Softball was never just about softball. And really, no sport is. Sports are classrooms. The dirt on the field and the squeak of gym floors are chalkboards where lessons about resilience, humility, teamwork, and respect get written every day. But here’s the thing: the kids aren’t the only ones doing the writing. The adults, parents in the stands, and coaches on the sidelines are drafting some of the most important lines.

Our babies deserve a world where kindness and respect matter, and it starts with the way we raise them today.

Dramatic play (also called pretend or imaginative play) is one of the most natural and powerful ways children make sense of their world. And while it might look like “just playing,” there is so much meaningful work happening beneath the surface. Learn more in this post.

Our kids are constantly shaping their self-esteem and identity, often by watching how we talk to ourselves. The words we say (and don’t say) become their inner voice. Add in the comparison trap of social media and the dopamine rollercoaster it creates, and today’s kids face unique challenges. The good news? We can help them build confidence, resilience, and a kinder self-story, starting with us.

Life with a toddler is unpredictable, but add sensory needs, both seeking and avoidance, and suddenly your house feels like a mix between a wrestling ring, a therapy clinic, and a zoo with an exceptionally patient dog.

Whether your kid is a cautious eater like my step-son or a culinary daredevil like my toddler, the goal is the same: to raise kids who can have a healthy, flexible, and positive relationship with food. That means less pressure, more patience, and a whole lot of humor. Because if parenthood has taught me anything, it’s that food is rarely just food when kids are involved. It’s comedy, it’s chaos. So, pull up a chair, grab a napkin, and enjoy the show.

Teaching kids deep breaths can go two ways: peaceful calm…or a spit-covered coffee table. Guess which one we got? This month’s Imagination Library book delivery brought us Dandelion Magic by Darren Farrell, a whimsical, laugh-out-loud story that turned our “calming breath practice” into speed puffs, giggles, and yes…a little spit on the coffee table. But behind the silliness is something powerful: a playful way to help kids manage big feelings, slow down, and discover calm

Pool day=fun, cousins, Goldfish, and a tractor toy meltdown. Play builds skills, but leaving is the hardest splash of all.

As both a mom and a counselor, I’ve seen the back-to-school season from all angles. I have worked with dozens of kids and families as the school year approaches, worked within schools at the start of the school year, and have walked my own bonus son through the weeks leading up to a new school year. So, let me walk you through some practical (and slightly sarcastic) ways to handle the back-to-school jitters, for your kids and yourself.

There’s nothing quite like the rush of panic that hits when your child starts to unravel in the middle of a grocery store, playground, or family gathering. Maybe it's loud. Maybe it's messy. Maybe all eyes seem to turn to you. Public meltdowns are a universal parenting challenge, and if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or embarrassed during one, you’re not alone.

As parents, we want the best for our kids, not just academically, but emotionally too. We want them to be kind, confident, and resilient. We want them to understand and manage their feelings and to form healthy, positive relationships with others. But how do we go about teaching them these important skills? Enter Social Emotional Learning, or SEL.