Tag Archives: kids

Teaching kids it does not matter who is elected President

Last week my second grade daughter game home from her Catholic school and said “Mom, so-and-so’s parents are voting for Trump. They said he has more faith.” All at once, I could feel my head spinning with remarks; my skin getting warmer: “Has more faith? In what?” “Do they know how he treats women?” “When did […]

The importance of food at summertime gatherings

Summer is a time where food is at the center of all we do. Whether a family barbecue, impromptu picnic or wedding reception, food is the common thread that ties together just about any occasion. At 89-years-old, my grandmother doesn’t cook much anymore. But if you remind her that no one makes mac & cheese like she does, you just may see […]

Stop wishing single Moms a Happy Father’s Day

Each year around this time, I get flooded with messages of best wishes and celebratory notes in regard to my role as a single parent. But I ask of you, please, don’t wish me a Happy Father’s Day this year. I remember the first time this happened 6 years ago. My daughter was an infant […]

7 ways a child can be your best teacher

When it comes to talking about parenting, we often hear Moms and Dads recite some version of the phrase “It has completely changed me.” And it’s true, but never did I imagine that a child would be the most instrumental teacher I’ve ever had without her even knowing it. In fact, until she came along, […]

What it’s like being a single Mom on Mother’s Day

This Mother’s Day I do not wish to sleep in or receive flowers or have loved ones gather ’round as I eat breakfast in bed. Besides, when you’re a single mom, those things aren’t likely to happen anyway. But, I’m more than OK with that. In fact, what I want for Mother’s Day is what I want every other day […]

Finding magic in a Maine lifestyle after living away

These days, we rise in the morning, curtains backlit by a penetrating sun. Depending on which window you’re in front of, there is the faint shadow of a tree branch, moving slightly with the wind. Certain repetitive movement momentarily hypnotizes me. Sometimes waves making their way to shore; more frequently, my 6-year-old daughter twirling and […]

11 ways to help kids love nature more than video games

Earth Day has passed but I’m sure during that week you heard something like this: “Every day should be Earth Day.” While I whole-heartedly agree, in order for our society to appreciate the environment on a daily basis, we need to stop thinking about the three R’s for a minute and focus on something else: […]

How to define Easter beyond the Marshmallow Bunnies

Is this the year I spill the beans about the bunny, I wondered, perusing the Easter aisles at a local store, wondering which was worse: the fabricated fable or celebrating Jesus with brightly colored Peeps. How much longer can I pretend a furry animal enters our home each year bearing toys and goodies, hiding eggs […]

7 creative ways to give back this holiday season

One of the best things about the holiday season is how it inspires giving. No matter where we go for our shopping needs, there is the opportunity to leave some extra jingle with the Salvation Army bell ringers or adopt a child in need from the Angel Tree. Since traditions go hand-in-hand with this time of […]

How to ditch your winter blues with these activities

Power outages, sub zero temperatures, snow, sleet, freezing rain, icy windshields and slippery roads. It’s no wonder winter can make us feel a little blue. While we cannot change the weather, we can engage ourselves in activities that stimulate our senses and recharge our soul. Here are 15 ways to lift your spirits this season: […]