Christmas is a struggle for minimalists. Here’s why our minimal(ish) house goes all out for Christmas.

This post was written in the aftermath of Uvalde, but the promises hold true of any hate-filled and divisive time. Here are 7 concrete ways you can be part of the solution to end hate, discrimination, violence, and school shootings. Change starts at home.

Looking for an easy calm down strategy for kids? Vertical coloring is in my top 5. This activity has the usual coloring benefits and includes midline crossing and a slew of other positives. It’s the perfect before-bed activity, transition, or calm down strategy.

Children don’t magically know how they’re supposed to act around presents—we need to teach them! Good manners for kids is possible. Be the mom who has polite kids. Check out this series of etiquette for kids!

The work of Christmas can be overwhelming. It’s stressful, somewhat ridiculous, materialistic, excessive and above all, self-inflicted. I see you, mama, putting all this pressure on yourself, and I see how much WORK this season is. But the magic… the magic is so short lived, and the work is so very, very worth it.

Plan out your elf on the shelf ideas and decrease your Christmas stress. This free downloadable tried-and-true TEMPLATE will always work for your children, their interests, your house, your supplies, and your energy level because YOU choose what your elf does each night. I give you the framework. You make the magic! This is the only Elf on the Shelf planner you’ll ever need!

Wondering what your child’s teacher REALLY wants? Look no further… here are the most thoughtful gifts for teachers — that they actually want! — and two gifts to avoid.

Should you start Elf on the Shelf to add to the Christmas spirit? Here’s a new perspective on this emotionally exhausting but very fun tradition, with pros, cons, and a thoughtful compromise.

So your child won’t listen? If you’re frustrated, repeating yourself a million times, or have children you can’t take anywhere because your kid doesn’t listen, then this advice is for you. You can change your family dynamic and become that mom who confidently takes her well-behaved children anywhere.