Parenting

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

Winter Activities to do With Your Family

If you live where snow covers the ground in the winter months, you can start to feel a little bit stuck in house…AKA…Cabin Fever. I know for me, not being able to let the kids run and play outside because of freezing conditions is not always rainbows and butterflies. I have resorted to being creative on these days and thought maybe I would share some fun things you, too, can do with your littles when the weather seems to hold you in.

By Mary Bockert, ago

The Christmas Pickle…

I’m sorry but I can’t enough of the pickle tradition this year! Every time I think about it, it makes me chuckle and I want my family to be a part of the tradition…so we are starting this year! We have implemented a lot of traditions but I think this is one my kids WILL LOVE! My husband, on the other hand, is a bit skeptical and gives me the good ole eye roll every time I talk about it. Just wait, he will be the biggest supporter once he sees it played out.

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

Weaning Your Baby from the Bottle or Breastfeeding

So Tawny, our youngest, turns one in just a couple of weeks and for some reason, I was having a hard time remembering how to wean her from the bottle (or breastfeeding if you are doing that). You would think I would remember having done this twice before but honestly I couldn’t recall. I sat down and did some research and thought I would share it with all of you as well.

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