A Can Do Mom

As parents, one of our biggest jobs is to make sure our kids are equipped with the skills they’ll need as adults. And while that covers a lot of ground, today I want to talk about one simple but powerful way to help them grow: age-appropriate chores. We’ll go over which chores are right for each age group, plus I’ll share tips on how to motivate your child to actually do them and how to make the process meaningful, not just manageable. Let’s dive in. Why Chores Matter for Kids Giving your child regular responsibilities helps in more ways than one. Here are just a few of the key benefits: Builds a sense of responsibility and work ethic Teaches valuable life skills they’ll use forever Helps kids feel important and included in family life Encourages consistency, structure, and following a routine Can improve mental health and confidence by fostering independence There’s really no downside as long as the chores are appropriate for your child’s age and development. So...

Most of us have hobbies that we enjoy from time to time. Things like cooking, reading, playing sports, or doing crafts. These personal hobbies help us unwind and recharge, but they’re usually solitary activities. And when we get caught up in doing things on our own, it can sometimes create a bit of distance in our family relationships if we don’t make intentional time to connect. That’s where family hobbies come in. What Are Family Hobbies? Family hobbies are shared interests or activities that every member of your family can enjoy together. They might be as simple as playing board games or as adventurous as planning camping trips. The key is finding something that brings everyone together and encourages connection, laughter, and teamwork. In our family, that hobby has always been gaming. When my kids were small, they would sit beside me and watch me play old-school retro games. Eventually, they joined in—and we’ve had so much fun playing multiplayer games together through the yea...

Saving money is tough,  especially in this economy  and it’s not always fun either. But thankfully, there are some creative ways to make saving a little more manageable… and even enjoyable! One of my favorite tools? Money-saving challenges . There are tons of different challenges out there, and today I’m sharing five of my favorites  plus a few tips on how to customize them for your financial situation. Whether you’re working with a tight budget or just looking to be more intentional with your money, these challenges can help you build momentum (and your savings account) without the overwhelm. 1. The “No Spend” Challenge One of the most popular challenges out there, the “No Spend” challenge is exactly what it sounds like: a period of time where you don’t spend money on anything that isn’t absolutely essential . You’ll still need to pay bills, buy groceries, and cover necessary expenses but you’ll cut out the extras like fast food, Target runs, subscriptions, and on...

Any parent knows that most holidays are completely transformed when you have children. Road trips have to be planned carefully, traditions may need to be adjusted, and new activities are often created just to make things work. New Year’s Eve with kids can be particularly tricky because so much of the celebration tends to revolve around staying up until midnight. And for young children, that’s not exactly easy. So that raises the big question: Should kids even stay up until midnight? Sure, it’s a special occasion, but some parents wonder if it’s really worth the next day’s crankiness. Plus, it can be tough to keep kids happy and entertained that late into the night. If you're on the fence about how to handle New Year's Eve with kids, you're not alone. Here's a helpful guide full of ideas and tips to make the evening fun and manageable, no matter what bedtime looks like in your house. Should You Let Your Kids Stay Up Until Midnight? Let’s start with the big one: Is i...

Fall is almost here which means cooler weather, colorful leaves, pumpkin spice everything, and of course… the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy some intentional family time . One of the best ways to make the most of the season is to start planning now , so you’re ready to enjoy every crisp, cozy moment. To help, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite family-friendly fall activities that are simple, fun, and totally memory-worthy! 1. Decorate for the Season Most families decorate for holidays, but seasonal decorating is its own kind of magic especially in the fall. This is the perfect time to add a little warmth and autumn charm to your home. Think: Pumpkins on the porch A DIY fall wreath for the door Faux leaves, pinecones, and acorns for tabletops Cozy plaid throws and scented candles inside Let the kids help you pick out decor or make some of their own! (Painted pumpkins, anyone?) You’ll be surprised how much fun they have transforming the home with you. Need i...

Yoga has been around for centuries, and with good reason. It's more than just a workout. It’s a whole-body, whole-mind practice that helps you feel more present, balanced, and strong. And let’s be real: what mom doesn’t need a little more of that in her life? In this post, I want to focus on how yoga can benefit moms first (because yes, we need to take care of ourselves sometimes!). But if you decide to invite your kids into the practice too, there are some pretty amazing benefits there as well. Benefits of Yoga for Moms 1. Yoga Gives Moms a Much-Needed Break Let’s face it there’s always something else to do. Laundry, dishes, school runs, meal prep… the list never ends. But that’s exactly why you need to carve out a moment for yourself. Even just ten minutes of yoga can be a reset button on a stressful day. It helps calm your nervous system and gives you a chance to breathe. When you’re more grounded and centered, you’re more patient, more present, and honestly? A better v...

There’s just something satisfying about checking off a to-do list. I love making one and then going through my day with a clear sense of purpose. Sure, there are days when I just carry a mental list around in my head—but I always notice I get a lot less done when I don’t physically write it down. Seeing the list in front of me, even with just a couple of things checked off, somehow keeps me grounded, focused, and motivated. Of course, I know not everyone feels the same way. My husband, for example, is definitely not a fan of lists 😄. Some people get overwhelmed seeing everything that needs to be done in black and white. Others feel like keeping a mental checklist is enough. But here’s the problem with that: our brains are constantly juggling a million things so it’s easy to get distracted, forget something important, or lose steam midway through the day. That’s why I want to encourage you to just try it. Just for one week. Give a daily to-do list a fair shot and see how it changes ...

Today’s post is all about how to prepare your children for their first pet in a safe and practical way. Because even though getting a pet can be a big responsibility, it can also bring joy, comfort, and lifelong memories to your home — especially for your kids. Pets can actually help children develop in many important ways. They teach empathy and responsibility, and they can even support your child’s emotional and mental wellbeing. A furry (or scaly or feathery) friend can truly be a comforting presence. But one common mistake families make is bringing home a pet before the children are ready. Thankfully, this can be easily avoided with a little preparation. So let’s talk about some simple ways to help your child get ready to welcome a new pet into your family. Involve Your Kids from the Very Beginning One of the best ways to prepare your children is to let them help with the setup process. This could include: Choosing a special area in the home for the new pet Picking out ...

  As a mom of two girls, I only had to go through the transition of adding a new child to our family once. But even that one time taught me so much. It was a beautiful, exciting time… but also a really tough one. In my case, my eldest daughter had begged for a sibling. During my pregnancy, she was so excited to meet her little sister but jealousy crept in too. And after I brought the baby home, that jealousy really came to the surface. Thankfully, after a few months, things started to settle down. But those first few months were rough. If I can help even one mom feel more prepared for this kind of transition, then I’d be so happy. So today I’m sharing some of the things that helped us through that big change and that might help you too. Start Making Adjustments During Pregnancy Bringing home a baby changes everything  so the more you can ease your older child into those changes beforehand , the smoother the transition might be. Ease them into independence : If your ...

Back in 2021, the Boppy Newborn Lounger was recalled due to a tragic and very real danger: the risk of suffocation . Parents were urged to stop using the pillow immediately. But heartbreakingly, two more babies have died using this lounger even after the recall . You might be wondering how this is still happening. After all, the product hasn’t been legally sold since the recall. The problem? Facebook Marketplace . Despite being a recalled item, nearly 1,000 Boppy Newborn Loungers are still being listed on Facebook Marketplace every month . Yes, every month . And while it's technically illegal to list or sell recalled products, many of these listings go live, get sold, and are only removed after someone reports them. But by then, the damage may already be done. And it’s not just the Boppy. The Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper , recalled in 2019 after being linked to over 100 infant deaths (including eight deaths since the recall ), continues to show up on resale platforms ...