Prepping for My First Mom2Mom Sale

By

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September 2, 2016

I’ve decided that it’s time to bite the bullet and prepare myself for my first Mom2Mom sale!

Why? Because I never realized the amount of clothing a little girl could go through in two short years of life! I managed to stay organized and box away clothing as she grew out of it just in case we had another daughter. It wasn’t until we moved into a new home recently that I realized just how much clothing we had sitting around.

I am not kidding when I say that in two years, my daughter has accumulated more clothing than I currently own or have owned in years. I have a minimum of 10 large storage containers busting at the seams with clothes (some of which I’m embarrassed to say, still have tags on).

Below is a simple list of advice that I have been given to help me prepare for my first Mom2Mom:

Scope out local Mom2Mom sales and sign up (DMB puts out a list each month)!
Organize all the clothing by size and type (onesies, pants, pajamas, etc.).
Price items you have a lot of lower, you are likely to sell more of it.
Buy cheap clear Ziploc bags so the clothes stay organized as people pick them up to look at them.
Make sure you do all of the above gradually and not the night before the Mom2Mom sale.
Use a dolly – borrow, beg, (don’t steal!) a dolly. This is apparently a necessity if you want to save your arms from falling off.
Buy cheap hangers and stand up racks for certain items that you are selling as a set.
Have lots of extra singles for change.
Make sure to have lots of coffee the morning of the Mom2Mom.
Join a local Mom2Mom sale group on Facebook to sell the remaining items (or sell all the items from the start)!

I will be sure to share my experience after attending my first Mom2Mom and I welcome any additional advise on planning for another!

Ultimate Fall Bucket List In + Around Detroit

By

Courtney

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August 31, 2016

It’s that time of year again! Long, hot days and warm, evening breezes are giving way to early, pink-sky sunsets and crisp, cool air. Fall in Michigan is upon us, one of the most beautiful and bountiful times of the year. Even the most seasoned and devoted summer lovers would be hard pressed to deny the fact that a Detroit fall is pretty spectacular. Mother Nature is on complete display, showcasing her beauty: the changing leaves are colorful and diverse; the corn, pumpkins, squash and apples are ripe and plentiful; the hardy mums, goldenrod, and chrysanthemum are popping with color. Let’s take advantage of all that this wonderful season has to offer! Grab a mug of warm cider, get cozy under a soft blanket and read on to discover oodles of things to do, see, make, eat and enjoy in + around Detroit this glorious season!

Fall Fun

Head to the Detroit Zoo for the Following Events:

Zoo Boo: come and walk the zoo while trick-or-treating with your wee ones!
Zoo Brew: Adult fun featuring unique beers from select Michigan craft breweries, live music, exclusive access to the Zoo’s award-winning habitats until twilight and zookeeper talks.
Grab a hot chocolate and kick off the winter holidays with Wild Lights!

Take a trip to Greenfield Village/The Henry Ford:

Hallowe’en In Greenfield Village
Sensory Friendly Saturday
Design & Test a K’NEX car
Depot Town: the youngest guests can use their creativity to build with large blocks
Macy’s 2^nd Monday, Loads of pre-naptime fun for the kiddos!
- September 12^th – Back to School
- October 10^th – Fall Harvest

Experience Halloween Ghosts & Goodies at Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad, featuring trick-or-treating, magic shows & a ride on the famous Huckleberry Ghost Train Express!

Have you been to Upland Hills Farm? It’s a DMB favorite! Check out the Farm’s awesome fall events:

Fall Harvest Festival, Saturdays & Sundays in October
Harvest Moon Hayrides, a family friendly non-haunted treat each Friday & Saturday in October

Check out the Wine & Harvest Festival at Spicer Orchards, or stop in anytime to take a hayride, pick some apples, seasonal fruit or pumpkins, feed the animals & enjoy the HUGE playground!

Visit Traverse City for the Harvest Stompede

Check out local, community events like Romeo’s Ghost Hunt or Clarkston’s Friendly Forest

Visit your local area Cider Mill or Apple Orchard! Some great spots to visit include:

Host a family-friendly party to watch the annual Michigan State v. Michigan game on October 29^th

Take a weekend trip west to Crane Orchards 20-acre corn maze; kids 5 and under are free!

Take a day trip to Goodells County Park for the BlueChiliGrass Festival, featuring a chili cook-off & live music for all ages

Head to Canterbury Village for these exciting events!

Kids Fest: September 10th – 11th
Oktoberfest: September 23rd-24th
Trick or Treating: October 29th

Don’t miss the 85th annual Romeo Peach Festival! DMB’s own Peach Queen Guide won’t steer you astray!

Participate in a time-honored Detroit Tradition: America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!

Check out your Community’s guide for more, local family fun!

Good Eats & Warm Treats

Of course, there’s the infamous, Starbucks PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte, in case you haven’t been initiated!)…..but how about supporting your local coffee shop & checking out what the barista is brewing up this season?

