Posts in Family
3 Ways to Cope with End-of-Summer Blues

As September nears, and with it, the whirlwind that is back-to-school, a lot of us feel the flutter of stress and anxiety that comes with end-of-summer blues. Even for us adults, shifting into a different schedule (one that includes more time schlepping the kiddos to school and back, and less time hanging by the river with a picnic) can be challenging – but do you remember what it felt like as a kid? For many kids, the sunny summer months mean endless playtime, unsupervised adventuring with friends and cousins, later bedtimes, possibly more special treats like yummy finger foods..., and did we mention no homework? Yikes! No wonder end-of-summer blues strike at this time of year. So what can you do as a family to smooth out the ride? Read on for three ways to cope, naturally.

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The Best 5 Family Dog Breeds

If you are thinking about adopting a dog and you have children, you might want a breed that is actually good for families, and will get along with everyone, from children to elderly people. As you know, not all dogs are the same around people. Some get along perfectly with children, while others would love nothing more than to be left alone. In the end, it’s all about your little friend’s temperament, energy, and needs.

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5 Tips for a Smooth Adjustment to Life with Your New Baby

With each of our children, there are things that I feel like we did very well in the first month and things that we could have done differently that would have helped for a smoother transition, less stress, and more new baby bliss. Here are five insights on simple strategies that can make a big difference those first 30 days with your sweet, new baby! 

Contributed by Kristy Martin Hale, Mother/Writer

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Keeping Christmas Fun & Focused

I have these warm fuzzy memories of Christmas as a child. My mother always had the house looking festive with decorations, delicious baking and savoury meals being cooked, holiday music playing and fun activities that lasted for days. It seemed so seamless and shaped a deep love of the holidays and the associated family times for me. 

Now that I am a mother, my appreciation for all of that has truly grown ten-fold. My first few christmas experiences as a mother were valid attempts to replicate what I wanted my children to see, smell and experience through the holidays. An honest confession though, it was not seamless, I was exhausted and really did not enjoy much of it. 

Contributor: Kristy Martin Hale, Mother/Writer

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