Response to: “What are some of the expert parenting resources that you love?”I just heard about this awesome new site: btfl.co
Response to: “looking for ideas for a *complicated* Halloween handout 🎃”Fun! Good luck! We have a nacho cheese machine specifically to do nachos every Halloween — we do it mad scientist style and put different salsas and sauces in beakers. We have mixed responses among young kids, but age 5/6 and up seem to love it (and all the grownups, which was part of our target audience). We have a friend who fries apple cider donuts and the smell of the deep fryer draws the whole neighborhood — a better crowd pleaser for all ages, for sure, but a lot of work. And everyone makes sure to go to the house in our neighborhood that has full-size candy — but it’s not just that. They make a little display each year that shows what kind of candy they have and they let every kid pick two. If it was a little warmer where I live, I’d consider a soft-serve machine with fun toppings! Last year we did around 100 trays, which was pretty steady. I’ve also seen Fry Bread with jam and hallo”wieners.” I know you’ll find something fun!
Response to: “What’s your go-to dinner recipe when you need a quick, healthy meal?”Our go-to trick is to cook double of anything that will freeze so we can pull it out for a quick dinner when we really need one.
Response to: “What are the most important questions to ask when interviewing a nanny?”In my experience with caregivers, it’s easy for the nature of a routine to create its own kind of blah inertia. Sure, there’s stability, but it slowly starts to feel like a burden for everyone (isn’t this why we all need vacations as adults?). There are so many important questions to ask, but one of my favs is: “In our family, we value creation over consumption and learning and experimentation in how we grow and develop. How do you spark curiosity in a child’s day among busy schedules and routines?” This feels so critical to me in keeping kids kids, even with everything going on. You can tell a lot about how invested a nanny is by the quality of the answer on this one.
Response to: “What advice would you give yourself as a first-time parent?”Grace. Your baby is new a this whole outside-the-womb, making it “on my own” thing. That sounds super hard to me, so if it feels hard supporting someone through that, it’s ok. Guaranteed that baby is offering you something you’ve never had to do in that exact way before, too. You both deserve all the patience and grace. Love. If you love your baby and you’re doing what feels centered in love, sustainability, and development for you and your baby, you’re doing it right. Kids with loving parents are raised in all sorts of different ways and, in many ways, we all turn out roughly the same. What your baby needs the most is your love. YOU’ve got this. You know more than
Response to: “looking for ideas for a *complicated* Halloween handout 🎃”This is my dream idea when my kids are just slightly older, but to setup a photo backdrop and some ring lights/flattering lighting and take pictures of people’s Halloween costumes for them. Fun for families and groups of friends.
Response to: “Let’s talk Santa. How long did your kids keep believing?”We’ve always told our kids that Santa is nearly the whole world’s favorite game of pretend. It’s amazing and super fun to imagine and pretend that there’s this magical person who can spread so much cheer and kindness (so fun that nearly all adults and kids want to play), but equally amazing that it’s actually just the power of everyone showing a little extra love and kindness and they get to be part of that magic, too. I love the idea that collective small efforts make a difference is made tangible in Santa. That doesn’t help you hold on to the believing, but is maybe a way to preserve some of the magic, even without the belief.
Response to: “What’s the most important part of your bedtime routine with the kids, and why?”+1 to all the things. I also love literally tucking them in. Pulling up their covers and giving them a kiss or rubbing their back or cheek for just a minute while I tell them three things I love about them, or list all the people that love them, or tell them what I saw them working hard on that day is the best.
Response to: “What’s your favorite episode of Bluey, and why?”How can one show have so many good episodes that it’s nearly impossible to pick?? I suppose, though it’s a tight race, I’m team “Cricket” — it’s fun, heartwarming, and shows what resilience looks like. Seeing the dads admire a kid demonstrates the kind of impact kids can have. And showing what it looks like to love your younger sibling? So good. It‘s just a phenomenal episode.
Response to: “Please share your favorite recipe to make with kids.”We love to make tomato sauce — we use a can 28 oz can of Cento San Marzano peeled tomatoes. Or, when it‘s tomato season in late summer, we’ll use tomatoes from our garden. Start by heating 4-5 tablespoons of olive oil in a small pot over medium high heat. When heated, bloom a large pinch of red pepper flakes and 2 cloves, finely minced fresh garlic in the oil for a minute or two. Then add the can of tomatoes. Heat tomatoes to a simmer, stirring occasionally — it takes just a few minutes. Salt to taste. While it’s heating, cut fresh basil leaves (as much as looks good to you) and add just before serving. We love to make this with the kids because they get to interact with the different, fragrant ingredients and measurements aren’t super critical for it turning out great. They love to eat it on noodles, whole wheat pita as pizza, or as a dip with focaccia or another yummy bread.