Basically a Free Math Tutor . . .

Have you heard of the app called Photomath?  Well, it is the bomb! Now that you know about it, you need to get it asap.

Photomath is a FREE mobile app that will read and solve mathematical problems by using your smartphone camera.  What is cool about this app is that it doesn't just give you the answers, it provides a step-by-step guide showing exactly how each of the problems are solved.

This is SO extremely helpful when helping your kids with math homework and prepping for tests.  I don't know about you, but it's been a while since I did a lot of math and this is like having a free tutor right at your fingertips!

The older my kids get the more difficult it's becoming to help them with their math, so we are loving this app at our house!  Just be careful that your kids don't use it to simply get the answers.

I always sit with my son and go over it with him and make sure he's understanding each step.  If you download this app, I'd love to know what you think!  Post a comment!

You're welcome!


-Karin XO

The Impact of Reading . . .

This shows WHY reading at least 20 minutes a day is SO important. Keep your kids reading over Christmas break, and show them this photo so that they can understand the WHY as well! 

It's incredible how important reading is.  My kids are amazing little readers, but when I found these stats on the impact of reading, I was amazed and inspired to make sure they are reading every day for 20 minutes.  

However, there are times that my kids will look at a book and get overwhelmed, so I love to take turns going back and forth reading pages with them.  That really takes the pressure off of having to read it all themselves, and it's great for them to hear you read because they hear you pause for commas and use enthusiasm, which helps them become better readers.  

I also incorporate silent reading time . . . set a timer and let everyone grab a book . . . including you!  It's a great example for kids to see their parents enjoying a good book of their own.  And often as busy parents, we don't have the time, or make the priority to read ourselves, and this will give you that time.  It's a win-win!

-Karin XO

Great Dairy-Free Alternative for Cool-Whip

I threw a birthday party for my husband this past weekend and because I have recently gone dairy-free, I needed an alternative to my usual fruit dip that normally contains yogurt mixed with cool-whip.

I went to my local Sprouts and found this in the frozen section, near the ice cream. Just let it thaw IN THE FRIDGE for 4 hours and it's ready to serve.  Whether you are lactose intolerant or not, this Coco-Whip is so delicious! It even works frozen - scooped over fruit like you would with ice cream.

I am working on healing my gut, and dairy is really hard for our bodies to digest.  So... if you are avoiding dairy but still want that same goodness, I highly recommend trying this.  I dare to say it's even better than cool-whip.  It's pretty much the bomb, and I'm addicted.

Here  is an article about the 10 absolute worst foods for your gut (yes dairy is one of them), if you are interested in learning more about gut health.

XO

Cortisol . . .

Did you know???

Cortisol regulates at midnight. That, my friends, is why it is SO important to get to sleep BEFORE midnight. If you are not getting enough sleep BEFORE midnight, your body will have difficulty regulating stress levels which can dramatically effect your well-being.  

Cortisol is a vital component to your health. It helps control blood sugar, blood pressure, weight, reduces inflammation, supports memory, keeps hormones in check, and so much more. So... let's all just pretend that we are Cinderella and make it a goal to get to sleep before the clock strikes twelve!!

Sleep Consultant

Have you heard of a sleep consultant?  Well it's a real thing!  Lullaby Little One Consulting uses a research-based program to guide your child into healthy sleep habits.  Brooke is a trained, pediatric, sleep consultant who can work with you virtually (from anywhere in the world) or in person (if you live in Oklahoma) with almost any type of sleep challenges your child is having.  She works with newborns and children up to 5 years old.

When I found out about Brooke, I was bummed because I didn't know about her when my kids were that age.  My daughter had night terrors, waking up screaming at least once, but usually twice a night until she was 5 and a half.  No amount of consoling I did would help, let's just say we were grumpy and tired for years.  Night terrors are actually a form a sleep walking and children who have them aren't even aware they are doing it.  It's a sad and frustrating thing. Oh if I'd only known about Brooke sooner!

Luckily for you, if you've got little ones, you don't have to have the same regrets that I have. Having your child professionally 'sleep trained' will not only help your child, but will help you be a better parent because you'll be getting the rest you need too.  If you are interested, Brooke offers a free 15-minute assessment call to go over the options she offers to see what would fit your situation best.

You can follow Brooke on Instagram and Facebook where she shares helpful sleep tips and offers a free, live Q&A every month.

Contact Brooke here for more information.  You're welcome.

XO

The differences between Norovirus and Influenza . . .

When people get sick with vomiting and/or diarrhea, they usually jump to the conclusion that they have the flu.  However . . . it may actually be norovirus, which isn't talked about very much.

The flu is a virus that affects the respiratory system and has sudden onset of fever (but can also include vomiting and diarrhea).

Norovirus affects the stomach and intestines and has sudden onset of nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (and can have low-grade fever).  It can be confusing to tell which virus you have.

Here is a link that shows all the differences between the two.  My kids were recently sick, and before I had seen this information, I would have said they had the flu.  But after seeing this, I definitely would say they had the norovirus.  Know you will know too.

**Update; I just was sent this amazing information from my kids' pediatrician's office.  It has fabulous information about this subject, even more detail along with suggestions for keeping the rest of the family from getting sick.  Check it out here.

XO

Common Sleep Problems and Tips for Better Sleep

Establishing good sleep habits for infants and toddlers is a job in itself, along with everything else a parent has to do.

All kids are so different.  My son was the best sleeper until we had a flood a few years ago, and hasn't slept the same since.  My daughter had night terrors until she was 5; waking up screaming at least twice a night, and no amount of consoling would calm her down.

Not sleeping well doesn't just affect kids, it dramatically affects parents.  I know I am a much better Mom when I get the sleep I need.  I know my kids are much happier and fight less when they get the sleep they need too.  Being a sleep-deprived zombie is no fun!

Tuck has a Parent's Guide to Healthy Sleep which is full of great tips for establishing good sleeping habits for your kids.  Check it out!

XO