Parent Hacks

The power of being a raw beginner

Why playing "Twinkle Twinkle" on the violin may be my most important accomplishment of the summer.

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Back to School: Five Realistic Tips for Transition

My plan is to balance getting prepared for school with enjoying our finals days of summer.

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Fantastic new book released today: Duct Tape Parenting

If you find yourself arguing, cajoling, and negotiating a bit too much with your kids, give the new book "Duct Tape Parenting" a read. It's a refreshing reminder that doing less is often the answer (a message dear to my heart).

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Square ONE: Educating myself about Africa

In six weeks, I board a plane to Ethiopia to learn and share stories about the remarkable partnership between Ethiopian community leaders and the advocacy organization ONE. I'm heading into the experience with very little knowledge about the political process, international aid, the history and culture of Ethiopia, or its modern struggles and triumphs. I'm not proud of my ignorance. But I'm telling you about it for three reasons.

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Musings of an intimidated (but hopeful) runner

My spin on "backsliding" in pursuit of fitness isn't failure, it's experimentation.

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Parenting a child with anxiety...from a dad who's been there

I would recommend any parent of an anxious child read Shaun's post. Especially poignant because he suffered anxiety as a child and so approaches the topic from a place of empathy.

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Use a laundry basket as a hotel bath barrier

Judy recommends using a laundry basket baby bath for her toddler at home and while traveling.

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The magic that happens in the comments

I had a whole post I was writing up to introduce you to Blogust -- the blog "relay for good" that benefits Shot@Life by raising $20 per comment for childhood vaccines. $20 per comment! But then my dear friend Liz of Mom-101 wrote this as her Blogust contribution -- a post about how our friendship grew out of blog comments.

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Evergreen "answers" to your kids' questions

For my kids' good and mine, I'm delegating the job of thinking to them. Here are six "answers" to kids' questions that will remind them that the best answer is theirs to find.

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Six reasons I'm glad my family has to watch Olympic commercials

Is your family as into the Olympics as mine? We're having such fun watching and talking about the Olympics. Even the silly commercials.

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Summer dessert recipe: Ice Cream Brownies

Frozen ice cream brownies! Could there be a better summer dessert? Choose your favorite ice cream flavor and embellishments, and prepare to delight friends and family.

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