The perfect standing desk

As families prepare for back-to-school season, Hulala’s thoughtfully designed furniture helps create flexible, organized spaces for homework, school projects, and collaborative learning. The Veritas 360° Rotating Standing Desk features a rotating side desktop that easily adapts for independent study or working side-by-side with classmates, siblings, or parents. Integrated power, hidden cable management, and enclosed storage keep supplies neatly organized, while whisper-quiet electric height adjustment (31″–49″), three memory presets, and a sedentary reminder promote comfort during long study sessions. Built with durable engineered wood and metal, the spacious desktop supports up to 200 lbs and is backed by a comprehensive five-year warranty.

Use Code: MYHULALA12 for 12% off

The best in back to school kids fashion

Appaman’s New Arrivals bring fresh, playful style to kids’ fashion with irresistibly soft fabrics and standout prints. Known for bold colors, comfortable fits, and durable construction, Appaman designs clothing that keeps up with active kids while still looking effortlessly cool. From graphic tees and joggers to versatile outerwear, each piece is crafted for everyday comfort and easy movement. Parents love the machine-washable, kid-tested fabrics, while little ones love the fun, expressive designs. Whether dressing for school, play, or special occasions, Appaman’s latest collection offers modern, stylish essentials that make getting dressed enjoyable for the whole family.

Use Code: FIRSTDAYAKA20 20% off a full-price order 

Keep your kids safe this year

The Bark Watch helps kids stay connected while giving parents tools to help keep them safer- without the distractions and risks that can come with a smartphone. Real-time GPS location tracking lets parents check their child’s location from the Bark parent app, while the SOS button gives kids a quick way to reach help in an emergency.Built-in content monitoring scans for potential concerns like bullying, predators, and self-harm, alerting parents when something may need their attention. Kids can talk and text with approved contacts, without games, social media, or web browsing competing for their attention.Durable and water-resistant, the Bark Watch gives parents greater peace of mind while giving kids a little more independence.

Use Code: B2SCHOOL30 (valid through 8/31/26)

Recycled Double Pocket Backpack 

Made from recycled water bottles, our medium-size Recycled Double Pocket Backpack is a practical choice for kids on the move. With its spacious two-compartment design, it offers ample storage for school supplies, snacks, and more. Plus multiple pockets, clips, and holders make it easy to keep their belongings organized. Adjustable straps ensure a comfortable fit, making this backpack an ideal companion for any adventure. This backpack comes in 2 sizes with the Small size being perfect for Kindergarten through 2nd grade and the larger size for children 2nd grade and up.

A Must-Have Hair Conditioner: Silk’e Leave-In Conditioner

Hydrate, smooth, and fight frizz with the Silk’e Leave-In Conditioner. Made with jojoba oil and aloe extract, this lightweight formula helps soften, nourish, and refresh dry or damaged-looking hair without flaky buildup or residue. Perfect for making busy back-to-school mornings quicker and easier, it leaves hair feeling softer, smoother, and more manageable. sleekehair.com

Readers can receive 50% off the Silk’e Leave-In Conditioner with the exclusive code BTS50.

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DREAM PAIRS KIDS Lightweight Slip On Sneakers

Designed for kids who are always on the move, DREAM PAIRS KIDS Lightweight Slip-On Sneakers deliver effortless comfort, independence, and all-day playability. Weighing only 3.7 ounces per shoe, these ultra-light sneakers help reduce foot fatigue so little explorers can run, jump, and play freely from the playground to family outings. The breathable mesh upper and airflow channels help keep feet cool and comfortable, even during active days, while the easy slip-on design allows kids to put them on independently and build confidence with every step. A flexible forefoot construction supports natural movement, and a reinforced toe cap adds protection against everyday bumps. Lightweight, practical, and adventure-ready, these sneakers are the perfect everyday companion for growing feet.

Fight the back to school sicknesses with Boiron USA

Back-to-school season brings new routines, busy schedules — and sometimes flu-like symptoms. At the first sign of body aches, headache, fever, chills, or fatigue, reach for Oscillococcinum® and feel like yourself again. Brought to you by @BoironUSA. Oscillo helps reduce the duration and severity of flu-like symptoms.* The convenient meltaway pellets come in single-dose tubes and dissolve in the mouth, making them easy to take at home or on the go. Recommended for everyone ages 2 and up, Oscillo is non-drowsy and has no known interactions with other medications or supplements. Learn more at Oscillo.com.

*These “Uses” have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Use Code: OscilloBTS26 for 20% off any Oscillo product on BoironUSA.com. Valid August through November 2026.

