In this episode, I give some guiding questions related to how we begin our Mama days. What is life giving? What things will you choose to spend your time on in order to settle into the day according to your season in life and the ages of your kids?

Listen to Episode 2: Good Beginnings on Apple or Spotify

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The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an American author. "There's no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one."

In this episode, I talk through questions that have run through my mind as a Mom. I have to consciously and thoughtfully ask myself, "Is this the exception or the rule? Will this matter in 10 years? What do I REALLY want?"

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The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an American author. "There's no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one."

There is a question that helps me make the connection between what I believe about parenting and my actual behavior. This question has played an important part in the formation of me as a parent. That question is "What does my child need (from me) right now?"

Child Development Guide: Ages and Stages

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The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an American author. "There's no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one."

Did you take road trips as a child? When you think of time in the car on a roadtrip, what feelings emerge? Are there some games or activities that your family has enjoyed? In this episode I give ideas of things to do on a road trip for many different ages.

Example of our "Bucket of Fun"

Melissa & Doug Wooden Lacing Cards

Lakeshore Magnetic Designer

Giraffe Sensory Travel Toy

Washi Tape

Guess Who? Game

Hasbro 4 pack Grab n Go Travel Games

Sussed? The What Would You Do Game

You Who? Conversation Card Game

Apples to Apples Junior Game

5 Second Rule Game

Kidchat: Questions to Fuel Young Minds and Mouths

Book -- 365 Words Every Kid Should Know

Rand McNally 2027 Atlas

Libby: Download ebooks and Audiobooks free with your local library card

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The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an American author. "There's no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one."

What does dinnertime look like at your house? What does the practice of family dinners add to your home?

Harvard Graduate School of Education Article: The Benefit of Family Mealtime by Jill Anderson

Psychology Today Article: The Importance of Family Dinner with Your Children

Countertop Flip Book: 52 Modern Manner's for Today's Teens by Brooke Romney

Magnetic Letters for the Fridge

Book with Engaging Questions -- KidChat: Questions to Fuel Young Minds and Mouths (Ages 2+)

Book: 365 Words Everyone Should Know (Ages 7-12)

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The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an American author. "There's no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one."

How can we help our kids remember big, important ideas in a way that is simple and memorable? By using an acronym! Acronyms help kids remember things so that they can return to it and access it quickly.

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The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an American author. "There's no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one."

Have you ever wondered about the best way to help a young reader grow? In this episode, I talk about tips and wording to use when helping a child who is learning to read.

Printable List and Flashcards of Dolch words

Printable Fry word list

Article about the 3 Levels of Questions to aid in Reading Comprehension

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The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an American author. "There's no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one."

We can read to and with our kids for many different reasons to accomplish various purposes. In this episode I talk about the various benefits of reading aloud, helping our child with reading and offering quality books for them to read on their own.

The Read Aloud Revival Booklists

Caldecott Award Winners

Newbery Award Winners

Printable List of Newbery Award Winners 1922-2023

List of "living books" from AmblesideOnline

Podcast Episode I mentioned from Sarah MacKenzie: When Your Developing Reader Resists Reading

Book -- The Read-Aloud Family by Sarah MacKenzie

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The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an American author. "There's no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one."

What are you doing for your child that he can do for himself? What life skills does she need help with to learn? Scaffolding is a concept that parents can use. It is the idea that we support our kids while they are learning something and then figuratively step back when they can stand on their own.

Book -- How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success by Julie Lythcott-Haims

You Tube Video -- Talk by Julie Lythcott-Haims

mamaopportunities.com

The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an American author. "There's no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one."

I love summer!! I love the change of pace, the flexibility, and the extra time with my kids. As I'm looking at summer on the front end, I think about the analogy of our two eyes. One eye is looking at the big picture of mothering including our dreams and desires for this summer, and the other eye is looking at the daily practices and interactions with our kids. I want to keep both of these in mind as I consider this summer.

Episode 12: Thinking About Summer: Listen on Apple or Spotify

Episode 13: Summer Routines: Listen on Apple or Spotify

mamaopportunities.com

The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an American author. "There's no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one."