[ad_1] Author: Susie    Published: 05/30/2023    Updated: 05/30/2023 If you love the viral LEGO bath activity, get ready for the warm weather version: the LEGO pool. It’s as easy as it sounds, and puts a little twist on the kiddie pool. Try this outdoor activity on your next “what are we going to do?” day. What […]

[ad_1] With a short ingredient list, quick method that takes just about 20 minutes, and bright, fresh flavor, this creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a favorite pasta dish to share with the kids. You can even add peas or spinach if you like! Lemon Ricotta Pasta I love varying the types of pasta sauce we […]

[ad_1] Sometimes our young adult children rely on their parents to be “an adultier adult” when it comes to finances. This episode explores how this life stage has changed in recent decades and how parents can balance being supportive with encouraging independence during this transitional time! Mackenzie DeJong Aunt of four unique kiddos. Passionate about […]

[ad_1] Made with a nutritious, yet straight-forward ingredient list, these super yummy Chickpea Blondies are a favorite dessert to share. The chickpeas blend right in, adding a nutritious base to the recipe that’s hard to taste! Chickpea Blondies I love a good kitchen challenge and using up pantry staples that have been lingering. So when […]

[ad_1] Author: Susie    Published: 05/22/2023    Updated: 05/22/2023 This sleeper activity is so much more than it looks on the surface. Have your kids make nature name collages, and marvel at the motor skill development, dexterity, pre-writing, life skills, and science knowledge gleaned from this seemingly simple outdoor activity. It’s a winner. What are nature name […]

[ad_1] Author: Susie    Published: 05/21/2023    Updated: 05/21/2023 Looking for an easy kids activity? Try this flower soup outdoor sensory bin. Using old flowers and water, this simple activity comes together in just seconds, but holds little attention spans much longer. What is a flower soup sensory bin? “Soup” might be a deceiving term for this […]

[ad_1] Looking to make summer life a little smoother? Need a simple solution for supporting all the upcoming fun? Make yourself some summer car kits. They’re like little survival boxes filled with some absolute essentials for kid summers. Don’t get caught with them. Why you need some summer car kits I need you to heed […]

[ad_1] With one simple method, you can make the best easy pasta salad ever using your family’s favorite ingredients and dressing. This is infinitely flexible, it stores well so you can make it ahead, and it’s great cold or at room temperature. Easy Pasta Salad Whenever the weather is remotely warm, we make a LOT […]

[ad_1] With an easy method, full-fruit flavor, and endless variations, these Fruit Popsicles are refreshing and delicious for any age. Fruit Popsicles My family eats popsicles all year round to soothe sore throats, enjoy as snacks, and just cool off, and this method for making fruit popsicles is one of our very favorites. You can […]

[ad_1] The teen years can be a prime time for our kids to learn about and practice managing their own money and to experience financial tasks with the help of their parents. Listen in for ideas on how to support your teen in building healthy money habits and other areas you can help them build […]

[ad_1] Tender, flavorful, and easy to make and store, these Pesto Meatballs are a favorite family dinner. You can bake them in the oven or cook in the Air Fryer, and they’re delicious with pasta or as meatball sandwiches. Pesto Meatballs After so much love for my Baked Chicken Meatballs with Carrots, I wanted to […]

[ad_1] With just 5 simple and nutritious ingredients and no baking, these Fruit and Nut Bars taste like store-bought Larabars but for less cost. You can customize the flavors, adjust for allergies, and store them in the fridge or freezer for weeks. Fruit and Nut Bars Larabars have forever been one of my go-to toddler […]

[ad_1] Learn how to cut kiwi for babies, toddlers, and adults so it’s easy for you to do—and easy for everyone to pick up and eat! How to Cut Kiwi My kids are kiwi super fans so we have it in our fridge most weeks. It can be a little slippery though, so learning a few […]

[ad_1] Learn this easy technique to make a quick Lentil Sauce for pasta to add iron and fiber to pasta sauce without impacting the flavor or texture. This is a great option to make a vegetarian meal a little more satisfying—and its ready in minutes. Lentil Sauce for Pasta I’m always looking for easy ways […]

[ad_1] What does my preschooler even understand about money? What about my elementary-age child? Get these answers AND practical strategies to start talking with them about money concepts in today’s episode. Mackenzie DeJong Aunt of four unique kiddos. Passionate about figuring how small brains develop, process, and differ. Human Sciences Specialist, Family Life in western […]