Be prepared for school sports

Shibumi Park Vista™ (MSRP $240) reinvents off-beach shade. At under 5 lbs, it’s up to 10x lighter than traditional 30-50 lb pop-up tents yet sets up solo in two minutes — no wrestling poles or waiting on a second person. It packs into a slim 26″ bag for easy trunk storage, shades up to four people comfortably, and features UPF 50+ water-resistant fabric with an adjustable canopy that tracks the sun. Modular by design, multiple units connect for scalable coverage at sidelines, parks, and outdoor events.

Easy feeding options

Haakaa creates practical, thoughtfully designed products that help make everyday parenting simpler. For the back-to-school season, the Haakaa Silicone Yummy Pouch offers a convenient way to pack purées, yoghurt, smoothies and more. This reusable 4.5 oz pouch gives parents flexibility over food and ingredient choices while helping reduce spending on individually packaged snacks and cut down on packaging waste. Its leakproof lid, variable-flow spout and dishwasher-safe, food-grade silicone design make feeding, carrying and cleaning easy.

Must Haves for your school supply list

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Stainless Steel 13 oz Food Jar (SDS Direct) – Reusable, eco-friendly food jar keeps food hot or cold. Premium food grade 18/8 stainless steel, contains no phthalates, BPA, lead, or PVC.  $19.99 

Daniel Goes to School (Simon & Schuster) – Daniel learns that “grown-ups come back” and has lots of fun with his teacher and classmates. Ages 2-4, $12.99 

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Mini Backpack 12” 3D Character Plush Bookbag (Intimo) – Backpack features 3D Daniel Tiger face with dimensional ears, embroidered facial details, two zippered compartments, and padded adjustable shoulder straps. Ages 3+, $39.99 

Get the must-have back-to-school essentials – paper towels that handles every mess busy school days brings

For families this back-to-school season, stock up on Viva Signature Cloth Triple Roll (129 sheets), which offer more sheets per roll and fewer replacements during hectic school days. Viva Signature Cloth is cloth-like, making it tough on sticky messes like apple juice spills and crafts, while soft enough for kids’ hands and faces. 

A bathroom must-have!

The Squatty Potty Toilet Stool is designed to help support a more natural, comfortable posture while using the bathroom. By elevating your feet, it helps align your body for a more complete and efficient experience. It is clinically proven to decrease time spent on the toilet and increase elimination to feel emptier! It’s sleek, compact design fits neatly around most toilets, making it an easy addition to any bathroom. Durable, easy to clean, and available in multiple styles and heights, it’s a simple everyday wellness upgrade for the whole family.

Squatty Potty Flushable Wipes provide a gentle, refreshing clean with every use. Made with plant-based fibers and infused with soothing aloe and vitamin E, they’re soft on skin while helping you feel fresh and confident. Septic-safe and designed to break down after flushing, they’re a convenient addition to any bathroom routine. Pair them with your favorite Squatty Potty product for an elevated bathroom experience.promo code BACK2STOOL

The school year always seems to arrive faster than expected, but having the right products on hand can help make those early mornings, homework sessions, and after-school activities run more smoothly. Whether you’re checking off your family’s shopping list or looking for a few new favorites, these back-to-school essentials are designed to simplify everyday life. Here’s to a successful, organized, and exciting new school year!

The post Back to School Must-Haves for the New School Year! appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Learning That Grows with Your Child

No two children learn exactly the same way. One might breeze through reading but need extra practice in math, while another masters multiplication yet struggles with grammar. That’s where IXL stands out.Instead of offering the same lesson to every student, IXL adapts in real time to each child’s skill level. As students answer questions, the platform adjusts the difficulty, providing just the right amount of challenge without becoming frustrating. It also identifies learning gaps and reinforces foundational concepts before introducing more advanced material.The result is personalized learning that feels encouraging rather than overwhelming.

More Than Just Math

Many parents first hear about IXL because of its excellent math resources, but it’s much more than that.One subscription provides full access to more than 20,000 PK-12 skills covering:

• Math

• Language Arts

• Science

• Social Studies

• Spanish

Whether your child is learning basic addition, preparing for middle school science, practicing essay writing, or building Spanish vocabulary, everything is available in one easy-to-use platform.Instead of juggling multiple subscriptions and educational apps, families can keep nearly every core subject in one place.

