Chores? What Are Chores?
We’ve all heard it before, “When I was a kid, we got up three hours before we had to be at school to complete our chores. And then, we had to walk to school. Up hill … BOTH WAYS!” As a child, I remember rolling my eyes when hearing such statements … but now, I’m [...]
Birthdays … Family Style?
The day one is born is a day that is eagerly anticipated by most children. And heck, even some adults. Birthdays are a special day for everyone. However, should it be celebrated “by” everyone?
Once A Winner, Always A Winner?
Lately the topic of ‘teaching our kids that everyone wins in life’ is popping up everywhere. I’ve seen it on The View, The Today Show and The Early Show, just to name a few. Many believe that handing out trophies to every child on a soccer team instills self confidence in them. Score shouldn’t be [...]
To Show Or Not To Show?
That seems to be the question. Or is the question … To Watch Or Not To Watch? … Some parents are all for their kids watching, and others are forbidding it. On Tuesday, September 8th, the President of the United States will address the nation’s children via a live speech being broadcast on the White [...]
Your Kids Have A Message For You
Remember our parents telling us stories of what school was like when they were kids? I don’t know about you, but I would howl at the descriptions. And it felt a little like they were from a different planet. But really, it was just a different time. And I was a different kind of learner. [...]
Off to the Fair
My little family and I are off to the state fair tomorrow. I keep hearing that there are lots of new things to do, see and eat. I’ve been perusing the website to try and get ideas of something different than what we usually do- which is wander around trying to find things I’ve heard [...]
Goodbye Family Farm?
My daughters and I are heading down south (that would be southern Iowa) to visit my grandparents tomorrow. (My girls are especially blessed to have not one but 4 great-grandmothers and one great-grandfather still living.) My grandparents still farm the same acreage my great-grandparents once farmed (it was sold out of the family and my [...]
Be Honest. Do I Need to Call Nanny 911?
You probably think that since I’m a regular contributor to the Family & Parenting channel of IowaMoms.com, I’m an expert on the subject. I’ve got it all under control. My kids are model citizens, and my house is spotless. Well, sorry to disappoint. The truth is, I probably have far more to learn from all [...]
Get Lost! (Really!)
If you’re like my family, a “real vacation” is not in the plans this summer. Gas prices, food prices, and trying to dig out of our debt have pretty much claimed any extra penny we thought we had. But if you’re not able to fly to Florida or drive to South Dakota, that doesn’t mean [...]
Ankeny, Iowa One of 10 Best Towns for Families
In the newest issue of Family Circle magazine Ankeny was named one of the top 10 towns for families. (If, for some reason the link takes you to page one, Ankeny is featured on page 10). Of course those who live in Ankeny already knew that… There is an amazing sports area that little league [...]