[ad_1] Transform yogurt and fruit into the yummiest frozen Yogurt Bark with this simple method. It’s a fun way to serve yogurt, it’s great for warm days, and is a fun option for teething relief for kids. This post is sponsored by Stonyfield. Frozen Yogurt Bark We’ve been making frozen yogurt bark for a few […]

[ad_1] Think Dole Whip flavor, in popsicle form…these Pineapple Popsicles are refreshing and so easy to make. They have just three ingredients, can be made with fresh or frozen fruit, and are incredibly creamy and naturally sweet. Pineapple Popsicles We love popsicles all year round, for sore throats, as easy homemade snacks, and as a […]

[ad_1] One of the easiest ways to help your family eat their recommended servings of produce each day is to meal prep vegetables so they’re ready to go. Plus, meal prepping vegetables can be one of the easiest ways to reduce food waste. Don’t worry though—it can be quick and easy! How to Meal Prep […]

[ad_1] I rounded up my favorite healthy oatmeal recipes that are packed with kid-friendly flavor to making that morning meal a little easier on you. With instant, overnight, baked, stovetop, and oatmeal muffin recipes to choose from, these are delicious options for the kids…and you! Healthy Oatmeal Recipes Filled with heart-healthy fiber and complex carbohydrates, […]

[ad_1] These Vegan Banana Muffins are made with simple ingredients that pack a big nutrient punch, but they’re also easy to bake up even when your toddlers are underfoot. Plus, you can make them ahead. Win, win, win! Vegan Banana Muffins Banana muffins are a staple in many houses—and they can be in yours too, […]

[ad_1] Sometimes we aren’t sure exactly what “financial wellbeing” even looks like for our children (or ourselves). In this episode, the cohosts look at what the research tells us about this term, and what we can do now with our kids to help them have financial wellbeing in the future.  Mackenzie DeJong Aunt of four […]

[ad_1] Find the best suction bowls for babies and toddlers with info on durability, how well they suction, materials including bamboo and silicone, and the best ones with storage lids.  Best Suction Bowls I remember feeling like I would never be able to give my daughter a bowl or plate since she was forever flipping […]

[ad_1] In the tenth season of the podcast, our cohosts, Mackenzie Johnson and Dr. Lyndi Buckingham-Schutt, explore research and reality on all things kids and food. On this page, you’ll find an outline of the season’s content and a brief description of each episode. S10: Ep. 1 – Kids & Food: Why We Eat What […]

[ad_1] Give homemade mac and cheese an extra oomph with this power-packed Green Pasta Sauce. It’s ready in less than 20 minutes, has two veggies in the mix, and is super easy to make. Plus, you can even freeze extra portions for future weeks! Green Pasta Sauce We love homemade mac and cheese in all […]

[ad_1] With a crazy easy method and the most delicious crunchy texture, Fish Stick Tacos are an easy family dinner to share. They take less than 15 minutes and are so versatile. Fish Stick Tacos I have been working hard to increase my arsenal of really easy family dinners this year—so I have options for […]

[ad_1] Mini in size, but big on tenderness and flavor, Silver Dollar Pancakes are a fun breakfast to share with the kids. They are great for little kids who still eat with their hands and are a cinch to make. Silver Dollar Pancakes We love all kinds of pancakes—Spinach Pancakes, fluffy Yogurt Pancakes, Sheet Pan […]

[ad_1] A lot of different factors influence our financial well-being – from individual traits, to how a decision is presented to you, and even society! Listen in as the cohosts share a model for understanding these influences and even talk about some things that influence their financial practices and money habits. Mackenzie DeJong Aunt of […]

[ad_1] These no-bake Bliss Balls have bright berry flavor, are packed with protein and beneficial fats, have only 5 ingredients and store ridiculously well in the fridge for weeks. They are a satisfying snack to share with the kids. Bliss Balls I am a huge fan of no-bake snacks, including all manner of Energy Bites […]

[ad_1] With a mellow, kid-friendly flavor, veggies tucked inside, and an easy baking method that makes clean up a breeze, these Lamb Meatballs are a delicious family dinner recipe to pair with pita, grains, or pasta. Lamb Meatballs Serving new foods to little kids can be a challenge, but recipes like these easy Lamb Meatballs […]

[ad_1] Bursting with fresh, bright flavor, this Lemon Broccoli Pasta is one of our absolute favorite fast meals. It’s ready in less than 20 minutes, you can use fresh or frozen broccoli, and it’s perfect for little kids and us adults. Lemon Broccoli Pasta I’ve been on a mission to create a stable of recipes […]