Host an Adult-Only Halloween Euchre Party – costumes required! – and serve Leelanau Cellar’s Witches Brew, or local area apple cider (add a little something extra if you’d like!); Invite guests to bring a fall-themed dish to share, like Spider Web Bean Dip. Yum!

Bake Pumpkin Brownie Muffins with your kids. This yummy & surprisingly healthy treat is super easy & such fun to whip up with your little ones!

Make Pumpkin Stew. Serve in a pumpkin that you & your kiddos pick out together at a local pumpkin patch.

S’mores aren’t just a summer food! Cooler fall evenings are prime for campfires! Play a game of Marshmallow Fling while you’re at it.

Make a pot full of White Chicken Chili

Make Cathy’s Hot Cider Drink – not only will it taste yummy, but your home will smell amazing!

(4 cups apple cider, 2 cups cranberry juice, 32 oz. apricot nectar, 1 cup OJ, 3/4 cup sugar, 2, 3″ cinnamon sticks, 1 peeled orange; mix liquids & sugar in crock pot on “low” until dissolved, add the remaining ingredients, cook on “low” for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally)

Whip up a batch of Spiced Pecans

Eat candy corn

Bake this easy and elegant Pressed-Crust Pear Tart, always a show stopper!

It’s squash season! Try a tasty recipe like Acorn Squash with Kale & Sausage

Roast the pumpkin seeds from your jack-o-lanterns

Bake a pumpkin or sweet potato pie with your kids

Switch it up and make a tasty pumpkin cheesecake!

Have a fast and easy dinner before heading out to trick-or-treat with these festive mummy dogs!

Make snack time spooky with tangerine pumpkins and banana ghosts!

Make homemade apple sauce from your local area harvest

Enjoy a Pumpkin, Apple or any other flavor of pie from Achatz Handmade Pies, a Metro-Detroit staple!

SISTER PIE! Have you been? You must go. Their Instagram feed alone makes our mouths water!

Sip on this amazing Pumpkin Smoothie or make a loaf of warm, Pumpkin Bread

Make your own stuffing, and stuff your Thanksgiving bird together

Check out a new, local restaurant or venture out and find a food truck

Culture & Education

Head to Royal Oak for the Arts, Beats & Eats festival for art, food & entertainment, September 2nd-5th

Experience the 37^th annual Detroit Jazz Festival, spanning the riverfront to Campus Martius Park, September 2nd-5th

Take the family to the Art & Apples Festival in Rochester, featuring the Kids Art Zone, September 9th-11th

Enjoy traditional American farm-to-table cooking food & demonstrations with Fall Flavor Weekends at The Henry Ford, September 24th-25th, October 1st-2nd

Travel back in time to the 16^th century at the annual Michigan Renaissance Festival

See a performance at The Fox Theater! Fall highlights include:

The Octonauts
PAW Patrol Live!
Elf! The Musical
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer: The Musical

Buy your tickets for the annual “A Christmas Carol” production at Meadowbrook Theatre

Learn all about “Superheroes of the Night” at the Great Lakes Bat Festival, an annual family-friendly event at Cranbrook Institute of Science

Head to the DIA for an educational Puppet Performance suitable for families with children 5 & over, celebrating the history and tradition of Mexico.

Create a Fall Sensory Bin to encourage exploration of the senses with your preschooler!

Turn the great outdoors into a classroom by going on a nature scavenger hunt. This activity can be adapted for all ages!

Take an Alphabet, Number & Shape Hike

Go to your local library story-time

Sing Five Little Pumpkins Sitting on a Gate with your preschooler to encourage rhyming, counting & silly, singing fun!

Bird watch with this State of Michigan guide.

Create & Craft

Spray paint plastic cauldrons from the dollar store for an instant, fall upgrade for your potted plants

Make this adorable Terra Cotta Flower Pot Witch

Take the leaves from a nature walk and create these beautiful & budget friendly luminaries

Create, fill & send a Boo Box to celebrate the season with faraway family and friends

Make tissue paper pumpkins

Spray a bag of fall gourds with light, glittery spray paint. Place in a clear glass vase or bowl for an easy, inexpensive & adorable table centerpiece that will last from Halloween through Thanksgiving

Carve a pumpkin as a family!

Decorate mini pumpkins with glitter, paint and googly eyes

Create your own budget-friendly & easy scare crow

Make Hand-Print Turkeys

Make footprint ghosts — perfect for celebrating baby’s first Halloween!

Gather some leaves and make leaf rubbings, a perfect use for all of those broken crayons!

Put up Halloween & Thanksgiving decorations with your kiddos!

Whip up a batch of pumpkin spice playdough

Count your blessings with thankful turkeys

Make pine cone bird feeders

Out & About

Head to the Michigan State Fair for loads of family fun, celebrating all things Michigan

Travel Up North to see the Fall Colors in all of their glory: Check out the Fall Colors Report for peak areas & times

Shop your local school or church craft fair for unique and adorable fall & holiday decor!

Take your family to cheer on your local high school team!