Built for Busy Families

Let’s be honest. Most evenings already feel like a race against the clock.Dinner needs to be cooked. Homework needs to be finished. Laundry somehow multiplies on its own. And everyone still has to get to bed at a reasonable hour.That’s one reason parents appreciate how IXL fits naturally into everyday routines.Short practice sessions can make meaningful progress without requiring hours of instruction. Students receive immediate feedback after every question, helping them understand mistakes while they’re still fresh instead of waiting until a paper comes home days later.Even better, IXL is designed for independent learning, allowing many students to work confidently on their own while parents tackle everything else on the evening to-do list.Sometimes twenty focused minutes really can make a difference.

Learning That Feels More Like Play

Keeping kids engaged isn’t always easy, but the right learning platform can make all the difference.IXL helps maintain engagement with more than 600 educational games that reinforce important concepts while making practice feel rewarding instead of repetitive.Students also have access to more than 4,500 instructional videos and lessons, giving them extra support whenever they encounter something new or challenging.Instead of simply telling students they’re wrong, IXL explains why, helping build understanding rather than encouraging guesswork.

Trusted by Families and Schools Across the Country

Parents want to feel confident they’re investing in a learning platform that delivers real results.IXL has earned that trust on an impressive scale.Today, the platform is used by 18 million students, including one in every four students in the United States. It’s also used in 96 of the nation’s top 100 school districts and recommended by more than one million teachers.Research has also shown that students who consistently use IXL tend to perform better on tests, making it a valuable resource for reinforcing classroom learning throughout the year.

Learning Without Language Barriers

Every family deserves access to quality educational tools.IXL is available in more than 120 languages, making it easier for many households to navigate the platform and support learning together.That accessibility helps create a more welcoming experience for families from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Start the School Year Strong

The beginning of a new school year brings fresh notebooks, new teachers, exciting opportunities, and yes, a little bit of uncertainty.Giving children the chance to practice, strengthen skills, and build confidence before challenges arise can make those first weeks feel a whole lot easier.Whether your child needs extra reinforcement, wants to stay ahead, or simply benefits from a little additional practice, IXL offers personalized learning that grows alongside them every step of the way because a strong school year starts with a strong foundation And right now you cansave 25% on an IXL subscription and give your child personalized learning that grows with them.Learn more and start your subscription here:

The post Help Your Child Start the School Year with Confidence and Save 25% on IXL appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

It might come after a move.
After going back to work.
After leaving a job.
After a divorce.
After a new baby.
After the kids start school full time.
After they leave for college.

The details vary. The feeling does not.

It is not dramatic. It is disorienting.

And for many moms, it feels like an identity crisis that no one prepared them for.

When the Role Shifts

Motherhood already reshapes identity. But when a big life change stacks on top of that, the ground shifts again.

You may have spent years being the primary caregiver. Then suddenly you are back in an office, or building a business, or navigating co parenting, or sitting in a quiet house during school hours wondering why you feel restless instead of relaxed.

The routines that once defined you are gone. The pace is different. The expectations have changed.

You are still a mom.

But you are also something else now.

And figuring out that something else can feel uncomfortable.

The Invisible Grief

We do not talk enough about the grief that comes with change, even when the change is positive.

Going back to work can feel empowering and heartbreaking at the same time.

Moving to a new city can feel exciting and isolating.

Watching your kids become independent can feel proud and lonely.

There is often a quiet mourning for the version of yourself that existed before the shift.

The stay at home mom.
The corporate climber.
The newlywed.
The exhausted but needed toddler mom.

Even if that season was hard, it was familiar.

Letting go of familiarity takes emotional energy.

The Question Underneath It All

Most identity crises boil down to one question.

If I am not only this, then who am I?

Moms are especially vulnerable to this because so much of our identity is wrapped around caring for others. When circumstances change, it can feel like losing your title.

But you were never just the title.

You were the person inside it.

The life change does not erase you. It reveals parts of you that may have been dormant.

That can be unsettling. It can also be freeing.

When You Outgrow an Old Version of Yourself

Sometimes the crisis is not about loss. It is about growth.

You may realize you no longer want what you used to want.

The job that once defined you might feel misaligned.

The social circle that once fit might feel forced.

The parenting style you started with may not fit the family you have now.

Growth is not always glamorous. It often feels like friction first.

There is tension between who you were and who you are becoming.

That tension is not failure. It is evolution.

The Pressure to “Figure It Out”

Social media does not help.

It makes reinvention look clean and immediate. One day she was overwhelmed. The next day she launched a business, trained for a marathon, and started a podcast.

Real identity rebuilding is quieter.

It looks like trying something and changing your mind.

It looks like taking a class just to see if you like it.

It looks like reconnecting with an old interest and realizing it still lights you up.

