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7 Kid-friendly outdoor activities

Tiernan McKay — Wed, 04 May 2011 14:35:00 -0700

With spring fast approaching, it's time to get the kids back into nature. Exposing them to a wide range of outdoor activities at a young age will help foster an appreciation for the outdoors that will last a lifetime.

How to raise compassionate kids

Tiernan McKay — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 10:22:00 -0700

Many of us know families that are dealing with some sort of difficult situation, whether it be a child's illness, a divorce or a financial hardship. How do you teach your children to be compassionate in the face of suffering? After all, every situation is a teaching opportunity that can impact your child well into adulthood.

Canning 101

Tiernan McKay — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 07:15:00 -0700

Our grandmothers canned and preserved food, so why don't we? Although it's a bit of a lost art, canning still has its place, especially considering the tough economic times we are all facing. If you are a canning rookie, don't be intimidated. All you need is some fresh food, a few supplies and a little know-how to get started.

Caring for your aging parents

Tiernan McKay — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 09:55:00 -0700

At some point, many parents find themselves needing to care for their children as well as their own parents. This can be a difficult situation that requires some tough talks and serious decisions. Being prepared can make the entire process a little easier.

Having a tough time making mommy friends?

Tiernan McKay — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 08:36:00 -0700

Playground dynamics are not limited to the kids on the swings and the slides. Moms have a chance to interact during playgroups, social outings, school functions and other kid-inspired events. Some moms make friends naturally while others struggle to socialize. If you're always the "odd mom out," what can you do to improve your mommy likability rating?

Start composting with your kids

Tiernan McKay — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 10:55:00 -0700

A compost pile is an eco-friendly family project that anyone can do! Get the kids involved and teach them how a little change can make a huge difference. An added bonus: They will actually see how the end product can be used in your garden.

When moms are obsessed with celebrity

Tiernan McKay — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 09:11:00 -0700

Plenty of moms are obsessed with celebrity culture and many don't bother to hide it. Tabloid magazines, celebrity web sites and "news" shows often intermingle with the business of diaper changing, housework and even dinner time. Don't think it's a big deal? You may want to reconsider the impact a celebrity obsession can have on kids.

Healthy & eco-smart hair care

Tiernan McKay — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 14:48:00 -0700

If you've committed to "greening" your beauty routine, you are probably inundated with information about skin care products, but what about eco-friendly hair care? While finding healthy skin care products is often a matter of trial and error, it's a little harder to find healthy hair care products that actually work.

Do you know what to do when your identity is stolen?

Tiernan McKay — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 09:40:00 -0800

Identity theft is a huge a problem in the United States. With the prevalence of cyber-shopping, online banking and an endless stream of credit card offers coming in the mail, our identities are extremely vulnerable. Most people trust that it won't happen to them, but if does, would you know what to do?

How to make new friends in your neighborhood

Tiernan McKay — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:13:00 -0800

Neighborhoods aren't like they used to be. Sometimes neighbors are complete strangers, even after years of living yards away. Believe it or, neighborhoods were once tight-knit communities full of supportive, friendly and familiar faces. Can they be that way again?

Friends are good for your health

Tiernan McKay — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:18:00 -0700

Many moms are swamped with their family's schedule and household responsibilities, so establishing and maintaining friendships can be difficult. But you shouldn't put it off because friends are not only good for your social life, they're good for your health.

Teach your kids to make a difference

Tiernan McKay — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 08:36:00 -0700

As parents, we are responsible for teaching our kids about the importance of giving, which can be a huge challenge given the amount of digital noise they face on a daily basis. By implementing family activities that are focused on giving, we can teach our kids that they can change their world.

Could your child have an anxiety disorder?

Tiernan McKay — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 08:25:00 -0700

As parents, we want to see our kids thrive -- socially, academically and personally. However, sometimes life throws up roadblocks. These roadblocks can take many forms, including childhood anxiety.

Commit to date night

Tiernan McKay — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:14:00 -0700

Date night was probably a priority before you had kids, but when little ones come along, this honored tradition takes a back seat and sometimes disappears altogether. If this describes your situation, it's time to make a change.

Understanding the psychology of clutter

Tiernan McKay — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 10:03:00 -0700

If you have committed to getting organized at home this year, following through with your resolution may be good for your health and relationships. A tidy house definitely makes it easier to function as a family and welcome unexpected guests, but it can also help ease emotional and psychological stress.

Why teach kids some old-fashioned decorum?

Tiernan McKay — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 09:15:00 -0800

In our age of social networking, kids are more focused on updating their Facebook profiles and creating emoticons than on face-to-face communication. Although their friend list may be a mile long, would your kids know how to actually converse with a real, live human being should the opportunity present itself? The answer could be "yes" if you take the time to teach them about old-fashioned decorum.

How to make the most of time with your kids

Tiernan McKay — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 09:57:00 -0800

It's true what the say: The dust bunnies and dirty dishes aren't going anywhere. Take a break from the rat race and commit to cherishing the little moments with your kids.

How to be a stylish mama

Tiernan McKay — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 10:58:00 -0800

We moms are busy... sometimes too busy to care about the way we look. If we're not careful, the frump factor will multiply quickly and without warning. In no time, a disheveled stranger may be looking back at you from the mirror, but you can be a stylish mom if you make some changes!

Deal with your frustration...productively

Tiernan McKay — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 07:28:00 -0700

Being a mom can be frustrating. It seems our kids know just what buttons to push to set us off and those little sponges -- our children -- are just waiting to see how we'll react. Frustration probably can't be avoided... but it can be handled in a way that teaches our kids to deal properly with stressful situations.

Be prepared for emergencies this year

Tiernan McKay — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 08:56:00 -0700

If you watch or read the news, doom and gloom abound. It's easy to let fear or helplessness set it. Rather than feel like you have no control, take initiative in 2011 to be prepared for an emergency. Where do you start and what do you need to keep your family safe in case of a disaster?