I had a discussion with some moms the other day about what you do with your kids all day. Some were in the scheduled activities camp, some in the “let them play on their own” camp. I’m curious of your thoughts now. Lay them on me, crowd.
I care enough to make sure you don’t miss out on anything I posted earlier this week. Obviously you have a good excuse for why you didn’t read. I forgive you. And I update you:
7 Tips for Taking a Pregnant Selfie
#5Faves: Beat the Winter Blues

Mike is a freaking champ.

Mike’s Pretty Mom

#8: just sayin’
If you’re confused about blogging terminology, check out this glossary. She’s got everything on here to make you look like a real pro-time-big-girl. Can you identify breadcrumbs, a slug, or Yoast?
I’m not the only bard in this neck of the Internet. Check out some gems that I didn’t Mark as Read before even getting to. In fact, I saved them to savor later. So, are they good? I don’t know. Let’s find out together:
Humility means never having to say you’re sorry
9 novels to curl up with this winter
How to Teach Catholic Kids About Creation and Evolution
There are 7 Ways to Hate a Book
Reading: Just finished Hands Free Mama and picking up Station Eleven
(which is on sale right now!)
Eating: Dr. said Ellen needs more fiber, so Cracklin’ Oat Bran it is.
Listening: We need to fix our iTunes so I can stop listening to the Disney Pandora station.
Wearing: Anything that will fit over this 36 wk bump. Which isn’t much.
Praying: For Paul. For guidance in Mike’s vocations and hobbies.
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Squaking With Kelly
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I’m in the in-between camp? On stay home days, SK mostly plays independently and I”ll allow for a couple of shows after nap and in the morning. But we have several days a week where we have either a playdate or Mom’s group (so playgroup for her) or our weekly preschool co-op. I’m of the mindset that when we’re home, I’m not here for their entertainment. Which doesn’t mean I never play with her, I’m just not at her beck and call all day. Stay-at-home days are the days when I’ve got to catch up on laundry or mop the floor or exercise or… finish my book. Anyway, I think it’s a valuable lesson for them to learn to play by themselves.
I love to play with my kids, but I’m a firm believer that the very fact that they’re siblings means they have a built-in play group. They can entertain themselves quite well, and run around in a little pack whenever school is out (my oldest is 7). I want them to be buddies, and giving them the time and freedom to play with each other goes a long way to building that life-long sibling love. Oh, and I can’t stand play groups. ;)
I’m more in the independent camp. I’m in a season of life where I don’t really have mom-friends or scheduled activities. Most days, its just me and Simon. And I’m working on more independence with him – he’s getting old enough to start using his brainpower/imagination…
Jo needs more fiber too. It sounds weird, but she ears baby prunes likes it’s pudding. I buy the baby prunes, leave it in the snack drawer, and she’ll eat it. We also eat two “dried” every other day. They aren’t dry, they taste like gummies, but it helps. (Even helps mamas! ;)