Pack a picnic and head out to a local park before the colder weather arrives

Ride the Train or Carousel at the Detroit Zoo

Sneak away with your partner to Bay Harbor in Petoskey to enjoy the beautiful, October colors. Luxury with off-season prices! Or, take the kids along to enjoy Trick and Trunk or Treat in the Village

Head to Ray’s Ice Cream or Cook’s Farm Dairy (a working dairy farm!) to sample the seasonal delights

Take in a comedy show at the historic (and as rumor has it, haunted!) Holly Hotel while noshing on the Hotel’s amazing eats.

Get Moving! Sports & Recreation

Play a game of Turkey Chase with your little ones!

Put together a game of Witch Broom Soccer

Invite family & friends to join in a friendly game of Flag Football (for you sticklers, here are the official rules!)

Read the hilarious & irreverent “32 Rules of Thanksgiving Touch Football” article, and plan a game of your own with family or friends on Turkey Day!

Take a walk/jog at your favorite park or MetroPark. We have so many beautiful spots!

Take your family to tailgate and cheer on the Lions, Spartans, Wolverines, Chippewas, Broncos, or Eagles. Most college campuses feature family-friendly/alcohol free tailgating zone

Participate in an organized family or fun run in your area. Fall highlights include: RunTough for Chad Tough, Oakwood Red October Run, The Great Amazing Race & The Superhero 5K

Set up an outdoor obstacle course

Organize a Mummy Wrap relay race

Earn an extra helping of stuffing by burning off calories running in the Turkey Trot!

Rake a big pile of leaves with your kiddos & make a game of jumping into them!

Get your girlfriends together & participate in the Run4Wine Run/Walk, benefiting the Old Newsboys of Flint, whose motto is “Let No Child Be Forgotten”

Go Ice Skating at Campus Martius Park when the temperature drops (likely sooner than later this year, according to rumor!)

Community Giving & Fellowship

Volunteer as a family for Blessings in a Backpack

Donate gently used coats, hats scarves & mittens to a local area Coat Drive

Check out Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo, sponsored by the Michigan Humane Society

Take your pooch to Paws in the Park in Royal Oak

Host a food drive with your play group, benefiting a local area food bank

Share a seasonal treat with your neighbor

Consider local area farms when ordering your Thanksgiving Turkey

Invite friends, family & neighbors over for Crock-pot & College Football Saturday

Gather friends & family to cheer on the Detroit Lions each Sunday

Work with neighbors to arrange a Halloween block party

Celebrate “Friendsgiving” a week or two before Turkey Day; Invite families to bring a side-dish of their choice, play games, and celebrate the holiday without all of the stress!

Have a bake sale and donate the profits to a shelter or soup kitchen providing Thanksgiving dinner

Take a batch of fall-themed cookies to your local fire station

Have kids go through toys and have a garage sale; use profits to buy toys for a holiday toy drive!

Host a Halloween Pajama Play-date & make these adorable Apple Monsters

Family Fun at Home

Pick out your Halloween costumes together…..and if you’re super crafty, make your own costume!

Set up a pumpkin bowling alley

Have a family Pizza Relay Race ; as an added bonus, you’ll make your dinner while playing!

“Boo” your neighbors: put a Halloween-themed treat bucket together (your local dollar store will have a ton of options for goodies!), place it on your neighbor’s porch, ring the doorbell & run away! Include a note that says “You’ve Been Boo-ed! Pass it On!”

Have a Camp Out right in your own backyard…..or in your family room, depending on our unpredictable, Michigan weather! Make a sleeping bag obstacle course.

Make Halloween Popcorn Treats, or your own version of a Halloween popcorn mix: think fresh popped corn topped with candycorn, m&ms and melted, drizzled chocolate….YUM!

Have a movie night at home! Bring out the sleeping bags and blankets, snacks, and make it a family-night-in with It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, or Hocus Pocus.

Make a blanket fort with your little ones

Enjoy Thanksgiving morning at home, watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade in your PJs. Vote for your favorite float or performers!

Have a family game or puzzle night!

Read a classic Halloween book together like Five Little Pumpkins or The Berenstain Bears and the Great Pumpkin

What fall events do you plan to enjoy this season with your family and friends?

Please, offer some further suggestions for our list!

2nd Annual Hanging with Heroes {Event Recap}

By

Elizabeth Lewis

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August 31, 2016

To say our 2nd Annual Hanging with Heroes event was a success would be an understatement! There was something so special about bringing our community together at the beautiful Plymouth Fire Station in downtown Plymouth. The weather may have looked a little unpredictable with major storm clouds rolling in and a doppler stating the rain was coming at the start of our event. But with perfect timing and a lot of ‘please don’t rain, please don’t rain’ it waited until the end of the our event to downpour. Thank you Mother Nature! We welcomed over 100 families to enjoy firetrucks, cupcakes, superheroes and some pretty amazing local firemen, policemen and paramedics!!!

