If you know me in real life, you know that I am the biggest book lover. I've devoured entire novels in weekends (I'm looking at you, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.) Even when I was in middle school, I would plow through series like Redwall in no time at all, getting completely lost in the fantasy world.

I also spent my academic career studying English literature and language.

I currently teach AP English Literature online.

It's 100% safe to say that I love books, reading, and all of the magic that reading can bring.

So it goes without saying that I work hard to foster this love of reading in my own three children. As an English teacher, I know that books can be entertaining (i.e. commercial fiction) but they can also be tools that empower our child to do better, be better, live better.

Specifically, books can help teach our kids how (and why!) to be kind. The world is in desperate need of more little children who grow up and spread love and kindness. (Somewhere along the lines of Mother Theresa's "Let no one leave you without being happier" quote.) Right?

It's our job to raise up kind, loving little humans, and books can be a great asset.

Reading a book at bedtime is one of the coziest times to read to your child. It's also one of the best times to choose a book with a powerful meaning like the importance of being kind. At bedtime, kids are often tucked into bed so they are quiet and receptive to the message. It also gives them time to think about the messages as they drift off to dream land.

Do you already read at bedtime? Let us know your favorite books!

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When I was little, there was nothing quite as exciting as hearing “Let’s go for a walk” after dinner. 

Looking back, I’m sure my mom wanted to tire us out before bed, and I definitely use that trick, but a pre-bed walk is so good for your kids ... and you too! 

After an emotionally-rough winter, we spent the spring and summer increasing our time spent together as a family and much of the that is time spent outside. We've gotten to the point where when I say "walk", my one-year-old daughter runs to get Barry (our Maltipoo) hooked up to his leash. So it's safe to say that we all love this habit.

Curious how an after-dinner walk can benefit you?

Even if your little ones played outside during the day, there are still benefits to going on one more stroll after dinner.

Benefits of a late walk include:

1. A shorter sleep latency AKA it takes less time to fall asleep
2. Improved moods (yay!)
3. Improved digestion and regulated blood sugar levels
4. Reduced stress levels
5. Improvedimmune system
6. The opportunity to get out last minute energy before bed
7. A chance to soak in the fresh air
8. Increased bonding with your family
9. A chance to bond with your dog too
   
10. Improve heart health
    

This is just a short list of ways that walking can benefit you. Walking together as a family is something that benefits your physical, mental, and emotional health -- all while bonding!

So to be clear, you don't really need anything besides some good shoes for walking, but I've found these things make an after-dinner walk even better.

Stroller 
Once of the best parts about an after-dinner walk is that everyone in your family can participate. While your older kids can walk (or run), your toddler or baby may just sit back and relax in the stroller.

Even if your baby isn't walking, he still benefits from the fresh air, the company, and the sights/sounds of nature.

My one-year-old loves riding in the stroller; in fact, whenever we are in the garage, she points to her stroller as if to ask "Is it time yet for our walk?!"

If you're in the market for a new stroller,  check out the BOB Revolution Flex 2.0 Jogging Stroller.

Apple Watch 
If you're still working on losing baby weight (ahem... me), grab yourself a smart watch and log your calories from your walk.  I love my Apple watch, and you better believe, I open the "outdoor walk" each night to keep track of my progress.

Dog Gear
Our dog accompanies us on every walk, and because after-dinner walks can get dark (especially in the fall), it's a good idea to keep your dog safe with a reflective leash or harness.

Do you go for walks as a family?

This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. We only suggest products we love and use.

Guest Post by Leslie Campos

Becoming new parents is stressful, and the demands of a baby can be overwhelming at times.
According to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, after the birth of a child, the negative aspects of the parents’ relationship can cause it to deteriorate very quickly. With all the focus on the little one, parents frequently don’t communicate very well, oftentimes argue more, and don’t have time for romance. Although many parents hesitate to leave their babies or young children behind, traveling together can be a wonderful way to recharge your relationship and reconnect as a couple.

