Tweens Archives - MothersRest

The things I’m telling my boys about Trump

The thing about elementary school kids is that they can read. This is equal parts awesome and sucky. Because, even if you’re anti-screen time like me and don’t get an old school newspaper at home, you can’t completely keep your...

Teaching your kids how to ask for consent

I’m raising white males who I hope will one day get into Princeton University and Yale Law School. (Nah, fingers crossed, they’ll get into state schools.) What’s a mom to do when she’s training up the next generation of the...

Don’t use your cell phone at the table (and other dinnertime rules for kids)

I got in this bad habit when my oldest was born of EATING LIGHTNING FAST – and only things you can grab and go, like pop tarts and brownies and french fries. That kiddo is 6 now and I still...

I bribe my children to go to bed

The boys are old enough to put themselves to bed. They’d prefer to do other things. Like yelling or legos or dance-offs or wrestling. So I bribe them. Who knew that 2 quarters could be magical? And yet that’s all...

We’ve had enough of your thoughts and prayers

Turn your thoughts and prayers into actions and noise. USE YOUR VOICE! Nothing will change otherwise. And mark my words: change will come. Thoughts and prayers to those who do nothing.

How to survive 3 days in New York with your kiddos

It’s travel season now that the pandemic is “over.” There are so many places to go: downtown, Europe, the grocery store, the corner deli, grandma’s house. So when I had an opportunity to work in New York City – and...

4 bizarre things the kiddos (probably don’t) need

There are things your kiddos DO need. Like broccoli, the occasional bath and 12 hugs a day. Then there’s all the junk you can buy for them online. Take my hand. (Think of it as a virtual hug. Because mommas...

How to raise generous children (and stock the shelves at the local food bank)

Early in my career I was the marketing director of a beloved shopping center. That sounds weird, I know. How can you love a shopping center? But it’s true. This mall has been around since 1957 and it’s the place...

5 ways to get rid of your kid’s Halloween candy

My daily diet looks like this… Breakfast. Peanut butter toast. And milk with a splash of chocolate milk thrown in for good measure. Lunch. Spinach wrap filled with deli meat and cheese, with a LARGE side of cheez-its. Followed by...

4 fun things you should know about the Amazon toy catalogue

You guys, I am nostalgic all over the place right now. Who remembers the Sears and JCPenney toy catalogues that arrived during November back in the day? So I got a little weirdly touched when we found the Amazon toy...

Savor the moment: It’s back-to-school time!

Motherhood: the days are long, the years are short. So savor the season and enjoy the chaos. And mark this back-to-school time with a new family tradition to celebrate the milestones along the way.

Here’s why your kiddo needs chores

Raise your hand if you LOVE CHORES! Okay, okay, you hated them as a kid and you hate them as an adult. Also, you wanna give your kids a magical childhood free from drudgery. If you’re lucky enough to have...

Sorting through the mess of life (and cleaning up the playroom)

Cleaning up the playroom is like eating an elephant - the kids have to do it one bite at a time. This applies to everything we moms sort through daily: bills, laundry, pets, work. Here are 6 tips to help...

Believe me, it’s possible to raise respectful and thankful tweens

Does your middle schooler say PLEASE and THANK YOU? Are these manners important to you? Here are tips to teach your kid how to show respect and practice gratitude - daily.

Here’s why you might need to pay the TUTOR TAX this year

Are you hiring a tutor (because: remote learning)? Definitely consult a tax expert. Unless you wanna pay under the table and call it a day.