[ad_1] Stopping night feedings can be an important milestone for your baby or toddler—and mean better shuteye for them and you. We’ve got all the info you need to consider when night weaning, plus strategies on how to do it successfully with minimal tears. Night Weaning When your baby is a newborn, you’re used to […]

[ad_1] Mini Pancakes are the most fun and are also a nutritious breakfast to share with the kids. You can make them plain or with fruit tucked inside—and they even work to make ahead of time and quickly reheat. Mini Pancakes We are forever fans of my Greek Yogurt Pancakes and I love to use […]

[ad_1] Did you know you are practicing “financial socialization” of your children – whether intentionally or unintentionally? In the season eleven open, Mackenzie and this season’s guest cohost, Dr. Suzanne Bartholomae, introduce the topics of how we teach our kids about money and related concepts. Mackenzie DeJong Aunt of four unique kiddos. Passionate about figuring […]

[ad_1] Packed with veggies and protein—and a mellow, cheesy flavor—this 20-minute Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce is such a delicious option when you want creamy pasta. You can even make the sauce ahead and stash it in the fridge as needed. This post is sponsored by Stonyfield. Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce After years of making my Cauliflower Mac […]

[ad_1] Learning how to meal prep can be a game changer in feeding your family. Yes, it requires some upfront time and effort—but with my method, not much. And the payoff on busy weeknights is huge. With a little planning, you’ll have a simpler, more organized week. Here’s how to do it. How to Meal […]

[ad_1] With loads of whole grains and fiber and the option to make them in any fruit flavor or chocolate chip, these are the very best Bran Muffins—so kid-friendly! Bran Muffins For the longest time, I didn’t think I liked Bran Muffins—so I had no interest in making them. And then I realized that I […]

[ad_1] This Oatmeal Banana Bread is a total family favorite. Similar to baked banana oatmeal, it comes together in the food processor (or right in the pan)—and once cooled and wrapped, the bars store amazingly well in the fridge and freezer. It’s totally delicious for snack time or breakfast. Oatmeal Banana Bread This quick bread […]

[ad_1] With a simple method and a short cooking time, you can cook up the most delicious Air Fryer Roasted Carrots to share with the kids. Try these as a side with chicken, burgers, or anything you like! Air Fryer Roasted Carrots We have been making Carrot Fries in the oven for years, but whenever […]

[ad_1] Learn how to make SO EASY avocado puree for your baby—and the best way to prevent it from browning so you can store leftovers for later. Avocado Puree Avocado is a favorite first food for baby since it’s not very likely to be allergenic, has lots of healthy fats and nutrients including vitamin E, […]

[ad_1] Serve up vegetables for breakfast packed with nutrition with these kid-approved recipes! You’ll find smoothies, pancakes, muffins, waffles, egg muffins, and more that you can make-ahead and share with the kids. Vegetables for Breakfast It’s a great feeling to start the day with extra nutrients and to help the kids eat their fruits and […]

[ad_1] With just a few simple ingredients and freshness from orange and lemon rind, these Mini Ricotta Cheesecakes are a naturally sweet treat to share. They’re easy to make (you simply stir the batter together, no fancy equipment needed) and are so fun to make mini. Ricotta Cheesecake For as long as I can remember, […]

[ad_1] With the most delicious fresh lemon flavor and a distinctly fluffy texture, these Ricotta Pancakes are a perfect family breakfast to share—on a holiday or any day. Ricotta Pancakes I am a huge fan of fluffy pancakes and using ricotta in the batter is such a wonderful way to achieve that amazing texture. Plus, […]

[ad_1] Creamy, just sweet enough, and delicious for dessert, this Easy Rice Pudding is the most delicious use for cooked rice. Try it for a holiday dessert or to brighten up any day. Rice Pudding with Cooked Rice I am a huge fan of rice pudding, and once I realized it was so easy to […]

[ad_1] Learn how to cook eggs with my easy, go-to methods. You’ll learn the easy ways to turn eggs into safe finger foods, how to store cooked eggs, and how to serve eggs for baby-led weaning. We’ll cover hard-cooked, scrambled, and fried eggs, plus a few different ways to do each on the stove top, […]

[ad_1] This easy Carrot Hummus recipe, which packs in a cup of fresh carrots, is an easy homemade toddler lunch or snack. It’s flavorful, easy to make, and pairs well with bread or crackers. Carrot Hummus Hummus is one of those perfect baby and toddler foods—it’s soft, versatile, and lasts for a while in the […]

