We’ve all had tough years, days or months. In my son’s preschool class, they’re teaching the difference between big problems and small problems. But what if your problems this year were all big ones? I still remember the year I was sick, needed surgery, and was laid off. And the year my father died. So […]
One butternut squash, sliced vertically, seeds removed (save to bake like pumpkin seeds) Two or three large carrots, peeled, ends removed Half an onion, diced or pureed, depending on preference One box vegetable broth plus an equal amount of water Four granny smith apples, peeled and cored Salt and pepper to taste Preheat oven […]
One chicken carcass, with as many bones as possible One whole onion, outer layer removed 3 large carrots, chopped into big pieces 3 large stalks of celery, chopped into big pieces 2 parsnips, chopped into big pieces 1 large bunch of kale, center rib removed, diced or pureed 1 bunch of fresh dill, tied with […]
Increasingly, families are returning to the idea of siblings sharing a room, whether the same gender or not. My son and daughter enjoy their shared room, and it reduces their middle of the night visits to mom, as neither likes to sleep alone. Perhaps, things will change when they hit their pre-teens, but for now, […]
As parents we face a daily conundrum of opportunities and needs to coach our children about everything from conflict resolution and manners to transitions and routines. Two creative tools I love for teaching children social and life skills are social stories and puppets. Storytelling can be such a powerful way to engage children, capturing their […]
If you can’t guess from the title, my kids are sick. Nothing drastic, *just* stomach flu, same as half of my son’s preK class. Meanwhile, in the moment, how do we survive the day or night? Don’t use cold medicines meant for older kids or adults. Cold medicines are banned under 6 years old for […]
The lure of saving money that Black Friday holds is very appealing, but traipsing out to crowded stores and standing in long checkout lines with young children is not. Here are some tips from our Mom experience. Also check out our budget saving ideas for the holidays at gooseling.com/2013/11/07/money-saving-holidays. Don’t feel pressured to do the […]
Also check out our Top Ten Tips for Travel with Infants and Babies. 1. Bring several small toys as diversions. Even if you plan to use electronic devices good to have some variety. We love magnetic toys, puzzles, and drawing tablets. Avoid toys that have too many pieces that can get lost. 2. Bring […]
Free Range Parenting vs. Helicoptering As I watch my two year old race to the play structure and try to climb a tricky bridge, something she’s never done before, my five year old warns me. “Lili can’t do that. Mama! Quick!” I wonder, should I cover her? Do I give her the space to try […]
The holidays and heading toward another new year makes me think of all I am thankful for, while reflecting on the past year and what is most important to me. Being mother to my two sons is the greatest joy I can imagine. What I didn’t know at the beginning when I worried so much […]