Parenting

It's that time of year again - the start of the school season! If your child is heading to college this year, it can be overwhelming for both parents and the child, but it doesn't have to be. With good planning and preparation, the start of college can be fun and exciting. Here are six ideas we...
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Many of us are at home practicing social distancing and trying to stay healthy during COVID-19. Part of staying healthy is getting physical. Sitting around too long is not good for your body or mind. We want everyone to stay healthy, so below are a few ideas to get you moving, grooving, and hav...
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We know this is a hard time for parents and students alike. Many of you are at home working, watching the kids, teaching the kids, or a mix of all the above. Below is a list of activities, both educational and fun, that you can do with the kids at home.  Take a Virtual Field Trip: Not o...
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A month into the school year and I have plenty of reason to speak to students about what they are reading. A few even ask sincerely for suggestions, and while I recognize the challenges of suggesting or assigning reading, there are just some books that all high school students should read. M...
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While some may argue part-time jobs take teens away from their school studies and extracurricular activities, there are actually many benefits to a teen working. As long as they manage their time well, teens can gain valuable life skills through a summer or after-school job. 1. They begin to under...
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With April being right around the corner it's time to start thinking about some fun, family friendly April Fools day tricks. Even the Shorter family got in on the fun this past week with the classic 'healthy veggies in the Krispy Kreme box' prank! Such a classic prank and super easy to pull off. The...
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Gratitude. What do you think when you hear that word. I know I think of what I am grateful for: my family, my children, my friends, my home, my job, the list goes on. I really do have a lot to be thankful for. I look around my community and see how great it is and there is also a need to help others...
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Are you tired of your kids zoning out in front of video games all day? Are you afraid their necks will have a permanent bend in them from hanging their heads over an iPad all the time? Do they complain about being bored if you unplug them? Well, if you need new ideas to entertain your kids, that don...
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We all the know the importance of reading to and with your children. It’s one of the best ways to help set them up for success in school. These chilly winter nights are a great time to snuggle up with your kids and read a good book. Below are some children’s books by Michigan authors to “check...
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Now that we have snow here in Northern Michigan, I put together a list of 8 outdoor winter activities for kids to do outside. If you would prefer to stay inside, I don't blame you. Simply bundle them up and send them on their way! We've gotten over a foot of snow over the last few weeks and th...
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