Although throwing yourself full force into parenthood is a necessity with a newborn, after several months, it is time to consider getting away with your partner and focusing on yourselves. Begin by preparing well in advance. You want your baby to be completely comfortable and familiar with your sitter. A grandparent would be a great option, if at all possible. A week or so before departing on your getaway, leave the baby with a sitter for several hours — maybe even a full day — to help them get used to each other. Be sure to do some preparations yourself as well, especially if you’re a breastfeeding mother. You’ll need to pump to have milk on hand for the baby while you’re away. Don’t forget to bring along a pump that’s travel-friendly, a pumping bag filled with the essentials (storage bags, nursing pads, etc.), a spare pump, and a portable cooler to store milk while on the road or in the air.

Need a pump? Check out these supplies to make pumping-on-the-go even easier:

Put together a notebook with all the information that you want the sitter to know — everything from emergency numbers to your baby's favorite soothing techniques. Odds are, the sitter will never have to even open your folder, but it will help put your mind at ease when you are away.

You don't need to jet across the country to reconnect with your spouse. Staying within your state or even your own city will provide you with some “couple time” and allow you the ability to return home quickly if necessary. A staycation can also give you the opportunity to see your own area as a tourist and discover fun destinations and activities you haven’t experienced before.

Communication is key to helping your relationship thrive. Even a couple of nights away will allow you an opportunity to have time to talk to each other and help you rekindle your romance. An overnight trip is a good start. However, you should try to make it a long weekend, or if you want to steer clear of the crowds, plan your vacation for a few days during the week.

The financial stress of a new baby is enough — don't add to it by busting your budget on your trip. Stay at a modest hotel, and do simple date night type activities. Going out just the two of you, like you are on a date, can give you time to talk and listen to each other. As Kindred Bravely explains, simple activities are often the best; walk at the park, go bowling, or take in a local sporting event.

Spending time outdoors together also is very healthy for your relationship. Hiking, biking, and canoeing are inexpensive ideas and fun ways to connect with your partner and with nature. According to Psychology Today, research indicates that couples who participate in joint physical activities feel more satisfied in their relationships.

A quick trip can return you refreshed, invigorated, and ready to tackle everything life throws at you together as a couple. Taking time away, even just for a night or two, can help the two of to nurture your relationship with one another. The happier you are as a couple, the better parents you can be — and the more love your baby will feel.

Share below some of your favorite ways to reconnect with your spouse!

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you make a purchase.

Ah, Valentine's Day! The one day that couples look forward to so they can exchange lovey-dovey cards with one another as well as boxes of chocolates. And, this is the one day that singles do not like at all for obvious reasons. However, who says you have to be in a relationship to enjoy this special holiday? Because Valentine's Day can be quite fun for kids too! And this can also be quite fun for the family! That is right! You can celebrate Valentine's Day with your family because you and your kids will have so much fun.
 
Here are 5 fun Valentine's Day ideas that you will absolutely love:
 
1. Create Love Lists - This activity is an amazing one because kids can learn about the importance of gratitude. What you can do is have your kids write lists of the people who they love, as well as anything in general. For instance, if your child says he or she loves his or her cozy bed, then that should be added to the love list. Again, this way, kids can also learn about counting their blessings when they add the things that they love to the list. Because what can be done is after Valentine's Day is over, have them put the list away and then when it is Thanksgiving, tell them to take it out and then they can look it over and realize that they have so much to be grateful for!
 
2. Make Heart Cookies And Desserts - Of course, baking for Valentine's Day is going to make it on this list because that is one activity that families love to do. All you need to do is go to a dollar store to get heart-shaped cookie cutters and go to the grocery store to pick up some pink frosting, and red, white, and pink sprinkles, and other relevant candies! Then start having fun in the kitchen. You will love these Valentine's Day cookie and dessert recipes as well! Have fun with this.
 
3. Enjoy Movie Night With Popcorn That Is Pink - Pink is associated with Valentine's Day, so why not get some pink popcorn and enjoy watching a Disney movie with the kids while munching! You can add a few pieces of fair trade chocolate as well but keep that to a minimum. Otherwise, the kids will not go to bed that night due to being sugared up!
 