It looks like journaling through confusion instead of pretending you are confident.

You do not need a five year plan to validate your growth.

You need permission to explore.

Rebuilding Without Erasing Motherhood

One common fear during identity shifts is this: if I invest in myself, am I taking something away from my kids?

The answer is no.

Children benefit from watching their mothers evolve.

They see resilience.
They see courage.
They see adaptability.

They learn that identity is not static.

You are not abandoning motherhood by expanding beyond it. You are modeling depth.

Practical Ways to Move Through It

An identity crisis after a big life change does not resolve overnight, but there are gentle ways to navigate it.

Start by asking yourself what feels energizing right now. Not impressive. Not productive. Energizing.

Reconnect with something that used to make you feel like yourself before the most recent season took over.

Give yourself a small project that is only for you. It does not have to make money or go viral. It just has to matter to you.

Talk about it. With a friend. With a therapist. With your partner. Identity confusion thrives in silence. It softens when spoken out loud.

And most importantly, let it be a season.

You are not broken. You are transitioning.

The Truth About Reinvention

Big life changes do not erase you.

They stretch you.

The mom identity crisis after a move, a career shift, a divorce, or a new chapter is not a sign that you have failed. It is often a sign that you are growing into something more layered.

Motherhood evolves. So do you.

And maybe the question is not who am I now?

Maybe it is who am I becoming?

There is space for that answer to unfold slowly.

You do not have to rush it.

The post The Mom Identity Crisis After a Big Life Change appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

It usually doesn’t start with a dramatic fight.

It starts with a sigh.

A short answer.
A missed text.
A “Can you just handle it?”

And suddenly the house feels heavy.

Not because you stopped loving each other.

But because you are both running on fumes.

For many couples, the biggest strain on marriage after kids is not betrayal, incompatibility, or explosive arguments. It is exhaustion. Chronic, layered, unrelenting exhaustion.

And exhaustion changes everything.

The Quiet Shift From Lovers to Logistics Managers

Before kids, you had space. Space to talk. Space to miss each other. Space to recover after a disagreement.

After kids, especially in the early years, you become operators.

Schedules.
Meals.
Bath time.
Bedtime.
Work deadlines.
School emails.
Soccer practice.

Conversations start sounding like staff meetings.

“Did you sign that form?”
“Who’s picking her up?”
“Did you call the pediatrician?”

Romance does not usually disappear in a dramatic crash. It erodes quietly under the weight of coordination.

The shift from intimacy to logistics is subtle. But it is powerful.

Why Tired Couples Feel More Irritable

When you are sleep deprived or mentally overloaded, your nervous system is already on edge. Your brain has less capacity for patience, empathy, and thoughtful response.

Small issues feel bigger. Neutral comments sound critical. A forgotten task feels personal.

You snap faster.
You assume worse.
You defend quicker.

Exhaustion lowers your emotional buffer.

It is not that you suddenly disagree on core values. It is that your bodies are stressed, your minds are cluttered, and your margin is gone.

And when margin disappears, grace often goes with it.

The Myth That Conflict Is the Biggest Threat

Many couples panic when they argue more after kids. They assume increased tension means something is fundamentally wrong.

But conflict is not always the real issue.

Disconnection is.

Exhausted couples often stop checking in emotionally. They function side by side instead of together. They survive the day rather than share it.

It can look like distance.
It can feel like rejection.

But often, it is depletion.

When you are depleted, connection requires effort you may not feel like you have.

The Mental Load Factor

One of the biggest tension points in modern marriages is the invisible mental load.

Who remembers the dentist appointments?
Who keeps track of teacher emails?
Who notices when shoes are too small?
Who plans birthdays?

Even when tasks are shared, the anticipation and planning often sit heavier on one partner. That imbalance, especially when combined with exhaustion, quietly builds resentment.

Not explosive resentment.

Just a slow simmer.

And when you are tired, that simmer rises faster.

What Actually Helps

Here is the hopeful part.

If exhaustion is part of the problem, it is also part of the solution.

First, normalize the season. The early parenting years are intense. The middle years are busy. The teen years are emotionally demanding. Each stage brings its own fatigue. Recognizing that stress is seasonal can reduce panic.

Second, lower the bar strategically. Not for your marriage, but for everything else. Perfect house, elaborate meals, constant commitments. Trim where you can. Energy is finite.

Third, communicate energy levels instead of accusations. There is a difference between “You never help” and “I am running on empty today.” One triggers defense. The other invites partnership.

