Kids

Raising Kids That Thrive


Children Are Beautiful Mini-Cloned Versions Of Their Parents. Are You Proud Of Your Little Joyful Creation?


I WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO:

Stay Positive
I’ll Help You Parent With Intention, So You Can Raise Your Littles Without Stress Or Losing Your Sh*t.

Raise Culturally Sound Kids
Learn how to help your kids be mindful of others. Learn to love and embrace everyone’s differences (instead of ignoring or dismissing them).

Have Fun
Discover how to have fun in ways that aren’t boring or repetitive!

Develop A Growth Mindset
Learn how to reframe your minds, shift perspectives and GROW that brain!

Your Kids Are Blessed To Have YOU!

  • How To Raise Humble Kids (The Right Way)

    The Importance of Humility in Parenting

    Humility is such an important aspect of being human. Even more so in parenting. Many people will tell you that in order to possess humility, you have to possess self-confidence. This is a matter of opinion.

    The definition of humility (according to dictionary.com) is “to be humble” or have a modest opinion about your own self-worth.

    It’s easier to instill than you think.

    Right off the bat, let’s note- no two families are the same.

    When teaching your kids humility, it’s always best to “go with your gut.” That certainly doesn’t mean that you can’t consider the advice of friends and family members, who are always usually more than willing to give it.

    You know your children best.

    child in lying in bed smiling

    Being Thankful

    You have to teach children to be grateful for everything they have. Even the small things. As well as the non-material items like- family. Children need to learn how to say “please” and “thank you” at a very young age. (Obviously) This is of course, is a vital sign of respect.

    child little girl hugging doll

    Being Apologetic

    Being humble means, we’ll need to be apologetic and express empathy. No one is immune from making mistakes. It’s the way of life. But by learning to apologize, children can put aside their pride and also don’t expect any pampering in return. Even if your child is a little wee bit wrong, it’s essential for them to apologize.

    Exhibiting Self-Respect

    We should never expect children to be someone their not. Nor should we ever and I mean never compare them to other children in order to be happy. Everyone deserves the right to feel comfortable by being unique in their own way. Self-respect plays a significant role in this.

    Also, children that learn self-respect will almost always have an easier time valuing others. Kids who are exposed to other nationalities/races & cultures are learning about value, without even realizing it. (yay for travels!)

    Be Helpful

    Being helpful is a trait that everyone should possess. Teaching children to be useful in all types of situations is part of being humble. It can be something as small as opening a door for someone or raking a senior’s leaves.

    Something we all tend to forget: children learn by example. Seriously, they’re walking camcorders. Because of this, it’s so important for parents to lead a life of humility. It won’t do any good to teach these values if we as parents are going to live a different life. Then, what will happen is children will generally be confused and uncertain as to what road they should follow.

    Teaching a child to be humble is free. All it takes is time, love and patience. Of course, children probably won’t learn the idea of humility overnight. But, when properly taught, it’s a trait that they’ll be passing on to their own children & so on, for generations.

    photo of woman holding mug titled 'be humble'

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    What do you think?

    happy woman
  • Should you waste money on toys for your kids?

    Do we really need to spend money on toys?

    Do you ever find yourself disappointed with how much money you spend? Are you always second-guessing yourself on yet another purchase for your kids? Contemplating and trying to justify whether they really need another toy? Or game? Or _______(insert your item of choice here)?

    birds eye view of three children playing on a bed with puzzles and toys

    I understand. I really do. You see, I was am a recovering shopaholic. Go ahead. Laugh, it is pretty funny! But seriously. You can read about that here. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve debated whether a toy was ‘worth it’ or not. The internal battle of wanting to budget…Avoiding strife with the hubs was usually enough to have me running from the toy isle….

    birds eye view of children toy colorful wooden train, teddy bear and baby shoes on floor

    Except, when. It. wasn’t. I’m a firm believer in the power of play, and maybe you are too. I’m not talking about the structured senseless, useless play with “those toys”…(you know the ones.) Those that don’t foster any kind of creativity at all. That actually stunt our kids’ development. Yea those. How do you know? And is ‘play’ really the route we should take our children?

    I dare say heck yes.

    baby from te belly down on the floor sitting up playing with colorful wooden shape blocks

    Here’s why:

    Play is truly the heart of how our kids learn and develop. Its fundamental in developing basic skills that will support our children’s literacy and understanding of the world as they continue to grow.

    birds eye view of children hands playing with toys and arts and crafts on white flooring

    Key benefits of play:

    • Creativity and problem solving:

    By allowing our kids the freedom to play and make their own choices, we give them the opportunity to explore, use their imagination, discover, explore and express themselves. It’s the most natural way for children to piece the world together and develop creative thinking and problem-solving skills

    • Social interaction

    Playing with other children and working through conflicts that are sure to come, allows them to understand themselves and others. Working through their emotions is sure to build emotional development

    • Physical development

    When we let our kids play, we’re allowing them to build physical skills and use different body muscles that will later help with language and writing

    birds eye view of a christmas monkey
    • Communication

    Simply put, surrounding our kids with other kids allows them to mimic what they see and hear. Which in turn will support language and the way they communicate with us.

    birds eye view of a child reading for a crayon from a pencil holder

    What are your thoughts?

