Welcome
Hello all! Get ready because the weekend is almost here!
"Never enough hours in the day"...how many times have you said this?? I know that this phrase is something I often think or even say aloud. Everyone's days are different but all jam packed in someway. Many of you, have children in school. Although school can mean your kids are busy and taken care of, it also means: preparing lunch, packing backpacks, HOMEWORK (which I am sure starts on day two or three of school! If this is a 'hot topic' for you, please read: 'Kids Have Three Times Too Much Homework, Study Finds'.) And I bet, all of us can agree the evening routine at night is always a rush! I know I am always crazy trying to squeeze in an evening event, get everyone fed, bath, and bedtime routine---a mad house!
As someone that likes routine and admittedly, type A, it is nice to hear that other parents feel the same way. I was just talking to one of my dear friend's mom. She is now a grandma and is enjoying this time. I confessed how it is sometimes hard to be present in the moment because to be honest, I am just trying to survive until bedtime! She laughed! It has been a longtime since she had little ones of her own but she remembers that. I pointed out how she is in a great stage now--enjoys, laughs, and spends quality time with her grandkids. Chatting with her was nice. It reminded me that although this time with my child is amazing and changing daily---it can be tough, draining, and overwhelming but keep in mind--- WE WILL SURVIVE!!! :)
Have a great weekend, be kind to yourself, and enjoy issue #51.
Best Reads
The Happiest Parents Just Might Surprise You
Moms and dads with four or more kids — as well as gay and lesbian parents — were among the most satisfied with life overall, an Australian researcher has found.
Kids have three times too much homework, study finds
Nothing quite stresses out students and parents about the beginning of the school year as the return to homework, which for many households means nightly battles centered around completing after-school assignments. Now a new study may help explain some of that stress.
What to do when your friend suffers a miscarriage
How to really help a a friend through this difficult time.
10 Smart Back-To-School Tips For Divorced Parents
Back-to-school season is stressful for all parents but it's a little more complicated when you're divorced: Who's doing the annual trek to Target to load up on school supplies -- and more importantly, who's paying? Are both of you listed on important school forms?
Warning Signs of Predators for Parents
How can you tell if someone has ulterior motives for wanting to get closer to your child? An expert identifies three red flags you want to watch out for.
Wondering at what age you can safely let a child play with a tablet? Well, keep wondering
What effect does exposure to digital screens have on children’s health?
Mommy Approved

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This is a really great resource for different apps to help your kids (mostly for the older ones)!

Pregnancy Apps Do Everything but Ease Labor Pains
Pregnancy-related apps are not a niche category. According to a 2013 report by Citrix, a software company that tracks app usage, pregnancy-related apps were more popular than fitness apps. And at the Apple iTunes store, four of the top 10 paid medical apps are currently baby-related, including My Baby’s Beat, Baby Connect and Baby Heartbeats.
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