Author: Sarah Lyons

School mornings can be stressful for both parents and kids. They can be very hectic, with limited time to eat breakfast, get dressed, gather belongings, and get to school on time.Here are some ideas for families to lower the stress and create a smoother school morning:Backpack SolutionAfter the kids have completed their homework, have them pack their backpacks. Parents can sign permission slips, go through school papers, and gather any supplies needed for school the next day and pack them up. Does your child have their gym uniform and band instrument? When everything is ready the night before, there is…

Transitioning your child to becoming an older sibling is both exciting and challenging. While adding another child to the family provides your older child with a lifelong friend and playmate, the soon-to-be big sibling may feel reluctant to share their turf. Many parents worry about how their child will react to a new baby in the house and do their best to reassure their big kid that they are still very much loved and an important part of the family. There are some things you can do to make the transition easier for everyone. Here are some simple do’s and…

Have you ever seen the kids sleeping in strollers at the mall or even an amusement park, clearly not bothered by the noise or what is going on around them? Before I became a mother, I assumed getting a child to nap was as simple as giving the child a space to rest. A dozen years and six kids later, I have learned the hard way that it is rarely that simple. Nap time can be a battle between parent and child that leaves you feeling exhausted rather than rested. This leaves parents searching for suggestions to make things go…

Family vacations are a great way to enjoy time away from the daily routine and create lasting memories. But if you are anything like me, packing for a family trip can be overwhelming, especially if you have multiple kids to pack for. As a mom of six I’ve learned the hard way how to make our vacation packing more efficient. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation, being prepared can make the trip much more enjoyable from the moment you leave home. Start by making a master list. If you don’t have a list, you are bound…

In today’s digital age, families are spending more time inside and less time exploring nature. Studies show that kids who spend time outside have better overall health and fitness levels, report better vision, less stress and depression, and are more likely to have good social skills. The National Wildlife Federation also reports that “spending time outside raises levels of Vitamin D, helping protect children from future bone problems, heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues.” As kids spend more and more time watching TV and playing video games on a daily basis, only about 10% of kids say they are…

Everyone enjoys participating in an Easter egg hunt in the community or with family, but if your family is anything like mine, we have an abundance of plastic eggs leftover after our yearly egg hunts. Here are some ways you can repurpose the eggs that are fun for kids as well: Memory Game Open the plastic egg and set each half on the table. Hide small items like paper clips, coins, or erasers under each egg. (You will need two of each item.) Play memory and have your child pick two eggs to lift and they can collect them if…

How pet ownership can support children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, and other special needs — and what families should consider before adopting. Pets for kids with special needs can be more than just a fun addition to the family — for many children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, or social and behavioral challenges, a pet can be genuinely transformative. Research and real-world experience from parents suggest that the bond between a child and a pet can lower stress, build social skills, and provide a unique kind of stability that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. If you’re a parent…

An individualized education plan (IEP) is a key component of your child’s special education plan. By law, schools are required to provide services to kids who qualify. An IEP meeting is where goals will be set and which services will be provided are decided on by both educators and the child’s guardians. This can be very intimidating for parents. With preparation and research prior to the meeting, parents will feel more informed and confident during the meeting. The time spent before will lead them to be better advocates for their child, while developing a plan that will help the child…

Fall means cooler temperatures, changing and falling leaves, and many fun activities to enjoy. Traditions create closeness in a family and make memories that last a lifetime. Fall is a perfect time to start some new traditions that your family will look forward to each year. Try some of these ideas.PumpkinsPumpkins are a symbol of fall. You can easily incorporate them into your family’s fall traditions. Take the kids to the pumpkin patch and pick the perfect one as a family. While you carve it, try different pumpkin recipes like pumpkin bars, pumpkin bread, or roasted pumpkin seeds. Have each…