5 Best Read Aloud Picture Books for Kids (That Parents Will Actually Enjoy Reading, Too!)
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5 Best Read Aloud Picture Books for Kids (That Parents Will Actually Enjoy Reading, Too!)

ByCharissa @ The Wild, Wild West

I love reading aloud picture books with my kids for so many reasons. I know how important it is to promote literacy, especially while your kids are young. Students who learn to love reading early enjoy huge advantages over their peers in school. Aside from creating a loving and healthy home, fostering strong reading skills…

Kids Throw The Best (Accidental) Shade
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Kids Throw The Best (Accidental) Shade

ByCharissa @ The Wild, Wild West

Kids are the best accidental shame-throwers. This delightful little writing excerpt came home from Kid 1’s school today and he has accurately described my homemaking skills to his teacher (And to me. And now, to the world). The word “disaster” is an accurate assessment of the house for 90ish% of the day. There is (sometimes)…

4 Reasons I’m Perfectly Fine With My Kids Being Bored
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4 Reasons I’m Perfectly Fine With My Kids Being Bored

ByCharissa @ The Wild, Wild West

Raising kids is a 24-7-365 commitment. Yes, the years pass quickly, but even still, when you add it all up, that’s A LOT of time. As a parent, it’s not my job to fill all of those hours with nonstop entertainment. Sometimes I’m perfectly fine with my kids being bored. In fact, I actually feel…

March is the Absolute Worst Month of the Year
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March is the Absolute Worst Month of the Year

ByCharissa @ The Wild, Wild West

At this craptastic time of year (winter, that is), you’ve likely seen many articles claiming that January or February is the worst month of the year.  I’m sorry. Those writers were either mistaken or flat-out liars. March is the actual worst. Here’s why: January is no picnic, I grant you. Everyone knows it’s basically a cold,…

5 New Year’s Resolutions I WISH My Kids Would Make
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5 New Year’s Resolutions I WISH My Kids Would Make

ByCharissa @ The Wild, Wild West

The start of a brand new year is a time when people all around the world vow to make big changes in their lives. “I will lose 10 pounds” or “I will finally shed these bad habits” are all common sentiments right now. Even my children have New Year’s resolutions! Actually, I guess it would…

How To Greet Your Spouse When He (Or She) Gets Home From Work
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How To Greet Your Spouse When He (Or She) Gets Home From Work

ByCharissa @ The Wild, Wild West

Do you know how to greet your spouse when he or she gets home from work? I’ve read a lot of things lately that suggest various ways that women, stay-at-home moms in particular, can be at their best when their spouses get home from work. There are some stay-at-home dads out there, but these articles…

Why Is My Kid Always Sick? Because Kids Are Disgusting!
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Why Is My Kid Always Sick? Because Kids Are Disgusting!

ByCharissa @ The Wild, Wild West

“Why is your kid always sick?” This is the question my neighbor asked at the bus stop, after hearing that one of my kids was home sick (again). At the time, I simply shrugged and then shrugged it off, but a few days later, when one of my kids came down with yet another illness,…

I’m Done Justifying What I Do All Day As A Stay At Home Mom
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I’m Done Justifying What I Do All Day As A Stay At Home Mom

ByCharissa @ The Wild, Wild West

I have a horrible habit that I really need to drop. I’ve noticed other mothers have this bad habit too. The problem is rampant really, especially among stay at home moms: it’s the need to justify what we do all day. What do stay at home moms do all day? When my hard-working husband comes…

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This Mom Really IS “That Tired”

ByCharissa @ The Wild, Wild West

I read something on Today Parents recently that struck me—and not in the “Right on, preach it, sister!” kind-of-way. It was more along the lines of, “Yikes…really?” It was a post entitled, “The truth is out: Moms aren’t really that tired.” Let me be clear up front: I have nothing against this author. She’s written…

In Parenthood, No Good Deed Goes Unpunished
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In Parenthood, No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

ByCharissa @ The Wild, Wild West

So I decided to be a fun mom last weekend. Spoiler alert: big mistake! I decided we were going to have a movie night. I spent all day looking at Pinterest for ideas and gearing myself up for this amazing bonding time with my boys. We drove to town and picked up pizza, a movie, all…