Fourth, protect small pockets of connection. Not elaborate date nights that require babysitters and planning stress. Five minutes of undistracted conversation. Sitting together after the kids go to bed instead of scrolling separately. A hug that lasts longer than two seconds.

Connection does not always require grand gestures. It requires intentional presence.

Finally, divide mental load openly. Not in a frustrated blow up, but in a calm audit. What is each person carrying? What feels heavy? What can shift?

Clarity reduces resentment.

Drawing a Line Between Fatigue and Something Deeper

It is also important to pause here.

Exhaustion explains a lot. It does not explain everything.

If there are patterns of disrespect, emotional withdrawal, chronic dishonesty, addiction, or abuse, those issues require more than extra sleep and better scheduling. They require serious attention and sometimes outside support.

But for many couples who find themselves saying, “We love each other. We’re just tired,” the core of the relationship is still intact.

It is simply buried under laundry piles, calendar alerts, and unfinished to do lists.

And that is a very different starting point than a broken foundation.

This Season Is Not the Whole Story

Marriage after kids is different.

It is less spontaneous.
It is more practical.
It is louder.

But it can also be deeper.

Shared struggle builds resilience. Surviving hard seasons together strengthens partnership. Raising humans together creates a bond that dating never could.

The goal is not to get back to pre-kid marriage. That version of you no longer exists.

The goal is to build the next version.

One where you acknowledge the exhaustion instead of blaming each other for it.

One where tired does not automatically mean disconnected.

Because sometimes the most honest thing you can say is not “We are drifting apart.”

It is simply, “We are exhausted.”

And that is something you can work with.

The post We Love Each Other. We’re Just Tired. appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

You stand there.

You stare at the counter like it personally betrayed you.

Why are you here?

Right. Coffee.

You already made coffee.

It is in the microwave.

For the third time.

Welcome to mom brain.

We joke about it constantly. We send memes. We blame it when we forget passwords, misplace phones, or call one child by the other child’s name and then somehow land on the dog’s name too.

But beneath the humor is something very real. The fog. The forgetfulness. The sense that your once razor sharp mind now feels like it is buffering.

Here is the good news. You are not losing intelligence. You are not becoming less capable. Your brain has simply shifted priorities.

What Is Actually Happening

Pregnancy and early motherhood trigger measurable neurological changes. Hormones fluctuate dramatically. Sleep gets interrupted. Stress increases. At the same time, your cognitive load multiplies.

Studies have shown that pregnancy can reshape areas of the brain related to empathy, social awareness, and emotional processing. Certain structural changes appear to make mothers more attuned to their babies’ needs. In other words, your brain reorganizes itself around caregiving.

It is not shrinking into incompetence. It is specializing.

When your brain is recalibrating for attachment, vigilance, and emotional scanning, it is going to prioritize differently. Remembering where you put your sunglasses may not rank as high as detecting subtle shifts in your child’s mood.

That does not mean you are declining. It means you are adapting.

It Is Not Just Pregnancy

Many moms expect the fog to lift once the baby sleeps through the night. And then years later, they are still wondering why they cannot remember why they opened the fridge.

That is because mom brain is not only hormonal. It is logistical.

Motherhood introduces chronic cognitive load. You are carrying a running checklist in your head at all times. School forms. Pediatric appointments. Sports schedules. Birthday gifts. What is for dinner. Who needs new shoes. Whether you signed that permission slip.

That mental background noise is constant.

You are essentially operating with 42 tabs open in your brain at all times. And occasionally one of them crashes.

Usually the tab labeled “Where Did I Park.”

Why It Feels Worse Than It Is

Here is where comparison sneaks in.

You remember your pre kid brain. You could sit through meetings without interruption. You could finish reading something in one sitting. You could focus for extended periods without someone yelling “Mom!” from another room.

Now your attention is split dozens of times per hour. Research shows that frequent task switching reduces working memory performance temporarily. The more you switch, the harder it is to hold details in short term memory.

You are not less intelligent.

You are more interrupted.

That distinction matters.

The Cognitive Trade Off

Here is something we do not talk about enough. While short term recall can feel foggy, many mothers report increased emotional intelligence, faster problem solving under pressure, and sharper intuition.

You may forget your own PIN code. But you can sense when something is off with your child before anyone else notices.

You may lose your train of thought mid sentence. But you can coordinate childcare, logistics, schedules, and emotional support simultaneously.

That is not decline. That is a shift in strengths.

Practical Ways to Clear the Mental Clutter

Now let’s get practical.

You cannot remove the mental load entirely. But you can lighten it.

