Teach Me How to Mommy

Tuesday’s are for the Park. Had this idea.... and I hope you will join us!   This summer, we just want to play.   I then had this crazy idea that other people would want to play with us.   Problem - Weekends in the summer are intense  (does ANYONE even have a free weekend between now and Labor Day?). - How would we even see our friends?   We try and get out as much as possible -- but sometimes it’s really hard to make plans with everyone, and there’s ALWAYS friends who we TRY to see but it never works out…   The Solution A standing Tuesday Playdate!!! Every Tuesday we will be getting out of the house and heading to a park!   A different park around CT. Earlier in the day usually feels better for us-- and many of the parks/splash pads open around 9 or 10 am -- if we get there early, we will get prime parking, it's not too hot yet, it gets us up and out the door, and maybe will even get us a car nap on the way ...

Summer Is In The Air! During normal years we are prepping students for final exams and finishing up report cards, all while making a hand-written "Summer Bucket List" to accomplish with our own kids.  But this year I've been focused on preschool concerts, field days and end of the year parties.  Maternity leave has given me so much time with the baby, but also, luckily, time with Lucy and John. You know what maternity is not giving me though?  Money.  I haven't made any money since that measly six weeks of recovery time I received back in January.  So even though it's summer and I do have a list of things I want to do with the kids, we have to be sensible.  Over the past couple of weeks, Amy & I, and our kids, have been researching, checking out locations, picking our work besties brains, and documenting our ideas for summer.  You don't have to be on a budget like us to enjoy these things, but who doesn't love a bargain? 1.  Parks...

I really don't, but I'll listen to one. I know these days you're not supposed to say, "I don't have time" for things, because in actuality we do.  If I cut out a workout, did a little less cleaning and got rid of all the social media on my phone then I'd probably have time to read a series of parenting books.  However, there are some things that bring me joy and I am not willing to part with them (yet). Which is why I'd like to offer a quick recommendation.  Amy and I both listen to podcasts.  I know she listens on her commute and I find time while I am cleaning at night or the rare times I am able to complete a workout without numerous little people screaming my name.  One of our favorites is Dax Shepard's Armchair Expert .  It's relatively new so don't feel like you'll have to sketch a year of your life to catch up. This week he had a child psychologist ( Dr. Wendy Mogel) come on and chat about parenting (in today's worl...