4. Get Creative And Play Some Valentine's Games - Kids love games, and it is always fun to play enjoyable ones with the whole family. Here are some game ideas that you can use for your family such as Valentine's Day bingo, the heart bean bag toss, and Valentine's Minute To Win from Makoodle.
 
5. Valentine's Day Themed Arts And Crafts - Right next to baking fun desserts, kids love arts and crafts and you can have fun with it as well! That means you and your kids can create Valentine's Day cards by using pink construction paper, glitter, and confetti, get plenty of red and pink markers, and heart-shaped beads. Some craft ideas you can find online as well such as having the opportunity to make your own heart crayons which are offered by MollyMoo Crafts. If your kids are going to preschool, then they will love the Toilet Roll Heart Stamps that are offered by Craftulate.
 
With these fun 5 Valentine's Day family ideas, there is no shortage on amazing activities that will be enjoyable for the whole family.

So, what plans do you have for Valentine's Day with your family?

I’m not so far removed from reality to think that I am a perfect parent. I know that I am not, but I try my hardest to parent in a loving way that fosters a creative, safe, and warm environment. One of the most powerful tools to make or break a peaceful home is words. Oh, the power of words.

I know that the words “don’t cry” can be emotionally damaging to children.  Yet, one night, as my patience became totally depleted, I found myself uttering these words without much empathy. My preschooler was upset about something I deemed trivial. “Don’t cry” flew out of my mouth.

“Big boys cry too!” He wisely spoke through his tears. Yes, my boy. Boys do cry, and they should.  (Please note: I really do mean crying… not whining. Nobody wants a whiner in their house.)  Once again, we can turn to science to shed light on an often-feminized topic; crying, as it turns out, is more than just a manipulative tool to get our way.

What can a parent do to foster a happy environment for kids? 

Make Time for Your Child

Whether it's reading together, tossing a ball around, or mixing up some brownies in the kitchen, carving out quality time with your kiddo is essential to his or her emotional health. Giving your child some time where your focus is on only him or her can reaffirm that you'll be present when times get tough.

According to LiveScience.com, you should try to eliminate distractions during this time. If you're on your phone during your special time together, you could end up sending the message that you're prioritizing the phone instead of him or her.

Don't Worry; Be Happy!

In Christine Carter, PhD's book Raising Happiness, she explains: 

"Extensive research has established a substantial link between mothers who feel depressed and 'negative outcomes' in their children, such as acting out and other behavioral problems."

If you're feeling stressed or down, take a much-needed time out! A date with your spouse or a night out with friends can recharge your mental batteries and help you be a better parent.

Going out not your thing?

• Try a soak in the tub with your favorite scents 
• Snuggle up with an engaging read
• Simply veg out in front of the telly

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When you're feeling stressed throughout the day, try jamming out with your babe to your favorite tunes or take a stroll with your little one while chatting about what you see. You can find a helpful guide to choosing the best stroller here.

*Note: If you feel blue for prolonged periods of time, speak with your doctor about managing your symptoms.

Help Your Child Balance Work and Play

Structured and unstructured activities are both key components of your child's development. If you and your child are constantly running back and forth between dance classes, piano lessons, math tutoring, playdates, and educational field trips, you might need to leave a blank space in your planner.

Self-directed play allows your child to exercise control over his or her own life and to feel freer and happier overall. Encourage your child to have free time outdoors whenever possible; according to an article from CBC.ca, "Kids are often more interested in natural spaces than pre-fabricated play structures." However, if your child shows interest in playing a team sport or joining a club, these structured activities can increase your child's confidence.

Regularly Eat Meals With Your Child

In a study from August 2004, researchers found that "frequency of family meals was inversely associated with depressive symptoms and suicide involvement". Sharing meal time provides an opportunity to teach your child, to share feelings and experiences, and for you and your child to practice good manners and eating habits together. Not only does sitting down to eat together increase family connectedness, it can also improve your child's health with reduced rates of obesity, eating disorders, and drug abuse.