The Venue :: Northville City Fire Department – Station #2 (AKA Plymouth Fire Station)

If you haven’t guessed it by now we love this Northville City Fire Department! Everything from the building to the amazing staff. They’re truly one of a kind! From the beginning they have welcomed DMB and the community with open arms. If your child ever wants to check out a fire truck out or talk to a real life hero stop in. They would love the chance to hang out with you!

The Food :: Frosting – Cakes & Cookies

Michelle, the owner of Frosting – Cakes & Cookies makes the most incredible sweet treats. This lovely lady takes pride in every cupcake, cookie and cake she makes. We are SO thankful for her and her talents when it came to our superhero cupcakes. She even created each of the toppers that sat on the cupcakes. What would a Hanging with Heroes event be without Superhero Cupcakes?! They were de-lish-ous! Don’t forget to check out her FB page and book with her for your upcoming special occasion. We promise, you won’t be disappointed!

The Superheroes :: Fairytale Entertainment

I think we can all agree that Bat-Hero and Spider-Hero stole the show (besides hanging with our local heroes)! Fairytale Entertainment never ceases to amazes us with their characters and facepainters. Can they seriously get any better? These heroes did everything from hang from the firetrucks to posing with everyone and anyone during our event. They held babies, hugged moms and showed the kids some their special superhero tricks. If you’re looking for the perfect addition to a birthday party don’t hesitate to call them. They are worth every penny for the unforgettable birthday party they’ll provide.

Our Sponsors :: Goldfish Swim School and Essential Family Chiropractics

Without our incredible sponsors these events would be possible. We love supporting local businesses within the community.

Goldfish Swim School is one of our absolute favorite local small businesses. They offer classes from 4 months to 12 years old in a safe and fun environment. Anyone who’s stepped into any Goldfish Swim School can agree their vibrant colors and welcoming staff are above all others. While at our Hanging with Heroes they shared ways on staying safe while swimming and inviting everyone to check them out. You may have picked up a free pass (or two) and a goldfish tattoo to go.

Essential Family Chiropractics is another favorite of ours. Dr. Alyssa was on site checking spines for proper alignment. Even Bat-Hero received a check up to make sure he’s saving the world to his fullest potential. Located in downtown Farmington Essential Family Chiropractics has your best interest and truly cares about you + your family. They educate you on the importance of chiropractics and why our bodies need to be properly aligned in order to live healthy lives. Check them out to learn more and if you didn’t get your spine checked – give them a call. They’d love to hear from you!

The Real Heroes

We are constantly amazed my the generosity and love displayed by the Northville City Fire Department along with the Police and Paramedics. I think they enjoy this event as much as we do! You can tell that they are extremely passionate about bringing the community into their fire station and making sure all families feel comfortable with them. They go out of their way to make sure each child feels special. We are SO thankful to have the opportunity to feature our local heroes and everything they do to keep our communities safe. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for their service!!!

A HUGE shoutout to the amazing and uber talented Jodi from Wildflowers Photography! She did a phenomenal job capturing the carefree and fun feel of the event. She caught people in their most natural moments while sharing in their excitement. If you need a photographer for any life occasion we highly recommend her. We may be some of her biggest fans!

And without our ah-mazing DMB staff this event in no way would be possible. These women pour their hearts and souls into making sure every families feels part of our community. They truly love our city and everything it entails. From planning this event to caring out every last details these women rocked it. Shouting from the rooftops – THANK YOU ladies!

{Playdate Announcement} Fun With Science :: Cranbrook Playdate

By

Erica Owens

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August 30, 2016

Are your kids inquisitive and love to learn about animals? Are they fascinated with dinosaurs? Do they like to dig in the sand for treasures? This playdate is made for your family!

Our playdate on Friday September 2 from 9 – 11:00 a.m. is a great way to try out Cranbrook for the day – tickets are $5 per child and moms are FREE. Moms and kids have special access to an exclusive paleontology program. Kids will hold real dinosaur bones and authentic specimens, learn how to use paleontologist tools and actually dig in the sand for bones! Plus, curator picks from the special collection will come out from behind the scenes. Afterwards, spend the afternoon at the museum – you have FREE admission for the day (Retail Adult $13 Kids 2 + up $9.50). Seriously, it’s an amazing deal!

FAQs

What can I expect during the playdate?

You will be met at the door and guided to a floor not accessible to the public! Staff will bring out authentic dinosaur bones and fossils. Then everyone will move to a room filled with dig boxes. Kids will learn how to dig like a paleontologist with tools and spend time exploring and digging for specimens and a few prizes too!

Next explore the exciting world of the rainforest in a fun indoor maze. This limited summer exhibit lets visitors travel through all four layers of the rainforest and see live animals. Fun for all ages! We’ll wrap up having a conversation with staff on how to engage your little ones on future visits.

Following this fun morning, purchase lunch in the cafe (or bring a packed lunch) because…SURPRISE…you have free admission to the museum for the remainder of the day! Explore on your own and see what CIS has to offer.

What age is the playdate geared toward?

