As a parent, it can feel like you need to have every answer—but no one has it all figured out. That’s why we’re here. These real-life experiences come from parents doing their best. Learn how they handle technology, finances, travel, friendship and everything in between.
Whether it's a snow day home from school, an unexpected business meeting, or a childcare arrangement that fell through, there probably will be times when I’ll need to leave my child home alone. It's natural for parents to worry when first leaving kids without...
As our grandkids grow older, our ski trips are changing. Our Memories on the Slopes Years ago, when our kids were in elementary and junior high (yes, back in the old days when it was called junior high), we would take our daughters skiing in Colorado during winter...
One of my most cherished dreams as a mom is that my children should be the best of friends. To see them fighting, grabbing each other's toys or constantly bickering and squabbling can be a distressing and bewildering experience. On the other hand, when my children get...
Happenstance. I was mindlessly scrolling through Twitter eight years ago when I came across a tweet seeking ideas for a mom in the Lincoln, Nebraska area. I sent off a direct message, and a month later, my blogging journey began. Growing Alongside Us For eight years,...
My 12-year-old, Cohen, is supposed to be practicing juggling his soccer ball. Instead, he’s playing catch with the dog. “Juggle,” I yell. “I’m not paying all this money for soccer if you’re not going to practice.” A Love, Hate Relationship with Practice Don’t get me...
As a mother, I've experienced the joys and challenges of raising a daughter, watching her transform from a tiny bundle of joy into a remarkable young woman. It's a journey filled with precious moments and bittersweet transitions, a constant dance between cherishing...
I did it. I walked away from coaching the sport I love. After nearly 20 years, I walked away from coaching at the high school varsity level. And after eight years, I will walk away as a CapitalMOM blogger at the year's end. Through all of the joy and angst, I have...
Makeup, crop tops, skincare routines. My daughter is only nine years old, but she’s growing up faster than I did. Navigating Tween Years I was a tomboy growing up. I loved sports, ponytails and nothing pink or frilly. My daughter, however, is completely the opposite....
Last holiday season, I wrote about donating to build a family home in Guatemala. As a recap, I wanted my grandkids to join me and help me build a house for a family in need. I thought this would give my grandchildren a chance to travel together and work on a common...
It’s that time of year again—back to school. This summer felt like it lasted a second. I blinked and it’s gone. I feel like we just had an end of the school year party and now here we go again. Cherishing Summer Moments With My Kids I don’t know who enjoys summer...
All three of our granddaughters are in Kansas City living together. I’m not worried about how it will work out, but I wonder if they do. Okay, maybe I'm a little worried. Unforgettable Camping Mishaps & Playful Adventures When they were young, all four grandkids...
“What is your story?” My body filled with anxiety. My skin crawled. I picked at my nails. This was the third time this summer I was asked about my story. But I build walls and keep people out. I only let a small group of people know my story. However, I know that to...
We recently returned from a family vacation. There were eight of us crammed into one car to see Mount Rushmore. It was on that trip when I realized that my kids were cool and fun to hangout with. They're at a great age where we can sit and enjoy their company. It made...
When I started blogging for CapitalMOM in 2017, our oldest was a freshman in high school. She was just starting to grow into the young woman that we all prayed she would be one day. Now, six and half years later, she video called us to show off her engagement ring....
I previously shared that I don't like one of my son’s friends very much. This friend was not very nice to my daughter, and his attitude towards me was mildly irritating. I found this friend annoying because he’s loud, destructive and obviously had never been taught to...
You’re either strict or you’re not, with very little consideration for the large grey area in between. If you could place these two descriptions on a parenting scale, you might see “strict” at the same end as authoritarian and “non-strict” at the same end as...
Politics. Some people say it’s a naughty word. Others say it’s our nation’s most popular sport. Some people are conservative, some are liberal. While others look at issues, legislative bills and the law independently to make decisions regarding the issue and the...
It looked like a family reunion, but it was a funeral visitation. I arrived ready to share my condolences with my cousin, expecting an evening of somberness and shared stories. However, my expectations quickly changed. As I wrapped my widowed cousin in a hug, she...
Every child deserves to go to school in a safe, warm and loving environment that fosters learning. Every staff member deserves to go to work and not fear for their lives. The images are heart-wrenching, the loss of life incomprehensible. Talking to your children about...
Last week, my husband John and I visited Rowe Sanctuary to watch the cranes. We knew it was early in the season, but John had a meeting as chair for the Spring Creek Prairie Stewardship Board. It was great timing for all of the events. Our Most Memorable Moments...
Spring is finally here. Don't get me wrong, I love the wonders that fluffy snowflakes bring, but warmer weather is on the way and that means freshening up! A Time for Transformations Spring is about change. For me, it means moving past the cups of coffee warming my...
As I sit here and write this blog, I find myself just staring at my desk. I look at the notes taped to my computer screen, the pile of speaker notes and dates, the reminder to order a basketball team picture, a filled-in calendar with crossed-out days and a framed...
My daughter, Collyns, is almost nine years old. All her life, she has hated sports. She tried gymnastics but didn’t enjoy it. She loves to swim but not in the winter. She doesn't have a competitive bone in her body. She's my “free spirit,” the complete opposite of my...
There are moms who love prom dress shopping and there are moms who love wedding dress shopping. Then there's me. I love to take my daughters shopping for interview clothing. Now, I haven't had the opportunity to go wedding dress shopping yet, but I sure do hope it...
Let’s face it, as much as we might want to keep our kids away from social media forever, that’s probably not realistic. It could happen at any time. Eventually, my kids may want their own social media accounts. It’s not a political question, but I know people have...
Our family had a wonderful holiday, and my grown grandkids are once again believers in Santa Claus. I’ve tried multiple times to get my grandkids together to go on a quick trip around Christmas. In the past, when the grandkids were on holiday vacation, we took several...
At the end of every year, there are always top 10 lists for something. Recently, a friend asked me if I could write a blog about the top five or 10 things I would tell new parents. So, after reflecting on the last 12 years of parenting, here are the things I wish...
We have an amazing granddaughter. Of course, all four grandkids are amazing, but our third grandchild has really surprised us. Growing up, she loved teasing everyone and popping up in unexpected places. She always made me smile and laugh with her antics and weird...
Most of you know I am a high school softball coach. I also get the privilege of coaching my daughter, our starting shortstop. There are many opportunities for me to not only teach skills and techniques about the sport but also about life beyond the softball diamond. I...
One quarter down and Cohen is doing great in middle school. He takes pride in his schoolwork, and really enjoys most of his classes, but hates it. He dreads going every day! I am not worried about his grades; he is getting all A’s. Even though he says middle school is...
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