[ad_1] If you’re wondering how to wean your toddler, you are in good company! It can be a tricky (and emotional) milestone, but there are doable tips to help wean a toddler from breastfeeding or bottles to whole milk. Plus, info on best milk, best cups, and how to handle common challenges. How to Wean […]

[ad_1] Amazingly tender and fast, this Greek Yogurt Pizza Dough is the easiest pizza dough ever. There’s no yeast, so it doesn’t need time to rise, and yet it bakes up perfectly. Use for personal pizzas, a big pizza to share, or to make pizza rolls. This post is sponsored by Stonyfield. Greek Yogurt Pizza […]

[ad_1] With a creamy, veggie-packed sauce, this easy Avocado Pasta is packed with kid-friendly flavor and nutrients. And the whole recipe can be made in about 10 minutes of cooking time. Avocado Pasta I’m always looking for delicious ways to serve up healthy fats and veggies in forms that my kids will actually eat. And […]

[ad_1] With the most delicious fluffy texture and protein from Greek yogurt, these Bunny Pancakes are so delicious and fun for Easter breakfast. (And they’re easy, I promise.) Make these bunnies for the whole family! Bunny Pancakes It’s not often I turn food into shapes or animals, but one of my kids loves this sort […]

[ad_1] Find the only snack cups you need in your life to make at-home and on-the-go snacking easier, less messy, and more convenient. Find options in BPA-free plastic, glass, stainless, and more. Snack Cups Having a few reliable snack cups on hand can make food prep, lunch packing, and snack time simpler, and these are […]

[ad_1] Get ready for a holiday morning with the help of these easy, delicious Easter Breakfast Ideas. Each can be made ahead and shared with the kids for maximum delight and ease. Easter Breakfast I love holiday breakfasts with my family and love it even more when we get to share delicious recipes year after […]

[ad_1] These fluffy Carrot Pancakes with yogurt are high in protein and are a nice source of both a veggie and fruit. They are also special enough for a holiday breakfast or brunch because they are super fluffy and taste a little like carrot cake! Carrot Pancakes These pancakes are a favorite way to have […]

[ad_1] With perfect waffle texture and some yogurt in the batter for added nutrition, these Yogurt Waffles are a family favorite. Try them for a weekend breakfast, or make a batch to reheat throughout the week! Yogurt Waffles I am such a fan of using yogurt in baking and breakfast recipes, including Yogurt Muffins, Greek […]

[ad_1] Moving from a crib to a toddler bed is a huge milestone for kids and it often comes with sleep challenges. Learn the best ways to handle the transition to a toddler bed for the best sleep for everyone with tips from a certified pediatric sleep consultant. Transition to a Toddler Bed Moving from […]

[ad_1] Learn the easiest way to prepare avocado BLW style, or for baby-led weaning. With tips on how to make this nutritious food less slippery and easier to eat for babies, this post will answer everything you need to serve avocado to babies. Avocado BLW Avocado is a classic early baby food because it’s loaded […]

[ad_1] With just 5 simple and nutritious ingredients, you can make these Vegetarian Rice and Bean Burritos for family dinner. They’re great to make-ahead too! Rice and Bean Burritos This is a budget-friendly family dinner that tastes delicious and is easy to put together. Which checks all the boxes in my book! And since my […]

[ad_1] With simple pantry staples, a no-fuss method, and the most tender texture, this just-sweet-enough cake is simply delicious. It’s perfect for egg-free and dairy-free baking, and just for anyone looking for a reliable, delicious Vanilla Cake. Easy Vanilla Cake I have long wanted to make an easy Vanilla Cake in the style of my […]

[ad_1] With a handful of nutritious, flavorful ingredients, this Avocado Pesto is such a delicious sauce for pasta and a favorite meal to share with the kids. It’s fast, it stores well, and it’s easy to customize for your family. Win! Avocado Pesto I love making pasta dinners with a range of sauce options, according […]

[ad_1] Peanut puffs are a favorite snack for kids (and adults!) and are both delicious and an easy way to serve nuts to kids safely. Here are the very best ones. Peanut Puffs Some days, nothing hits like the crunch and subtle savory flavor of a peanut puff and, for that reason, they are a […]

[ad_1] Blend up the most delicious homemade Banana Milk with super simple ingredients and low added sugar. So good and nutritious! Banana Milk As a fun and easy way to change up regular milk, I sometimes make yummy Banana Milk for the kids. It’s so easy, has potassium and fiber, and tastes so good—even with […]