The playdate is open to kiddos aged 3 – 7. If you’re a mom to multiples absolutely bring everyone! Be sure to purchase a ticket for every child. You’re FREE mama!

I grabbed my ticket, now what do I do?

Get excited and put the event on the calendar! Arrive 10 minutes early so the scientist can start on time. Pack a few extra bucks if you want to purchase lunch afterwards in the museum cafe. Or, pack a lunch for you and the kiddos. Note: Strollers are welcome. Food and drink can only be consumed in designated areas. There is a place to put non-valuable items during the event if you can’t carry everything, and don’t want to leave it in the car.

#DMBplaydate + #DMBdoesCranbrook are the hashtags!

If you know us, then you know we LOVE when you use social media as a fun way to spread the word, connect with new friends and build our community. We would love for you to help us spread the word about this fun playdate before, during and after the event.

Don’t forget to purchase ONE ticket per child. Tickets are extremely limited and will be sold on a first come, first serve basis – so grab them quick!

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A Peach Queen’s Guide to the Romeo Peach Festival

By

Jesi FG

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August 30, 2016

I have a confession: I am a true blue peach loving, parade attending, Romeo resident. Peach Festival has long been an important part of my family. My great grandparents chaperoned the Romeo Peach Queen in the 1940s, my grandfather and father both drove fire trucks in the parades members of the Romeo Fire Department. I was the Romeo Peach Queen in 2005 and now I am the Director of the Romeo Peach Queen Pageant. You could say I have peaches in my soul!

The very first Michigan Peach Festival of Romeo kicked off in September of 1931. This is often noted at the event that put the small town of Romeo on the map. This Labor Day weekend marks the 85th anniversary of the festival, and there are no shortage of events in store.

The festival kicks off on Thursday September 1st and runs through Monday September 5th. There are multiple events taking place each day including a carnival, several craft shows, lots of great places to eat, and tons of family fun! There is also adult fun with two refreshment tents located on the fair grounds.

Here are a few highlights:

Peach Festival 25th Annual 5K and 10K Run and 5K Walk, Thursday September 1st
This annual tradition is an event for all ages and continues to grow each year. Awards are given in each gender and age group for each different race option. Not only is a great chance to get some exercise, but the event route shows beautiful scenery that makes Romeo great. There is a small registration fee for the race that includes a commemorative shirt.

Mid-Michigan Mini-Tractor Pull Competition, Friday September 2nd
This free event takes place at Westview Orchards and Winery. During this event, local residents bring their tractors and test their pulling strength using a sled provided by the Mid-Michigan Mini Tractor Pulling Association. It’s an entertaining family event at a wonderful location.

KIDSFEST, Saturday September 3rd
Located in Romeo Village Park, KIDSFEST is a free event for kids 14 and under. There are several different games and relays that children can participate in, including the water balloon toss and a peach pie eating contest. Kids can also take ride on a choo-choo train, visit with a clown and listen to entertainment from two local show choirs.

Peach Festival Classic Car Show and Charity Car Cruise , Sunday September 4th
The Classic Car show kicks off at 8 AM at the Romeo Ford Engine Plant. Cars from all over line the parking lot for what can be hours of fun checking them all out! The cars from the show leave the plant and head into downtown Romeo to cruise in the evening at 7:30 PM.

Bed Races and Night Parade, Sunday September 4th
The Bed Races roll right through downtown Romeo prior to the Classic Car Cruise. Teams of four bring their ‘bed’ that they built and race in heats, completing obstacles along the way. It is very entertaining, and with a cash prize at stake, the teams really get into it! Following the cruise, is the night parade (formally know as Mummers Parade). During this event, local organizations and groups have fun dressing up and getting into the theme, which this year is Those Were the Days.

Children’s Parade, Monday September 5th
The Children’s Parade kicks off at 10 AM and heads through downtown Romeo. Local businesses and organizations dress up and prepare their vehicles to match this year’s theme of The Jungle. There are fire trucks, dance troops, Boy and Girl Scout organizations, and of course the Romeo Peach Queen on hand.

Labor Day Floral Parade, Monday September 5th
The Floral Parade is somewhat of a symbol for the closure of the festival each year. The parade steps off at 1:30 PM and spans almost two full miles. Businesses, organizations and individuals come from all over to participate in this long standing tradition. The parade kicks off with the Grand Marshall, which is an honor given to a local individual who has made a big impact on the community. There are lots of smiles, and event more candy to catch as the floats roll by!

For a full list of events by day, be sure to check out the daily schedule. Grab a peach doughnut and head into Romeo for a great weekend!

Food Battles: Thoughts from an Eating Disorder Therapist and Mom

By

kristinevazzano

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August 29, 2016

Food and Children. As mothers, one of the first tasks we are confronted with is feeding our child. The decisions seem personal (breast milk or formula?) and fairly straight forward (make my own baby food or use store bought?), but the amount of information and opinions about food and healthy eating can create confusion. Although healthy eating and feeding practices can feel intuitive, there is fear based, restrictive nutrition advice everywhere. Not to mention, we live in a culture that is driven by unrealistic standards and disordered beliefs about food and weight.

