Now that makes sense! Archives

Dear Tired Mama: Practical Little Changes That Make a Big Difference

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!

By Mary Bockert, 3 monthsFebruary 8, 2026 ago

Behavior Management

The Magic of Messy Moments: Embracing Imperfection in Parenting

Oh, mamas (and dads!), let’s talk about the chaos. You know the kind—when your living room looks like a tornado hit a toy store, your toddler is inexplicably covered in yogurt, and you’re pretty sure you just stepped on a rogue LEGO that’s plotting revenge. These are the messy moments Read more

By Mary Bockert, 9 months ago

Now that makes sense!

Creating a Positive Space for Children

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.

By Mary Bockert, 4 yearsOctober 20, 2022 ago

Now that makes sense!

Inflation Is Hitting My Family Hard…What Should I Do?

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?

By Mary Bockert, 4 yearsSeptember 22, 2022 ago

Family Time

Teachable Moments

Take advantage of the time you spend with your kids by sprinkling valuable life lessons into routine tasks with them.

By Mary Bockert, 4 yearsFebruary 17, 2022 ago

Friends & More Friends!

The Perfect Play Date

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.

By Mary Bockert, 5 yearsJune 3, 2021 ago

Family Time

Getting Ready For Lockdown…Again.

I don’t want to think that we will be in a lockdown yet again, but with the COVID cases rising, the election going a bit crazy and everyone a bit on edge about this virus, I feel like it may just happen. With that being said, if you have littles this is something you may dread. The last lockdown left us with little imagination to make the lockdown “fun” and interesting anymore. We executed some pretty amazing plans to keep the littles busy and did that for many months only to now have no ideas left. I thought I’d help a momma, daddy, grandma, grandpa, aunt, uncle, caretaker out and get some new, fresh ideas out there in case we are quarantined once again.

By Mary Bockert, 5 yearsNovember 17, 2020 ago

Family Time

Kids Activities When in Lockdown

If you know me, you know I can’t stand being bored and usually go into planning mode PRONTO. I took some old fashioned ideas and gave them a little spin. Lucky for you I am excited to share my fun “Quarantine Activities” with all of you.

By Mary Bockert, 6 yearsMarch 23, 2020 ago

Homeschooling

MUST DO Classes and Activities With Your Preschooler

I’ve been around the block…and been there, done that. Yep…I have had the privilege of being a mommy to not one, not two, but soon to be three preschoolers. Having homeschooled my first two (and plan on doing it with my third as well), I have had my share of planning and implementing MANY activities. There are some I do with each kid at some point in their preschool years and some I do once and that is enough for a lifetime…if you catch my drift.

By Mary Bockert, 6 yearsMarch 11, 2020 ago

Homeschooling

Top 5 Kid Apps You Must Have

In our house, we don’t spend a ton of time on technology but when we do, I make sure that it is educational. Wasting time on mindless apps makes absolutely no sense to me when kids LOVE learning new things and can do so by flashy, fun apps that catch their attention. There is no need for something non-educational in my eyes. Here are my top 5 Kid Apps you must have.

By Mary Bockert, 7 years ago