Playing independently is a great skill; however, if we are more intentional with teaching play skills, we can teach our children so much more!

<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>

Talk to your children about what issues are important to them. Try to associate their priorities with local laws and actions, and how kids can impact their world.

The first year of my son’s life, I had no idea that febrile seizures were even a thing. As a few of my friends’ kids had them, I learned a little more, but they seemed rare, and while I felt for my friends, I didn’t think we had cause to worry. 

October is Bullying Prevention Month, and one of the first steps of bullying prevention is education. 

<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>

And so, when Victory Monday rolls around, my fridge is stacked like the Packers' offensive line. What to do with all that extra food?

Whether you have two or seven, anything more than one child makes all the sound parenting advice from well-meaning grocery store ladies seem downright comical.

These days, however, my kids get excited about dinner because I let them (somewhat) call the shots. In honor of National Family Dinner Month, we sat down with our calendar a few weeks ago, and they helped me sketch out a weeknight meal plan for September.

After that night in the Walgreens parking lot, I decided that I would be the village.  If I’m at the park with my children and an unattended child there gets hurt, I will do my best to help, not wonder where their parent is.