Being healthy makes it easier to be happy.

What are your tips for raising happy children?  Comment below!

Erica Johnson is the main editor for Inner Parents and is a very proud mother of two.  She is passionate about the latest parenting tips & baby products. You can follow her on Twitter or Pinterest. 



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Do you know a new mom - or an expectant mom? 

You might have gotten her something for her baby shower, but new moms have a whole set of needs once that little bundle makes his/her grand debut.  

What did you want/need as a new mom? Comment below!

P.S.  If you're expecting and looking for some baby essentials, be sure to check out my kit for crunchy moms.  It's a one-stop-shop for new mamas... toxin free of course! 

I've started this post at least 23423 times. That's an accurate count too. 

What can I say about fatherhood that hasn't already been said? 

It's no shocker to learn that our society struggles with fatherhood and masculinity. Think of this: when a woman is with her children, she is mothering them. When a father is with his kids, he is "babysitting." How often have you heard that?  We are quick to label fathers as dead beats or softies or hands-off. So in an effort to show some of the Daddies some love for father's day, I thought I'd share some fun facts about fatherhood. 

Fun facts about fatherhood

• For obvious reasons, there is a huge focus on the mother-child bond and how that bond affects a child. But Dad's can have that same hormonal-emotional connection.  Mothers and babies bond through oxytocin released during breastfeeding, but a 2010 study proved that Dads can get this same boost of oxytocin (the love hormone) from PLAYING with their babies. Pretty cool! 
• A study from  Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences revealed that fatherhood leads to a decrease in testosterone in males... testosterone is the "macho" hormone.  As a result, fathers tend to be less aggressive and angry than their non-father counterparts. 
• The Journal of Early Adolescence published a study that showed that teens demonstrate more of the perseverance level of their fathers rather than their mothers.

I've written many, many times about the book The Five Love Languages... and this is another prime example of when to use it. Because let's face it.. not all dads like power tools and neck ties. And someone so important deserves a gift that shows a little love and attention. 

If Dad's love language is acts of services, then doing (rather than giving) will fill up his love tank. 

• Mow the lawn FOR him this weekend. 
• Ask Dad "what can I do FOR you this weekend?" 
• Do his share of the family chores 

If Dad's love language is words of affirmation, 

• Tell him you love him... do you say those words enough? 
• Create a handwritten card 
• Love letter to your spouse sharing what you love about his fathering 

If Dad's love language is receiving gifts, 

• Think about what he REALLY likes... It's okay if really does like power tools, but don't just buy a power tool because the home improvement stores tells you that's what dads like 
• For naturally-minded dads, make your own beard oil for him.  Short on time? Check out one of these top-rated beard oils instead! 
• For the foodie dad, gift a subscription to a meal service. Purple Carrot is a plant-based meal subscription service, but just because it's plant-based doesn't mean that athletic or active dads suffer.  Their TB12 plan offers performance-boosting, protein-backed meals.  Use PROMO CODE "purple20" to save 20% your first order. 
• For a Dad always on the road, consider giving him a diffuser bracelet.  Add lavender oil to help Dad keep his cool while battling rush hour traffic. WANDRESScreations offers custom diffuser bracelets.  Let Dad feel like the Eye of Tiger with this bracelet. It's totally okay if you're singing Eye of the Tiger now. 
• If you get Dad a diffuser, stock up on some manly scents: Balance or vetiver are good choices. 

If Dad's love language is quality time, 

• Plan an outing doing one of his favorite activities: golfing, hiking, biking, rock climbing, baking, cooking... whatever is Dad's passion find a way to make a whole day of it 
• You don't need to spend thousands of dollars on a weekend getaway (but you know... you totally can if you want to!) Plan a day trip around your town doing the "touristy" things in your own town.
• Play a board game 
• Play ball in the yard 
• Play your own game of Chopped in the kitchen 

If physical touch is Dad's love language, 

• Hold his hand while on a walk 
• Massage his feet 
• GIVE HIM A HUG! 