My goals are simple. I want my kids to eat a variety of foods and enjoy them. I don’t want them to worry about food. I want them to be healthy and feel strong and confident in their bodies.

When I had children, I figured feeding them would be easy as nutrition and healthy eating are areas I am trained in through my work as a psychologist specializing in eating disorders. My professional philosophy is built upon the idea that healthy eating doesn’t have to be an “eat this but not that game” but rather about flexibility, balance and variety. Food should never be a source of stress, but something that provides energy and pleasure.

So you see, when I had kids, I thought I was more than prepared to tackle healthy feeding and eating! Theoretically, I have all of the information.

Day to day, around the dinner table? Not so easy! Like so many things on this parenting journey, the theory doesn’t always translate into what my kids actually do!

Here is a break down of theory versus reality and ways I have been able to integrate healthy feeding into my family:

THEORY: Do not be a “short order cook”. Provide a balanced meal and allow your kids to eat from what is available. Trust they will not go hungry, they can feed their bodies based on their internal needs.

REALITY: If my kids don’t like anything at the table they won’t eat. They will ask for a snack as soon as the kitchen is cleaned. I will want to stand my ground but then worry they’re hungry, and even worse wake up in middle of the night because they are hungry.

COMPROMISE: I provide one item at each meal that I know my kids will enjoy and eat. While I encourage them to eat and try the entire meal, it reduces any potential stress by knowing there is something at the table they will eat happily.

THEORY: Do not engage in power struggles over food. Don’t encourage “just one more bite” or negotiate how much needs to be eaten at each meal. This interferes with kids’ ability to trust in their own hunger and fullness cues.

REALITY: My kids want to know what is for dessert the moment they sit down to the table. I am often tempted (and yes, occasionally, do) to tell them they have to finish their chicken before they get any dessert. Prodding and asking them to eat more meat or veggies becomes stressful for everyone at the table. We lose that valuable time when we are all together to connect about our day.

COMPROMISE: To avoid food battles, I have found it helpful to ask my kids how they feel. Is your tummy still hungry? Does it feel full? I find this encourages them to check in and helps develop the ability to eat in response to their internal signals versus how much they “should” eat or what someone is telling them to eat.

THEORY: Don’t use food as a reward.

REALITY: Just like I mentioned above, my kids like desserts or food they see as a treat. Like it or not, it can be a motivator. And like it or not, sometimes I am tired and I will rely on what motivates them to make things happen!

COMPROMISE: Even if I use food as a motivator (my daughter is potty training and will get a marshmallow when she is successful) I don’t use certain foods as treats or only as a special reward. I provide dessert every night. Some times it is fresh fruit other times ice cream sundaes. I make it a part of the meal to take the anticipation away and normalize foods often considered treats. This makes it less likely they will see dessert as forbidden, therefore wanting and eating more than their body need when they have an opportunity. It also sends the message that they can enjoy a variety of foods.

At the end of the day, it is helpful to remember we are all naturally born knowing when we are hungry and when we are full. Kids know what they need, how much, and when. They can be trusted. As a parent, our job is to decide what types of food to have available. Our kids can then be left to determine how much and when they want to eat based on what is provided for them.

Food is something that can create a lot of strong feelings and opinions, so it’s important you make decisions that work best for your family!

Are there other food battles you fight regularly at home? What are some solutions you have found that work for you?

*This blog is a part of series. Look for upcoming topics about developing healthy body image with kids, picky eating, and teaching kids about nutrition.*

I’m a Mom, Not a Young Mom.

By

taylorcapps

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August 28, 2016

I’m a Mom, not a Young Mom. When I got pregnant with our first I was 22 years old. I was very fresh out of college, embarking on my first year of teaching, Ryan just started Graduate School, and we were enjoying being adults during the week and carefree on the weekends. I remember the moment I found out I was pregnant. You always hear the “horror stories” about having a baby before you’re out of your early 20s. AND we weren’t married. You expect the “here’s your one way ticket to you-know-where” stereotype to immediately be thrown your way.

My first raw thoughts were a blur: what about my career, the degree I just worked so hard for, my freedom, we aren’t married….what will people think? I remember feeling embarrassed prior to announcing we were pregnant, like I should be embarrassed about having a baby before “they” said it was time. Then it hit me…I was going to be a mom.

I put all of those negative thoughts out of my mind. I could have a career any day, a new life was about to begin, and marriage…we’d get there.

Like any mom when you start to go to your appointments and you hear the heartbeat on your ultrasound, there’s a part in you that melts. I specifically remember Ryan looking at me and saying “We can do this.” I needed to hear that. When we started to share with others that we were pregnant there was everything from “Congratulations!” to “Ohh, you are? Wow, you are going to be such a young mom.” No, I’m going to be a mom.

