The Mabelhood

In Food

Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

February 8, 2024 No Comments

What season are we in?? Well, I guess it’s technically winter, but around here – it’s soup season! In our house, 3 out of 4 of us are soup lovers. My youngest isn’t a soup fan, but I’ve mentioned before that he’d survive off buns, burgers, and mac & cheese if we let him, so his opinion doesn’t really count here. I think the only soup he’s ever really ‘approved’ of is this creamy dill pickle soup a local restaurant used to make before new owners took over. It was AMAZING! If I manage to find a recipe for something close to it and he gives it two thumbs up, I’ll definitely share it here. Now, our oldest is a huge soup fan. He always has been. When he was little, he was all about chicken soups. He loved chicken noodle, chicken and rice, chicken vegetable, he loved them all.…

In Parenting

Tips and Gadgets for Traveling with Babies

February 6, 2024 No Comments

Spring is here, and all we can think about is travelling! Of course, it isn’t as easy for new parents as it used to be. But it can also be rewarding to travel with littles! Babies have lots of baggage, which can seem overwhelming, but great products and tips can make it stress-free (ish). Whether you’re flying or driving, we all want to save space, yet we don’t want to be caught without something we rely on. So, we’ve gathered our favorite tips and gadgets for travelling with babies in 2024. You’ll want to get your hands on these before you leave! Here are all our top tips, pack lists, and devices for travelling with a baby in 2024. The best items for travelling with kids: Here are a few additional items to make sure you have on your list for 2023; investing in travel-friendly items may be the best…

In Parenting

Daycare Dilemma? Expert Tips for Choosing the Perfect Child Care

February 1, 2024 No Comments

Starting daycare or child care can be a significant milestone, not only for your child but for you as well. As you prepare to embark on this adventure and see all the learning and fun your child will participate in, your daycare provider wants you to know these tips to ensure a smooth transition. Kids & Company, a leading child care and early education provider with locations across the United States and Canada, provides their top tips below. Start Early The earlier you begin your search, the more options you will have available to you, and the more time you will have to evaluate the factors most important to your family. Learn about Parent Communication Practices Communication is a factor that can greatly vary between daycare staff and educators. We suggest asking about the daycare’s methods of communication so you know what to expect. Some daycares provide verbal updates at…

In Parenting

How to get kids dressed for winter and not lose your mind

January 25, 2024 No Comments

My kids have many strengths, but speed is not one of them. This is particularly true in the winter, when it’s time to put on snow pants and boots, along with a jacket, hat and mittens. They… are… slow. You may have experienced a similar push-and-pull dilemma on a hectic morning. It’s tempting to simply push the boots onto your child’s feet and pull them out the door with you. On the other hand, we know that as parents, we’re supposed to be empowering them to be self-sufficient. So, how do you promote independence but still get out the door on time? Here are some kid-tested tactics to add to your daily routine. How to organize kids’ winter gear Organization is key to manage kids’ winter apparel and accessories. Think like a kindergarten teacher and apply these strategies: Put it in its place. Whether you use hooks, cubbies, drawers or…

In Parenting

Benefits of Involving Kids in Household Chores

January 18, 2024 No Comments

Do you assume your housework must be done while your child is either busy, out of the house or sleeping? Or that “kids should be kids”, and it’s not their responsibility to do chores? Or perhaps the thought of how much longer it might take if you involve them feels too daunting. There are benefits to involving kids in household chores. According to Pew Research, 62% of parents find parenting harder than they thought it would be combined with 44% of parents that are trying to parent differently than how they were parented. There are many reasons why parenting is harder than it’s ever been, but let’s focus on some things we can do to make our parenting easier…including our kids in household responsibilities is one of those ways. What if getting your kids involved in household responsibilities not only helped you but was beneficial for them? Getting them involved…

In School

Organization Tips for Students With ADHD and Executive Dysfunction

January 14, 2024 No Comments

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. It is characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. People with ADHD may find it difficult to focus, complete tasks, and control their behavior. ADHD can pose unique challenges for students, especially when it comes to staying organized. However, with some simple strategies, students with ADHD can learn how to manage their time, keep their stuff organized, and be more focused on the task at hand. Here are some organization tips for students with ADHD. ADHD Students should use a calendar or planner: A planner or calendar can be an effective tool for managing time and keeping track of assignments and deadlines, especially for students with ADHD who often struggle with managing their time. By having a visual representation of their schedule, students with ADHD can better organize their time and reduce the…

In Uncategorized

Laundry Tips for Staying Organized

January 10, 2024 No Comments

Laundry. It never ends. Six years ago, I wrote a Mabelhood post about the incessant burden of laundry and how I was considering giving up clothes entirely to save my time and sanity. Unfortunately, the nudist lifestyle didn’t pan out, and here I am — still constantly sorting, washing, drying, and folding clothes. I have even more washloads now, as my kids and their clothing have gotten bigger (and smellier). The laundry struggle is real, and we’re all in the same sweat-soaked, ketchup-stained boat. With this in mind, I have compiled some tips to help maximize your laundry organization and efficiency. Embrace a new laundry mindset It’s time to accept the fact that laundry is a constant in your life. As parenting author and mom of six Dawn Meehan put it: “I don’t have laundry day. I have laundry life.” The great news is: we are not living in pioneer times.…

In Mom Moments

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Your Pelvic Floor, But Were Afraid to Ask

January 2, 2024 No Comments

The term “pelvic health” refers to a growing practice within physiotherapy. For physiotherapist Erica Gambarotto, it’s a specialty that was born out of personal experience. Originally trained as an orthopedic physio, Erica became alarmed by the drastic changes in her body while pregnant with twins. “I was running to the washroom all the time, amongst other embarrassing bodily malfunctions,” she recalls. “I started taking professional courses in pelvic physiotherapy, initially with the goal of treating myself. Turns out, it is a fascinating area of study, and I haven’t looked back.”

In Parenting

Realistic Resolutions for Busy Parents

January 1, 2024 No Comments

I’m a big believer in just doing your best. It’s enough. You don’t need to train for a marathon. You don’t need to lose the baby weight. You don’t need to make perfect meals every day, and you are most certainly allowed to make mistakes. These are a few realistic goals that might help you feel good about your parenting in 2024. Give up the mom guilt. I did this five kids ago because guilt did not serve me. It is not proactive and reliving something I feel bad for over and over in my head is not helpful. Instead, just apologize, learn and move on. It also teaches your kids that mistakes are OK and normalizes apologies. Do something for you. It doesn’t have to be huge, but it does show your family that you value yourself and your time. They might just need this reminder. Boundaries and Battles.…

In Parenting

Tips for Perfect Playroom Organization

January 1, 2024 No Comments

It’s the time of year when you find yourself with double the toys in the toy room. The kids are thrilled, but you’re probably hating the mess. Don’t start the new year with clutter. With so many storage options these days, you can easily find a good solution for your space, one that looks nice and also functions well for your kids! So, for 2024, you can say goodbye to messy floors and hello to a well-organized play area with our toy storage solutions and tips for keeping organized all year long! Playroom Organization Tips: Take Stock of what toys they have Get the kids to take a few items they’re willing to donate. Throw out any broken toys or lost pieces. Including the kids in this process is critical; they need to feel they’re in charge of their own toys, and this makes them take greater responsibility for their…