What are you doing for your dad this father's day? Comment below! 

It's tempting to try to rush through meal prep in order to get food on the table. I get it. I know dinner (or lunch or breakfast) can be stressful. (Read this post for reducing meal time stress.) 

We all know that eating together is important but actually cooking together can be an opportunity for bonding too!  If you can slow down (just a little bit) and invite your kids into the kitchen, you not only get a chance to chat, but you have a valuable teaching opportunity to impart your culinary and nutrition wisdom on your kids.

The key is to start simple.  Use a simple recipe and hand over the reigns.  The recipe above is easy and even my littles can do almost the entire recipe without help.

What you need:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 4 eggs
• 1-2 tablespoons of whole wheat flour (I like King Arthur)
  
• 1/2 tablespoon chia seeds (where to buy)
  
• Chocolate chips: I could write "optional", but they're never optional for me. They're a requirement.
  

What to do:

1. Mash the bananas with a fork
2. Beat the eggs
3. Combine bananas and eggs
4. Add in the rest of the ingredients, and mix well
5. Cook on a hot cast iron pan (where to buy)
   
6. Top with fresh blueberries, butter, and 100% real maple syrup (where to buy)
   

Note: These are not the fluffy pancakes; these are thinner. They're also less carbs so win-win!

How do you use food and cooking as a bonding tool?  What are your favorite recipes to cook with your kids? Comment below!

Parenting in the modern world is unnecessarily cluttered with distractions and multitasking. Unfortunately–despite all the current advances and technology of our time–no one has yet to invent the SuperMom pill. (Don’t worry, I’m working on it.) So, in the meantime, you have to prioritize with intention, or the important things (people) will become neglected and…well…less important. Please, read on if you interested in some ideas on how to simplify your life and focus on family.
Now, don’t get me wrong…it’s definitely a work in progress, not a level of achievement. (Once again, there will be no trophy or medal ceremony for this act of parental amazingness. Sorry.) Almost every day, I  set my intentions and work very hard to keep my life as simple as possible, filling it with only what is loved or needed. But it’s still hard, sometimes, and I have to struggle to keep my focus and priorities on what is most important–my family.

“So what do you suggest we do, EB?”
Here are some ideas I’ve implemented to be the most intentional–and the least distracted– mom I can be, so I can focus on family. I don’t feel like I’ll ever arrive at complete success in this category…because I am imperfectly human, after all. I give you, dear readers, permission to set the bar really low as you start off on your personal quest.  (You’re welcome.)

How to Simplify Your Life so you can Focus on Family: 5 Great Tips

1. Make a list of your top priorities.
You may want to review or edit your list often, every day if necessary. My priority list is titled “Focus on Family”. Then I have daily To-Do lists in order of priority. My lists are in the “notes” section of my iPhone, which syncs with my apple computer. I usually have one other the other within my reach at all times. Other people do it differently, but you must write it down and keep your lists with you wherever you go.

Do you have a hard time saying “no” or put others before you and your family? (This is you if you have a nurturer, giver, people pleaser or empathic personality.) You may want to start with a less specific to-do list or wish list that you keep on your phone or planner, then make the priority list every day to keep your daily routine focused and simplified.
I try to work on a daily list at bedtime, so I can go to sleep knowing my intentions are set for the next day. Sometimes I do it on a lazy, weekend morning when I’m not in a time crunch and I can plan ahead.
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I don’t know about you all, but I am much more productive when I’m busy. And I lost at least half of my memory and thinking skills when my daughter was born. (It’s a terminal illness every parent has to live with, I know.) So, the fleeting thought of “Well…hmmm…I don’t really have to do anything… right now…” actually sets off a ping of anxiety in my stomach. I must be forgetting something really important! (Hence, the lists.)

2. Spend money wisely.
Stick to your budget! Prioritize–and be very intentional about–your purchases. Ask yourself, “Is this something we really need? Do we already have something that serves the same purpose? Will this make my life more simple? Will this help me focus on my family?”