[ad_1] Find the best lunchbox ideas for kids (and adults) with this go-to list of favorites. With ideas that work sent cold in a lunchbox or warmed in a thermos, these ideas are versatile, quick to assemble, nutritious, and easy. Lunchbox Ideas When packing lunches for the kids or ourselves, these are my go-to packed […]

[ad_1] With a short ingredient list and a veggie-loaded sauce, these Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos are such a delicious family meal. Plus: You can even make it in the Instant Pot for dinner in just 25 minutes. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos This slow cooker recipe is easy to put together and it’s packed with nutrition from […]

[ad_1] With a quick cooking time, a veggie-loaded base, and most comforting texture and flavor, this Chicken and Stars Soup is an all-time favorite family meal. It’s soothing when illness strikes and just makes for a fast and yummy meal when you need it. Chicken and Stars Soup Over the past few years, we’ve been […]

[ad_1] Author: Susie    Published: 03/04/2023    Updated: 04/09/2017 One of the best Easter activities you can do: play the Easter Alphabet Activity. This activity involves hunting for Easter eggs and matching hidden letters. It has everything – and my kids have been obsessed with this activity for five Easters. I’m starting to wonder if I’ll be […]

[ad_1] Author: Susie    Published: 03/04/2023    Updated: 03/04/2023 Creating an Easter sensory bin is way easier than you might think. It’s “just” rainbow rice, plastic eggs, and egg cartons. The best part: you can save and reuse this sensory bin rice for years to come. Yes… years. I’m going to tell you a secret about kids. […]

[ad_1] Author: Susie    Published: 03/04/2023    Updated: 03/04/2023 Looking for a fun way to play with plastic Easter eggs? Try this Easter science activity with baking soda and vinegar. It’s a twist on an old classic experiment (and an Easter twist on a classic Busy Toddler activity). Baking soda and vinegar is a classic kid experiment […]

[ad_1] Find the best freezer containers to store food with ease—that won’t break your budget—with these favorites. With bags, containers, silicone trays, and more to help you freeze food for future meals. Freezer Containers I love using my freezer to maximize my time in the kitchen and to help me waste less food, and these […]

[ad_1] Learn the easiest methods for making homemade flavored milks including Vanilla Milk, Chocolate Milk, Strawberry Milk, and Banana Milk—all with amazing flavor and less sugars! Flavored Milks Whether you’re looking to mix up the type of milk you offer as a way to add more nutrients and flavors, or as a way to help […]

[ad_1] Learn the easiest methods for making homemade flavored milks including Vanilla Milk, Chocolate Milk, Strawberry Milk, and Banana Milk—all with amazing flavor and less sugars! Flavored Milks Whether you’re looking to mix up the type of milk you offer as a way to add more nutrients and flavors, or as a way to help […]

[ad_1] Find the absolute best kid-friendly recipes to make and share with your family, from breakfast ideas to snacks and dinner. With easy methods, nutritious, ingredients, and hundreds of five stars from readers, these are here to help make feeding your family easier. Kid-Friendly Recipes I know firsthand from my work on this website, hearing […]

[ad_1] Learn how to make quick Mac and Cheese Bites (with veggies!) for an easy kids lunch or dinner. These mac and cheese cups are so fun, and they’re a nutritious kids meal that can easily double as an appetizer to share with adults. Mac and Cheese Bites We love to rotate through lots of […]

[ad_1] Learn the easiest, quickest way to make Roasted Spaghetti Squash to serve as a side dish to your family. It’s one of our very favorite ways to cook winter squash. Roasted Spaghetti Squash I know firsthand that cooking winter squash can be a little intimidating and often actually challenging due to the thickness of […]

[ad_1] Find safe and yummy tea for kids to soothe sore throats, offer comfort, and even help settle tummies. With herbal and caffeine-free options, these are easy kids drinks to share. Favorite Tea for Kids Ever since my kids were little, we’ve enjoyed tea together both for comfort and as an easy kids drink option. […]

[ad_1] Find easy dinner ideas with hamburger meat (or ground beef) to make cooking for your family easier. With ideas for pasta, burgers, meatballs sandwiches, and more—and lots of kid-friendly options. Dinner Ideas with Hamburger Meat Having a half pound or pound of ground beef on hand is such an easy way to get easy […]

[ad_1] Bursting with ripe bananas and just enough chocolate, this Chocolate Chip Banana Cake is a favorite snack, breakfast, or dessert to share with the kids. Bonus: It’s SO easy to make and stores incredibly well for days. Chocolate Chip Banana Cake I’m always looking for new ways to use up overripe bananas and this […]