Parenting | Page 8 of 27

Life lessons from the doughnut isle at Publix

I’ve learned that brothers manipulate each other like they are in sales. If one of them wants something all they have to do is feign not being interested in it and the other one will back off. This rule holds true unless it’s something that has an attraction so undeniably strong that neither one can fake it. Enter the doughnuts. Sometimes I let the kids get a bag of powdered doughnuts. It was on one such occasion that I was reminded of some life lessons that parents might forget.

Continue reading Life lessons from the doughnut isle at Publix

Figure it out I’m on the toilet

I said with all the guttural force I could muster. My pants were around my ankles and I had just sat down on the toilet before running errands with a three and five year old. They were in the other room playing for a moment so I figured I had two minutes to spare. The phone rings. I get up, pants around my ankles to see who it is and I don’t recognize the phone number, so of course I answer it.

Continue reading Figure it out I’m on the toilet

Taking the family to the beach on a Prius #ToyotaRoadTrip #ad

We were provided with a Toyota Prius for review purposes for this post. Drive a car for 5 hours to the beach you say? Sure that sounds great, but we’re packing enough for two small children (a stroller, pack n play) plus clothing for a one week vacation. The Toyota Prius didn’t look big enough to be comfortable and do this, but I’ve always wanted to drive one so here goes our #ToyotaRoadTrip to Hilton Head.

Continue reading Taking the family to the beach on a Prius #ToyotaRoadTrip #ad

Parenting, family, pets and the 100 shades of green

Every morning when the kids get downstairs it’s the same ritual. Our youngest sits to my left and his older brother sits directly across from him. He’ll talk about how he had “a good sleep” and ask about what we’re doing tomorrow-at which point I’ll remind him that we have lots of fun stuff to do today. While all of this is happening, Abby, our 14 year-old flat coat retriever has already set up camp under our youngest’s chair. He’s just the right height to massage her with his bare feet and if anyone at the table is going to drop something edible it’s going to be him. It was also at this point that I realized that this is one of those moments, specifically those periods of time.

Continue reading Parenting, family, pets and the 100 shades of green

7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens-updated for today’s teens

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens is something I could have used as a kid. There was very little direction in my house and I just drifted from class to class in high school. If you pictured my life as The Breakfast Club, I was Brian. The difference was, while he got too much direction and pressure from his parents, I didn’t get enough. It doesn’t sound that bad – but it wreaks havoc with your confidence.

Continue reading 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens-updated for today’s teens

Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light 2 is super simple & light-giveaway

Growing up my father used to say “you’re not holding your mouth right”, when I was trying to do something but not succeeding. It was always a seemingly simple task that proved frustrating because it looked like it should be happening, but wasn’t. Putting up a pack and play is like that, especially the middle bar that folds in half. Enter the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light 2. Coming in at only 11 pounds it’s the lightest, easiest travel crib we’ve ever used.

Continue reading Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light 2 is super simple & light-giveaway

Because ads or lack thereof, matter. Bing in the Classroom

One time our oldest was watching videos online when I heard incredibly bad language coming from the computer. An ad had led him to a video that they thought was similar to what he was looking for. In reality it was a profane laced cartoon that satirized programming that was meant for children. Even before that happened I used Bing at home search for things. Bing in the Classroom is in the same vein, an ongoing program to help kids use technology-in an ad-free, safe environment. Continue reading Because ads or lack thereof, matter. Bing in the Classroom

Ditch the script on fatherhood #WorldsToughestJob #ad

Recap: I’m a stay at home dad. I get the blessing of being around our two children all day long. It is the #WorldsToughestJob. Some would view this as an albatross and others as a complete blessing. And to be honest it all depends on what time of day as to how I would answer that question. However, once the dust settles my answer will always be that it’s an honor and privilege to be a father.

Continue reading Ditch the script on fatherhood #WorldsToughestJob #ad