside, such as under a tree or an umbrella, and use a clean Read more
The summer holidays are nearly upon us, and it can be quite daunting for any parent. Whether you need to strategically plan because of working, or whether you are worried about the endless vast days and nights where you need Read more
I can’t tell you how many times I have parents say they would love to do crafts with their little one but don’t feel they are old enough. I always respond the same way…it simply isn’t so. Crafts offer your child an opportunity to work on their gross and fine motor skills, hone in on their creativity, and take ownership of something they created. It is a win all around and I cringe when parents/ caregivers feel it is too messy or too much work. It offers so many skills that they just can’t get from anything else at that toddler age.
f you have a child who has limited his or her food choices to pasta with white sauce you may be dealing with a picky eater. When a toddler or young child refuses to eat certain foods or entire food groups, it is called ‘picky eating’. It is not unusual for a young child to turn up their nose at foods especially when they are experiencing a food for the first time.
I must say, seeing the flowers pop out of the ground and up toward the sky makes me want to spend more time outside, planting and enjoying the warmer weather. Here are just a few activities my family does once the weather gets a bit warmer.
Today’s American tooth fairy began to appear in popular culture in the early 1900s. The tooth fairy visits each child around 20 times (that’s how many baby teeth children have). August 22 is National Tooth Fairy Day. The fairy’s average Read more
Today, I am sharing 3 sensory and fine-motor St. Patrick’s Day activities that I did with my toddler when she was two.
I’m sure you are bound to find an activity that your toddler will love this St. Patrick’s Day. If so, let me know in the comments below!
Does it seem like you have a war going on in your family—with you on one side, and your kids on the other? Many parents feel like they live in the middle of a battle zone and that at any given moment they might step on a landmine. Maybe you have a teen who is disrespectful and says rude and insulting things to you. Perhaps you have a child who won’t stop badgering you and fights with you when you set limits. Maybe your preteen insists on having the final word on everything and puts you down all the time. Or it could be that you, like many parents, feel like your kids act entitled and ungrateful and take advantage of you—and it drives you crazy.
Teaching my children to love, respect, honor and admire their siblings is one of those top mommy things I strive to do.
’m not an artist – so trust me – if I can make this painting, it has to be pretty easy! I HAD to try this art project just because it’s fun. And cool. And sciency. (My browser is telling me that’s not a real word… haha) This salt and watercolor snowflake art project actually teaches you something, and I LOVE that!
SAHM is an acronym for a stay-at-home mom. Typically, a SAHM is a woman who cares for the children while the other partner is working outside the home. Similar, more antiquated terms are a homemaker or housewife, although some people still embrace these monikers for this role.
As a parent, it can be hard to raise little ones without any guidance or someone telling you what to do in certain circumstances. I know I wish my children would have come with a little instruction manual when departing from the hospital. I have researched the best parent podcasts to make your life that much easier when faced with parental uncertainties.
You might be weary of trips to the grocery store that end in screaming, or heartbroken that your child does not know what to do at a playground. But things do not always have to be this way. The road to improving behaviors starts with believing that your child – no matter what their behavior looks like now – can change with the right support and knowledge. An important first step for parents of children with disabilities is to understand why behavior problems are happening in the first place.
Creating inviting environments for children goes well beyond buying some toys and a paint set. Environments should inspire curiosity, foster creativity and support discovery with a variety of sensory-rich spaces.
I dare you not to fall in love (pun intended) with these easy leaf, pine cone, and acorn crafts perfect for toddlers and preschoolers to do at home this autumn.
If you are anything like my family, you are feeling the effects of inflation everywhere you turn. Anywhere from the grocery bill to the electric bill, middle and lower class seem to be hurting. How is one to sustain this massive increase when being in the middle class doesn’t allow you to save monthly?
I’m telling ya…it can be completely overwhelming when trying to figure out the best formula for your child. I believe that breastfeeding is the mots beneficial for your babies development but there are times when breastfeeding just isn’t goin well…or your child is suffering from serious allergies, or maybe your child has a hard time breastfeeding so your supply doesn’t come in as strong as needed. I get it. As a momma of three beautiful baby girls, I understand the trials and tribulations that come with trying to feed your baby right. Because of this, I have done some research on the different formulas and what is best for your baby when breastfeeding isn’t an option.
Have you ever wondered what age-appropriate chores you should be tasking your child? Learning when and how to set up chores for kids can be a challenge. If you are like most parents, let me help guide you in the best chores for kids by age!
Whether you have a school-aged child or not, the start of a new school affects us all. Summer activities and camps come to an end, the weather starts changing, and some children you have at home, are gone for the day and leave the little ones at home with the caregiver. It is just different and it takes some adjusting. So how do we help children adapt to a changing schedule with little to no setbacks?
Apart from its many benefits, the sun also emits invisible and harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause irreparable damage to the skin and the eyes The majority of the sun’s radiation comprises UV-A rays. While they are responsible for Read more
It’s that time of year…back to school shopping has started and the first day jitters are creeping back into your littles tummies as they prepare for their first day of school. Whether your first day back falls before or after Labor Day, most of us are mentally preparing for August/September and what the new schedule will look like when summer comes to an end.
