Family Time on Shine

5 ways to create family rituals this summer

nospam@example.com ()

Family rituals can inspire self-confidence and a secure foundation in your kids that can last a lifetime.

But don't get out your planner and the calendar — there's no need to get overly detailed and elaborate about creating

5-Minute Time Out: Ziggy Marley

nospam@example.com ()

There is no bigger name in reggae than "Marley," and Ziggy, son of Bob, is holding up the family moniker with pride. He’s won four Grammy awards and released two hugely popular albums. But perhaps more important to grade-schoolers, he also sings that jammin’ theme song on PBS’s…

Parenting poll: Do you let your kids text message at the dinner table?

nospam@example.com ()

An NBC affiliate in Philadelphia recently posed a challenge to five high school students: Could they give up text messaging, cell phones, iPods, computer time and video games for 10 days? David Silver, one teen…

Are you reaching for the wrong form of balance?

nospam@example.com ()

There are many women who believe there is this set, generic, ideal form of balance and continually struggle to reach this perfect

Help a Shine mama out: How do you find one-on-one time with each of your kids?

nospam@example.com ()

With two kids, I know...

Crafty mamas help their kids make...fake Halloween snot

nospam@example.com ()

If you're only going to do one crafty thing this Halloween and your kids appreciate wicked, gross humor, then this is your project: make fake snot. Three things to buy: Borax powder, non-toxic Elmer's...

Advice for beginners: Where is a good trail to hike in California?

nospam@example.com ()

I am looking for a good trail to hike with my family - we're adults ranging from 22 to 40. We are looking for something that is more on the beginners side because we have never hike a trail before. I am looking for trails that are under 10 miles and not too horrible in elevation. If you know...

Happy weekend: How to have family fun without spending a dime

nospam@example.com ()

Happy Friday! It's an overcast day in the San Francisco Bay Area where I live and I'm looking for towards a cozy weekend at home with the kids (so long as we don't have another surprise heatwave). I'm even more psyched about planning out our activities after reading a post from Amy...

Keepin' the kids safe on July 4th

nospam@example.com ()

My kids are psyched for our town's Fourth of July festivities. While be watching fireworks from afar but I know many families will be creating their own mini-pyrotechnic displays in front of their homes with legal fireworks. So I'm going to be the helicopter parent for parents in this post,...

What family traditions have you created for your kids?

nospam@example.com ()

I'm a big fan of family traditions. I especially enjoy ones that my kids helped create. Amy I. posted last week about her Mother's/Father's Day tradition. She and her husband give each other illustrated children's books about moms and dads. I love this idea because it has a personal...