First, stop trying to store everything in your head. Externalize information. Use shared digital calendars, notes apps, planners, whiteboards, whatever system feels natural. Your brain functions better when it is used for thinking rather than storage.

Second, protect your sleep like it is part of your job description. Sleep is directly tied to memory consolidation and cognitive clarity. Even small improvements in consistency can make a noticeable difference. That may mean earlier bedtimes or putting the phone down sooner than you want to.

Third, move your body. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and helps regulate stress hormones. It does not need to be extreme. A brisk walk counts. Dancing in the kitchen counts. Anything that gets oxygen flowing helps.

Fourth, reduce decision fatigue. Simplify repetitive choices. Rotate meal plans. Streamline wardrobes. Automate bill pay. The fewer small decisions you make daily, the more mental energy you preserve.

Finally, practice focused attention in short bursts. Ten minutes of uninterrupted concentration on one task can strengthen cognitive endurance. The brain responds to repetition and training.

When to Look Deeper

Mom brain is common. But if memory issues feel severe, rapidly worsening, or paired with mood changes, confusion, or personality shifts, it is important to consult a healthcare provider.

Thyroid imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, anxiety, depression, and perimenopause can all affect cognitive function. Many of these are treatable. Clarity often improves once underlying issues are addressed.

Trust your instincts. You know your baseline.

What This Season of Your Brain Is Really Showing You

Mom brain is not a joke. It is not weakness. It is not evidence that you are slipping.

It is your brain adapting to one of the most cognitively demanding roles a human can take on.

You are managing logistics, emotions, schedules, safety, and relationships simultaneously. That requires enormous mental energy. The occasional forgotten grocery item does not cancel out the strength it takes to hold all of that.

So yes, you might forget why you walked into the pantry.

But you remember who needs you.

And that says more about your brain than any meme ever could.

The post “Mom Brain” Is Real. But Here’s What It Actually Is. appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Regardless of whatever parenting style or parenting rules you thought you’d employ as a mom, sometimes you have to toss them out the window and rejoice in the fact that there is always a suitable alternative for you and your family. A mom wears many hats, and switching them out is pretty simple when it comes down to it. Here’s what we mean:

For “short-order cook” moms – You swore you’d never feed leftovers or frozen meals to your family. Meals from scratch would be your forte, and your kids would receive whatever meal their heart desired. Ah, what a quaint idea. For many working (and even stay-at-home) moms, this must sound like a complete nightmare. No one will grill you if you happen to serve a frozen meal one or two nights a week. In fact, I’m pretty sure that’s why frozen foods are much more advanced and nutritious than they once were. Find low sodium options when choosing a meal for your family in the frozen-foods aisle, or pick up a bag of frozen ravioli or equivalent and simply add your favorite sauce. Even add frozen veggies as a quick side. Trust us, your kids won’t know the difference.

For “referee” moms – When your kids start fighting in the back seat over which radio station to listen to on the way to school, or when a sibling’s “borrowed” item goes missing and it becomes World War III, you swore you would be there to referee the situation and squash the constant juvenile bickering between them. Well, we’re here to say that letting your kids hash it out among themselves isn’t all that bad. Think about it: if you were mad and wanted to voice your opinion but where constantly told to “grow up” or “shut up,” it probably wouldn’t help your level of anger or annoyance. Sometimes it’s best to let your kids experience a heated debate followed by time to reflect upon the situation. Bring your children together after an argument and ask questions about their feelings and offer constructive solutions to their problems. Because pent up anger isn’t healthy for any member of your family, regardless of age.

For “clean freak” moms – “The kids will have their own playroom. The living room will stay clear of all toys and messes.” Quick question: how’s that working out for you? We can guess probably not that great. Kids make messes, it’s inevitable. Don’t limit their fun to just one room. Instead, reinforce your home with storage that is easily accessible for your kids and (more importantly) easy on the eyes, such as a toy chest or a pull-out storage unit with baskets for behind the couch. This way your child won’t feel alienated to one room in the house, and you won’t be stepping on Legos or Barbie Doll shoes when walking through the living room. It’s a win-win for everyone, even clean freaks.

For “no tech, no way!” moms – No video games, no TV and definitely no smart phones. That’s how you planned to raise your children. First of all, kudos for trying. Secondly, it’s impossible –which come to find out isn’t a terrible thing. According to KidsHealth.org, “TV in moderation can be a good thing: preschoolers can get help learning the alphabet on public television, grade-schoolers can learn about wildlife on nature shows, and parents can keep up with current events on the evening news. No doubt about it — TV can be an excellent educator and entertainer.” The operative word being “moderation” of course. Public programming and other quality educational media (academic video games, educational smart-phone apps) can be an amazing tool for children ages two and up. So try not to be a stickler and simply monitor your child’s daily consumption of media by limiting it to one to two hours a day.