July is here and in full swing, bringing some of the hottest temperatures of the year along with it. Don’t let the heat keep you and your kids from enjoying your extra free time! Try these fun, simple methods to keep cool this summer and have fun with your kids.
That’s their stance. At ACE Scholarships, they’re committed to helping parents provide that opportunity to their children. Their mission is to provide children of low-income families with scholarships to private schools in grades K-12, and to advocate for expanded school choice.
Let’s talk about where to go to learn about things pertaining to kids. As a parent to 3 young daughters, it can get frustrating trying to find the right place to go, the right movie to watch that I feel confident letting my 4 year old watch, the right healthy snack that they will eat with a smile, the right activities to do as a family, fun things in the community, great parks, etc. With such a flood of information on the internet these days, it can get tricky trying to navigate your way through it all.
Hi, I’m Mary and I have a passion for connecting families in our area with resources that will benefit their children. My husband and I have been blessed with three beautiful daughters and never would have imagined the story we would be able to share through our own personal trials.
Being a child-find specialist for Help Me Grow Early Intervention, I get this question a lot. Many people ask how they know if their child would qualify for services. They inquire about how they would know if there was a concern, how to even identify it. These are all valid and good questions.
Are you proud? I feel like we should be proud of where we live…whether it is the best place on Earth or not. Choosing to see the positives in every situation can be a very rewarding skill and starting with Read more
Take advantage of the time you spend with your kids by sprinkling valuable life lessons into routine tasks with them.
I am a bit obsessed with getting family pictures done. I think it captures the moment we are at, in time with our ages and interests. It holds that moment forever and you can enjoy it whenever. That being said, each year when the time is approaching, I do begin to stress about what we should wear for the photo shoot. I have taken many spins on color schemes and thought I would share.
The Toledo Zoo The Toledo Zoo is a family favorite with planned activities all year round including rides, behind the scenes tours, playgrounds and interactive activities for kids of all ages. In addition to the zoo’s 4,700 species of animals, Read more
Gah-Who else has Mom (or Dad) guilt? I hate to say it, but parenting in general can cause stresses that stir up guilt that can truly make you down and depressed about your own parenting styles or how you interact with your child(ren). Most mom’s I have chatted with have had that pit in their stomach where they feel se terrible about their interaction with one of their kids and making it better seems impossible. I get it. Been there, done that! Just because we suffer from the occasional mom or dad guilt doesn’t mean we are bad parents or there is something wrong with us, it just means we are conscious of our parenting and what we are doing right and wrong in a moment’s time. You may be asking, what exactly is “mom guilt” and how do I navigate through it? Great questions!
3 MUST DO Preschool Activities for September/ October.
Have you ever wondered if you were capable of teaching your preschooler at home? How do you teach them? Do you have them sit still and listen? What do you teach them? HOW do you teach them? How often should you teach them? Is preschool necessary? I am here to tell you that you ABSOLUTELY are capable and I am also here to answer the questions listed above for you! I will take each question and break it down for you.
As summer is starting to wind down…I can’t even believe I am typing that seeing that I feel like summer JUST started…it is fun to reflect on what you have been able to do and what you would like to do before the start of school. I know for us, we like parks, swimming, the zoo and crafting.
One of the things our family loves doing is celebrating any holiday…like…ANY HOLIDAY!!! What better holiday to celebrate than uplifting your father for doing an amazing job as a daddy. Father’s Day is an opportunity for me to get creative and pamper the man my girls call Daddy.
f your child’s like mine, s/he’s been playing with other kids for a while now. But now that s/he’s entering the preschool years his/her social life will pick up significantly, and his/her playdates may take place with less familiar pals on less familiar territory.
SUMMER HAS ARRIVED!!! As much as I LOVE being outdoors in the warmer months, I also LOVE me some board games on those rainy or WAY TOO HOT days! The month of Summer is usually synonymous with three things – the scorching heat, mouth-watering mangoes and happy children running around the house enjoying their much-needed summer vacations.
Ever since you were born I have repeated the same phrase to you every day of your life. You are safe, loved, strong, independent, brave, and kind. These are the character traits that your dad and I hope you grow up with.
The family dog…or should I say the dog that Mom and Dad take care of?!?
In all seriousness, we are extremely grateful we have a pup that completes our family…regardless of who may be the one actually taking care of him. Having a family dog does offer a chance for your children to experience a sense of responsibility. We have a rotating schedule in our house where one week one child is in charge of the dog food and the other in charge of the water dish…the youngest gets off easy at this point. I was surprised at how much the kiddos love helping to take care of the pup…named Barley. There is the occasional “Oops, I forgot to feed the dog!” moment, but for the most part, our family is working as a team to raise a well-loved puppy.
There’s something about the longer days, warmer air, and that first hint of green outside that makes me want to throw open the windows and tackle the mess that’s been quietly building all winter. Spring has officially sprung, and with Read more
Can you feel it in the air? That strange mix of excitement, exhaustion, and a little lump-in-your-throat emotion that shows up every year right around this time? The end of the school year has arrived, and with it comes a Read more