I try (really hard) to look at the other side, and there are perks to being a young mom too:

I feel like I’ve had a chance to rediscover myself prior to jumping into years of a career or hobby. After becoming a mom I discovered that I have a love for writing and it’s therapeutic for me. I can’t say if I would’ve spent 10 years teaching then became a mom that this would’ve happened for me.
Clari has gotten to be apart of some of our greatest moments in life thus far. Ryan walked across the stage to receive his Masters Degree in Aerospace Engineering with Clari squealing and waving from the crowd. When we got married she was sitting front row trying to figure out how to get to the sparkles on my dress.
I’m forever thankful that Clari has all of her Grandparents present and very active in her life. They are still able to be the on the floor, romp and roll type of grandparents. Clari was also able to meet her Great-Great Grandparents. Now that’s a blessing I’ll forever cherish.

To this day when I’m out with my daughter, I’ll encounter that wonderful stranger that wants to suggest something in parenting. I often hear:
“You are such a young mom.”

“You are her mom, not babysitter?”

“You aren’t old enough to be pregnant again!”

I’m a mom, people! I wake up in the middle of the night when my toddler needs re-tucked in. I make organic meals only to end up putting chicken nuggets in front of her. I picnic at the park and push her on the swing until I get tired and bribe her to go home. We are all moms doing the same song and dance. Age is just a number and has nothing to do with your parenting.

I won’t let anyone make me think that I missed out on my young twenties. Frankly, my favorite kind of Friday night is watching Frozen (for the billionth time) and sharing a bowl of popcorn with my family. The only thing I’m missing out on when dwelling on what society has decided is “correct”, are those precious moments I could be spending with my little babe.

To the young mom reading this, don’t let that negative person get you down. To the young mom who doesn’t have a ring on that finger, you are a rockstar mom and a wedding has nothing to do with that. Let’s build all the moms up, not down!

5 Ways to Rock as a Friend When You’re a Mom

By

Heather Todero

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August 25, 2016

Recently I have read several articles in my newsfeed in which women explain how hard it is for them to fill the roles of “mom” and “friend” simultaneously. While I understand the challenges recognized in these posts, I also found myself feeling uncomfortable with what seemed like yet another post telling women it is okay to let everything in your life fall to the wayside to motherhood. I don’t think this is the case, I have much more faith in each of us that we can do better.

My friends and I are now in various stages of our adult life. Some have children of their own, some newlyweds, some moving across the country for fresh starts. Often this makes it feel difficult to maintain these relationships, but here are 5 things I think are important when trying to be both a good friend and a good mom.

Pick up the phone. In those newborn days you get some slack, feel free not to answer anyone’s calls. Your friend’s role at this time is to reach out to see what you need. Once those first weeks slip by, even if you are tired, even if you forget for a couple hours, return the phone calls and texts within a few hours at least. Communication is an essential part of friendship, and there are many moments in the day for a quick “hi, I’m still here, how are you?” exchange.
Don’t cancel meetups. I know, I know. The baby is teething, she didn’t sleep last night, neither did you and the last thing you want to do it meet for brunch. You pick up the phone and start the “sorry, we aren’t going to make it today” text. STOP. Delete it and write this instead: “good morning! baby didn’t sleep, can you grab bagels and coffee and meet us at the park?” Change your plans to fit your needs, your friend will need to do the same one day. Unless your child is truly ill, try to adjust your plans so you can meet up. Chances are having a different set of hands to hold your kiddo while you drink some coffee and process the emotions that go along with the exhaustion will be better for you than staying home and prolonging your funk.
Ask for what you now need. When you’re a mom, your needs and desires change. You may not want to do weekly happy hour because you are dying to get home to your child. Or maybe you stay home now and you desperately need someone to entertain the baby for 20 minutes so you can pee, shower, and change your clothes in peace. When you continue to maintain your friendships your people will be more than willing to try something new with you but often they don’t know what you need so it is up to you to ask for it.
Put in effort on important days. If you are in a different stage of life than your friends, make an effort to reach out on their big days. Chances are your bestie stood beside you on your wedding day, came to the hospital when your kids were born, and has probably seen you at your best and your worst. Return that favor. If they are starting a new job or a new relationship ask them meaningful questions about that. Heck, even if they are a mom too chances are there is something going on besides child rearing so ask about work or relationships or reality tv.
Meet new friends too. Meeting other mom friends is tricky. It is a lot like asking someone out when you were a teenager. It feels new, and a little exciting, and a lot terrifying. I tend to be shy when meeting new moms at the park or at parent meet-ups. However, I’ve found my way of asking her out is following up. Say we met at the park and realized we are both in the same Facebook group. Later that week I’ll send a short message to her saying how nice it was to run into her and often times the other person then makes the ask taking the pressure off me. Whatever your style is, if you are looking for new mom friends, make a it your goal to meet other moms, preferably someone in the same stay, someone with slightly older kids, and eventually someone with younger kids.

Bottom-line: we need our friends during this phase of life. If we allow ourselves to always have an excuse to back out of plans with our friends those relationships will fizzle. With just a little effort, even if you don’t feel like it, you can continue to maintain, grow, and create new friendships all while rocking the mom role as well.

