Follow these simple tricks and activities to reduce and ultimately avoid the early childhood tantrums. During their preschool years, children go through many developmental changes. Considering their social and emotional development, children at this age are able to understand, label and differentiate between the different emotions that they are …
Read More »How to Care for Kids’ Teeth During Times of Indulgence
By Melissa McCool, DDS With the holidays comes an endless array of treats and sweets, and you know what? It’s okay to indulge! That is what goodies are for. As a dentist, I don’t think it is fair to tell patients they can never have something. The key is to …
Read More »How a Social Media Fast and Life Coach Leveled-Up My Life
A few months ago, I was invited to participate in a 10-day social media fast. I willingly agreed, not thinking it would have any impact on me because I spend such limited time on social media. I was wrong. The impact was far-reaching and life-changing. I had no idea how …
Read More »Reno Mom with Son on the Autism Spectrum Finds Caring, Supportive Teachers
Teachers who care and know how to help; these two factors are the takeaway messages I want other parents to know when considering enrolling their child in the Newton Learning Center of Northern Nevada. Newton is a private school catering to high-functioning children on the autism spectrum. It is successful …
Read More »Positive Parenting Course: A New Approach to Parenting
My husband and I spent a recent Saturday morning attending a free positive parenting course, put on by Robin Brocklesby, founder of Embrace the PATH. Robin put together three free courses to expose parents in our community to this parenting model and see what the interest would be in doing more …
Read More »Why the Nextdoor App is the 21st Century Whipping Post (and How We Can Change It)
About four years ago, I got a postcard in the mail inviting me to join something called Nextdoor. I had never heard of it, but apparently one of my neighbors sent an invitation to me. I thought it was an ingenious way to meet some new neighbors in my community, so I …
Read More »Mother-in-Law or Monster-in-Law?
“My mother-in-law is a complete nightmare,” said my friend for the fifth time in the same conversation. In response, I gave a sympathetic smile and a few words of encouragement, and then thought about my mother-in-law. The “monster-in-law” sentiment can be an all-too-common scenario for many, and I feel fortunate …
Read More »Why I Love Thanksgiving, Especially This Year
A lot of people are not too excited about holidays, with added stress and expenses and family drama. And I’ve noticed that a lot of people don’t seem to enjoy or care about Thanksgiving. It gets kind of overshadowed by the heavy hitters of Halloween and Christmas, but it has …
Read More »Socks Were Never Meant to Have Partners
As the primary laundry-doer around here, I find myself constantly pondering the following: WHERE ARE ALL THE SOCKS? We are a family of six, and we own no less than a billion pairs of socks[1]. How many of those pairs are currently in their natural, paired-up state, happily living their …
Read More »How to Day Out With Thomas and Friends
This past weekend, we surprised our 2-year-old with a “Day out With Thomas,” put on by the Virginia & Truckee Railroad in Virginia City. It’s a 25-minute train ride, and many of the activities can fill a whole day. Here’s what I learned: Ideally, you want to show up about 45 …
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