A Can Do Mom

I know when you hear about building generational wealth it sounds like something only “rich people” do, right? But I’m here to tell you, it’s possible for everyday families like ours too. My husband and I have spent most of our marriage living paycheck to paycheck. We’ve had hard seasons where it felt like we’d never get ahead. But I made up my mind that I was going to break that cycle not just for us, but for our kids and grandkids too.

  As a parent, you’re going to deal with your fair share of sicknesses—from the common cold to chickenpox and more. By learning about the most common childhood illnesses ahead of time, you can feel more prepared to handle them. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you know what to expect. #1 – Common Cold Frequency / How It’s Transmitted: Children get an average of 6–10 colds per year, mostly during fall and winter when school is in session. Colds spread easily through droplets in the air or on surfaces when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Symptoms / How Long It Lasts: Colds can last from a few days to a few weeks, depending on age, health, and the specific virus. Common symptoms include: Low-grade fever with chills Fatigue (usually mild) Headache Cough, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose (may thicken or turn green/yellow) Watery eyes Scratchy, tickly, or sore throat Achy muscles or bones Diagnosis / Treatments: Most colds resolve on their own. A do...

Some days it feels like the world has gotten meaner. People snap at each other, argue, or just seem rude for no reason. Honestly? It’s exhausting. But I keep reminding myself of this: every single person is human. We all want to be seen, heard, and loved.  I can’t fix the whole world, but I can do my part. I can show my kids that when life gets ugly, we don’t have to add to it. We can choose compassion instead. The Cookie Story When my girls were little, a bank teller was incredibly rude to me one day. My girls were stunned, and truthfully, I had every reason to complain. But instead my thoughts were,  Nope. I’m not going to feed into this . So we went home, pulled out the mixing bowls, and baked cookies. The next day, we brought them back to her with a simple, “Thanks for the job you do.” And you know what? From then on, she was kind to us. Maybe the cookies softened her heart, or maybe she just needed a reminder that kindness still exists. I’ll never know for sure. But I do ...

Can you believe summer is almost over? If your house is starting to feel a little chaotic, or if your own schedule has gotten a little off track, don't worry. September is the perfect time for a fresh start. I want to share with you how to do a “September Reset” for your life, your home, and even your heart. What is a September Reset? Think of it like a mini New Year but without the pressure. The idea is simple. You pause, take stock of your routines, your habits, and your goals, and then gently reset them to start the new season with more intention. It is not about throwing everything out and starting over. It is about building on what already works and making small changes that bring more peace and joy into your everyday life. September feels like a natural reset for many of us. The kids are back to school, schedules shift, and there is a sense of structure returning after the freedom of summer. You can use this transition to your advantage and give yourself permission to star...

  If you’re a mother, chances are you’ve struggled with “mom guilt.” I know I have on more occasions than I can count! That’s why I want to talk about this topic today and share some mom guilt quotes that perfectly capture what many of us feel at one time or another. What is Mom Guilt? Let’s start by defining it, because sometimes it’s hard to put into words exactly what we’re feeling. Mom guilt is essentially the feeling of being inadequate as a parent in some way. A few examples include: Feeling like you don’t spend enough time with your kids. Feeling like you aren’t as good a mom as other mothers you compare yourself to. Feeling like you’ve made a “bad” parenting decision. Feeling like you can’t afford to give your child the life they deserve. This list could go on and on! And unfortunately, mom guilt can be intensified by others who don’t agree with your parenting style or simply want to criticize. Even well-meaning comments can leave mothers feeling like th...

Toddlers actively learn new things every single day, which makes this stage such an exciting time for both parents and kids. One milestone many parents look forward to is teaching their little one about colors. But when the time comes, it’s common to feel a bit unsure about how to do it “the right way.” The good news? You don’t need to stress! With a few simple strategies, you can make learning colors fun, natural, and effective. Let’s start with the basics. The Basics of Teaching Kids Colors Begin with primary colors like  red, blue, and yellow. Keeping it simple helps your toddler grasp the concept more easily. Once they’ve got these down, you can gradually introduce other colors. The easiest way to start is by pointing out colors in your everyday environment. For example: Instead of saying “this red balloon” , try saying “the balloon is red.” This phrasing makes it clear that color is an attribute , not a separate object. Many toddlers mix this up at first, so modeling ...

 Confidence-building activities for kids are a wonderful way to prepare them for the real world and give them the tools they need to believe in themselves. That’s why I prioritized instilling confidence in my girls throughout their childhood. Today, I want to share some confidence-building ideas, as well as why this is so important! Why is it Important for Kids to Develop Confidence? While it’s true that you can work on your mindset at any age, learning helpful habits, positive thought patterns, and life skills early on gives children a huge advantage. Young brains are especially receptive to new ideas, and while learning is possible later in life, it becomes more challenging as we age. When kids struggle with confidence during childhood, it can lead to: Decreased school performance Less willingness to explore new hobbies or interests Emotional instability, particularly as they enter their teenage years How to Help Children Become More Confident Avoiding a lack of c...

Food allergies are more than just an inconvenience. For some families, they are a life-altering, daily reality that requires constant vigilance. The stakes are high because for those with severe allergies, even a tiny amount of the wrong food can trigger a reaction, sometimes life-threatening. In our home, we know this all too well. My youngest daughter is anaphylactic to peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish. That means exposure to even trace amounts could send her into anaphylaxis. We live in a world where those foods or traces of them seem to be everywhere, and keeping her safe is a 24/7 job. The Top 9 Allergens The U.S. Food and Drug Administration identifies nine major food allergens: Peanuts Tree nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans, pistachios, and hazelnuts) Shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster, etc.) Fish (like salmon, tuna, cod) Milk Eggs Soy Wheat Sesame These nine are responsible for the majority of severe allergic reactions in the United ...

As a mother of two, I know all too well how challenging the newborn phase can be. Those first few weeks (or months!) are filled with love, exhaustion, and more diaper changes than you ever imagined. So I decided it was time to create a practical guide for new mothers—a guide that walks you through what to expect and how to make it through this unique season with your sanity intact. What to Expect in the Newborn Phase According to the World Health Organization, the newborn stage officially lasts until your baby is 28 days old. Many experts, however, extend that timeline to about 12 weeks, often calling it the fourth trimester . From a parent’s perspective, most find that things start to feel easier around the three- to four-month mark. But whether it’s one month or three, this stage often brings: Frequent feedings and diaper changes (sometimes what feels like all day, every day). Interrupted sleep —your baby may sleep a lot, but not in long stretches. Emotional ups and dow...