Holidays

I knew that marrying someone with children and becoming a step-mom would add an interesting twist to the holidays.

However, having a newborn baby can definitely make these next few weeks during the holidays a bit more…challenging to manage. Especially if you are new to breastfeeding.

Environmental stewardship is something I am very passionate about, and it is something that I believe is every parent’s responsibility to teach their child, not just on Earth Day but every day! However, if you don’t know where to start, here are some ideas you can try!

We’re into the holiday season now, folks. And while getting the whole clan together can undoubtedly bring some cherished family memories, it can also make for some not-so-magical moments.</p>

Giving Tuesday is the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving, started in 2012, that has continued to grow thanks to the power of social media.

<p>This year, I have tried to maintain my attitude of gratitude. I have tried to focus on turning my complaints into positives, to find the good things I can say about hosting. </p>

<p>So, fast-forward to early September. My little H noticed some Halloween costumes in Target and asked what he would be for Halloween. I told him it was up to him. Shockingly (no, not at all shockingly), he asked if he could be an excavator. I told him I didn&#8217;t think I could make that, to which he replied &#8220;Why? You made a bulldozer. An excavator can&#8217;t be that much harder.&#8221; Touche, kiddo! I knew I could do it.</p>

Don’t get me wrong: I have 100 percent respect and admiration for those who’ve served – most notably, my brother and my late grandfather. But admittedly, for me, Memorial Day has always had predominant overtones of picnics, parades, and a day off from school.

Maybe this year, you can add another tradition to your holidays. Let’s work on spreading the message of the holidays in new ways this year, starting with kindness.

Fact: College is not cheap. The thought of our kids having considerable debt in their early adult years is not pleasant. So, why not start preparing now?