True Balance? There's No Such Thing
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THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A TRULY BALANCED LIFE. The reality is that balance looks different to different people, and it is not always 50-50. In my opinion, balance is simply giving my attention to multiple things.... Read full article
Teaching Children Respect
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As a veteran teacher, I’ve been asked many questions about how to teach children over the years, and only once have I been a bit stumped. The mother asked me, “How do you teach respect?” After a moment’s thought, my response was, “Every single day.”... Read full article
A Playdate-Style Birthday Party
by Mari Walker on
Birthday parties for littles can add up fast. For a few Benjamins, you can take them and a few friends to a bounce place or rent a bounce house for your backyard. We didn’t start big parties like that for my older daughter until she was about five.... Read full article
Valentine’s Day: The Holiday I Love to Hate
by Amy Delaney on
When ranking the best holidays, Valentine’s Day has always been near the very bottom for me. My love/hate relationship with this lovely holiday began way back in high school. I was never the girl with lots of admirers, so I remember the flowers, cand... Read full article
Maddie Wilson
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Turning 14 this month, Maddie Wilson already has experience as an attorney through Teen Court of Greater Baton Rouge. The diversion program helps teen offenders stay out of the judicial system and lower rates of recidivism. Starting ninth grade at St... Read full article
Raising Readers One Book at a Time
by Mari Walker on
A recent Baby Center email for my seven year old (yes, I still open them to read about her development!) had the headline, “How to Encourage Reading.” I laughed and read along, knowing the advice doesn’t apply to me just now.... Read full article
Learning the Value of Money
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When I was a middle schooler, all the cool kids wore the same brand of insanely expensive jeans. I coveted these jeans. Most of my “cool” clothes came from hand-me-downs or garage sales. I begged my parents for a pair of these highly prized jeans. In... Read full article
Is it Rough Play or Bullying? How to See the Difference and Intervene
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Sometimes it is difficult to know when rough-and-tumble play is shifting into something more nefarious. As children grow up, they test limits, and we have to trust our judgment. When it comes to bullying, our instant reaction is to cut out any roughh... Read full article
Raising a Bookworm
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When toddlers and preschoolers are read to on a regular basis and exposed to books throughout their day, they are more likely to develop a lifelong love of reading.... Read full article
The Worst Days Are Still the Best Days
by Toby Comeaux on
I have had some of the best days of my life as a parent. I have been able to share in the joy of three births; watched all of my kids take their first steps; and helped them learn to tie shoes, ride bikes, and read books. We have shared in the love o... Read full article