The “dress to impress” moms – “I’ll never let my child out the house in a wrinkled pair of shorts or mismatched socks,” you said. “One must always be ready to make a good impression.” Again, kudos for trying. We hate to burst your bubble, but kids will be kids, and when you’re 10 minutes late leaving the house and little Bobby can’t find a freshly-pressed t-shirt, you’ll be retracting that statement before you know it. Parents aren’t perfect and neither are children. Caring too much about outward appearance can set a risky precedent for your child’s future, so letting him/her leave the house with purple socks and green shoes really won’t be the worst thing to happen in fashion. Give your kids options in the morning when getting dressed, and if their shirt isn’t wrinkle-free because it’s been sitting in a pile of clean clothes that haven’t yet been folded, just blame in on the seatbelt.

See, there’s always wiggle room.

The post Guilt-Free Parenting Shortcuts appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

By Samantha McConnell

It is that glorious time of year when the temperature cools and the leaves change to beautiful shades of reds and orange. Then there is the beautiful aroma of pumpkin, apple, crisp autumn air and PIGSKIN! That’s right, football season is here and it is in full swing! I know for many moms, football is all irreversibly stained clothes and filthy kids (which is ok!). Not to mention the trance that the men in our lives fall into when the game is on and the second language they suddenly pick up. Fear no more ladies. Here are nine of the most commonly used terms in football so that you can decode that jibberish your man is saying, as well as more practical uses for the terms as they apply to life as a mom!

1. Blackout: In football, this is when a game cannot be televised in the local market in which the team is playing. As a mom, this is the period between giving birth to your child up until they are about five. After this time, the fog of perpetual exhaustion begins to lift and you can once again feel like a player in your life.

2. Blind Side: This is the area behind the player, where they cannot see. In terms of being a mom, this is generally where the biggest messes and rule breaking takes place. Always check the blind side!

3. Clothesline: This is an illegal move in football where a player strikes an opponent in the face. Infant learning how to hold up his head, meet mom’s nose. Nose, meet ouch.

4. Controlling the Clock: This term refers to a team holding onto the ball longer than is really necessary, thus putting the opposing team at a disadvantage for having the ball less. In the world of mom, this is the game kids play when they are trying to postpone an unfavorable activity (in my experience, usual bath time and bedtime). It’s always just a “few more minutes”.

5. Defense: The team responsible for keeping the opposing team from scoring. As a mom, maintaining a team of tiny offensive players keeps you on the defense. Always.

6. Down and Out: In football, this is when a linebacker runs straight down the field, then suddenly aims toward the sideline. This is a common tactic used by a child when evading anything from vegetables to diaper changes. Be vigilant mom, you can outrun them.

7. Excessive Time Out:  When a team calls more than the allotted three time outs. As a mom, this term does not exist.

8. Hail Mary: This is when the quarterback throws the ball without aiming for a particular receiver. A particle play happens, sometimes daily, at meal time with a mom and kids. Toss up the brussel sprouts and hope they land in someone’s belly; just preferably not the dogs.

9. Touchdown:  Ah. My favorite. That pinnacle moment in the game of mom where you feel like you have scored. BEDTIME.

For a full football glossary, go here: http://football.about.com/cs/football101/g/gl_falsestart.htm

The post Let’s Talk Football: appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

You fathered a child, and now it’s time to step up and be a present, active participant in that child’s life. Dads play an important role in raising a child, and there are many reasons why dads should be active, including:

1. Love: The love shared between a child and a parent is special. Active dads have the opportunity to not only show their children love, but to help teach them how to build and nurture loving relationships. The loving bond a dad builds with his child can begin when a child is born. An active dad will change diapers, swaddle baby, talk to baby, make eye contact with baby and more in order to begin building a bond from day one. When it comes right down to it, love comes from the building of trust and bonds, and love is one of the strongest emotions we feel. Being both physical and emotional, it’s incredibly important to show your child love as often as possible. Hugs and kisses are great, but you can also tell them you love them and miss them and can’t wait to get back home to them when you’re away.

2. Role Model: Of course children need positive and healthy role models in their lives, and an active dad can provide a child with just that. A role model helps a child learn about goals, respect, appreciation, love and more. An active dad will teach their child about positive relationships by building an excellent relationship with the child’s mom. An active dad will always lead by example, because they know their children are watching and learning from every move they make. An active dad will strive to be the best role model he can be.

