Parents spend a good portion of their time at work, earning money needed for their family and creating their career path. Children, on the other hand, either spend their time in school or at their “job” which just so happens to be playing. Playtime may seem like a happy and light-hearted essential part of life… Read More The Power of Play | A Critical Part of Children’s Growth and Development
How many of you wanted to be a scientist when you grew up? Chances are, not too many kids list “scientist” as their future career goal when being a princess or astronaut looks so much more appealing! I (UpNoPa mama Laura) wanted to be a paleontologist when I grew up because I loved fossils, so… Read More Baby Scientist Books – Making Science Interesting for Preschoolers
You walk into your child’s room and stop dead in your tracks. You’re not sure, but it looks like a tornado has hit the room or maybe the toy box exploded in some sort of freak Legos-vs-Barbies-induced accident. It’s a true “face/palm moment” when you notice the carpet has virtually disappeared until a mass of… Read More Taming the Toy Tangle | Create a Toy Rotation
Moving from one house to another, or from state to another, can be a blend of excitement and anticipation merged with a healthy side of upset and worry. Even if the move is for positive reasons (relationship change, a better job, or escape to warmer temps), it can also be one of the most stressful… Read More Relocating? Why You Must Declutter NOW
Women need to be independent and prepared for whatever life throws at them. Moms especially. Who knew that after birthing a Small Human we would need to carry half of our house’s contents everywhere we go like a frazzled Sherpa. And “living dangerously” means we leave one of four gear bags at home for a… Read More Moms: The Urban Sherpas of Life | How to Leave the House With Kids (Without Losing Your Mind!)
Stress is, unfortunately, a part of life. But for parents, those moments of pressure and high-anxiety can be even more frequent; and downright debilitating when it comes to the creative process. The Internet is packed with unique ways to “blow some steam” and decompress during tense times. From funny videos to gadgets and relaxation timers… Read More 9 Silly Ways to Blow Off Steam and De-Stress
Picture this: It’s stinkin’ cold outside (stinkin’ cold is 25% yuckier than regular cold), and the snow is coming down like crazy. You know it’s only a matter of time before the radio station reports that school has been canceled fdue to inclement weather conditions. Dread rises in your throat because you know that you… Read More Advice on Working from Home with Kids (and Not Being Broke)
The dog is barking, the kids are fighting, and your Mother-in-Law just texted you that she is on her way for a “quick visit.” It’s times like these when moms find it hard not to feel like the world is closing in on them. Welcome to life. Welcome to parenthood. As much as we know… Read More Mini Self-Care Moments for Parents
Guest post from Sarah Porisch, Brainerd Public Schools Director of Technology Safety and security of our students and staff is always a top priority at Brainerd Public Schools. This includes the online safety and security of our students and faculty. Our district monitors and manages all district-owned devices and uses advanced filtering tools on our secure… Read More Keeping Kids Safe Online | The Importance of Positive Digital Citizenship
In this fast-paced world we live, (and in the often intense Season of Parenthood), it can sure seem like we are losing ourselves. The person who used to love to read, shop, work-out or play has been replaced by a blurry-eyed human who thinks taking a shower daily (and alone) is the achievement of the… Read More Do I Have a Right to Take Time for Me?