This was originally posted by the Marion & Polk Early Learning Hub here.
One thing that I think we have done really well as parents is we have been very intentional about making mealtime family time. We put away our phones, make sure the TV is off and come sit down together for our meals. Continue reading
Recently I received a wonderful reminder of the importance of quality one-on-one time I got with my kids. My daughter and I went on a nice walk the other night that turned into less walking and a lot more playing at the park. This little girl is fearless and absolutely loves playing on the slide. She kept climbing up and sliding down over and over again. Her beautiful smile greeting me over and over again. It was a great way to connect and get to spend some time just with her doing something she loves.
A couple of days later my son and I got to go on a nice long date. A trip to the LEGO store and an impromptu lunch at Red Robin after. We bonded over our love of LEGOs and got some awesome new ones to take home. Then we had a great lunch together that included this beautiful back and forth:
Me: “Your smile is one of my favorite things.”
Son: “Aww you’re making me blush!”
Through the busyness and craziness of life…through the highs and lows we all search for moments and memories that matter. I keep getting reminded that one of the best ways to do this is to make sure I create the opportunity for some special one-on-one time with each of my kids. We have some terrific family moments all together, but there’s just something different and amazing about individual time together.
This is fatherhood…
This was originally posted by the Marion & Polk Early Learning Hub here.
You can see it coming before it even happens. The tantrum and tears will be flowing soon. You’ve seen a few eye rubs, their attitude has changed from happy and playful to grumpy and frustrated. Your little one is tired and doesn’t want to admit it. They want so desperately to stay up a little longer, run around the kitchen a few more times, or read one more book. But their little bodies are shutting down and a meltdown is imminent. How do we avoid those sleepy kid blues? Continue reading
This was originally posted by the Marion & Polk Early Learning Hub here.
“Science shows that the first five years of life is when the brain grows fastest.” I’ve heard this many times, but right now with my daughter I am seeing just how true it is. Continue reading
Disclaimer: This story contains some graphic descriptions of my experience with miscarriage.
Three years ago today I was sitting in the emergency room – waiting anxiously – not knowing if the child in my womb was alive or dead. Just waiting – while a child died inside of me. The waiting seemed like it took forever – my emergency, did not look like an emergency. When all the while – my emergency was death. Continue reading
This was originally posted by the Marion & Polk Early Learning Hub here.
One thing we definitely expect of our children is to own up to their mistakes and apologize when they have done something wrong. We may even make them say it over again until we feel like they actually mean it. But, how often do we as caregivers apologize and admit our own mistakes to them? Continue reading
This was originally posted by the Marion & Polk Early Learning Hub here.
Do you want to know something that has made me a little anxious lately? We are talking about school options for my firstborn…for next year! It seems crazy that we’re already at that point with my son. He’s no longer a toddler, let alone a baby…he’s a full-fledged little boy! Continue reading