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    children playing on bed with pillows
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  • 9 Things You Absolutely Don’t Need to Buy Your Toddler

    Having children can be quite a financial burden if we allow it to be…

    Here are 8 things you really don’t need to buy your toddler!

    I’m no expert as I only have two children, but I’ll say there are wayyy to many products marketed for kids to the parents that are simply NOT needed!

    Pull ups

    I know every mama won’t agree with me on this here…I feel like the pull-ups always incite a HUGE unwarranted war LOL…But, in my opinion, Potty training in normal underwear may be more work with a lot more mess, but those training days will be shorter, I promise you!

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    Toddler ‘milk’ formula

    Move along on this one…this is simply a marketing tactic for companies to get into your pockets! Give your sweet baby a healthy varied diet and they will be well. It’s not a necessity that your kiddos drink this ‘special’ toddler milk. If your kids drink milk, any normal type will do.

    Candy/Sweets

    I know I don’t need to explain this one! Resist the urge to introduce these sweets and/or use them as bribes…It’s the worst thing ever LOL. Candy is simply full of artificial sugars that contribute to soooo many ‘deficiencies’ and ‘disabilities’ Avoid at all costs.

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    Juice

    Unless you’re giving fresh-squeezed juice this is almost packed with unnecessary sugars and nasty ingredients. Does your bottle or carton read: ‘fresh’ ‘natural’ ‘100% juice’? It may be….but after the pasteurization process takes over…we are left with a carton of unhealthy sugar 🙁

    Sugar

    Your little one doesn’t need any more help with energy! Try only using natural sugars…use fruits to sweeten meals and cravings or opt for honey, stevia, or xylitol.

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    Extravagant toys

    It can be quite tough choosing toys that our kids will love, without buying everything on the market. My personal rule of thumb when toy shopping is simple: I ask myself 3 questions-

    1. Is this priced right? Can I afford this right now? Or can it wait?
    2. Is this toy durable? Can it take the rough treatment of use by a 4-year-old and a 1-year-old?
    3. Will this spark creativity? Does this toy inspire my children to create?

    If you can answer a yes to these questions, that toy may be a good fit!

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    Shoes with laces- straps only!

    I had to throw this in here! Is it just me or do we have enough things on our to-do list as we are getting ready to run out that door? LOL. When I buy my girls those velcro strap shoes- I like to think I’m helping them grow in their independence! 🙂

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    Boogie/face wipes

    Mamas- normal, plain ‘ol wipes or a wet cloth will do!

    Hope you enjoyed this list 🙂

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    How else can we stretch our budgets?

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    family living out of hotel
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  • how to live out of a hotel (even if you have a family!)

    How to live out of a hotel (even if you have a family!)

    Are you wondering why anyone would ever want to live out of a hotel? I know it sounds crazy, strange, and perhaps unstable. But, as a traveling family, this is one of the joys I’ve had to learn.

    How I live out of a hotel with kids:

    First things first, introduce yourself to reception and most hotel staff if you can. People love to help those they like. So, stay friendly, flexible, and approachable. Share your situation, how long your family with live out of the hotel, and ask for recommendations! Most hotel staff are locals that are eager to help you explore their cities.

    If there is a courtyard available or garden, go ahead and bring a ball for a game of catch or football (soccer).

    Is there a gym available?

    Use it! Bring along a car seat (more compact) or a stroller for the little ones. Depending on ages. For me, this would mean putting my 7-month-old in the car seat and occupying my 3-year-old with games, a movie, or safely monitoring her “workouts.”

    I’m sure people would have many different opinions on this, but I sometimes allow my oldest to use the bikes available. I also, only with my help and presence, allow her to walk on the treadmill slowly.

    hotel gym

    If there is a pool/jacuzzi or sauna available

    Have fun with that! Although, be sure you understand hotel regulations on age limits, etc.

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    Use the hotel services to your advantage

    Is there a computer room/business center?

    Use this too! Go online and play online preschool games (many hotels offer free printing) and use these services to your advantage. Do they offer a shuttle bus to any nearby attractions or establishments? Take an entire day to browse the city you’re in.

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    Inquire about special rates/ discounts being offered to guests at nearby stores or restaurants

    Always grab those free brochures/magazines sitting in the hotel lobby…they ALWAYS have some sort of helpful information or attractive discounts!

    What are the pros of living out of a hotel?

    • Fresh, clean sheets every day
    • Never have to clean
    • Room service
    • Did I mention you will NEVER have to clean?! lol

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    What are the cons of living out of a hotel?

    • No privacy
    • Small area
    • Limited to hotel food/no home-cooked meals (unless you resort to nearby restaurants or have access to a kitchen, etc.)
    • On a final note, some hotels offer a childcare service, which can be a helpful resource to parents.
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    What do you think? Could you manage? Have you ever had to live out of a hotel?

    PIN it FOR LATER-

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    family in hotel

    how to live out of a hotel with a family