When It Doesn’t Get Easier: My ‘Trick Baby’

By

Kelsie Rodriguez

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August 24, 2016

When my son was a newborn, people told me, “Just wait; every day gets a little easier.” And I would reply, “Oh, good!” because I felt like they expected me to say that, and then I would shrug to myself. If things got easier, great! But we were doing alright even if they didn’t. Sure, I was tired and forgetting something every time I left the house (like the diaper bag – who needs it). But I had known this phase would come with challenges, and within a month or so I began to feel fairly competent.

The expectations of a new mom are justifiably simple at that point, and I felt like I was meeting them. Taking my baby out for a play date or making a home-cooked meal brought a sense of accomplishment. My son was happy and fed and usually clothed, and I cringe now to admit that I even found myself telling people I had expected it to be harder. (See: trick baby.) I know this isn’t true for everyone, and a lot of my friends probably resented me. I was one of the lucky few.

Behold the trick baby, in his natural habitat.

The mantra of our newborn phase was “you can’t spoil a baby.” Hence, there was unlimited cuddling and co-sleeping and nursing on demand. People understood if there were days you didn’t leave the house. It was easier for me to give, give, give than to question if and when a limit should be enforced. Maybe it’s because I descend from women who love babies. (After all, my grandmothers had 21 between the two of them.) Maybe it’s that we hit the newborn jackpot with an exceptionally easy baby; maybe it’s that his personality is shining through more and more, and as it turns out, he’s a pretty determined and energetic kid.

Looking back, it wasn’t that I found this chapter easy, by any means, but the challenges were straightforward and came at you head-on. Fed? Check. Clean diaper? Check. Nap? Check. Now, as we near his first birthday, that checklist is becoming increasingly lengthy and complex. The days of him falling asleep whenever he’s tired, wherever he is, are in the distant past, and those slivers of time between waking in the morning and then naps and then bedtime allow a barely-long-enough window to shower and start a load of laundry.

This is how I feel by the afternoon, too.

When did our circumstances change? It probably started with sleep, which – once you no longer get – you come to identify as the most essential of human needs. There was the four-month sleep regression that we never recovered from, compounded by the eight-month regression that doubled our nighttime wakings. And there was teething: up-all-night, shrieking-in-pain teething. Then my once-stationary baby was on the move and I was on the move too, chasing after him and panicking about the treacherous predicaments he might find himself in, in a house that was perpetually lagging behind on baby-proofing.

Sounds of splashing coming from the bathroom are never a good thing.

It’s normal. This is exactly where my son should be developmentally, and believe me, I am grateful that he’s on track. But I feel a greater societal expectation to have it all together, to have “bounced back”, to be a Julie Andrews kind of mom that exudes joy and optimism and creativity. There are no more prepared meals brought over by kind visitors or special accommodations from strangers in public. After all, we can’t expect the rest of the world to bear the responsibility of making our lives easier forever.

Parenting is a deeply challenging, exhausting, stressful, and yet normal phase of life for most people. There are moments when I can sit on the floor, among the mess, and play with my baby and make him laugh until he can’t catch his breath. Yes, parenting is hard. Yes, there are often tears (and some of them are even from my son). But we’re doing it. And who knows, maybe one day it actually will get easier.

How I Found My Mom Tribe

By

Michelle MD

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August 23, 2016

When I first sat down to write this post I was concentrating on what I didn’t have: a Mommy Group, or a Mom Tribe. While it’s true I don’t belong to any one single mom-type group, you know the sort of group who has planned weekly or monthly get-togethers or Girls’ Night Out. You always see them in group photos posted on social media, they all met up for dinner or drinks, or a yoga class or something. Nope, I don’t have that sort of group. At first I thought I didn’t have a tribe at all.

But the more I thought about my friends, I realized that although I had never really fit into any mommy group (and I’ve joined plenty) and as much as I’d love to be a part of those groups of friends who drop everything and go, who occasionally get to escape marriage and motherhood and attend a girls weekend, I don’t have a “drop-n-go” life. And ya know what? That’s okay because I’ve discovered I DO have a tribe and my tribe is unique.

My tribe consists of women in every stage of motherhood and non-motherhood. Some of my tribe have grown, adult children, some have babies, toddlers, school-age kids, while others haven’t any children but have become “Aunt” to my own child. Some I’ve known all my life, others only a short time. There are members of my tribe who I don’t see or speak to for long periods of time but when I do it’s as though no time has passed. We pick up right where we left off. Even across many miles.

I also like to include in my tribe the many beautiful friends who are linked together through the magic of the internet. We met in private groups, open forums, and common interest pages. Most of whom I’ve never met in person but we’ve become each others’ sounding board, an ear to lend, a source of support, and sometimes a terrific MadLibs opponent on a Saturday night when the kids are sick and we needed a distraction.

I’m truly grateful for all the women in my tribe. My wonderful, fabulous, unique tribe.

Detroit Mom