I almost always regret impulse buys and material purchases that aren’t fulfilling . Do I really need another cute skirt in my closet with the tags on it? I definitely don’t need a new sparkly iPhone case that won’t really protect my phone when I already bought a $90 Lifeproof case that is working quite well.  

I’m terrible about returning things, so they sit around the house, reminding me of my bad decisions. And if I just keep on driving past that yummy taco shop (eyes forward!), we can save family time, money and calories eating at home, together.  

I could write a lot more about spending money with intention, but I want you, dear readers, to implement this concept in ways that resonate with you. If you are focused on family and keeping your life simple, you may find that it’s not that hard to pass up on a lot of unfulfilling and unnecessary purchases.

3. Be more efficient. 
A.K.A– “Don’t waste your precious time”.  Busy parents barely have time every day for the necessary tasks, why crazify (yep, my new word–do you like it?) your day even more with inefficiencies?  Leaving the house to run only one errand? Stopping at a fast-food joint when you are on your way home from the grocery store? Playing CandyCrush for 45 minutes straight at your daughter’s therapy appointment? Scandalous! 

Do we really need to see everything that everyone is doing every day on Facebook? Just because you want to stay in touch with 300 of your best friends from childhood or college, doesn’t mean they all have to be on your news feed. You can just click over to their page when you are thinking about them, right? That’s easy enough. I’m guessing about 95-99% of the posts on my news feed are not more important or more meaningful that the parts of my life I’m neglecting when I’m mindlessly scrolling through.

Now don’t get me wrong. We all need some brainless distractions to maintain a barely functional level of sanity.   But our “mental breaks” on social distractions are actually complicating our lives and minds with unnecessary clutter, making it harder to focus on what’s really important.
Have you ever tried to decrease your data plan for a month or “unplug” your social media sources for a day? You’d be surprised how much more time you have. If that’s sounds totally impossible to you, would you try setting a timer to limit your time on Facebook or Pinterest?

Your kids may even notice how much more attention they are getting from you. (Attention=less whining, right?) You significant other might even notice how much more relaxed you are by the end of the day. Make sure you have your list of priorities handy to keep you from feeling bored (Ha!) or anxious.

4. Purge the unnecessaries.
This applies to not only material items, but activities, habits, and people who don’t mesh with your intention to simplify your life and focus on family. Learn to say “no” if something is asked of you that doesn’t fit this purpose.  You may find that you have more time and energy to say “yes” to more things that bring you happiness, like quality time with your family, or doing something for yourself. (Totally foreign concept, I know.)
Appreciate what you have. Get rid of what you don’t need.  Clutter and baggage contribute to your underlying stress and anxiety, even though you don’t really consciously “see it.”

Don’t focus on what you think you need or want. You might be surprised what you can cross off your To-Do or wish list using this frame of mind.

5.Breathe and listen.
Conscious, intentional deep breathing  can really  help you recharge and maintain the energy and focus you need to get through the day.
It only takes ten breaths in through your nose, filling up your belly (not your chest) to reset your body’s resting, relaxed state. With 10 intentional diaphragmatic (belly) breaths, you can lower your heart rate, blood pressure, stress levels, anxiety, and pain, to name a few. Try this while trying to fall asleep, sitting at a stop light, or on the toilet, (because sometimes that’s the only free time we can get, right?). 

When you have a little more time, go outside, sit or lay comfortably and close your eyes.  Pay attention to the sounds and sensations surrounding you, that you normally wouldn’t even notice. Listen to the birds and leaves in the trees.  Feel the air on your skin and your breath inside your nose. Let your muscles melt into the surface with each exhale…..

Hey! Wake up!! 
That’s all for now.  It’s time for me to find something healthy for dinner. I hope this post at least jump starts your intention to simplify your life so you can focus on your family.  Thanks so much for reading! Do you have some other suggestions? I could use some fresh ideas and old reminders, myself.  It’s easy to let life get ahead of us, but it’s not too hard to reel it back in! Share your thoughts below!