Tag: Kids

The Magic Wand Fails: Parenting Requires More Than Essential Oils

My coping mechanisms to help me live through an overly chaotic day include: tea, a lot of deep breathing and inhaling stress-fix concentrate from Aveda. When lavender, lavandin and clary sage disperses onto my skin and into my nose, life seems a little more manageable. One particular day proved to be uncontrollably difficult. I found... Read more »
By Beth Rago,
March 12, 2013 at 2:08 pm • 

Mommy Guilt: Play With My Kids or Play With My iPhone?

by Brandi Lee, Parenting Without A Parachute Contributor There have been a few articles and blog posts making the Facebook rounds recently, addressing the evils of the iPhone or other similar cellular devices.  Have you read them? 
I stumbled across the first one a few months ago, and the author’s words coaxed me into a... Read more »
By pwap,
February 20, 2013 at 7:14 am • 

Logging Off for the Holidays

Logging Off for the Holidays
I was talking with a friend on Skype the other day, enjoying a great catch-up on each other’s lives. Since she lives on the east coast, it’s the best way we can connect, and the video component, it feels more intimate than just talking on the phone. So, we have coffee dates. It’s one of... Read more »
By pwap,
December 21, 2012 at 9:25 am • 
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The Woulda Coulda Shoulda Day

The Woulda Coulda Shoulda Day
This morning, I was supposed to wake up at 5:30 and go for a run – but I decided to snuggle on the couch with the puppy and watch Morning Joe. While I was distracted with neutralizing the Keurig coffee pod anarchy in my kitchen, I forgot to brew a cup for my daughter before... Read more »
By Crystal Intini Alperin,
August 31, 2012 at 2:00 pm • 

Camping With Kids, Part 1

Camping With Kids, Part 1
Last Friday, I loaded the token suburban minivan with enough food, clothing, sunscreen and bug spray to survive in the wilderness for a year. After three summers of camping, I really should know better. The three hour drive to Holland, Michigan from Aurora, Illinois did give me plenty of time to think about these last... Read more »
By Crystal Intini Alperin,
July 16, 2012 at 10:37 am • 

Five Must-Have Items for Parents With Small Kids

Five Must-Have Items for Parents With Small Kids
In my fantasy world, 6-year-old Raymond and 3-year-old Anne are gobbling up fresh vegetables and singing my praises as I dance around the kitchen envisioning organic nutrients stimulating their brains and making their internal organs smile. I have tried sneaking pureed asparagus in pasta sauce and secretly dicing yellow zucchini into macaroni and cheese, but... Read more »
By Beth Rago,
June 18, 2012 at 7:18 am • 
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What Were You Thinking? Face-palm Moments With Kids

There is a rule in my home that seems to be broken quite often. I do not think I am an overbearing mother and firmly stand on the idea that rules and structure are good for kids, yet I am still a believer in being flexible and letting kids explore. With one rule, however, I... Read more »
By Beth Rago,
May 22, 2012 at 10:18 am • 

Lessons Learned from Marriage...

Lessons Learned from Marriage...
I love seeing elderly people holding hands. It gives me hope that I will live out my days with my friend and husband, Peter. We celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary Wednesday and as I thought about our time together, I made a mental list of all the things I have learned so far in my... Read more »
By Beth Rago,
November 11, 2011 at 6:24 am • 

Putting Your Injured Child Into the Hands of a Stranger: Our Family's First Major Injury

Putting Your Injured Child Into the Hands of a Stranger: Our Family's First Major Injury
I realized last Monday my kids are not 100% safe in my care. When I watched my 5-year-old run to me with his horrifyingly broken arm, I quickly observed there was nothing I physically could do to help my child and he needed medical assistance. NOW. Frantically calling 911, I shouted over the screams of... Read more »
By Beth Rago,
September 29, 2011 at 8:08 am • 
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A Business Meeting, Maggots, and a Puppy: A Day in the Life of a Modern Day Mom

A Business Meeting, Maggots, and a Puppy: A Day in the Life of a Modern Day Mom
The horror which ensues in this post is enough to make anyone a.) second guess being a dog owner and  b.) question their sanity in the decision to have 2 children, be pregnant and have a puppy at the same time. The events below are completely true and have not been embellished. No one was... Read more »
By Beth Rago,
August 26, 2011 at 7:21 am •