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.

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

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.

In the social media era we live in, where everything gets shared and we constantly know what the Joneses are doing, people feel the pressure to keep up. It is easy to become discontent with areas of our lives.

Summer is here, and we are ready to hit the beach, or pool, or puddles, whatever warm, splashy body of water we can get into.

Now that I’m a parent, I understand their high expectations, and in turn, have them for my own kids.

“I wish you would thank me.”Confused, I asked, “For what? “For doing things for you. Like going to this family gathering. I know part of being in a relationship is doing things you don’t want to do for the person you love. I just wish you would say thank you.”

As soon as she complimented me, I thanked her, but had to be honest with her. I mean, it wasn’t the truth. I’m not ALWAYS put together, calm, and composed.