3. Experience: An active dad allows for extra or more active experiences. Dads who are active in their child’s lives encourage more activity, adventure and learning opportunities. Active dads offer their children different experiences such as learning to fish. Maybe fishing is something mom doesn’t enjoy, so without dad around a child may never experience fishing. As a dad encourages a new experience such as trying a new sport they’ll develop ongoing opportunities to be involved with things like: practice, coaching, games, travel, etc. The more experiences a child can have the more well-rounded and worldly they’ll grow up to be.

Being an active dad is easier than you might think. There are lots of ways to get involved and it’s of the utmost importance that you do! Have fun with it and do your very best.

Happy parenting!

Sincerely,

Daddy Nickell

Parenting Expert and father of 7, Robert Nickell (aka Daddy Nickell) offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents. Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddy & Co., delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel for every stage of fatherhood, and the Daily Daddy Blog. He is also the creator and producer of “My Life as a Dad,” the groundbreaking new web series that showcases celebrity fathers offering their personal experiences and parenting tips.

The post Dads—Be There appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

By Samantha McConnell

We have all lied to our child’s pediatrician.

We are all guilty; and I don’t think a single one of us are ashamed to admit it.

Never about anything life threatening of course, we wouldn’t want to impede on the health evaluation of our child. Considering that insurance costs upwards of a zillion dollars (give or take an arm or a leg) annually to pay for these five minute check-ups, providing false information would just be fiscally irresponsible.

Here are five lies that are commonly told to pediatricians at some point, and perfectly logical and arguable justifications for these exaggerations of truth. Rest easy ladies, you aren’t alone in your fibs.

1. Yes, my child gets a wide variety of fruits and vegetables every day, he just loves them!

As a parent, the struggle of feeding is REAL! At some point, knowing when to pick your battle is far more important that getting your toddler to eat that kumquat. Besides, someone has to keep the kid’s gummy vitamins in circulation.

2. She watches no more than three, two, one hour of television a day.

This one is tricky. They know we are bold-faced lying and they know exactly how to navigate and dissect this lie. Not even saying the television is on for background noise escapes their interrogation. Best bet, hope this question isn’t asked.

3. Yes, he gets put to bed tired and before he is asleep.

This one has gotten me into big trouble on numerous occasions (until I learned the importance of omissions of truth of course). Particularly with infants that get a bed-time bottle it is nearly impossible to catch that exact moment when he is still awake, but only barely so; that mythical opportune moment to get him in his crib still slightly awake to establish a consistent and independently fueled sleep routine. I do not think I know of a single person that has been successful in this. Besides, I can say with complete confidence that at this stage of early motherhood, mom herself is falling asleep as well while giving the baby that bed-time bottle. Besides, what better way to end the day than with a sleeping infant nestled in your arms.

4. Yes, she goes to bed in her own bed, in her own room.

This, for some, may fall into the category of omission of truth. Yes, she may go to sleep in her own room, in her own bed, but the doctor doesn’t ask about five minutes after bed time when she just wants to snuggle! Sleep easy on this one ladies.

5. He is off the bottle and only using sippy cups!

… Except at bed time. This I consider another omission. Cutting down from 4-5 bottles a day is a huge accomplishment in itself. Until you are ready to handle a few nights, or even weeks, of a screaming and exhausted child who has become accustomed to that bottle to fall asleep, keep omitting mom, I promise I won’t tell.

The post Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Kinsights’ CEO/co-founder and parenting expert Jennifer Chung shares her personal and parenting resolutions for the new year. Join Jennifer and commit to a few positive changes in 2014 like embracing the chaos and living in the moment.  And have a happy and healthy New Year!  

Live in the moment: It’s easy to get caught up with the logistics of life (what’s for dinner, did I schedule swim lessons, where the heck are all of my son’s socks?!) – these details are important, but I’m trying not to let them rule my life. In the same way that I try to unplug from technology every now and then, I need to make an effort to unplug from my to do list, and just enjoy unplanned, unproductive time with the family.

Creative play: I’m always tempted by new toys – maybe this will be the new gizmo that will occupy and teach my son for hours on end!  Of course, that is rarely the case. In the new year, I’m scaling back on new toys, and focusing on ways to encourage creative play with my son. So this year, we’ll be planting tomatoes, gluing macaroni to a piece of paper, and making mud pies in the backyard.

The post Parenting Resolutions for a Happy 2014 appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.