Real. Simple. Parenting.

Tag: year

Happy Birthday to My Son As He Turns Seven Years Old

My oldest child, my son and my firstborn, is about to turn seven years old. I say this every year, but I can’t believe it! Time is flying and my heart is about to burst with pride and emotion. Every year I write a little love letter to my children on their birthdays, as I reflect on their birth and how our lives have changed, the person they are and the person they will become. Here is Happy Birthday to My Son as he turns seven. Enjoy.

Continue reading

The Family Christmas Must-Do List

My children are old enough now that we can really start doing some fun stuff during the Christmas season. Whether it’s driving around armed with pajamas and cocoa to check out Christmas lights, having a specific “right” way to decorate the tree, or watching a certain movie on Christmas Eve, there are tons of traditions to do with your kids during the holiday season! We compiled a grand list: the family Christmas must-do list. Check out all of our ideas, and pick which ones would fit in to your home. And of course, add your own in the comments to share with other families! Continue reading

How to Survive the Terrible Twos

Every kid goes through some sort of crazy developmental phase around two to three years old. It’s hellish for everyone involved: parents, caregivers, siblings, and the toddler themselves. We’ve all heard of it and we all dread it, the terrible twos. I’m going through this now with my second child and I have lots of suggestions for you. So buckle up (and maybe pour yourself a strong drink), and let’s talk. Continue reading

How to Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten

Our oldest will be going to kindergarten this fall in a public school! My husband and I are teachers by profession, but this is our first time going through the “school readiness” process as parents. After speaking with teachers, parents, and online sources, we’ve compiled a list of things to do to prepare your child for kindergarten. We’re publishing this information in hopes that we can help other parents, especially if this is your first rodeo with a child going to school! Continue reading

A Letter to My Son on His Fifth Birthday: You’ll Always Be My Baby

Happy fifth birthday to my son! He is such a special human being, a calm considerate gift from God. This year is also significant because my baby, my oldest child, my firstborn, is going to kindergarten in the fall. It’s a strange phase that we’re in, because in some ways my son is so obviously a big boy. But in other ways, he reminds me that he is still so little. And as his mother, I’m going through all of these “firsts” for the first time, too. I hope that you enjoy a letter to my son on his fifth birthday. Continue reading

Resolutions for a Realistic Mom (reshare)

Happy (almost) new year! Maybe you consider yourself to be a “resolutions”-driven person; maybe not. I like to think of the new year as a jumping-off point for some new things I want to improve upon. 2017 certainly was a year of growth for me, both professionally and personally! I’m now a runner (sort of), I’ve gotten more love and less B.S. going in my life, and I’m finally becoming best friends with myself. I don’t want to waste any more time pretending, or only being me part of the time.

So I’m resharing a post I did a year ago about how to write resolutions. We’re moms who are realistic: we have limited resources, time, money, and sanity. So a lot of goals and resolutions may seem impossible, ridiculous, or like “Yeah let’s not even pretend that’s gonna happen.”

Here, I’ll help you think about what you want to do in 2018, whether it’s get more involved in local politics or get to know yourself better.

And of course, share this out so that us moms can help support each other with our new endeavors! It’s never too late to be a better you, whatever that means in your heart.

Find my Resolutions for a Realistic Mom post here!

Resolutions for a Realistic Mom - Real Simple Mama title image write list goal year new better think

How to Write a Letter to Santa

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! My children and I are excited about cooler weather, comfy sweaters, cocoa and crackling fires and cookie decorating. This holiday season is made more special by the fact that it will be my son’s first year to really write to Santa. But, like lots of things on the road of parenting, this is a first for both my kid and I. So I’ve put together this post to help parents write a letter to Santa with their child! Enjoy the free PDF download and Merry Christmas! Continue reading

For My Daughter: A Love Letter On Your First Birthday

For my daughter’s first birthday, I thought to include a special entry into my journal for her, like a love letter. Read on to see it in its entirety…

From the moment I first saw your face, I adored you. You came into this world with a triumphant yell, opened your eyes and looked right into my heart. We all realized immediately that you were the personification of Shakespeare’s quote, “though she be but little, she is fierce.” Continue reading

© 2024 Real Simple Mama

Theme by Anders NorenUp ↑