family

You guys, it’s May! Spring is in the air; summer is on the horizon. As the weather warms up, I’m sure families everywhere will be looking for things to do, especially once school’s out for summer. Anybody else suddenly singing along to that classic Alice Cooper song, too?

May has always been super exciting for me because it meant that I had the care-free, toasty summer months to look forward to. However, since I graduated from college last May, it looks like from here on out, the excitement won’t be quite the same. Oh, well. Summer is still magical. Cheers to students!

The three R’s never go out of style. Not only is reducing, reusing and recycling “waste” a great way to do your part for the environment, but doing so is inherently satisfying. It feels good to do what you can to keep things out of the landfill and/or give items a second life and purpose. And what’s more, reducing, reusing, and recycling can save you money and spark the flow of some creative juices.

If you’re excited about spring being in full effect (who isn’t?), you’re probably looking for some fun activities to do to celebrate warmer seasons being on the horizon. So, let’s ring in spring by engaging in some April-themed activities, especially ones that involve getting outdoors, for both you and your family! Don’t let the chirping birds and blossoming flowers hog all the sunshine!

As each new month approaches, it’s a wonderful idea to plan out all of the festive, nearly free activities that your entire family can do to celebrate and bond all month long. What better way to get your family excited about what each month has to offer than with themed activities? With the arrival of March, it’s time to embrace this unique time of year for countless reasons, including some you may not even be aware of. Now, let’s get into the spirit of March!

Coping with a second baby? Your challenge is mostly going to come from your firstborn… Here is a helping hand!

There’s that funny quote – “having one child makes you a parent, two makes you a referee…” While parenthood is probably the most wonderful thing that could happen to you, there are issues galore having just one child… If you have two, along with the added chores, responsibilities and such, there are adjustment issues your first child may experience. Here are some tips (easier said than done, though!) for parents already with children trying to cope with a newborn…

As the winter holidays quickly approach, many people may experience a mixture of excitement, anxiety, anticipation, and sadness, along with many other emotional states that come and go. Holiday rituals and the changing of the seasons can bring both celebration and introspection. We may enjoy spending time with loved ones, decorating, spiritual practices, or shopping, and we may also be grieving losses, evaluating the year behind us, and planning for changes to come. Hopefully, as we all go through our own unique holiday experiences, we can make self-care a priority.

There is just something about the great outdoors that makes us feel alive. The fresh air, flowing water, and life everywhere.

There is so much more to Mother Earth’s medicine than just the plants provided. If I were a doctor I would fill out prescriptions for camping trips and outdoor events. Two of the most important things doctors will tell you is to get a lot of fresh air and to drink plenty of water, but that’s simply the beginning of it. The healing goes as deep as a tree’s roots travel and flows much like a steady river.

The path to self-fulfillment does pass by your choice of career. Here are some tips on how to choose the right career for you...

If someone did you good, show your gratitude by paying it forward…

As Director of an after-school program, I have worked with children for many years. During this time, I have come to appreciate the many benefits of yoga for kids.  After-school programs offer many varied enrichment opportunities (as they should), but the yoga classes stood apart. 

Following a day cooped up at their desks, children usually came to the program rambunctious and with the day’s pent-up energy and frustrations.  I would send them into their class with silent sympathy for the yoga teacher.  They came out an hour later noticeably tranquil and calmed.