The transition from elementary to middle school is big. I was excited when my stepdaughter’s teacher sent an email asking parents or other special people in the students’ lives to write a letter to the student. The teacher would...
You’ve probably heard of sensory play, but did you know that this type of play is very beneficial for children? From birth, babies learn about their world using their 5 senses: seeing, smelling, hearing, feeling & tasting. As they...
I first heard the phase "redshirting your kindergartner" a few years ago while I was watching an episode of 60 Minutes. The story went into great detail on why parents did or did not choose to send their five-year-olds to...
It was Sunday afternoon. The kids had gone outside to ride their bikes, and my husband had stepped into the garage. I was alone in the living room doing some exercises when five-year-old Isabel burst through the door. “Amariah...
This post is part 3 of 5 in the series To Train Up a Child.
Hey potty-training warriors! Welcome to the battle! It is messy, it is time consuming, it is draining... but if you've ever done a potty dance...
Congratulations! You're a parent! You've had a safe delivery, learned to feed your new arrival, installed the car seat (no small feat), and made it home safely from the hospital. Now what?
As a pediatrician at The Iowa Clinic, I...
During the first year of my twins' lives I learned how to save time, energy, and money with two babies in the house. Through lots of prayers, cups of coffee, and conversations with other mommas, I am on the...
August 1–7 is World Breastfeeding Week. Find more posts about the joys and challenges of breastfeeding and pumping here.
The time has come again. The last bag of breast milk has left my freezer. The special deep freeze we bought...
I appreciate all the great family shows available for our kids.
As a mom, it takes intentional effort to connect with our kiddos. Screens can come between us and our kiddos if we allow it or they can bring us...
Becoming a new parent can be overwhelming and confusing. Everyone has advice, from your mom to your neighbor, and it can be difficult sorting facts from myths. One person you should definitely have on your parenting team is a...
In + Around Des Moines
Des Moines Summer Bucket List | Over 125 Things to Do...
We Love summer in Des Moines! We've got you covered from pools, outdoor movies, and farmers markets to berry picking, road races, and parades.
